Short Answer
If the home has a septic system rather than public sewer, you need a septic inspection to check the tank, leach field, and overall system condition. Septic systems require regular maintenance, including pumping every three to five years. A failing septic system can cost $5,000 to $30,000 to replace. Ask for maintenance records and consider a separate septic inspection by a licensed professional. In New Jersey, sellers must disclose known septic issues.
Septic systems are common in rural areas of Burlington County and South Jersey. A septic system consists of a tank that holds solid waste and a leach field or drainage field that filters liquid waste into the soil. Over time, tanks need to be pumped, and leach fields can fail due to age, overuse, or improper maintenance. Signs of a failing septic system include slow drains, sewage odors, wet spots in the yard, and lush green grass over the leach field. A septic inspection typically involves pumping the tank, inspecting the tank and baffles, and checking the leach field for signs of failure. Some inspectors use a camera to inspect the pipes. The cost of a septic inspection is $300 to $600. If the system is failing, the seller may need to replace it before closing. In New Jersey, sellers are required to disclose known septic issues, and buyers have the right to conduct a septic inspection during the due diligence period.
Bob's Advice
Redfin Senior Agent · AI Certified Agent
Do not skip the septic inspection. I have seen buyers assume the septic is fine only to discover a failing system after closing. A septic replacement can cost $10,000 to $30,000, which is a major unexpected expense. I will help you find a qualified septic inspector and review the results. If the system needs repairs or replacement, we will negotiate with the seller to address it. Let us make sure the septic system is in good working order before you close.
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