Buying/Selling a home with a Septic Tank

A home’s septic system is as important as that of the roof, foundation, or electrical system. The condition of the septic system will be determined during the certified septic inspection.

In Colorado Springs, El Paso County Public Health inspects and regulates on-site wastewater treatment systems (OWTS).  They protect public health and the environment by preventing human exposure to sewage and the contamination of the groundwater by ensuring the proper placement, design, installation, and maintenance of OWTS. They focus on the regulation of wastewater treatment systems associated with both commercial and residential facilities that are not serviced by a municipal wastewater system. 

If you plan to remodel or add square footage to a home, you need to check to see if the septic system is able to meet the requirements for the addition.

EPCPH requires a property owner of a residence or other building/facility served by an OWTS to have an inspection of that system to demonstrate that the system is functioning according to design prior to the sale or transfer of title of the property.  Upon placing a home with a septic system on the market, many sellers will obtain the inspection and certificate.  If the inspection & certificate have not been completed, be sure to have a written agreement between buyer and seller as to any repairs that need to be done, who will pay, and in what timeframe is required for the work to be done.

You can check the approval/permit status of a home’s septic system by going to Permit Status.

Once you own the home with a septic system, you will basically be running a mini-wastewater treatment plant. It becomes your responsibility to maintain the system properly by having the system pumped and checked on a regular basis.