Wells, septic and other things nobody tells you

Almost every house I sell outside a village has a private well and a septic system. Neither is anything to worry about, but both need checking before you buy.

The well

Test the water for bacteria, nitrates and arsenic, and ask for the flow rate. A good test costs a few hundred dollars and takes a week.

The septic

Have the tank pumped and inspected, and ask the seller when it was last done. A healthy system lasts thirty years or more. A failed one is the single most expensive surprise in the valley, so never skip this inspection.