Or, consider upgrading your septic evaluation to a Camera Septic Inspection, the most comprehensive septic inspection available. We use a high-tech, industrial-grade SeeSnake fiber-optic camera with 200 feet of fiber optic cable to detect problems like root infiltration and dips or breaks in your lines.
Most counties require you to have this type of inspection before they issue permits for building additional structures like decks, pools, home additions, etc. on your property.
We perform a standard septic evaluation as outlined above, with the addition of using a fiber-optic camera to view and record the front and back plumbing lines to learn about potential clogging points. The inspection includes excavating the back end of the tank by hand and exposing the distribution box when accessible, provided these are within 3ft of grade and do not have obstructions above their access lids.
This process usually takes 2-3 hours, and we provide the video and a written report that includes a detailed map and dimensions of your system within 24 hours.
Learn more about how your septic system works.
Water can be tested for just about any mineral or impurity. However, the most common sample group is called the Potability Water Sample, also sometimes referred to as “Chemical and Bacteria Testing.” Should there be a problem, water conditioning units are available for any impurity found in the water. Most lenders require a potability water sample. Tests for:
Tests for:
Required by most VA/FHA/ USDA underwriters. Caused by corrosion of household plumbing systems or hardware and erosion of natural deposits. Can lead to slowed mental development and kidney problems. Lead Instructions will need to be followed.
Most homes in the United States have enough lead in the plumbing distribution system or plumbing fixtures to cause health problem under the certain conditions. It is recommended to test your home every three years for lead. The home should be tested more frequently if there is a history of lead problems in the water.
If the house is vacant, we suggest running the cold water from the kitchen faucet for one hour the day before the sampling. If the home is occupied, this is not necessary. However, the homeowners should put a towel over their kitchen sink the evening prior to sampling and should not run any water from the kitchen sink until the sampling is taken. We must be the first to run water from the kitchen sink on the day of our sampling.
Iron is a natural occurring mineral that can found in groundwater anywhere. It can cause a reddish-orange stain (rusty), as well as an off taste and odor.
Gross Alpha measures radioactive activity cause by alpha emitting radionuclides such as Radium and Uranium. Radionuclides are typically naturally occurring. Groundwater studies conducted in some areas have identified areas that have increased risk of Radium in the groundwater. Based on the results of a gross alpha test it may be necessary to conduct additional test to identify specific radionuclides. Radionuclides are known to cause certain types of cancer.
Increased risk of cancer. Recommended if Gross Alpha results are 5-15 pCi.
Arsenic is a naturally occurring element sometime found in groundwater. It can also get into groundwater through some form of agriculture pollution. Groundwater studies conducted in some areas have identified areas that have increased risk of Arsenic in the groundwater. Arsenic is a cancer-causing substance. It is also known to cause skin and circulatory damage per the EPA.
Resulting from pipes and industrial waste. When consumed can lead to possible kidney damage. Cadmium testing is required in order to obtain a Certificate of Potability in certain areas of Anne Arundel County when the pH is below 6.0.
Chlorides can enter the groundwater on propertied near bodies of brackish or salt water. They have also been known to be found in high levels when roads are over salted in the wintertime. Chlorides are corrosive can cause damage to the plumbing distribution system and plumbing fixtures.
Hard water is caused by high mineral content, primarily calcium and magnesium. Water with elevated hardness can cause soap scum building, form deposits that cause plumbing problems, and scaling on glassware and appliances.
This a group of volatile, carbon-based compounds that can be found in various types of commercial and fuel-based waste. This test is recommended when there is concern of any industrial, commercial, fuel-based or any other man-made chemical waste. It is strongly recommended to have this sample collected by an experience sampler.
Radon is a naturally occurring element that is commonly found in groundwater. It differs from other radionuclides in that it is typically in a gaseous form in its natural state. It becomes a concern when it is aerosolized through steam in home (cooking, bathing, etc.) It can contribute to overall radon air levels caused by radon gas seeping through the foundation. The EPA has determined that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer.
Fluoride can be found naturally occurring in the groundwater. Often fluoride is added to public water supplies help strengthen teeth. At elevated levels fluoride can cause bone disease. It is strongly recommended to have your well water tested for fluoride before taking fluoride supplements. There may be adequate fluoride in your water supply and too much can be harmful.
Copper is typically introduced into water through copper piping and components in the plumbing system. Bluish stains are indicator of elevated copper levels. Corrosivity in the water contributes to coppers leaching from the plumbing. The EPA as determined that consumption of high levels of copper can lead to gastrointestinal distress, liver damage, kidney damage and other health problems.
Homes that are service by private wells are typically located in close proximity to land that is farmed or service by septic systems. Nitrates are a byproduct of farm fertilizers and sewage from septic tanks. Test if your well has never been tested for nitrates or if previous tests yielded a result close 10 mg/L (ppm). Nitrates are a serious health concern for young children and pregnant women.
