Call (775) 552-5179 to talk to a local septic pro.
Whether you’re buying a home, selling one, or just want to know what shape your system is in, a septic inspection gives you facts instead of guesses. Carson Valley Septic connects homeowners, buyers, sellers and real-estate agents in Carson City, Gardnerville, Minden and across the Carson Valley with a licensed local septic provider for inspections.
Real-estate septic inspections
A septic system is buried, so a standard home inspection usually can’t tell you much about it. That’s why many buyers in the Carson Valley and Carson City ask for a separate septic inspection during escrow.
For buyers, an inspection can reveal a failing leach field, broken baffles, a cracked tank or an undersized system before you’re the one paying to fix it. That information can shape your offer or your repair requests.
For sellers, inspecting before you list lets you fix problems on your schedule, answer buyer questions with confidence, and avoid a deal falling apart late in escrow.
Nevada requires sellers to give buyers a written disclosure of the property’s condition under NRS 113.130, using the state’s seller’s real property disclosure form. Nevada does not have a statewide rule requiring a septic inspection at sale. Lenders, buyers or local agencies may have their own requirements, so check with your agent, your lender, and Douglas County or Carson City if you’re unsure what applies to your property.
What a septic inspection usually covers
Every provider’s process differs a little, but a thorough inspection typically includes:
- Locating the tank and system components, and noting whether lids and risers are accessible.
- Pumping the tank (often done together) so the inside of the tank can be seen.
- Checking the tank for cracks, leaks, root intrusion and the condition of the lid.
- Checking the inlet and outlet baffles that keep solids in the tank.
- Checking liquid levels for signs of backup from the leach field.
- Looking over the drain field for wet spots, odors or surfacing effluent.
- Checking pumps, floats and alarms on systems that have them.
- A written summary of what was found and any recommended repairs.
Ask the provider exactly what their inspection includes, and whether a camera inspection of the lines is available if it’s needed.
Routine inspections for homeowners
You don’t have to be selling to benefit from an inspection. A checkup is worth doing if:
- You bought the house and don’t know the system’s history
- You’re planning an addition, garage or extra bedroom (in Carson City, Environmental Health reviews build-outs on septic properties to make sure the existing system isn’t impacted)
- You’ve noticed slow drains, odors or wet spots
- It’s been years since anyone looked at the system
Helpful records to gather
If you have them, these make an inspection faster and more useful:
- Past pumping receipts and dates
- Any repair invoices
- The original septic permit or plot plan (Douglas County and Carson City septic permits go through the building department)
- The number of bedrooms, which affects required tank size
Timing tips for escrow
Septic inspections are often scheduled within the buyer’s inspection contingency period. Book early. If the tank lid is buried, digging it up can take time, and if a repair is needed you’ll want room to get quotes before deadlines.
Areas we serve for septic inspections
Carson City, Gardnerville, Minden, Genoa, Johnson Lane, Indian Hills, Gardnerville Ranchos, Fish Springs, Ruhenstroth and Dayton.
Book a septic inspection
Have the property address and your escrow timeline handy. Agents are welcome to call on a client’s behalf.
Call (775) 552-5179 to talk to a local septic pro.
Carson Valley Septic connects callers with an independent, licensed local septic service provider. Work is performed by that provider, not by this website.
Frequently asked questions
Does Nevada require a septic inspection when a home is sold?
There is no statewide inspection requirement that we could verify. Sellers must complete Nevada’s disclosure form (NRS 113.130). Check with your agent, lender and county for any other requirements.
Who pays for the inspection?
That’s negotiated between buyer and seller. Often the buyer orders it, but sellers sometimes inspect before listing.
How long does an inspection take?
It depends on how easy the tank is to find and open. Ask the provider when you book.
What if the inspection finds a problem?
You’ll get a description of the issue. From there you can get a repair quote and negotiate with the other party.