New Free Guide Explains Santa Cruz County's Septic Rules for Home Sales Ahead of Rainy Season
The Californer/10360231

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. - Californer -- SANTA CRUZ, Calif. - Santa Cruz Septic Service, a local referral service that connects homeowners with septic companies, has published a free online guide explaining Santa Cruz County's septic rules in plain English.

Tens of thousands of rural homes in the county rely on septic systems, from the San Lorenzo Valley and Bonny Doon to the Summit and the hills above Aptos and Corralitos. Many owners don't learn the rules until something goes wrong, or until they're already in escrow.

The guide covers the county's point-of-sale requirement, which applies to sales closing on or after July 1, 2023. Most homes on septic now need a pumping inspection report from a liquid waste hauler registered with County Environmental Health, done within six months before the sale, plus a disclosure form sent to the county. If repairs are needed, buyers and sellers can agree to a Transfer of Responsibility.

"Most people find out about this in the middle of a sale, when time is short," a spokesperson for Santa Cruz Septic Service said. "Booking the inspection when you decide to list takes a lot of stress out of it."

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The guide also explains when septic work needs a county permit, why the San Lorenzo Valley follows its own repair standards, and what enhanced treatment systems are.

With the rainy season coming, the site offers simple tips for homeowners on septic:

- Pump the tank before winter if it's due. A full tank has less room when the ground is soaked.

- Know where the tank lids are before there's a problem.

- If sewage backs up, stop using water, keep people and pets away, and don't open the tank or pour in chemicals.

Santa Cruz Septic Service does not perform septic work. Homeowners can call or send their details online any time, and a local septic company contacts them directly. There's no charge for the referral.

Read the home sale guide: https://santacruzsepticservice.com/septic-inspection-home-sale/

About Santa Cruz Septic Service

Santa Cruz Septic Service is a referral service for homeowners in Santa Cruz County, California. It connects people with local septic companies for pumping, inspections, repairs, and emergencies. Learn more at https://santacruzsepticservice.com