Professional Septic System Inspections in New Jersey

Not knowing enough about the condition of your septic system can be costly. Careful examination by a trained professional can accurately diagnose any potential problems in their early stages before they lead to expensive emergencies or larger repairs. The cost of periodic septic tank inspections and septic tank pumping is just a fraction of the cost of replacing all or part of a septic system.  

Common Reasons for a Septic System Inspection in NJ?

Major Changes and Repairs: Homeowners often need to have their onsite systems inspected to obtain building permits for constructing home additions or adding new buildings to their property. An inspection determines whether the system will be affected by the new construction, and if it will be able to handle any potential changes.

Real Estate Closings: In many cases, real estate closings have been delayed or terminated because of inspection findings. CJS is very "pro closing" on real estate transactions. Educating all parties (buyers, sellers, and agents) in how septic works, and how the inspection reports impact on the sale can turn a newly discovered problem into a positive outcome.

Annual Inspections: Routine inspections and maintenance, along with proper operating habits, significantly increases the potential that a system will function well for many years.

SECOND OPINIONS?

Why Should You Have Your Septic System Inspected?

• Protect your investment in your home and property
• Make sure it is functioning properly
• Fulfill legal or lending institution requirements for property transfers. Some local regulations and lending institutions require that systems be inspected prior to property transfers, just like termite and structural inspections
• Protect the health of your family and neighbors
• Extend the life of the system
• Protect wells and other local drinking water sources from contamination
• Protect life in local rivers, lakes, and coastal waters and prevent the need for costly rehabilitation efforts
• Comply with environmental and health regulations
• Homeowners can be held liable for problems and nuisances associated with failing systems
• Home Inspection Checklist: » Sample Complete Home Inspection Checklist

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How often should a septic system be inspected in NJ? 

Conventional septic tank/soil absorption systems are the most common type of onsite system serving individuals in the U.S. It is in the homeowners' interest to have their septic systems inspected regularly, even when regulations do not require it. Septic systems serving restaurants or other businesses or institutions must be inspected more frequently than residential systems because they usuallytreatwastewater that is higher in strength and volume.

It is especially important for homeowners to schedule annual inspections for new septic systems to monitor how quickly the layers of sludge and scum accumulate in the septic tank with normal use. If sludge scum layers are allowed to become thick, solid materials may flow from the septic tank into the soil absorption field, clogging the pipes and soil and causing the system to fail.

Annual inspections help homeowners estimate precisely how often they need to have their septic tank pumped out to avoid this problem. Inspections can also uncover any cracks, flaws, or other problems with the system, and they can help homeowners find out if they are using their systems wisely. For example, inspections can reveal if food scraps, or other inappropriate items, are being washed down the drain regularly, or if too much water is being used, which can overburden systems.

Property Transfers

It is not unusual for regulations or lending institutions to require that onsite system inspections be performed within a given time of the sale or transfer of property. This requirement sometimes can be waived if the owner has kept detailed records of past system inspections and maintenance. For their own protection, consumers should insist on a thorough system inspection before purchasing a home, whether or not it is required by local regulations; and once the home is purchased, they should maintain detailed and up-to-date records of all system inspection and service visits.

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Major Changes and Repairs to a House = Septic System Changes

Homeowners often need to have their onsite systems inspected to obtain building permits for constructing home additions or adding new buildings to their property. An inspection determines whether the system will be affected by the new construction and if it will be able to handle any potential changes in the amount or strength of the wastewater from the extra rooms or additional occupants. Inspections also may be required before making system repairs and other changes to the property that can affect the system. Changes in the use of a property, for example, from seasonal to year-round occupancy or from residential to commercial use, also affect onsite systems and inspections are often required before such changes are approved.

What if there is a problem with my septic system?

Inspections may uncover relatively minor system issues, such as tanks that need to be pumped and baffles that need to be repositioned or replaced, or they may bring attention to plumbing problems, such as leaky fixtures. However, in the event that an inspection reveals a more serious problem that requires repairing or replacing part of your system, you may want to contact your local health department for information and advice. Although inspectors may offer suggestions concerning repairs or different technologies to help your system, you will need to confirm which options are appropriate and allowed in your area.

For example, local health officials can confirm which options are most practical and cost-effective and which alternative treatment technologies are allowed by local regulations. You also need to know if your system must be repaired within a certain time, if you need a permit, and if your water supply needs to be checked for contaminants. Usually, the most serious problem is a failed system. The exact criteria for system failure varies from place to place depending on local regulations, but it usually indicates that operating the system in its current condition poses a threat to public health or the environment. Depending on the problem and conditions at the site, you may be advised to replace part of your system or to provide additional or alternative treatment. Responsible contractors and/or local health officials can help you sort out the most practical solutions for your situation.

Even if an inspection does reveal a problem that needs to be addressed, homeowners should feel reassured that because of the inspection, they know more about their system and how to operate and maintain it properly to avoid more problems in the future. After all, the cost of periodic inspections and pumping is just a fraction of the cost of replacing all or part of a system. Routine inspections and maintenance, along with proper operating habits, significantly increases the potential that a system will function well for many years.

