What Is a Septic Inspection and Why Is It Important in New Hampshire?
- Jim Johnson
- Nov 20
- 2 min read
🏡 What Is a Septic Inspection and Why Is It Important in New Hampshire?
In many parts of Central New Hampshire — including Plymouth, Campton, Rumney, Thornton, Ashland, and most rural towns — homes rely on private septic systems instead of public sewer.
A septic inspection is one of the most important steps in the buying process, and skipping it can lead to major, expensive surprises later.
Here’s everything buyers and sellers should know.
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What Is a Septic Inspection?
A septic inspection evaluates the entire wastewater system, including:
The septic tank
The distribution box
The leach field
Baffles and filters
Pumping and liquid levels
Signs of backups or system failure
Licensed septic professionals check how the system is functioning and whether repairs or replacements are needed.
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Why Septic Inspections Matter in NH
In New Hampshire, septic systems:
Can cost $15,000–$40,000+ to replace
Are crucial for rural properties
Are often decades old
May fail without visible warning signs
A failing system can stop a sale, trigger financing issues, or require costly repairs.
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Common Problems Found During NH Septic Inspections
✔ Saturated or failing leach field
✔ Cracked tank
✔ Blocked or damaged baffles
✔ Tree root intrusion
✔ Broken distribution box
✔ Evidence of backups inside the home
✔ Systems not sized correctly for the number of bedrooms
Even if toilets flush and drains seem normal, hidden problems can exist — which is why inspections are essential.
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Do Sellers Have to Pump the Septic Before Selling?
No — New Hampshire does not require sellers to pump a septic system before listing or selling.
However, many buyers request:
✔ Pumping at the time of inspection
✔ A full septic evaluation by a licensed professional
✔ Receipts showing past pumping and maintenance
A system with regular maintenance history is a great selling point.
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Q&A
Q: Can a lender deny financing over a bad septic?
A: Yes. If the system is failing, most lenders require it to be repaired or replaced before closing.
Q: Should buyers ever waive a septic inspection?
A: Absolutely not. Septic issues are among the most expensive problems in NH real estate.
Keywords
nh septic inspection, new hampshire septic systems, plymouth nh home buying, campton nh real estate tips, rumney nh septic guide, thornton nh rural homes, central nh private septic
Jim Johnson — Real Estate Agent
58 NH Route 25A
Wentworth, NH 03282
P: (857) 249-7392
Licensed New Hampshire REALTOR® with Three Hills Real Estate Services
Broker Email: info@ThreeHillsRES.com
Broker Website: www.ThreeHillsRES.com
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