Buying a rural home?
Ask about the septic system.

1. What system serves the property?

Request the design, filing documents and equipment information. Find out what buildings and use the system was designed to serve.

2. Where are its components?

Ask for a drawing showing the tank, treatment equipment and dispersal field. Locate access lids and consider how future plans might affect the area.

3. What maintenance has been done?

Ask for the maintenance plan, service reports and pumping records. These describe different aspects of the system’s care.

4. What is its present condition?

Arrange an appropriate inspection and understand which components could be accessed or assessed.

5. Have there been problems?

Ask about alarms, backups, odours, wet areas and previous repairs. A symptom needs investigation rather than an assumption.

6. When was it last inspected?

Review the date, scope, findings and any follow-up recommendations. Discuss unresolved questions before relying on the system for your intended use.