Can I Sell My House with a Failed Septic System In California?

This is usually the first sign that your septic system may be compromised. It may take several flushes or lots of water before you are able to drain the standing water.

Horrible smells wafting from the area around your septic tank may mean that its structure is compromised. You may want to have it looked at before the problem gets progressively worse.

Not all greens are good. It is possible that the beautiful and lush greenery growing where it didn’t before is using your failed septic system as a water and fertilizer source.

Puddles in the yard on sunny days might signal a septic system failure. Keep an ear out for gurgling sounds in your plumbing, a wet basement, or sewage backing up indoors.

The leading cause of a failed septic system is the inability or unwillingness to perform routine maintenance.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidelines, it’s essential to schedule septic tank pumping every three to five years to prevent sludge buildup, which can lead to system blockages. This maintenance service is relatively inexpensive, typically costing a few hundred dollars, yet it can save you significant trouble down the road.

Your property may be situated in an area known for its expansive soils. These soils contract when dry and expand when wet, leading to cracks in your septic tank. Additionally, floods and hurricanes can exacerbate the issue by inundating your aging or damaged septic tank with groundwater, resulting in overflow or sewage backup in your residence.

Parking on top of the septic system can cause major damage to tanks and their drain field. Most septic tanks are not designed to take on the weight of a vehicle or heavy machinery.

Items like tampons, pads, and wipes, though labeled as ‘flushable,’ can lead to septic tank clogs and system failures due to non-biodegradable content. Disposal in the trash is advisable to avoid costly repairs.

It may not be apparent but the trees in your yard can have a devastating impact on your septic tank. Their roots could penetrate the concrete, causing leaks and necessitating septic repairs. To avoid this, plan your landscaping with the septic systems in mind.

Occasionally, the septic system isn’t set up right, stopping proper drainage or, worse, leading to sewage backing up into the property.

Enlisting a trustworthy plumbing firm with extensive experience could avert these issues in the future.

If you want to ensure you get the top dollar for your property and avoid worries like, ‘Can I sell my house with a bad septic system?’, it’s wise to address septic issues promptly.

Start by scheduling a septic inspection. Even if you’re not planning to sell immediately, regular inspections, as recommended by InterNACHI, help maintain property value.

A professional inspection provides clarity on your septic system’s condition and necessary repairs. Armed with this information, you can explore reliable plumbing services and assess repair expenses for your faulty septic system.

To give you an idea, here’s an estimated cost to rehabilitate your failed system:

• Sewer line repair – $4,000-$25,000
• Sewer line replacement – $50-$250 per foot
• Septic tank replacement – $3,109-$9,677
• Septic drain field replacement – $7,000
• Labor cost for a new system installation – $1,000-$4,000

How much you’d have to invest in repairing a house with a faulty septic system varies based on factors like home size, soil type, property location (costs differ by state), extent of damage, pipe material, and local regulations.

Depending on local regulations, you may need to update your current plumbing lines or even the entire septic system to ensure it meets code requirements.

Selling a house with a functional septic system is easier and fetches a higher price compared to unresolved issues. It attracts more potential buyers, especially since the buyer’s lender won’t hesitate to approve their mortgage knowing the septic system issue has been resolved.

If you want to save time and money, you can sell your home as-is through a traditional listing with a realtor. Some buyers might see this as a great deal, but many, especially first-time buyers, prefer move-in ready homes.

Keep in mind that most lenders won’t approve a loan for a home with a faulty septic system. Your realtor may need to find a cash buyer in this case.

Cash buyers typically offer less than market value to account for the cost of fixing the septic system. You’ll also have to cover realtor fees and closing costs, reducing your profit from the sale.

Luckily, there’s another option available to you, which is to…

Honesty is the best policy when doing business. It’s essential to be upfront about any sewer issues when selling a property, not just for ethical reasons but also to build trust with potential buyers. Failing to disclose such problems could lead to legal trouble. Once disclosed, you can discuss with the buyer how to address the septic system issue.

Even if you’re selling your property in its current condition, there are options to consider. You can provide the inspection findings to the potential buyer so they to deal with any septic system concerns.

Alternatively, you can gather estimates from plumbing professionals to offer to the buyer if you’re not planning to handle the fixes personally.

For a house that is not move-in ready, you have to psychologically prepare to give a discount on the sales price. Price in the failed system to make it palatable for interested buyers.