How common are houses with no septic system?

jazzman · 07-13-2011, 11:01 PM

I'm looking at an island property. It's only 20 years old, but it has a grey water system for shower/dishwasher/washer/sinks+ incinerataor toilet. Is this common and how drastically does this limit potential resale? I don't know if this was done in this house to save initial building costs of if maybe the lot can't accomidate a real septic system.

I can't find anyone with much good said about incinerator toilets. It looks like a company called ecojohn may have some new higher tech models that actually use low flush toilets. I bet they're real expensive though and use propane for incineration and I bet getting propane is another whole set of problems.

Rattlesnake Guy · 07-14-2011, 01:56 AM

We have no septic. The financing of the property was impossible for this reason with many lenders. That combined with how far to the nearest fire station and fire hydrant kinda turned most off. Then we contacted Laconia Savings Bank who knows what it means to live on an island on Winnipesaukee. Property values are certainly higher for a property with septic, but if you get a good deal coming in, it is not a problem when you leave. Yes, it may scare some folks who won't buy your place someday. But the lower price might make it an option for others as well.

I encourage you to look into plumbed in composting systems. Nothing reaches the ground. We have had ours for about 5 years now due to one of our son's girlfriends having a big problem with the incinerating toilet. We spent the $3500 to keep our son coming to the lake. I thank her about once a year for the prompt. We bought one bigger than we needed so we would not have to every worry about weekend company. It requires turning a handle on the unit every couple of days and the addition of some hemp type saw dust. I hope to put a motor on the crank one day when I get to be the only one doing it. The combination of exhaust of water vapor and digestion by natural process is remarkable.

Belmont Resident · 07-14-2011, 06:25 AM

If you have a grey water tank don’t give it up. You cannot have one built any more as they require everything to go into the septic. But bleach is the worst thing you can do to your septic tank along with all that new antibacterial soaps which tend to kill off all the bacteria that keep the septic tank clean.
Way back when many used to have a seperate tank for grey water like you have.
As for resale there will always be someone willing to pay and upgrade if you do not.

jazzman · 07-14-2011, 10:20 AM

Rattlesnake Guy -

What brand of composting toilet do you have? I read some on the internet about these and I've never seen a more hated product... Especially the Envirolet ones.

2nd question, is there any access for digging equipment on the non broads side of Rattlesnake? I can't imagine what a septic system would cost without some digging equipment.

Do most Rattlesnake properties have septic systems? The terrain looks pretty challenging on most of the lots.

MAXUM · 07-14-2011, 05:19 PM

I've been looking at island property now for about a year and a half and can tell you that of what I've seen at the lower end of the price scale few have an up to date septic system. If one does exist where it doesn't meet current standards make darn sure it was properly permitted at the time it went in and know your options should it fail. Does it affect re-sale, well as a potential buyer I've learned how expensive a fix that can be and how much difficulty there can be meeting the new DES rules enacted in 2008's updated shoreline protection act. Just something to keep in mind as you weigh your decision as it has become a big decision maker for me. The good thing is that the DES is becoming more open to alternative septic systems which can reduce the foot print from a conventional system, but not necessarily the price of installation. Not only that some of these alternatives can be used in areas where other options due to the geography may not be possible. Just remember no matter how challenging the lot with enough money any problem can be solved (usually). I've found that the only way to know for sure what your options are is to do research on your own and call both the town and DES to discuss the exact nature of the system you're about to inherit.

Good luck in your potential purchase!

Rattlesnake Guy · 07-15-2011, 10:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jazzman

Rattlesnake Guy -

What brand of composting toilet do you have? I read some on the internet about these and I've never seen a more hated product... Especially the Envirolet ones.

2nd question, is there any access for digging equipment on the non broads side of Rattlesnake? I can't imagine what a septic system would cost without some digging equipment.

Do most Rattlesnake properties have septic systems? The terrain looks pretty challenging on most of the lots.

We have a Sun-Mar 3000

The Toilet is located about 15 feet horizontally from the unit, (Need pitch)
Built a small enclosure like a trash can storage building on the side of the camp. Flip up roof and 2 big doors. Heater in the unit runs all winter. (100 watts I think) I don't think I would put it in my cellar due to inevitable odors.

