Unapproved septic tank

[Abouttime]

I have conducted a search and read the previous threads on septic systems -my question is "if a mortgage company doesn't require an approved system for financing, nor the state the property is in and the previous owners and the ones before them etc. have had no issues-what concerns should I have other than the price to get it up to code, if necessary and the price I pay for the property. Thanks

[Ken Scharabok]

I suspect most states leave it up to the county health department under general guidelines. Enforcement is usually county-wide, even where there is little or no zoning. Lots and lots of concerns today about surface and ground water contamination. Thus, you answer is probably local.

Local weekly paper has an regular feature on arrests the previous week. About a month or so ago one was for having an unapproved septic system. Suspect it was for ignoring a court order.

I have been told the country south of here has a local agreement with Amish/Mennonites on outhouses. They can have them, but they must be over a sealed tank which is pumped out as needed.

When I had my tank pumped out, I asked the guy if he ever pumped out outhouses. He said he did and noted unlike septic tanks (which he can spread on a field), he had to dispose what he pumped there in a city sewer system as it was considered to be raw sewage.

[Gary in ohio]

Its going to depend on your location. In our area its the county health depth that regulates septic systems and about the only regulation is at build time. No checks are done after that unless this is a complaint due to smell.

[pistolsmom]

Just depends on your location. My son just bought a home with a septic and we were really worried about it during the buying process. However......the mortgage company didn't require it be tested and the only time the county or township steps in is when the system doesn't pass inspection that is done by the lender. So he had no trouble at all!

[Beeman]

Again each area is different, some areas can and will prevent your electrical connection until septic is compliant.

[Abouttime]

Thanks-As always I appreciate the input-

[ET1 SS]

In this area, LURC requires that every dwelling have a leech field. but once a field is in place, you dont have to use it. you can use composting systems, or even use some other system somewhere else on the property, so long as you have a leechfield.

you can have a septic tank, or concrete chambers, or a black-water holding tank that you pump into a nearby pasture each month. so long as the property has a leechfield your good.

[Abouttime]

I'm speaking of Va and that's seems to be the case here as well-thanks