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Dear Barry,
When we bought our home, the real estate listing showed the property as having a septic tank, rather than a sewer hook-up. We didn't notice this, and our agent never recommended a septic inspection. Now we want to build an addition in the back yard but can't get a permit because we don't know the location of the septic tank. The title company says they were not responsible for this disclosure, and our home inspector says that septic systems are not within the scope of a home inspection. How can we determine the location of this tank?
Dena
Dear Dena,
Your agent should have recommended a septic inspection before you completed the purchase of the property. Although it is important to know the location of the tank, of far greater concern are unanswered questions regarding the condition of the tank and leach field. Old septic systems are likely candidates for deterioration and other defects; some that might require replacement of the system. Therefore, it is essential that you retain the services of a licensed septic contractor at this time.
Locating the tank is a routine process for an experienced professional. Standard procedure is to explore the ground with a long metal probe, inserted into the soil until the top of the tank is detected. If this method fails, there are electronic means, employing a transmitting device that is flushed down the toilet. The transmitter broadcasts a signal from the septic, then located by a radio receiver.
Once the tank is found, it is excavated and pumped dry. This enables a full inspection of the interior surfaces to determine its qualify, adequacy, and physical condition. Observing the rate at which water drains from the tank indicates the condition of the leach field (that portion of a septic system that allows liquid effluent to drain into the earth.
If the location of the tank interferes with your planned addition, it may have to be abandoned, and another tank may have to be installed, However, if sewer service is available at the street, installing a sewer connection will be a worthwhile upgrade to the property.
Dear Barry,
Our new home is currently under construction. Unfortunately, the roof leaked during the last rains, and mold showed up on some of the wall and floor surfaces. Should the drywall, insulation, and floor materials be replaced in these areas, or can the problem be corrected in some other manner?
Sandra
Dear Sandra,
Mold has become such a major concern in recent years that some insurance companies are refusing to write homeowners policies for any home that has had a mold problem. Therefore, total removal of all affected materials is recommended. It would also be appropriate for the builder to have a mold survey performed so that you will have professional documentation to verify that there is no residual mold contamination in the home.
As a side note, be sure to hire an experienced home inspector before completing this purchase. A qualified inspector can find a list of defects in any new home.
Distributed by Access Media Group. To write to Barry Stone, please visit him on the web at www.housedetective.com
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