I agree that most Rattlesnake properties would be challenged for a septic due to the steep slope and rocks rocks rocks. I have seen some of the new tank type installed. Many people get heavy equipment up the hill during original construction. There is actually a road on the north end of the island. When the lots were originally laid out, many interior lots were laid out with a road. None have been built. I believe that many of the north end lots can be accessed from the inside out. You can see the road near the marker.

If cost were not an issue and the kids did not want to go to college, I would put one of the tank style septic systems way up on a flat area. But honestly I have not looked into how it gets serviced on the island.

Just Sold · 07-15-2011, 03:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rattlesnake Guy

We have a Sun-Mar 3000

The Toilet is located about 15 feet horizontally from the unit, (Need pitch)
Built a small enclosure like a trash can storage building on the side of the camp. Flip up roof and 2 big doors. Heater in the unit runs all winter. (100 watts I think) I don't think I would put it in my cellar due to inevitable odors.

I agree that most Rattlesnake properties would be challenged for a septic due to the steep slope and rocks rocks rocks. I have seen some of the new tank type installed. Many people get heavy equipment up the hill during original construction. There is actually a road on the north end of the island. When the lots were originally laid out, many interior lots were laid out with a road. None have been built. I believe that many of the north end lots can be accessed from the inside out. You can see the road near the marker.

If cost were not an issue and the kids did not want to go to college, I would put one of the tank style septic systems way up on a flat area. But honestly I have not looked into how it gets serviced on the island.

Yes, the road on the North end of the island affords access for heavy equipment and most properties have installed septic systems at the top of their lot. I have seen the plastic tanks (including spares) and the leach fields on that end when the family had lot 129. I undersatnd they bring a septic pump truck out on a barge to the service septic tanks. I do not think they can drive the pump truck on the road though as it is pretty rough. Not sure how much hose they would need if they moored at a properties dock but alot is my guess. Must be a very unusual site to see.

songkrai · 07-17-2011, 02:08 PM

Here's one:

LINK

Lakesrider · 07-18-2011, 07:19 AM

Well if Bill Gates has his way....

http://www.time.com/time/world/artic...082509,00.html

SIKSUKR · 07-18-2011, 07:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rattlesnake Guy

We have a Sun-Mar 3000

Wow,not a lot of privacy there R-guy when R-girl is standing right below the toilet.

You better have a good aim!

songkrai · 07-18-2011, 08:14 PM

Whatever town or city this property is located in there should be a building permit on file.

Also, Concord would have some records or any septic system if there ever was one applied for.

I think all septic systems have to be reviewed upon the sale of any property. I don't know exactly what the review process is though.

Some of the older properties may have home made systems and may never have been recorded. I'd tread lightly in any search.

Rattlesnake Guy · 07-19-2011, 04:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SIKSUKR

Wow,not a lot of privacy there R-guy when R-girl is standing right below the toilet.

You better have a good aim!

HAAAA!
I never said it was perfect.

Rattlesnake Gal · 07-20-2011, 12:07 PM

Sun-MAR Centrex 3000

Many islanders are turning to Septi-Tech.

DeniseW · 09-08-2011, 03:24 PM

Is there a ladder to climb up to the toilet?

I'd worry about falling off the toilet at night. Might have to install a catch net below it.
__________________
Denise - Looking for Boston plumbers for bathroom remodel.

07-13-2011, 11:01 PM	#1
jazzman Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Mont Vernon NH & Big Barndoor Island Posts: 320 Thanks: 4 Thanked 184 Times in 62 Posts	How common are houses with no septic system? I'm looking at an island property. It's only 20 years old, but it has a grey water system for shower/dishwasher/washer/sinks+ incinerataor toilet. Is this common and how drastically does this limit potential resale? I don't know if this was done in this house to save initial building costs of if maybe the lot can't accomidate a real septic system. I can't find anyone with much good said about incinerator toilets. It looks like a company called ecojohn may have some new higher tech models that actually use low flush toilets. I bet they're real expensive though and use propane for incineration and I bet getting propane is another whole set of problems.

07-14-2011, 06:25 AM	#3
Belmont Resident Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Belmont NH but prefer Jackman Maine Posts: 1,857 Thanks: 491 Thanked 409 Times in 251 Posts	grey water If you have a grey water tank don’t give it up. You cannot have one built any more as they require everything to go into the septic. But bleach is the worst thing you can do to your septic tank along with all that new antibacterial soaps which tend to kill off all the bacteria that keep the septic tank clean. Way back when many used to have a seperate tank for grey water like you have. As for resale there will always be someone willing to pay and upgrade if you do not.

