Who sould be responsible for a failed leach bed in a newly purchased home?

Question

Last month I purchased a home in the country. This month a water inspector told me the leach bed had caused me to fail the inspection. The house had been inspected before I bought it. Is this going to fall entirely on me or is this something I should bring to my lawyers attention?

I was informed in a letter from the township here that I had to have the water inspector come and retest everything within 2 months after the purchase.

Answer 1

As with any piping system, they are underground, and therefore are not something that can be checked by any inspector. If you read your inspection report, it will state that only visible components are inspected, and problems "could "be found in buried or hidden areas. There is no way an inspector can be held responsible for this. As far as the previous owner, it's his word against yours. Buyer beware, is what comes to mind. If the house seemed so perfect, why did the owner sell? These are questions I always ask. Old gravity type systems have several inherent problems, the main one, that when the water table is up, due to rain, the system doesn't work, PERIOD! Good luck!

Answer 2

First thing to check is the disclosure that is required in most areas when a home is sold. Previous owners may not omit things that they know are wrong with the home or property. Next person on the list is the inspector. Ask him what he inspected and how this could have happened. Problem is that many inspectors have a limited liability that only covers up to the amount of the inspection. Have to ask, why was a water inspector there a month after the sale?

Answer 3

Should be part of your home warranty if you have one. The first inspector should give an accounting. Could also go to a higher authority over the second inspector. Yes, get a lawyer's attention before taking any responsibility.

Answer 4

seller