CESSPL- Cesspool. This is a older private household waste system. A cesspool was dug and often lined with rocks or block and the household waste was piped in to the pit. If the soils are favorable the liquids leach out of the pit and the solids break down in the cesspool. The solids will eventually block the escape of liquid causing the system to overflow requiring pumping. These systems often fail and will most likely need to be upgraded to a septic system. These systems can collapse and be dangerous. If you are considering buying a house with a cesspool, some types of financing may be difficult. You should have the cesspool inspected by a qualified professional prior to purchase.
COMNTY- Community. Some developments or vacation communities have a private community waste disposal system. These systems handle the waste water for the community and are often maintained through the association dues or homeowners fees charged by the community. If you are considering buying a house in a location served by a community system it is important to determine if the "community" is still functioning and maintaining the system. These systems require ongoing care and can occasionally require expensive repairs that will fall on the members of the development to repair through special assessments.
MUNCIP- Municipal <village, town, city>. This is the type of sewer system many newcomers to the country are used to. The waste water is sent through piping to larger pipes under the roadway on to a distant location for treatment at a sewer plant. The service is paid for by the homeowner either through the water bill or included in the taxes of the government body that maintains the system. The homeowner is responsible to maintain the pipes that lead to the street and these may become clogged by flushing improper items or trees may grow roots into the area near the piping and cause breakages and clogs.
NONE- Just like it reads. This is often used for vacant land or sometimes in new construction listings. If you see an existing house with NONE under sewer type you should investigate further before considering the house. Your Buyer's Agent will help you with that,
SEPTIC- Septic system. This is the private household waste disposal system we most often encounter in areas outside of the city, village, and town center locations. A septic system uses a manufactured tank and a series of engineered leaching fields to dispose of waste water. Prior to design and installation of a system the soils are tested and must prove to have a minimum drainage rate in order to be cleared by a Department of Health review. The system must be located a minimum distance from the private well system if one is installed on the property. The distance is determined through the zoning codes of the municipality. These systems require periodic pumping and special care. When you are looking at houses with septics you should ask the location of the septic system and the last time the system was pumped. You should have an inspection and any recommended tests on the system prior to purchase. Replacement of a septic is expensive.
SEPCAG- Septic System Above Ground. These types of septic systems are similar to in ground septic systems but because the soils on the land did not have the minimum drainage required by the board of health the system is installed in a mound of dirt that has been brought into the site. You will notice an un-natural rise to the land in the yard of a house with an above ground system. They are sometimes called "turkey mounds" around here. They function the same as in ground systems.
SRMK- SEE REMARKS- ASK YOUR BUYER"S AGENT - This is used when the listing agent is not certain of the sewage disposal system or in new construction when the house has not been built yet. Further explanation is needed before you look at this house.
It is important for you to understand the type of waste water disposal system you are thinking about buying. There are some newer systems that are coming into use in various locations but they are not prevalent in my area yet. Your buyer's agent, home inspector, and other resources can help you to learn about the different systems and choose a home with a system that will provide you with years of service for this very necessary function.
There are options here in the Greater Hudson Valley of NY to meet everyone's needs. We have urban, suburban, village and rural locations that can provide you with the perfect blend of country for you. Working with an experienced buyer's agent can help you to choose what is best for you. If you are looking for a home in Orange, Ulster, or Sullivan County NY I would love to be your Buyer's Agent. If you are looking elsewhere I would love to find someone in your chosen location to help you. Give me a call or send an email today.
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