Who is responsible for septic system

However, should you want to be sure that you are not inheriting any issues from the previous tenant s , then a good rule of thumb is to ask:. It would be wise to ask the letting agent or landlord when the last septic tank pump-out was, as this will help you gauge if this is going to be a task that is required any time soon. You will also want to ascertain who is responsible for paying for the pump-outs.

Septic tanks generally need to be pumped out every year. That can extend from 3 to 5 years, depending again on the size of the septic tank, the amount of people using it and whether you are using a biological septic tank treatment to enhance the rate of waste digestion. Having the septic tank pumped is a process which can aid to maintain a functional, healthy septic tank and soakaway. In most cases, in the event of serious drainage issues to do with the septic tank, it is the owner of the property who is responsible for any repairs that will ensue.

However, should the problem have occurred due to the tenant, then the landlord may insist that the tenant pay for the repairs. Damage can occur to septic tanks if they are misused. Over time a build-up of undigested waste can eventually cause a big problem to any septic system. Age, poor maintenance and management, including wear and tear to baffles in the septic tank, damage from tree roots, and excessive use, or more than what the installed soakaway is able to deal with can all cause septic systems to fail.

Although the damage may not appear immediately, over time and if not caught early enough, costs to put things right can be significant. This is why we recommend you find out when the septic tank was last inspected, and if not for several years, requesting that the septic tank is inspected and pumped-out, before you sign any tenancy agreement. Similar to any problem with a rental property, tenants contact their Landlord who then investigates the issue.

From there, payments and repair costs can be divided based on who is at fault. However, this only works if the Landlord has done their Due Diligence of notifying the tenant their property uses a septic system as well as giving basic rules for living with a septic system.

Tenants may be unaware of the unique requirements of living with septic systems—its your responsibility to make them aware. This leads to some important questions….

While managing a rental property with a septic system has some added responsibilities, it may not fall solely on the Landlord. Tenants, do your homework! Ask yourself, what practices need to change? Are there any hidden costs? Adhering to the rules is legally-binding. You could end up with a pollution fine if you do not comply so make sure your system is compliant. Read more about septic tank regulations. If you own a property which is tenanted, or you are a tenant yourself, it can become a little less clear who the responsibility lies with.

Maintenance and responsibility can be written into the tenancy agreement. However, what happens if an issue started when the previous tenant lived there?

Perhaps the issues span several lettings periods compounding the problem even further. In the worst-case scenario, who is liable to pay a pollution fine which may be accrued in the event of serious drainage issues?

If you are a landlord renting out a property with a septic tank you may need to put extra measures in place if you want the tenant to take responsibility for the septic tank. Leaky toilets can waste as much as gallons each day. The more water a household conserves, the less water enters the septic system. Dental floss, feminine hygiene products, condoms, diapers, cotton swabs, cigarette butts, coffee grounds, cat litter, paper towels, and other kitchen and bathroom waste can clog and potentially damage septic system components.

Flushing household chemicals, gasoline, oil, pesticides, anti-freeze and paint can stress or destroy the biological treatment taking place in the system, as well as contaminate surface waters and groundwater. A key reason to maintain your septic system is to save money! Failing septic systems are expensive to repair or replace, and poor maintenance is often the culprit. Having your septic system inspected at least every three years is a bargain when you consider the cost of replacing the entire system.

Your system will need pumping every three to five years, depending on how many people live in the house and the size of the system. Other good reasons for safe treatment of sewage include preventing the spread of infection and disease, and protecting water resources. Typical pollutants in household wastewater are nitrogen phosphorus, and disease-causing bacteria and viruses.

Nitrogen and phosphorus are aquatic plant nutrients that can cause unsightly algae blooms. Excessive nitrate-nitrogen in drinking water can cause pregnancy complications, as well as methemoglobinemia also known as "blue baby syndrome" in infancy.

Pathogens can cause communicable diseases through direct or indirect body contact, or ingestion of contaminated water or shellfish.