By Meghan Belnap
Living in the country is at the core of many people's dreams. Fresh air, gardens and wild animals are a big part of the draw. If you're considering a move to the country, there are some things you should know about maintaining a rural property. Here are a few tips to help you keep your rural home in top shape.
Water Well
Most rural properties rely on water wells for their water supply. This means that you'll need to have your well regularly inspected and serviced to ensure that it is functioning properly. You'll also need to be sure to know how your pump and tank work and how to troubleshoot and fix minor issues they may have. You'll also want to have the proper equipment on hand in case of a power outage or other emergency or install a generator to power the pump in the absence of electricity.
Septic System
Another thing to be aware of if you're moving to the country is that most rural properties rely on septic systems for their wastewater. This means that you'll need to have your septic system inspected and pumped every few years to keep it working properly. You'll also want to be careful about what you put down your drains and toilets as some things can clog and damage your system. When buying a property, it's a good idea to have local experts, like those at Rob's Septic Tanks Inc, come out and do an inspection on the system to assess its age, size,and condition to determine whether it is adequate for your family's needs.
Foliage
One of the most attractive features of rural properties is the usually larger property sizes. Even if a property doesn't have acreage, the lot sizes tend to be much bigger than city lots. If you've ever mowed your lawn and a few days later the grass was shin-high already, imagine how much effort it will take to tend a large yard. If you end up buying a rural property, this is a great time to consider a riding mower. They are versatile and can pull utility trailers, or even small garden plows. You'll also need a variety of trimming devices for trees and bushes. In the country where "growing like a weed" manifests into reality, you'll need to round up all the gardener's power tools you can get!
Security
There is a common notion that living in the country is automatically safer than living in the city. While this may be true in some cases, there are also certain dangers that come with rural living. Because properties are often more spread out, it can take law enforcement longer to respond to an incident. This is why it's important to have a good security system in place as well as a few well-trained guard dogs. You should also be aware of your surroundings and know who your neighbors are and how to get in touch with them in case of an emergency.
With a little bit of preparation, country living can indeed be the stuff of dreams. Just be sure to do your research and be proactive with maintenance to manage the challenges that come with rural property.
Meghan Belnap is a freelance writer who enjoys spending time with her family. She loves being outdoors and researching new topics that help to expand her horizons.
