I did a Members only mini-rant about a week ago about a Septic Inspection gone awry ! The day before that encounter the same company did an inspection on another listing of mine. This is an older property that was being serviced by a Septic Tank and a dry well-(A vertical leaching system).
When we had the system checked last week the afore mentioned company told my Seller the system was failed. This was obviously not good news. My Seller had already reduced the Sales price substantially and wasn't happy about having to invest more money.
In New Hampshire there are very strict and specific State regulations on Septic Systems. The Department of Environmental Services doesn't fool around when it comes to water and possible pollution! When a system fails it may be possible to "replace in kind" depending on a new perk test and other criteria. This system was one that is not modern but to replace in kind would have been the least expensive way to go. Anothr requirement is to have the system checked by an engineer who in turn will do a "design" and submit it to the State.
As you can well imagine it is a lenghthy process!
My Seller contacted Ernie's Excavation in Manchester, NH. Ernie was accompanied by Robert C. Wike of New Hampshire Septic and Site Service out of Goffstown. 
Ernie&Bob
Ernie really gets into his work! 
Robert, who is a Licensed Designer and Installer, examined the system carefully and determined that it was functioning correctly and definately wasn't in failure! My Sellers were extremely relieved!
I intend to write a letter of complaint to the Company that irresponsibly declared the system in failure. I have since learned that only a Licensed Designer can make that determination and that the young man who made the statement was in no position to do so!
What could have turned out to be a very drawn out and unhappy closing, is now starting to look like
A Delightful Spring Day!
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If you are in need of Excavation or Design Services don't hestitate to call these two Men...heroes in my Sellers eyes!
Ernie's Excavation, 26 Cross St. Manchester NH 03102-Cel#603-231-8744 (Ernie Smith)
or
New Hampshire Septic & Site Service,212 Tibbetts Hill Rd. Goffstown, NH 03045 #603-497-2656
(C) 235-8686 (Robert C. Wike)
Concord New Hampshire Realtor Area Information
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Joan Mirantz - Joni is a Realtor® with Keeler Family Realtors, a locally owned, Customer Service oriented Firm.
Joan Publishes a monthly Newsletter "Food For Thought" under the pen name Realtor Sherpa.
(Joan also answers to Miz Maven and Miss Joni.)
Joan works in Buyer and Seller Representation with concentrations in the Merrimack Valley Area and towns surrounding Concord NH - the Capital City.
"I love what I do, and it shows in how I do it"
Joan, Wow what a story and three jeers for you too for assisting your Seller regarding their issue. Sharing information on good people is what AR is all about.
Joan, I think it's wonderful to honor someone who has helped you out and done a good job....This is wonderful for consumers and I hope these people get lots of calls.
I think this whole septic issue is a real problem in this state. I had an inspection last week and someone had driven over the inlet pipe so the water could not readily get to the tank - The tank had a leak so the water could not get to the leach field -- someone also drove over the leach field -- the leach field showed disclored sand 3/4 of the way up 3 different chamber -- the house had been vacant since October -- guess what -- no water in the leach field so "technically" the system was not in failure -- WHAT? If the water can't get there then it never can be considered to be in "failure" -- This is simply crazy!
Hello Christopher...My Sellers are very reasonable people..that definately helped!
Carole...those guys really came through in a pinch! They deserve any business they may get because of this!
Hi Joan.....you are so right! We really need standards and strict ones. If they don't know what they are doing they can really cost people big bucks! Be sure to write those names down(I'll email you the one NOT to use!)
Joan,
I'm so glad that this story had a happy ending for your clients. The two businesses you've mentioned sound very honest and like the ones to call if anyone needs work like that done in your area.
It's scary to think of how many unqualified people there are out there who are giving advice and opinions.
Jo
Jo...you have the scary part right! I think that is a problem with Realtors across the board. We really need people who will not only do the best for Consumers...but who know what they are talking about and the ramifications of what they say!
Joan,
I read somewhere that you can rejuvenate a septic system by putting a dead squirrel or two in the tank. (Collect road kill if you don't have a .22)
Mike in Tucson
Mike...now that's a new one on me!LOL I don't think I can convince them to try it out!
Joan,
When I lived in NJ, we had a septic tank. I was out walking, and found a newly killed squirrel laying in the road with nary a mark on him. I picked him up for the septic tank, and while I was walking home, carrying the squirrel by his hind legs, a car came to the corner and stopped, and the man in the car just stared at me as I approached. I knew he was going to say something. "What are you doing?!" he demanded. "What does it look like I'm doing?" I replied. "I'm walking my squirrel."
Mike in Tucson
Mike..I bet he drove off really fast!!
Septic tanks have become a big issue in this area. Much new legislation pending. But it's good that you found a couple of guys that really knew their stuff. I just know your seller was 100% relieved! Good job, lady!
It's becoming more of an issue around here too Carol...the State really needs to step up and insist on Standards for Inspectors. Our clients are really at their mercy!
Hi Joni,
It's great to have superman on your team, I have a couple of those too and they are worth their weight in gold.
Boy you said it Cynthia...those are the guys you really want to hold on to!