Urban homebuyers who want to move to a more rural area often have concerns about rural homes that have their own on-site septic systems instead of being served by a municipal system. While the thought of being responsible for the collection and processing of the home's waste should certainly be taken seriously, on-site septic systems that have been correctly installed and properly maintained actually provide safe, low-cost, trouble-free sewage treatment for years with little need for owner intervention. If you are interested in purchasing this type of real estate, use this information to help you understand and protect your interests throughout the purchase process. 

Study examples of septic systems to gain an understanding of how they work 

Educating yourself about the design and functional capabilities of on-site septic systems will help you throughout the home-viewing and purchasing process. In addition to gaining a better understanding of the components, this type of knowledge will also help you ask better questions when speaking with septic installers or inspectors about any potential sewage-disposal concerns and when requesting more information from sellers about their home's specific septic system. 

Request and study seller disclosure documents on each home you are considering

Seller disclosure documentation can be an excellent source of initial information about a particular home's on-site septic system. If the information provided by the seller seems vague or misleading, make sure that you clarify the information given before deciding how to proceed. Your real-estate professional can help you obtain additional information from the seller or refer you to a professional septic installer who can offer an expert opinion, should it be necessary to do so. 

Make all purchase offers contingent upon a professional inspection of the septic system

Because on-site septic systems are nearly always installed completely underground, determining their condition is difficult and best left up to industry professionals. For this reason, it is imperative that buyers make all purchase offers contingent upon receiving a satisfactory condition report from a licensed septic inspector familiar with the area in which the home is located before agreeing to close on the home. While most septic systems work well and cost little to maintain, buyers who are adamant about making their offers contingent upon septic inspection can help protect themselves from the cost and mess of replacing a failing system. 

Discuss any specific questions or concerns about listings with on-site septic systems with your real-estate professional. Their familiarity with the area and with this type of home sewage system will help them provide you with necessary details and information to help you make the best possible buying decision for your needs.