I am was looking to make some modern renovations to my home and bring in some additional income in the process. My plan was to put a mother in law suit in the basement. The process required a change to the plumbing of the home to accommodate the addition of a kitchen and bathroom in the basement. Of course you cant do anything with the city sticking their nose into your business so I scheduled to have someone come out from the zoning department.
At first everything was going well, as well as it can with someone poking around your home. The issue we ran into was that the plumbing for the house was not built under the basement floor. I was aware of this prior to starting this project but knew a waste water pump could effectively move the water from the sub level to the septic system. What I didn’t know was that back when this house was built they did things mighty different than they do now. Back when my home was built they drilled the well and dug the septic system right next to each other. By today’s standards this is a BIG no no.
The concern is that septic waste could leak into the drinking water. I have been drinking this water for many years now without issue so I think it is fine. Apparently that is not a conclusive argument for the city health department though. They had to take samples of my drinking water and may require me to move the septic system. That will only be required though if I proceed with my remodeling plans. it seems silly to only require it if I remodel but I guess that is government.