You turn on the tap. Water comes out. Let up the stopper and soapy water disappears down the drain never to be seen again.
What could be easier? Does it matter if you have city water and sewer or a private well and septic system?
First Home Buyer’s Primer on Water
Your mortgage lender wouldn't be happy with this well.
You can’t live without it. That’s the most important thing to remember.
And yet many buyers who panic upon seeing a water stain on the bottom of a sink cupboard don’t worry about the vital systems under the ground that bring water in and take waste away.
Whether the house you buy has public water and sewer or a private well and septic system will influence your costs and maintenance responsibilities for years to come.
What’s the Difference Between Public & Private Water?
As long as everything is working well, you won’t think much about where your water comes from or how waste gets taken away. When something goes wrong, you’ll care a lot.
Here are some of the quick differences between public and private water systems:
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City Water and Sewer |
Private Well and Septic |
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Maintenance is Smart
If the house you buy has public water and sewer systems you don’t have much to worry about. Just keep an eye on how things are working and be careful of tree roots growing into your water pipes.
But when you’re responsible for your entire water and waste system, remember it’s cheaper to maintain than to replace.
If you choose a house with private water and septic, you’ll want to read up on how it works and know how to maintain it. Follow the guidelines for regular pump outs of your septic system. And test your water quality frequently.
Routine care and awareness of your private water systems make it less likely you’ll ever go a week without a shower or have to replace your toilet with a bucket.
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