Visible Versus Hidden Encroachment

• As noted in the "The Real Estate Investor's Answer Book," a visible encroachment is "obvious to the eye, whereas a hidden encroachment is underground or not clearly visible because of some obstruction."
  
  

Septic Tanks

• Because they rely on an extensive underground network of pipes, septic tanks belonging to one property can easily breach the boundary of an adjoining property; this is known as septic tank encroachment. Septic tank encroachment tends to fall into the category of hidden encroachments, and often goes unnoted in property surveys.
  
  

Legal Action

• If and when encroachment is discovered, the encroachment may be resolved by a court ruling to change property boundaries, having the encroachment removed, or requiring that the encroaching party pay damages to the innocent property owner (but permitting the encroachment to remain).