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Gather Information About Your Septic System Inspection

One way homeowners can aid the inspection process and save considerable time and money is to provide the professionals performing the inspection with as much information about the system as possible. An "as-built" drawing of the system or reports from previous inspection or maintenance visits, for example, will help the inspector locate the system and inspect it thoroughly. Other helpful documents include operating manuals or manufacturer information for system components. Gathering this information in advance and having it on-hand at the inspection will help homeowners save time answering the inspectors' questions, and it may save the expense of someone else having to do the research.

Be Present During Your Septic Inspection

It is important for someone living in the home to be present during the inspection to answer any questions the inspectors have about the habits and lifestyle of the system users and to let the inspectors in the house to examine pipes and flush toilets. Another good reason for homeowners to be present is to oversee the inspection as an added precaution to ensure that everything is done thoroughly and correctly--for example, that any soil or sod that is removed is replaced neatly.

Ask Questions About Your Septic System Inspection Findings

Inspections are an excellent opportunity for homeowners to learn about their system and how to best care for it. It is a good idea to follow the inspector to observe and ask questions. Some health officials and other onsite system professionals are very good about taking the time to interact with homeowners and educate them about proper system operation and maintenance. However, like any group of people, different inspectors have different personalities and priorities, and it sometimes will be up to the homeowner to ask for this information.

What is a Septic Certification?

This is a written document stating that an onsite wastewater system has been inspected and was to be in satisfactory operating condition in accordance with established standards. Unfortunately, there is no government agency in New Jersey providing certification or licensing requirements for septic inspectors. It is strongly recommended that only inspectors that volunteer for optional training be used to inspect your septic system.

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NJ REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS

Don’t Let a Septic Problem Prevent You From Closing a NJ Real Estate Deal

As you well know, closings can be delayed and/or terminated due to septic system problems. Let Central Jersey Septic, Inc. be the company that helps you close the deal Central Jersey Septic, Inc (CJS), the area’s most reputable septic service company, provides home buyers and sellers with objective septic system inspections using protocols recommended by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP). CJS is “Pro Closing” In addition to quick professional service, CJS provides a systematic checklist to reassure assure buyers if a problem occurs. CJS is able to correct the problem quickly and efficiently. A system with a problem does not have to mean a real estate deal will fall through. 

 By educating all of the parties (buyers, sellers, agents and attorneys) on how a septic system operates, CJS has the ability to transform a newly discovered problem into a positive outcome. We encourage sellers to have a septic system inspection performed prior to placing their home on the market. This allows sellers to anticipate minor repairs as well as potential deal closing problems before they occur.

 

In this case, an inspection can help avoid surprises that will certainly cause concern for buyers or even result in lawsuits after the transaction

has been made. Sellers are in a better “sales position” if they know about potential problems before they begin the negotiation and sales process. It will certainly help to avoid buyer objections and affords sellers the time to get competitive estimates and weigh the different options.

If a buyer needs an inspection and our report identifies a problem, the information allows the buyer and seller to negotiate a closing agreement where either the seller may assume all or no responsibility, money is placed in an escrow for repairs or replacements, the cost is divided between the seller and buyer, or the purchase price is reduced to cover the cost or repair or replacement.

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Why Choose Central Jersey Septic to Complete Septic System Inspections?

• We are septic specialists – that’s all we do!
• We respect the seller’s property and avoid damage when we conduct inspections.
• When you ask for referrals, we give you a list of the last (3) jobs, not a handpicked list.
• Qualified, trained inspectors who carry current certifications cards

 Certified trained inspectors

• Courses taken annually to maintain certifications, learn new rules and regulations

Follow DEP & Health Department Protocols Mark-out utility Lines Camera to locate any issues without disrupting landscape
 

 

Click to Download Our Real Estate Sell Sheet

Click to Download Our Inspection Order Form

Click to Download Our Property Owners Authorization Form

Click to Download the NJDEP Form

Central Jersey Septic frequently completes residential septic inspections in Colts Neck, NJ, residential septic inspections in Holmdel, NJ, residential septic inspections in Marlboro, NJ, residential septic inspections in Manalapan, NJ, residential septic inspections in Freehold, NJ, residential septic inspections in Millstone, NJ, residential septic inspections in Howell, NJ, residential septic inspections in Wall Twp, NJ, residential septic inspections in Jackson, NJ, residential septic inspections in Rumson, NJ, residential septic inspections in Tinton Falls, NJ, residential septic inspections in Middletown, NJ, and residential septic inspections in Old Bridge, NJ for homeowners and real estate agents, just to name a few. Your septic tank inspection in NJ is important to assure that your septic system investment is working properly and will continue to do so for years to come. Trust your septic tank system inspection to the most reasonable, experienced septic inspection company in NJ, Central Jersey Septic, Inc.