Septic System Inspections (On-Site Wastewater)

Comprehensive septic inspections can be performed on any system and are most commonly performed at residences.  AWT’s septic inspections include a thorough evaluation of the current condition of your system, along with a complete inspection report.  AWT performs inspections for routine maintenance and point-of-sale (real estate) transactions. It is easy to schedule a septic inspection.  Once you have filled out this request form, AWT will contact you shortly with our first available appointment to make sure it works for your schedule.

Numerous systems in North Carolina are required by law to have a routine inspection twice (or more) per year.  These inspections include a comprehensive evaluation of current performance, wastewater monitoring/sampling (if applicable), and maintenance.  If you have a question regarding your system or need an operator to remain in compliance, please contact AWT immediately.

Well and septic system inspections constitute a snapshot evaluation in time of the system(s) and do not guarantee future performance of the system(s) due to numerous factors including, but not necessarily limited to, the following: water use patterns of the inhabitants of the dwelling, occupancy of the dwelling (no occupancy for an extended period of time or occupancy in excess of the system design parameters), acts of God or natural disasters, lack of visibility of many of the system components, placement of inappropriate items into the system (non-degradable items, water softener brine, etc.), physical disturbance of or damage to the system or system components, etc.  Furthermore, only the above ground components of the well that are visible from the soil surface are inspected.

Well Inspections

AWT can also assist with completing a well analysis and provide consumers with finalized reports detailing the water samples. Because we are not licensed well contractors, we cannot remove the well cap or pump for an inspection. Therefore, our primary objective with a well inspection is to ensure that the above ground components of the well are properly sealed and that the piping/electrical components at the above ground well head are in working order. In addition, we will report the specifications of the well that is listed on the permit or the well plate if available.

Well and Septic Inspection FAQ

• I live in Wake County. How do I know if I should have my drinking water tested for unsafe levels of uranium, radon, and radium?
  • Wake County offers an interactive map that can be used to help make a decision. Please note this should be used as a reference and not an absolute answer. If you are concerned about the quality of your drinking water, it is always best to have it tested regardless.
• How much does a Septic System inspection cost?
  • A septic inspection ranges between $450 to $500. Gravity, pump, pressure manifold, and LPP systems are $450.  Advanced systems (Pretreatment, Drip, spray, or other alternatives) are $500. This does not include pumping. AWT does not require pumping in order to complete an inspection. If pumping is elected, it is an additional $450-600. Specific pricing will be confirmed before the service is scheduled.
  • For buried septic tank lids without access risers, AWT’s standard operating procedure involves excavating using hand tools. From time-to-time tanks are buried excessively deep or issues are discovered which may present a safety risk or risk of damage to the septic system or the home/structures or the landscaping. For that reason, AWT reserves the right to request additional equipment or inform the client of any risk concerns for any tank lid buried more than 24 inches from the soil surface. We also reserve the right to terminate any inspection where an immediate safety risk or risk of damage to the system/home/structure/landscaping is encountered. A trip charge of $175 will still apply in these situations to cover time, mileage, and labor.
• How much does a well inspection cost?
  • Pricing for water testing with well head inspection only (no septic inspection):
    • $315.00 (Coliform bacterial analysis) (3 business days)
    • $400.00—FHA/VA/HUD (Coliform bacterial analysis, Lead, Nitrate/Nitrite) (10-12 business days)
    • $550.00—Level 1 (Everything in FHA/VA/HUD – PLUS:  Antimony, Arsenic, Barium, Beryllium, Cadmium, Calcium, Chromium, Copper, Iron, Magnesium, Manganese, Mercury, Nickel. Selenium, Silver, Sodium, Thallium, Uranium, Vanadium, Zinc, Hardness) (10-12 business days)
  • Pricing for water testing with Well Head Inspection During the SAME VISIT as Septic Inspection:
    • $150.00 (Coliform bacterial analysis) (3 business days)
    • $235.00—FHA/VA/HUD (Coliform bacterial analysis, Lead, Nitrate/Nitrite) (10-12 business days)
    • $385.00—Level 1 (Everything in FHA/VA/HUD – PLUS:  Antimony, Arsenic, Barium, Beryllium, Cadmium, Calcium, Chromium, Copper, Iron, Magnesium, Manganese, Mercury, Nickel. Selenium, Silver, Sodium, Thallium, Uranium, Vanadium, Zinc, Hardness) (10-12 business days)
• Are there other potential costs for a septic or well inspection?
  • A trip charge of $175 may be applied for inspections that cannot be completed upon our arrival for circumstances beyond our control.
  • Leak Tests- $175 for each visit (no more than 3 visits are typically required)
  • Re-inspection to verify repairs on inspection previously preformed by AWT- $225
  • Re-sampling of wells previously inspected by AWT (Well Only Inspection) fee with a $50 discount.
  • If a home/septic system is 50 years or older an additional labor charge of $100 may apply due to the nature of older systems. If system has been replaced or upgraded then this fee may not apply.
• What kind of water test do I need?
  • The type of water sample you need is dependent on a variety of factors. You may have specific loan requirements. However, if that is not the case, we always start by recommending at least a Bacterial analysis. A Full Panel is recommended if the home is older than 1970s and is suspected to have used metal piping or lead solder in the pipe connections. Our most extensive water test includes everything from our full panel sample along with 20 metals, uranium, and hardness. This is a good test for those very concerned about the quality of their drinking water. If the home is in the area along the Rolesville Granite formation, please call our office to discuss the testing available for this.
• What does a well/septic system inspection look at/evaluate/cover?
  • We have a 2-page checklist that we follow during our inspection.  The checklist is based on our experience and our certification board’s requirements.  We can send you a copy of the checklist if you like. However, here is an overview of what is included. We inspect the septic tank for integrity, the inlet pipe, the outlet pipe, the outlet baffle, the baffle wall, and the effluent filter.  We also inspect the septic for pumping requirements. We inspect the pump tank (when a pump tank is present) for all the same things as the septic tank.  We also inspect the following in the pump tank: pump operation, float switches, high water alarm, and control panel.  Finally, we inspect the drainfield for surfacing effluent (wastewater on top of the ground), unauthorized uses (parking, building, traffic, etc.), vegetative cover, surface water diversions, and the integrity of any components at the soil surface (distribution box, manifold, cleanouts, laterals, valving, etc.).
  • Because we are not licensed well contractors, we cannot remove the well cap or pump for an inspection. Therefore, our primary objective with a well inspection is to ensure that the above ground components of the well are properly sealed and that the piping/electrical components at the above ground well head are in working order. In addition, we will report the specifications of the well that is listed on the permit or the well plate if available.
• What areas do you service?
  • We do inspections in much of the Triangle area and more. However, inspections with a distance of 50 to 75 miles from AWT’s service area will be subject to a $100 fee for travel costs. Inspections further than 75 miles from AWT’s service area are priced on a case by case basis.
  • We have an extended service area along the I-85 corridor between Concord and High Point.
• How can I make a payment?
  • By check made payable to AWT or debit/credit card at agriwaste.com/payments
• When will I receive my results?
  • The septic report generally takes 2-3 business days to get out. Water results depend on what level of water testing is requested.
• Do you do well chlorination or repairs?
  • In general, we do not offer these services. However, we can recommend a number of qualified professionals that can assist with repairs. We can also advise as to the general reasonable expected range of costs for repairs.  Please feel free to call us for recommendations and/or information.