For the past two years, the number one post closing issue relating to home sales has been septic system failures. Many septic systems in Western New York seem to have reached the age of around 50 years, which seems also to be about the end of life for many of its parts – tank, leach field, filters.
If you have a septic system you should have it pumped out every two to three years. If you are thinking of buying a home with a septic system you should check with the County Health Department and the Town Building Department to see what records they may have regarding the age and capability of the system. Often the Health and Building Departments have no records. This is not does not in itself create a problem, but you will want to know, whether you are the seller or the buyer, that the capacity of the system is sufficient to service the home. This is traditionally calculated based on the number of bedrooms. Because of the increase in failures, we are now suggesting to all our buyers that they have the septic system professionally inspected, along with the house.