One thing you will want to consider when you are buying or building a country home in either Harris County or Montgomery County is where you are going to get your water and how your septic will be handled. For the most part our country subdivisions are on community water and have their own septic systems. There are of course exceptions to this but I show in country subdivisions all the time and this seems to be the norm. Now if you are not in a subdivision then chances are good that you will have to have both septic and a well. Since we don’t deal with a lot of wells most of this post is going to be about Aerobic Septics.
In the homes built prior to around 1998 you will probably find the conventional septic systems. After 1998 most of the septic systems are going to be Aerobic septic. In both Harris and Montgomery Counties I think the only septic that is available is now the aerobic septic. As these conventional septic tanks get older many of them don’t pass inspections. When they don’t pass inspections the remedy usually ends up being with the owner having to put in a new aerobic septic. You are probably looking at a cost of $6000 to $8000 depending on how big of a system that you get. This is something that is regulated by the state and counties so you will need to get your permits.
The Aerobic septic acts like a small scale sewage treatment system. It is similar to a tank system but produces a high
quality secondary effluent which is sterilized and then used for surface irrigation. This means that at someplace on your property there will be a sprinkler system that will go off at night watering the yard so to speak with the discharge. You will want to mark the sprinkler head so you don’t run over it with the mower. Should you have any problem with the sprinkler heads you can find replacement parts at your local hardware store.
You MUST have a maintenance contract with an aerobic septic system company. This is a requirement and if you don’t chances are the county will find out and ask you to see them in court.
There’s not a lot of maintenance involved but you will have to put chlorine tablets in (believe me you will know if you forget to put them in). These are not the same tables as you use for a pool. Typically you can put in two tablets at a time and then check every 2 weeks to see if it needs more.
Basically the difference between the aerobic system and the old tank system is that the fluids are moved to the end of the line and then they are disbursed onto your lawn by a sprinkler system. I know that sounds gross but it does not smell and you will probably find that to be the greenest part of your yard.
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If you are buying or relocating to Spring TX, Magnolia TX or Tomball TXand need help from a professional REALTOR®, Marchel can be reached at Marchel@AgentwithResults.com or by phone at 832-721-8332.
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Great education on the aerobic system Marchel and I did not know about the chlorine tablets either. Makes a city sewer system seem downright convenient in comparison. The price for living in the country.
This is very interesting information...my area is a septic region/no sewers.
Marhel: Good information for folks that are new to having an aerobic system to maintain. I always recommend they keep a journal so that they don't forget about the regular maintenance and service. Our county will allow folks to serice their own and have classes available but most have a service that will do that for them. When they sell they have good records to turn over to the new owner.
Carl Winters
Marchel I had not heard of a aerobic septic system before, so this blog was very educational for me, and now I will know what a aerobic septic system is the next time I hear the term.
Hi Marchel, thanks for the education, I have never heard of this type of system either. Where I live, all waste water goes into the leach field where it eventually (or supposedly) is returned to the aquifers. Most of the residential well permits don't allow outside watering or irrigation so the "sprinkler" sounds like heaven to me! I would love to have all the water from the dishwasher, washing machine, showers etc. making the grasses and flowers green.
GARY, As a very new agent I worked an open house where they forgot to put the tablets in. It is an experience I will never forget!
SEA to SKY, We have more septic systems in Montgomery Country than Harris County but a mix in both counties.
CARL, That is a great idea as the new owners usually have to figure out what an aerobic septic is all about.
GEORGE, These systems don't work in the cold north. When my sister was building in Colorado I could not figure out why they were not putting in aerobic septic so did some research and found out they are a fair weather septic.
MARY, Like I was telling George these are fair weather septics so you are probably not going to get to see that recycled waste unless you move to Texas.
Marcel--I think it is just too late at night and I need to get to bed. I always love your posts. They are so well written and you always have the best photos and graphics. We have never met or talked by phone, but you look like such a classy lady and so pretty. So it is just striking me funny at 15 past midnight that you would choose a septic system to write about. I mean literally funny. :-)
I know this is valuable information that lots of people will need and really appreciate and I know that the search engines are going to have you up at the top for aerobic septic system!! So ignore my sleep deprived silliness!!
P.S.---Just want to make sure you know I think your post was well written, attractive and informative. Just one I would have expected Dale Baker to write! Just goes to show how well rounded and knowledgeable you are!!
Marchel, this is a topic that many buyers and city agents will benefit from! Great post. I frequently encounter septic tanks and aerobic treatment systems on the properties I sell, and it's something I've had to learn about and explain to others.
Marchel,
Great post!
Ann Hayden in Wildwood, MO
Great educational post on this type of septic system. Part of the areas I work have septic system of all types and it is extremely important to have at least an basic understanding!
Marchel -- This is a new one for me. Never heard of this system. Thanks for a great explanation.
Marchel, ditto what Barbara wrote in her comments. Never heard of this but great information.
Hi Marchel, you did a great job of explaining the septic systems. I still think one of the funniest things I've ever been asked is if the seller was going to take it with them when they leave. Those sellers must have forgotten the chlorine tablets for a long time for the smell to have been noticeable. Yuck....
Marchel,
I am so thankful that you put this post out here on the Rain. As Realtors, we shouldn't get too comfortable thinking everyone has city sewer and water. Marchel, I greatly appreciate what you have written. Not only am I going to bookmark this great post of yours, I'm going to click suggest too.
Thank you for taking the time to put some value information together for all Realtors to benefit from.
Patricia
Marchel this is a very informative post. Very interesting how the liquid is dispersed. I am familiar with the tank time.
Marchel That is your usual, professionally written informational post based on thorough investigation of the subject. If I lived in your service area you would be my broker of choice.
Hello Marchel and some great information and I really learned a lot from your post!
VB ;o)
I believe that the aerobic system requires a yearly inspection ($500) by a certified sanitation person. Is this correct?
Sussie, You do have to have a contract but in our area it does not cost $500.