Closing on a home comes with a long new home buyer checklist, and if your property isn’t connected to the public sewer, that list should include your septic system. Before you sign, you should know how your septic system works, what condition it’s in, and who to call once you move in. C & H Disposal Service, Inc. has served homeowners across South New Jersey for more than 45 years with important residential services to help ease the transition to homeownership. We’re here to walk new buyers through everything septic, from initial questions to ongoing care.
Key Takeaways
- Not every home has a septic tank. Only properties without a public sewer connection need one.
- Confirm what your future home has before closing, using records, a site walk, and a professional evaluation.
- C & H Disposal Service, Inc. offers inspections, pumping, repairs, and maintenance plans for new owners throughout South Jersey.
Do New Homes Have Septic Tanks?
Whether your new home has a septic tank depends entirely on its location and sewer access. Homes in cities and many suburbs typically connect to public sewer lines. However, homes in rural stretches of South Jersey often rely on a septic tank and drainfield to manage wastewater. If your newly built home is in a rural area, it likely needs a septic system.
How to Confirm What Your Home Has
Don’t assume your home is hooked up to the public sewer if you live in a city. You still need to verify. There are a few ways you can find out if you have a septic system before you close:
- Check the property disclosure and county health department records for a listed septic system.
- Walk the yard and look for a raised or slightly sunken mound, a manhole-style cover, or a distinct patch of grass that is greener than the rest.
- Ask your real estate agent whether utility bills show a sewer charge. If there’s no sewer bill, the home likely has a septic tank.
- Bring in a professional. C & H Disposal Service, Inc. can locate the tank, confirm the system type, and evaluate its condition before you finalize your purchase.
While records and visual cues can point you in the right direction, only a professional evaluation confirms the system’s condition.
Septic Services for New Home Buyers
C & H Disposal Service, Inc. is registered with the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA), and our team handles every stage of septic ownership. Our septic services for new buyers and owners include:
- Pre-closing septic inspection, including tank and drainfield location, pumping, and a structural evaluation
- Routine and emergency pumping for residential systems
- Repairs for cracked pipes, backups, and general wear
- Installation for new construction or full system replacement
- Snaking, filter cleaning, hydraulic load testing, and Bio-Active treatment packets to keep systems running smoothly
Whatever stage of home ownership you’re in, we can step in and handle it. We also offer portable toilets and roll-off containers to help make moving easier.
Maintenance Tips
Most septic systems last 20 to 40 years, as long as you keep up with general maintenance:
- Pump the tank every three to five years, depending on its size, your household size, and how often you use it.
- Do a monthly visual check of the drainfield for standing water, soggy patches, or unusual green growth.
- Each season, confirm nothing is parked or driven over the tank or drainfield. Keep roots and landscaping clear of the area.
- Watch your water use. Spreading out laundry and dishwasher loads reduces strain on your septic system.
- Never flush wipes, grease, hygiene products, or chemicals, as they can cause backups.
Some warning signs require a professional right away. Call us if you notice a system alarm, sewage odors indoors or outdoors, slow or gurgling drains, or standing water near the tank or drainfield. Our team handles all your septic maintenance needs and repairs.
Service Areas and How to Schedule
At C & H Disposal Service, Inc., we serve homeowners throughout Atlantic, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, and Salem counties. Our hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with Saturday appointments available upon request.
When you call to schedule, have this information ready so we can assign the right truck, equipment, and time window:
- Your address and closing date, if you’re scheduling before you move in
- Tank size and location, if known
- Site access details, such as gates, distance from the driveway, or landscaping near the tank
- Any red flags you’ve noticed, such as odors, slow drains, or a system alarm
If you’re dealing with a backup, overflow, or strong odor, let us know when you call. We offer same-day visits for emergencies.
Let Us Help Make Your House Feel Like Home
Buying a home without public sewer access means taking on a system you may have never managed before. With the right information and a trusted local team behind you, that responsibility is less intimidating.
At C & H Disposal Service, Inc., we’ve provided septic tank services across South Jersey for over 45 years. Ready to get started? Contact us today to book a septic inspection or evaluation before closing or set up a maintenance plan.
Frequently Asked Questions About Septic Tank Service
How do I know I have a septic tank?
Check your property disclosure, look for a tank cover or a mound in the yard, and confirm whether your utility bills include a sewer charge.
How often should a septic tank be pumped?
Most residential tanks need pumping every three to five years.
Should I get a septic inspection before buying a home?
Yes. An inspection confirms the tank’s location, condition, and how well it’s working. C & H Disposal Service, Inc. offers septic tank inspections throughout South Jersey.
