Purchasing your first home is one of the most exciting moments in your life, but it can also be one of the most confusing. There are so many things to learn before you sign on that dotted line, it’s almost overwhelming.
One of the things that you should know before you begin searching for your dream home is the difference between a septic system and a sewer system. Depending on where your new property is located, you will be relying upon one or the other for the management of household waste.
Homes located in or very near the city limits will usually be connected to a municipal sewer line, which carries waste away from your home for processing at a central location. The sewer main will be maintained by the city, but it will be your responsibility as a homeowner to maintain the sewer lines on your property up to the point they connect with the municipal main. Tree root growth can cause problems with sewer lines, as can clogs and collected grease build-up. Slow-moving drains are a sign of impending trouble, and should be inspected by a professional as soon as possible to prevent problems that can worsen over time.
Properties located in more rural, secluded areas are almost always reliant upon a septic system for waste disposal. Septic tanks require different types of maintenance, along with annual septic tank inspections to make sure that they’re operating properly and aren’t in need of pumping. There are commercially-available products on the market designed to reduce the frequency with which your tank will need to be pumped, but they’re no substitute for regular inspections and may actually throw off the delicate microbial balance, causing more problems than they solve.
Before you purchase any home, you should have the sewer lines or septic system thoroughly inspected by a licensed professional, who will be able to advise you about regular maintenance and any problems lurking beneath the surface.