07-20-2011, 12:07 PM	#13
Rattlesnake Gal Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Central NH Posts: 5,252 Blog Entries: 1 Thanks: 1,451 Thanked 1,349 Times in 475 Posts	Septic Alternatives Sun-MAR Centrex 3000 Many islanders are turning to Septi-Tech.

09-08-2011, 03:24 PM	#14
DeniseW Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 6 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Is there a ladder to climb up to the toilet? I'd worry about falling off the toilet at night. Might have to install a catch net below it. __________________ Denise - Looking for Boston plumbers for bathroom remodel. Last edited by DeniseW; 10-01-2011 at 12:46 PM.

07-14-2011, 01:56 AM	#2
Rattlesnake Guy Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 1,254 Thanks: 423 Thanked 366 Times in 175 Posts	We have no septic. The financing of the property was impossible for this reason with many lenders. That combined with how far to the nearest fire station and fire hydrant kinda turned most off. Then we contacted Laconia Savings Bank who knows what it means to live on an island on Winnipesaukee. Property values are certainly higher for a property with septic, but if you get a good deal coming in, it is not a problem when you leave. Yes, it may scare some folks who won't buy your place someday. But the lower price might make it an option for others as well. I encourage you to look into plumbed in composting systems. Nothing reaches the ground. We have had ours for about 5 years now due to one of our son's girlfriends having a big problem with the incinerating toilet. We spent the $3500 to keep our son coming to the lake. I thank her about once a year for the prompt. We bought one bigger than we needed so we would not have to every worry about weekend company. It requires turning a handle on the unit every couple of days and the addition of some hemp type saw dust. I hope to put a motor on the crank one day when I get to be the only one doing it. The combination of exhaust of water vapor and digestion by natural process is remarkable.

07-14-2011, 10:20 AM	#4
jazzman Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Mont Vernon NH & Big Barndoor Island Posts: 320 Thanks: 4 Thanked 184 Times in 62 Posts	Rattlesnake Guy - What brand of composting toilet do you have? I read some on the internet about these and I've never seen a more hated product... Especially the Envirolet ones. 2nd question, is there any access for digging equipment on the non broads side of Rattlesnake? I can't imagine what a septic system would cost without some digging equipment. Do most Rattlesnake properties have septic systems? The terrain looks pretty challenging on most of the lots.

07-14-2011, 05:19 PM	#5
MAXUM Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Kuna ID Posts: 2,755 Thanks: 246 Thanked 1,942 Times in 802 Posts	I've been looking at island property now for about a year and a half and can tell you that of what I've seen at the lower end of the price scale few have an up to date septic system. If one does exist where it doesn't meet current standards make darn sure it was properly permitted at the time it went in and know your options should it fail. Does it affect re-sale, well as a potential buyer I've learned how expensive a fix that can be and how much difficulty there can be meeting the new DES rules enacted in 2008's updated shoreline protection act. Just something to keep in mind as you weigh your decision as it has become a big decision maker for me. The good thing is that the DES is becoming more open to alternative septic systems which can reduce the foot print from a conventional system, but not necessarily the price of installation. Not only that some of these alternatives can be used in areas where other options due to the geography may not be possible. Just remember no matter how challenging the lot with enough money any problem can be solved (usually). I've found that the only way to know for sure what your options are is to do research on your own and call both the town and DES to discuss the exact nature of the system you're about to inherit. Good luck in your potential purchase!

07-17-2011, 02:08 PM	#8
songkrai Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Posts: 725 Thanks: 35 Thanked 145 Times in 98 Posts	Here's one: LINK

07-18-2011, 07:19 AM	#9
Lakesrider Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 2,129 Thanks: 380 Thanked 1,016 Times in 345 Posts	Well if Bill Gates has his way.... http://www.time.com/time/world/artic...082509,00.html

The Following User Says Thank You to SIKSUKR For This Useful Post:
VitaBene (09-14-2011)

07-18-2011, 08:14 PM	#11
songkrai Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Posts: 725 Thanks: 35 Thanked 145 Times in 98 Posts	Whatever town or city this property is located in there should be a building permit on file. Also, Concord would have some records or any septic system if there ever was one applied for. I think all septic systems have to be reviewed upon the sale of any property. I don't know exactly what the review process is though. Some of the older properties may have home made systems and may never have been recorded. I'd tread lightly in any search.