Turbidity is the measurement of the relative clarity of the water. Well water with high turbidity is an indicator that the well is prone to surface water contamination or high levels of minerals in the water.
PFOS and PFOAs are a group of man-made chemicals that do not break down easily and can accumulate in the environment and the human body over time. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) the potential for health effects from PFAS in humans is not well understood, though animal studies have found that exposure to PFAS at high levels resulted in changes in hormone levels and to the function of the liver, thyroid, and pancreas.
Manganese is a natural occurring mineral that can be found in groundwater anywhere. It can cause brown stains, as well as an off taste and odor.
Sulfate is a naturally occurring element that can cause a bitter taste when found in water. At high levels, it can cause corrosion in the plumbing system.
Cadmium, Chromium, Mercury, Selenium, Barium, Antimony, Beryllium, Nickel, and Thallium are listed as primary health concerns under the EPA’s Chemical Contaminant Rule. These metals can be found naturally in the ground or introduced by industrial processes. The EPA requires public water system with groundwater sources to test for these contaminants at least once every three years.
This more accurate, 3-hour test provides sufficient time to run through the reserve of the well to measure the actual amount of water falling into it from the ground.
Calvert, Charles, Kent, Queen Anne's & St. Mary's Counties
$400
This is a shorter, less accurate stress test. It gives the home buyer a high-level view of the overall performance of the well and pumping system, but may not represent the true statistics of the well.
Calvert, Charles, Kent, Queen Anne's & St. Mary's Counties
$245
(regulated 3-6 hour test)
Official yield tests for private water supplies must be performed under the direct supervision of a Master Well Driller or Pump Installer licensed by the Maryland State Board of Well Drillers, or a Master Plumber licensed by the Baltimore County Plumbing Board.
A Well Yield Test is a timed-test to determine how many gallons per minute a well system can produce. A Well Yield Test will show:
City Slicker Package
Camera Sewer Line Inspections are available for properties on public utilities. We view and record the sewer lines from an access cap typically located in the basement of the home. If there is no access cap, we can remove a toilet for $125. You can plan for our visit to last 1-2 hours, and we will provide a video via Dropbox within 1-2 business days.
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is colorless, odorless, and tasteless and therefore cannot be detected by our senses. Radon is a health threat because the gas can accumulate in homes and cause lung cancer. It is the second leading cause of lung cancer behind smoking.
The EPA has a set 4.0 pCi/L as the Action Level to correct your home. Because there are no safe levels of radon, it is recommended that a home be corrected for levels between 2.0 – 4.0 pCi/L. It should be noted that radon can occur anywhere and even a home located in a low-risk area can accumulate gas above the EPA Action Level.
This is not an inspection. Mold sampling should be ordered when mold is suspected in a specific location in the property. Includes a brief visual assessment of the targeted area and follow-up phone consultation after the lab report is available.
In-depth visual inspection of the targeted area (up to 750 sf). The inspector will investigate the targeted area for visible mold growth, active moisture, elevated humidity levels, and any previous water damage indicators. Includes a written inspection report detailing a summary of all findings and outlining remediation recommendations/requirements if applicable. Remediation recommendations are written following guidelines outlined in the IICRC S-520 Standard for Professional Mold Remediation.
In-depth visual inspection of the targeted area (up to 750 sf). The inspector will investigate the targeted area for visible mold growth, active moisture, elevated humidity levels, and any previous water damage indicators. Includes a written inspection report detailing a summary of all findings and outlining remediation recommendations/requirements if applicable. Remediation recommendations are written following guidelines outlined in the IICRC S-520 Standard for Professional Mold Remediation.
Turnaround Time:
2 - 3 business days
In-depth visual inspection of all finished areas of the home (up to 3000 sf); the inspector will investigate the home for visible mold growth, active moisture, elevated humidity levels, and any previous water damage indicators. Includes a written inspection report detailing a summary of all findings and outlining remediation recommendations/requirements if applicable. Remediation recommendations are written following guidelines outlined in the IICRC S-520 Standard for Professional Mold Remediation.
We conduct a non-intrusive inspection. This means we will not damage any property, including removing drywall, carpet, etc. Our inspectors will use a hygrometer and infrared camera, moisture meters, and other tools in an attempt to assess non-visible areas. It is the responsibility of the customer to ensure all areas to be inspected are accessible. Our inspectors may not remove storage items, furniture, appliances, etc. in order to access an area. In addition, they will not enter enclosed, unsafe areas of the home. This may include crawlspaces, attics, etc.
Full mold inspections are performed by a Certified Microbial Investigator (CMI) as designated by the American Council for Accredited Certification (ACAC). This prestigious, board-awarded certification recognizes knowledge and field experience in microbial sampling. The CMI designation is accredited by the Council of Engineering and Scientific Specialty Boards (CESB). For more information, visit www.acac.org.
