Begin with our checklist for buying a house with a septic system. It follows the order things come up: records, inspection, who pays, and what a failed drain field does to the deal. Sellers can use it backwards.
For the inspection, compare what each type costs and what it finds, check who pays and what the contingency should say, and learn why a dye test on its own proves little. On an FHA loan, read the FHA distance rules before the appraisal. After closing, coverage splits in two: what homeowners insurance pays for, and what home warranties and add-on septic coverage add.
Rules vary by state and county. Take these pages to your agent, inspector and lender as a list of questions, not as legal advice.
