Short answer
The state's disclosure form asks about the water source, any tests of non-public water, the type of sewage system, whether a septic has been inspected to confirm it is a true septic system and not a cesspool, when it was last cleaned, and whether you know of abandoned systems, wells or tanks.
Water source and well questions
The New Jersey Seller's Property Condition Disclosure Statement asks for the source of your drinking water: public, community system, well on the property, or other. If it is not public, it asks whether you have tested the water and when, and asks you to attach or describe the results. For a well, it asks when the well was installed and where it is located. It also asks whether you have a softener, filter or other purification system and whether it is leased or owned.
Septic versus cesspool
For sewage, the form asks whether you have public sewer, private sewer, a septic system or a cesspool. If you answered septic, it asks whether the system has ever been inspected to confirm it is a true septic system and not a cesspool. It asks when a septic system was installed, where it is, and when the septic system or cesspool was last cleaned or serviced. Pull your pump-out receipts before you complete the form.
Abandoned and shut-off systems
The form asks whether you are aware of abandoned septic systems or cesspools on the property, and if so whether the closure follows the municipality's ordinance. It also asks about shut-off, disconnected or abandoned wells, underground water or sewage tanks, and dry wells. And it asks whether either the private water system or the sewage system is shared with another property. These answers matter to buyers and to their lenders.
Plumbing problems
The plumbing section asks whether you know of leaks, backups or other problems with plumbing systems and fixtures, including pipes, sinks, tubs and showers, and any other water or sewage problems. It also asks whether wastewater from a clothes washer, dishwasher or other appliance discharges anywhere other than the sewer, septic or other system serving the rest of the property. Explain any yes answers in the space provided.
Selling a house on well and septic
Older homes on septic and wells can be harder to sell on the open market if testing finds problems. Kaizen Home Buyers makes cash offers on New Jersey houses as-is, with no repairs and no agent commission. We can give an offer within 24 hours and close in 14 to 30 days or on the date you choose. Call 267-329-0084. Answer the disclosure form honestly for any buyer. Listing with an agent is also possible if you want to repair first.