Real Estate Septic Inspections in Jackson County, GA

Buying or selling a home on septic? A hidden septic problem can slow down closing day or leave a buyer with a big repair after they move in. A septic inspection gives everyone clear answers before anyone signs.

Septic Plus is a family owned company based on S Elm St in Commerce. Our family has more than 50 years of septic experience, and we have run Septic Plus since 2015. We are licensed and insured. We inspect septic systems for buyers, sellers, realtors and lenders all over Jackson County and Northeast Georgia. Call 770-472-7587 to set up an inspection.

Why a Septic Inspection Matters

A home inspection usually does not cover the septic system. The tank and drain field are under the ground, so you cannot see a problem by walking the yard. A tank can be full, cracked or missing a baffle. A drain field can be wet and failing. None of that shows up in the listing photos.

Finding a problem before closing gives you choices. A buyer can ask for a repair or a credit. A seller can fix it and keep the deal on track. Finding it after closing means the new owner pays for it alone.

What Our Inspection Covers

We find and open the tank
We check the liquid level and how much sludge and scum has built up
We look at the inlet and outlet baffles
We check the tank walls and lid for cracks or damage
We walk the drain field area and look for wet spots, smells or signs of backup
We run water in the house to see how the system handles it, when needed
We look at any permit or install records that are on file

When we are done, you get a clear written report. It says what we found and what needs to be done, if anything. It is written so a buyer, a seller and an agent can all understand it.

Common Problems We Find

A tank that has not been pumped in many years and is close to full
Missing or broken baffles that let solids flow into the drain field
Cracked or broken tank lids that are not safe to walk on
Roots growing into the tank or the pipes
Wet or soggy spots over the drain field
Pipes that are crushed or sagging so water does not flow well

Most of these can be fixed. Knowing about them early is what matters. A problem you know about is a problem you can plan for.

How to Get Ready for the Inspection

It helps if the tank lid can be found and reached. If you know where the tank is, mark it for us. Make sure we can get our truck close to the tank. If the home is empty, the water needs to be on so we can run it through the system. Any old pump records or permit papers are helpful too.

For Buyers

You are about to buy a home, and the septic system comes with it. Our inspection tells you how old the system looks, how it is working and if it needs pumping or repair. If the tank has not been pumped in years, we can pump it so you start fresh. If you are new to septic, read our new homeowner septic guide.

For Sellers

Getting an inspection before you list can save you stress later. If something needs work, you can take care of it on your own time instead of during a deadline. A clean report can also give buyers more trust in your home.

For Realtors and Home Inspectors

We know closings run on deadlines. We work with agents and inspectors to schedule the inspection and get the report where it needs to go. One call to our office and we will get it on the books. If we find a problem, we can explain it in plain words to everyone at the table.

If We Find a Problem

Not every problem means a new system. Many issues are small fixes, like a broken baffle, a cracked lid or a tank that just needs pumping. If the drain field is failing, we can look at drain field repair or replacement. We will tell you what has to be done now and what can wait.

We also do septic pumping, septic repair and camera diagnostics, so one company can take care of it from start to finish.

Where We Inspect

We do real estate septic inspections in Commerce, Jefferson, Hoschton, Braselton, Maysville, Nicholson, Homer, Athens and the towns around them. See all of our service areas.

Real Estate Septic Inspection Questions

Does a home inspection include the septic system? Most of the time, no. A regular home inspector checks the house. A septic inspection is a separate check of the tank and drain field.

Does the tank need to be pumped for the inspection? We need to open the tank and see inside. Pumping lets us see the walls and the bottom better. We can pump it at the same visit if needed.

Who usually pays for the inspection? It depends on the deal. Often the buyer orders it, but sometimes the seller does it before listing. Your agent can help you decide.

What if the home has an aerobic system? We inspect aerobic systems too. They have parts like pumps and air units that need a closer look.

Buying a Home on Septic? Ask for the Paperwork

Before you buy, a few papers can tell you a lot about the septic system. The EPA's guide for home buyers says to have the system inspected by a septic service provider before you buy. While that gets set up, here is what to ask for.

The system drawing. The EPA guide says you can request the "as built" drawing from your local health department's records. Around here, that is the county environmental health office.

Who may ask for an inspection. The EPA guide says a lender or your local government may require one. Georgia's homeowner guide adds that many lenders want a septic check before a loan closes.

For a brand new home. Georgia's septic rules cover this. The builder or contractor must give the new owner a notice about the system. It covers the system type, its design, and what upkeep it needs. Ask for it when the home changes hands.

Missing papers don't always mean a bad system. They just mean you should look closer. Septic Plus offers free septic inspections, so call 770-472-7587 before you sign.

A Quick Note for Out of Town Buyers

If you are moving here from a place with city sewer, a septic system may be new to you. That is okay. Our report explains what we found in plain words, and we are happy to answer your questions after you move in.

Schedule Your Inspection

Have a closing coming up? Call Septic Plus at 770-472-7587 or use our contact page. A local person answers, and our family will help you get the answers you need.