Buying a House with a Septic Tank in Alton? Read This First
2 min readAltonBy AA Drainage
Lots of homes in the villages around Alton use off-mains drainage. If you are buying one, a few checks can save you a nasty surprise after you move in.
Questions to ask the seller
Ask for:
- The type of system and where it is
- Where it discharges to
- Emptying and service records
- Any repairs or problems in recent years
- Whether it is shared with neighbours
Get the system inspected
A general home survey rarely covers drainage in detail. A specialist inspection checks the tank, pipes and drainage field, and whether the system meets the General Binding Rules.
Budget for any upgrade
If the system discharges to a watercourse or has failed, an upgrade may be needed. Knowing this before exchange gives you room to negotiate.
Frequently asked questions
Must the seller tell me about the septic tank?
The rules require the seller to give the buyer information about the system.
Can you inspect before I buy?
Yes, with the owner's permission we can inspect and report quickly.