septic (Bridgton: for sale, homeowners insurance, lender)

[krisk590]

Our leach field is failing. Has anyone put in a leachfield themselves? How frustrating!Someone told me it could very well be a $10,000 fix. Would homeowners insurance cover some of this?

[AustinB]

Originally Posted by krisk590

Our leach field is failing. Has anyone put in a leachfield themselves? How frustrating!Someone told me it could very well be a $10,000 fix. Would homeowners insurance cover some of this?

If it is your leachfield that is failing, you will need to have a soils person come and design a new leachfield for you. Yes, you can put it in yourself, as per design.
As for the insurance, call your agent. Good luck.

[399083453]

Usually no.

Its another part of 'required maintenance', and is not covered by insurance. Same approach as having to replace your roofing or siding due to it eventually wearing out. Homeowners insurance does not cover normal repairs and "wear and tear" items. It covers damage due to accidents.

[Maineah]

We had our septic system re-done about 8 years ago. It was nearly $20,000. We had the old leachfield dug out, had the baffles power washed, had the old drainage field removed and replaced, reset the baffles and added 6 more chambers, put in a new 1000 gallon septic tank, and had the area back filled, loamed, and seeded. It is expensive and once it's gone you have no choice but to tear it all out and start over. Home owners does not cover it and I'd never try to do it myself. Try shoveling crushed rock sometime and you'll gladly pay the money to have it done by a pro.

[Submariner]

$150 should get you a new approved design and permit.

[krisk590]

$ 20000 wow! that could sink us. I called our septic person and was told it would be 400 just to have someone come to the house to get it done. I hate the idea of even $10000 but at least it would get done. Our house is up for sale and with the updates being done I might just want to stay. I've raised my family here and did not realize how attached I am to this property.

[wabanaki]

I would question what will be done for $400.00.
I was once told by a trade person when i asked what would it cost do the work, he said "don't worry about we will work it out", the bill come up to about $3000. I had the same work done in other state cost $200.00 (100 per hr, 2 hr). I did not press for the price thinking it would be some where with in that number, his hour rate is $45.00 /hr (22 hrs) plus materialss no cover by utility company unlike other state.

Originally Posted by krisk590

$ 20000 wow! that could sink us. I called our septic person and was told it would be 400 just to have someone come to the house to get it done. I hate the idea of even $10000 but at least it would get done. Our house is up for sale and with the updates being done I might just want to stay. I've raised my family here and did not realize how attached I am to this property.

[399083453]

$400 is about what I've paid for soil tests (aka perk test)

But yes, get it in writing what he is coming out to do and what it will cost.

[WhoFanMe]

Unfortunatley it will not add value to your home, as 399083453 stated above, it is maintenance, similar to a new roof, siding or heating system. It is a required disclosure however, and a buyer and/or lender will require it to be functional before closing. A cash buyer will discount the house that amount or more, so you don't have a lot of options.

[krisk590]

I know it won't add value but a new septic might be more inticing. Called the town office and the septic isn't even on file with them. Thats how old it is. Surprised it lasted this long. Found out this used to be the old Bridgton post office. Thanks for all your input.