Septic & well inspectors
NC Septic Inspections
NC Septic Inspections performs certified septic system inspections in North Carolina for real estate transactions and for owners checking an existing system. Its clients are real estate agents and their buyers, mortgage companies that require an inspection, and homeowners who want to know whether the system has hidden problems.
Since January 1, 2008, North Carolina Environmental Services has required that a septic inspection for a real estate transaction, or for a homeowner with an existing tank, be carried out by an inspector certified by the state, which most home inspectors are not. Inspections here are performed by a North Carolina certified inspector who is also a Grade IV operator.
To book, the company asks for the buyer's name, the property address, the closing date, who requested the inspection and where to send the report, whether the property is vacant or occupied, and a contact for scheduling; the utilities must be on. The inspector produces a detailed report with photographs of the system, a copy of the septic permit and a diagram of the tank, and reports if the tank needs pumping. Supplying the original installation permit saves time and money, because a tank with no risers has to be uncovered before it can be inspected, sometimes from a foot or more down. The company also coordinates pumping and any repairs that are needed.
Well water testing for conventional, FHA, VA and USDA mortgages is offered alongside the inspection, with samples delivered to the lab on the day of inspection. Rates are not published; the contact page asks callers to phone for them, and the covered counties are listed on the services page, so confirm coverage for your address first.
Best for
Buyers, agents, lenders and owners who need a state-certified septic inspection, and often a well water test, on a North Carolina property before closing. Coverage is county by county, so check the list first.
What they do
- Certified septic system inspections
- Septic inspection reports for real estate closings
- Well water testing for FHA, VA, USDA and conventional loans
- Septic permit and tank diagram documentation
- Coordination of tank pumping
- Coordination of septic repairs
What stands out
- Inspections are performed by a North Carolina certified inspector who is also a Grade IV operator.
- Well water samples are sent to the lab on the day of the inspection.
- North Carolina has required a state-certified inspector for transaction septic inspections since January 1, 2008.
- Counties listed include Wake, Durham, Johnston, Orange, Chatham and Harnett, plus coastal counties such as Craven and Pamlico.
- The company says it has worked in the real estate and mortgage fields for more than 20 years.
Common questions
- Who is allowed to perform a septic inspection in North Carolina?
- Since January 1, 2008, North Carolina Environmental Services has required that a septic inspection for a real estate transaction, or for a homeowner with an existing tank, be performed by an inspector certified by the state. Most home inspectors can no longer perform the inspection and report.
- What does the inspection report contain?
- A detailed report with photographs of the system, a copy of the septic permit and a diagram of the tank, forwarded to the person who requested the inspection. If the inspection shows that the tank needs pumping, the report says so and the company can arrange it.
- What is needed to schedule an inspection?
- The buyer's name, the property address, the closing date, the name of the person requesting the inspection and where to send the report, plus whether the property is vacant or occupied and who to contact for access. Utilities must be on, and supplying the original installation permit helps locate a buried tank.