Skip to main content

Septic Inspection in Myrtle Beach, SC

Horry County County · 6 providers · Avg. $300 - $600

About Septic Inspection in Myrtle Beach

A septic inspection is a thorough evaluation of your entire septic system — tank, distribution box, drain field, and all connecting pipes. There are two types: a visual inspection (basic check of flow and obvious problems) and a full inspection (pumping the tank, measuring sludge layers, checking baffles, probing the drain field, and testing mechanical components). Full inspections are typically required when selling a home, and many mortgage lenders will not approve financing without one. During a real estate inspection, the technician will locate all system components, verify the tank size matches the home's bedroom count, check for evidence of past failures or unpermitted repairs, and provide a written report with photos. Even outside of real estate transactions, periodic inspections (every 1-3 years) can catch small problems before they become expensive emergencies. The inspection report becomes a valuable record of your system's condition and maintenance history. Most states require inspectors to hold specific licenses or certifications, so always verify credentials before hiring.

What Myrtle Beach Homeowners Should Know

Local Soil Conditions: Wando and Lakeland soil series are the primary upland soils in the Myrtle Beach area — excessively drained, deep Entisols with fine to medium sand throughout the profile. These soils offer excellent percolation (less than 3 minutes per inch in many locations) but minimal treatment capacity for nutrients and pathogens. Closer to tidal creeks, the Waccamaw and Paxville soils — poorly drained, organic-matter-rich Ultisols and Histosols — have water tables within inches of the surface and cannot support conventional drain fields.

Water Table: Upland Wando soils have water tables at 5–10 feet on barrier island ridges and inland terraces. However, proximity to the coast means tidal fluctuations influence groundwater elevation within 0.5–1 mile of tidal waters, and storm surge events can temporarily elevate water tables across wide areas. Low-lying pocosins and Carolina bay wetlands throughout Horry County maintain near-surface water tables year-round.

Climate Impact: Myrtle Beach has a humid subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and mild winters. Annual rainfall averages 52 inches with a summer peak from June through August driven by afternoon thunderstorms and tropical weather. Hurricane season (June–November) is a major concern — Horry County has experienced significant septic system damage from multiple landfalling storms including Floyd (1999), Matthew (2016), and Florence (2018), which caused prolonged flooding across the county's flat coastal plain.

Signs You Need Septic Inspection

  • Buying or selling a home with a septic system
  • Refinancing a mortgage on a septic-served property
  • Obtaining a building permit for an addition or renovation
  • System has not been inspected in more than 3 years
  • Concerns about system age, condition, or past issues

The Septic Inspection Process

  1. 1 Locate all system components using available records or electronic locating equipment
  2. 2 Pump the tank and measure sludge and scum layer depths
  3. 3 Inspect tank interior, baffles, tees, inlet and outlet pipes
  4. 4 Check the distribution box for level flow to all drain field lines
  5. 5 Probe the drain field for signs of saturation or failure
  6. 6 Prepare a detailed written report with findings, photos, and recommendations

Septic Inspection Providers in Myrtle Beach (6)

Frequently Asked Questions — Myrtle Beach

Why is Horry County the fastest-growing county in South Carolina and what does that mean for septic?
Horry County has been adding 20,000–30,000 residents annually, driven by in-migration of retirees and remote workers attracted to the Grand Strand's cost of living and climate. The rapid growth has pushed residential development into inland Horry County townships — Loris, Aynor, Conway, Green Sea — where municipal sewer does not reach. DHEC's Myrtle Beach regional office processes among the highest volumes of new residential septic permits in South Carolina, and the pace of approvals can mean 4–8 week wait times during peak construction season.
How do shellfish harvesting areas affect septic permitting near Myrtle Beach?
SC DHEC designates Shellfish Condemnation Areas around tidal waters where shellfish harvesting is restricted due to water quality concerns, including bacterial contamination from septic systems. Properties within or near these areas face additional DHEC review, larger setback requirements from tidal waters and tidal wetlands, and sometimes requirements for enhanced treatment systems. If you are purchasing coastal Horry County property within 200–500 feet of a tidal creek, ask your contractor to verify DHEC shellfish condemnation area mapping before designing a system.
What happened to Myrtle Beach-area septic systems during Hurricane Florence in 2018?
Hurricane Florence (2018) caused record flooding across Horry County, with some areas under 3–5 feet of floodwater for more than a week. Hundreds of septic systems were damaged — tanks floated, drain fields were saturated for extended periods, and floodwater contaminated with sewage entered many homes. DHEC issued emergency guidance and expedited repair permits in the aftermath. The experience underscores the importance of anchoring tanks properly in high water table areas and having systems inspected after any flood event.
Is the Myrtle Beach area growing fast enough to get municipal sewer service soon?
Myrtle Beach Area Water and Sewer Authority (MBAWSA) is actively expanding its service territory as the Grand Strand grows, but the pace of development far outstrips sewer extension capacity. Many inland Horry County communities — particularly in the Loris, Aynor, and Green Sea areas — are unlikely to receive sewer service within the next 10–20 years. If you are purchasing property in these areas, design your septic system for long-term use rather than expecting to connect to sewer soon.
How much does a septic system cost in Horry County?
Conventional gravity systems in compliant Wando sand locations cost $5,500–$9,500 in Horry County. Alternative systems required near shellfish areas, wetlands, or on lots with Paxville or other restricted soils typically run $11,000–$21,000. DHEC permit fees in Horry County are $200–$450 depending on system type. Horry County's competitive contractor market — driven by high construction volume — tends to keep installation prices slightly below the state average for comparable system types.

Other Services in Myrtle Beach

🌿Drain Field Repair🍳Grease Trap Pumping🏗️Septic System Installation🚽Septic Tank Pumping🔧Septic Repair💧Well Drilling⚙️Well Pump Repair🔬Well Water Testing💦Well Water Treatment