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Buying a Virginia Home with a Septic System

June 21, 2010 By Doug Francis

Septic Tank: Illustration shows how an undergr...
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There are many Northern Virginia homes that have septic fields on the property designed to allow wastewater to be absorbed into the ground. Terminology is tricky here as a septic field is a septic system, and are also known as Wastewater Systems as defined in 2010 by the Virginia Department of Health.

So, this year the Virginia General Assembly passed legislation requiring that the Virginia Residential Disclosure Statement (which must be given to home buyers) include a notice to the effect that it is the buyers responsibility to be satisfied that a septic wastewater system exists on the property. Then, the buyer must determine that it is the proper size, know what type of system it is, and how to maintain it.

Here is the new language from VARBuzz.com:

WASTEWATER SYSTEM: The undersigned owner(s) makes no representations with respect to the presence of any wastewater system, including the type or size thereof or associated maintenance responsibilities related thereto, located on the property and the purchaser(s) is advised to exercise whatever due diligence the purchaser(s) deems necessary to determine the presence of any wastewater system on the property, in accordance with terms and conditions as may be contained in the real estate purchase contract, but in any event, prior to settlement pursuant to that contract.

Virginia Home Buyers should plan to hire a Septic Guy

Septic System Pump Truck Vienna VA

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To me, this means it will be important to get a septic guy in to evaluate a system when you have a home inspection. I’ll have to ask my plumber pal Bob Beckwith (RLB Plumbing) what he thinks about this and if he is willing to put his name on the line. Giving a septic system an evaluation is going to be a challenge since they are underground and made of sand. They literally flood the system, stab it with a stick and watch for water to emerge.

Home buyers, keep in mind that septic wastewater systems exist in McLean, Great Falls, Vienna, Oakton, Fairfax and Clifton homes. My suggestion will be to budget $500 to $1,000 for a septic system inspection.

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Filed Under: Blog, Home Buyer Tips Tagged With: home buyer, Home Seller Tips, real estate, Wastewater

About Doug Francis

A Realtor specializing in unique and new homes around Vienna, Virginia, Doug started writing a first-hand blog about his everyday real estate experiences a decade ago. In-depth, helpful and fun has always been the objective. Outside real estate, he was profiled in a commercial for Verisign's "Where the World Clicks" global ad campaign, and was quoted in Money Magazine's Best Places to Live article on Vienna (#3!). He's a Boston University graduate who feels morning coffee is non-negotiable.

Vienna real estate agent Doug Francis

Helping my clients add value to their homes has always been important to me. My step-by-step recommendations are intended to increase market appeal, return more than invested, and help net more when selling.

Beyond just sellers, I have helped many new homeowners make smart design decisions when remodeling. We gutted our house and totally remodeled it, and I pass that experience along because living in a nice house is simply better.

My background… I’ve been an active licensed agent in Virginia for 25 years, work at TTR Sotheby’s International Realty in McLean, and sell homes in all price ranges. I donate to the Town of Vienna tree replacement fund, participate in a neighborhood citizens association, and try my best to stay in shape.

Questions? Email doug@dougfrancis.com or call me at (703) 304-6827 to discuss your plans. Cheers!

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About Doug Francis

I am a Realtor with TTR Sotheby's International Realty® just outside Washington D.C. in Northern Virginia. I have been a full-time Realtor licensed in Virginia since 1991, and cover a big territory specializing in the Vienna real estate market and custom homes for sale.

I have unique knowledge of digital real estate marketing, and my marketing starts here. My clients have been attracted to my results-oriented strategy for years, and I am accepting new clients for 2023 right now.

Thanks for reading, and feel free to contact me at 703-304-6827 or email me at doug@dougfrancis.com anytime!

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