Selling or buying a home with a well and septic tank?

• Oregon Department of Human Services requires that the well water be tested for bacteria and nitrate and that the results be submitted to them. Complete information is on the DHS web site. Note that the state doesn't require that these test pass, they just require that the results be reported.

  • Some of the past real estate well testing data has been entered in a searchable database. To access these data, download the fact sheet and follow the directions.

• Water Resources Department requires that the well be tagged with a unique well identification number, instructions and application from the WRD website.

• At this time there are no other state-wide requirements, however, your lender may have special requirements.

• What Every Realtor Should Know about Private Drinking Water Wells

Some suggestions for the septic system:

• Get a copy of installation records. Contact the county office responsible for septic system permits. They should be able to provide you with a map of your property showing the septic system.

• Determine the type of system. Most systems are simple gravity fed tanks connected to a network of buried pipes that allow the water to leach into the soil underground. If there is something more to the wastewater treatment system, such as pumps, filters, or special treatment methods, you need to be aware of how to maintain these and consider the associated costs.

• Have the septic tank pumped! Regardless of when the tank was pumped last, start fresh.

• Examine the tank. When the tank is empty, ask the pumper to look at the inlet and outlet pipes (baffles) and make sure the tank doesn't have any cracks or holes. You don't need to pay for an inspection--contrary to advertisements, there are no official criteria for septic system inspections once they have been in operation. (Of course if the lender wants an official inspection, you will need to satisfy that requirement.)

• Know the pumping history of the tank. Generally speaking, if a septic tank has gone an extremely long time without pumping, the drainfield will be damaged. Pumping the tank does not repair the drainfield. New drainfields can cost $5000-$10,000 or more. Consider the condition of the drainfield and cost of potential repairs.

It may be possible to go many years without pumping a septic system If great care is used to reduce the amount of water that goes through the system, And if steps are taken to reduce solids (like not using the garbage disposal and wiping out grease from pans before washing), And if the inlet and outlet pipes are examined regularly though inspection ports and repaired as soon as they rust off, And if harsh chemicals haven't upset the bacterial balance, BUT most people aren't that careful, so periodically removing the solids from the tank is the best way to make sure that the drainfield is not being overloaded.

• Do not buy any additives for the septic system. They have not been shown to be of any benefit.

• Locate the drainfield. The soil over the drainfield should be planted in grass and not compacted by activities such as parking vehicles, grazing animals, building, or intense gardening. Strips of green or brown grass are normal. Wetness, odors, or very lush growth indicate a problem.

• Discuss concerns with a DEQ septic system official in your county. This person can tell you what will be involved if repairs are needed. They may also be able to visit the site and help locate the system if there aren't records.

Download publication:

Tips for Small Acreages in Oregon FS18: Before You Buy: Wells, Septic Systems, & a Healthy Homesite

Tips for Small Acreages in Oregon FS19: After You Buy: Wells, Septic Systems, & a Healthy Homesite