Hi — I’m Tobey, owner of Carl’s Septic Services.

If there’s one call I wish I didn’t get as often as I do, it’s this one:

“I wish we had inspected it sooner.”

In New Hampshire, more than 65% of homes rely on septic systems. That means most homeowners are quietly depending on something underground they rarely see — and understandably don’t think about — until there’s a problem.

This guide is me slowing things down and walking you through what a septic inspection really does, why it matters more in 2025, and how it protects your home, your money, and your peace of mind.

Why Septic System Inspections Matter More Than Ever in New Hampshire

A septic inspection isn’t just a checkbox. It’s a safeguard.

I’ve seen routine inspections catch small issues that cost a few hundred dollars to fix. I’ve also seen skipped inspections lead to leach field failures costing $25,000 or more. The difference is usually timing — not luck.

Inspections also protect something bigger than your wallet: New Hampshire’s groundwater and lakes. That’s why initiatives like Get Pumped! NH recommend professional inspection and pumping every one to four years .

The 2025 Waterfront Septic Inspection Law (RSA 485-A:39), Explained Simply

This law has changed a lot of real-estate conversations — and confused plenty of buyers.

When Is a Septic Inspection Legally Required?

If you’re buying a developed property where any part of the septic system sits within 250 feet of a protected waterbody, a professional septic evaluation is now mandatory.

What Homebuyers Need to Know

• The buyer is now responsible for the inspection

• An existing inspection can be accepted if completed within 180 days

• If the system is in failure, it must be fixed within 180 days of discovery

Who Can Perform These Inspections?

Only state-licensed septic evaluators or permitted designers. This isn’t a DIY situation — and lenders won’t accept shortcuts.

What Actually Happens During a Professional Septic Inspection

One thing I always tell homeowners:
A real inspection looks deeper than you expect — and that’s a good thing.

Here’s what we evaluate:

Septic Tank Integrity

We check for cracks, corrosion, or structural issues that could compromise the tank.

Baffles and Filters

A missing or damaged outlet baffle is one of the most common — and expensive — causes of system failure. We catch it early.

Sludge and Scum Levels

When solids reach one-third of the tank depth, it’s time to pump. Waiting longer puts your leach field at risk.

Leach Field Conditions

Pooling water, soggy soil, or unusually green grass can indicate saturation or failure.

Pumps, Floats, and Alarms

If your system uses a lift station, we test all mechanical and electrical components — before they fail when you least expect it.

Winter Septic Inspections: A New Hampshire Reality

Winters here aren’t just cold — they’re unpredictable.

Without a thick layer of insulating snow, frost can reach septic pipes fast. I’ve seen perfectly good systems “flash freeze” simply because a drip or low flow ran all night.

What Winter Inspections Look For

• Low-flow leaks from furnaces or faucets

• Early signs of ice blockage

• Shallow pipes vulnerable to frost

Simple Prevention That Works

Before deep winter sets in, adding 8–12 inches of straw or hay mulch over tanks and pipes can make a huge difference.

Warning Signs You Should Never Ignore

You don’t need to wait for sewage in the basement to call us.

Here are the red flags I tell every homeowner to trust:

• Persistent sewage odors outdoors

• Drains slowing throughout the house

• Wet or soggy soil over the system

• Grass growing faster or greener in one area

Catching these early almost always means a simpler, cheaper fix.

Why Homeowners Across Southern NH Trust Carl’s Septic

Carl’s Septic has been serving Southern New Hampshire for over 40 years — long before I took over ownership. My responsibility is to carry that trust forward.

That means:

• Clear explanations

• Honest recommendations

• No scare tactics

• No hidden fees

Whether it’s a real-estate inspection or routine maintenance, our goal is to leave homeowners feeling informed — not pressured.

If You’re Unsure, That’s the Right Time to Call

Most septic problems don’t announce themselves loudly at first. They whisper.

If you’re buying, selling, or just haven’t had your system inspected in years, don’t guess.

📞 Phone: 603-483-2539
📧 Email: CarlsSepticNH@gmail.com
📍 Location: 320 Baker Rd, Candia, NH 03034

From one homeowner to another — I’d rather answer your questions early than meet you during an emergency.