Closing Ready NJ

County health department rules vary

Septic inspections for South Jersey home sales

Much of South Jersey is on private septic systems. Septic rules for home sales are set at the county and local health department level, so what's required depends on where the property is.

Where an inspection is required

In Cumberland County's health department jurisdiction, a third-party septic inspection is required whenever a home is sold. It must be done by a contractor registered with the county health office, using NJDEP's inspection form. Other counties and towns have their own rules, so call the local health department before you list or sign.

What an inspection covers

  • Locating and uncovering the tank, and pumping it so the inside can be checked.
  • Checking the tank, baffles and distribution box for damage.
  • Looking for signs that the drain field is failing, such as wet spots, odors or backups.

Why buyers want one even when it isn't required

A failed drain field can be one of the most expensive repairs a homeowner faces, and nothing about it shows from inside the house. Book the inspection early in your inspection period so there is time to get repair quotes.

Companies serving South Jersey

Listed from public sources. Confirm licensing or certification before you hire.

South Jersey Engineers LLC

Septic design, inspection, installation and repair

Voorhees, NJ · Serves Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Ocean, Salem counties

Contact info coming soon

Unclaimed listing. Source: Business directory profile (southern and central NJ). Is this your company?

Cedar Creek Septic LLC

Real estate septic inspections, repairs, pumping

598 Jackson Rd, Atco, NJ · Serves Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Ocean, Salem counties

Contact info coming soon

Unclaimed listing. Source: Business directory profile (Southern NJ). Is this your company?

Caprioni Family Septic

Septic pumping, cleaning, drain field service

Belleplain, NJ · Serves Cape May, Atlantic, Cumberland counties

Contact info coming soon

Unclaimed listing. Source: Business directory profile. Is this your company?

DiMeglio Septic, Inc.

Septic installation and service

Hammonton, NJ · Serves Atlantic County

Contact info coming soon

Unclaimed listing. Source: Business directory profile. Is this your company?

Atlantic Septic & Sewer, Inc.

Real estate septic inspections, pumping, repair

Jackson, NJ · Serves Ocean, Burlington counties

Contact info coming soon

Unclaimed listing. Source: Business directory profile. Is this your company?

Common questions

Is a septic inspection required to sell a house in NJ?

It depends on the county and town. Cumberland County's health department, for example, requires a third-party inspection by a registered contractor whenever a home is sold. Check with the local health department for the property.

Who can do a septic inspection for a home sale?

Where an inspection is required, it usually must be done by a contractor registered with the county health department, using NJDEP's inspection form.

Should a buyer get a septic inspection if it isn't required?

Usually yes. Drain field problems are expensive to fix and are not visible during a normal home inspection.