Classic Septic Inspections

Avoid Classic Septic Inspections at all costs. It sure seems that they were negligent in their Inspection of the property I bought (4 inch septic main COMPLETELY CLOGGED with new root growth within 5 months? Unlikely – and if that was the case it would indicated cracks or other problems with the pipes that should have been identified) and this led to a sewer line back up ON THE FIRST NIGHT we stayed in the House. Whether the correct inspection was done will be determined by the Insurance Companies or in Court, but it’s the owner, Mike Acito, that is truly the issue. When alerted to the issue, Mike came to the property with an attitude to tell me that “my story didn’t add up” (as if the sewage spill and the other professionals that were involved in the cleanup are all a made-up fantasy) and that he believed I was simple “simply making this up to get new carpet in my basement”. That and to lecture me that trees grow. He conveniently ignored the fact that his own man opened the inspection cap to the inlet, probably for the first time in a long while, to discover it was completely root bound and the entire line filled. There are stand up people in this World, he is not one of them. I have been a property owner for 30+ years and I have never made an insurance claim or felt obligated to pursue a legal claim before. CSI will be my first. My insurance Adjuster from Pure High Value Property Insurance asked if they Guaranteed their work. Apparently, there are those that do, at least for a year, as a properly inspected system will certainly operate without issue for a year. Not only do the not, but there is a raft of disclaimers on their letterhead instead. Find anybody else and think twice about anyone who recommends them.

My realtor recommended CSI because there is no conflict of interest because they do not fix or put in septic tanks. I had a 10 am appointment. I arrived at the house at 9:45 am and there was someone in the back, I was unsure who it was. It was CSI! The young man had already dug up and opened up the septic tank. He was so nice, introduced himself, explained everything he was doing. He let me ask questions. When he told me the septic tank was leaking on many levels, he explained it in detail, showed me videos, pointed things out. It was great. I highly recommend them! Thank you Matthew!!

They were excellent. Nick showed up early, was very thorough and explained everything he was doing in detail (more info than you probably ever wanted to know about a septic system.) He showed me that it was performing properly and in good working condition, a small area of concern, how the system was laid out on the property, and how to maintain it. Classic Septic also received a thumbs up from our sellers real estate agent, who has run into them several times in the past with positive reviews from homeowners she's represented in Bergen County.

Lets start off by saying I know nothing about inspecting a septic system. Classic Septic Inspection was recommended by my home inspector. The crew showed up a bit late but that was not a big deal since I had the home inspection the same day. The crew was able to confirm there were two tanks, both of which were cracked. This determination was made by visual inspection. The leach field was checked by placing a pole in the ground. The crew stated the leach field was "probably" good since the pole came back up dry. Without running fluid through the system I cannot see how this determination was made. Again I know nothing about septic systems and took their word that the leach field was operating correctly. 
The tanks were repaired by another company and I had Classic Septic return to check the work. A complete inspection was done including a hydraulic load test. A camera was placed inside the system and I was assured everything was working properly. As of 11/15/15 I've had no problems.

The crew arrived on time and right away got to work. I was explained in detail all about how septics work and how it was supposed to work. The owner of the company personally inspected and explain to me everything I needed to know. THe report took longer than what I expected however, I understand why because the inspection took place on a saturday and information needed to be double checked with the local board of health and the report typed. I feel the service for this kind of work is worth double the amount I paid. It is a very delicate job and they did a great job. Its a job worth every penny.

There is no one better Mike Acito saved us. We were going to buy one house with a 25 year old septic tank. The sellers were adamant that it was ok. We even had an inspection by someone who was unable to fully inspect the system on the first visit because landscaping prevented access to the tank lid, and he wanted to charge me the full fee again to finish what he started. We thankfully called classic. Mike came and was able to assess the system correctly as a failed system. We ended up not getting that house but he was so professional and knowledgable I am just very thankful to him. Today they inspected another house for me which checked out fine. I am very grateful to them. And Denise is great too!

Classic Septic was hired by buyer of my house to do a septic inspection.  He arrived on time.  He does a test by running all the water in the house.  Was only at the house less than 20 minutes and left all of the water in my house running when he left.  Did not bother to come in and say goodbye or turn off the water.  He then failed the septic and told the buyer's realtor verbally that we "need to replace the system."  In his report he said that yes the septic failed; however this does not necessarily require replacement.  Now buyer wants us to replace, though.  
Also his explanation of the inspection says that they are "guided" by the guidelines of the state.  They actually put "guided" in apostrophes like that.  Using apostrophes draws into question their methods.  They do not explain the actual method of inspection besides "running water" and "observing" and "inspecting."  Does not say whether a camera was use or a probe in the ground for the seepage pit, although I assume this is the way it was done.
Because they are not a septic service or installation company, they only say "failed" and to contact an engineer or septic installation company.  There is no recommendation for remedy.
They do not pump the tank so there is no inspection of the inside of the tank.  This allows them to drop their price by $200.  Quoting from the report: "Although the guidelines state that "no inspection is complete unti every tank is pumped and its condition is evaluated", CSI explained why they do not require pumping at every inspection unless the inspector has reason to believe that pumping will expose defects that cannot be identified through other means."  So they admit that they don't actually follow the state guidelines.
We had Atlas Septic come out to give us a second opinion and in this case they agree that our seepage pit is full, but said they do not run water and they always pump because there could be further issues with the tank that this guy didn't find.
Unprofessional and as far as I'm concerned not thorough.  When a reputable company that installs and services as their only business says that it's not the way you should inspect, I trust them.  I'm glad I did not pay for the inspection.

unknown

Did a very quick inspection.  Did not pump the septic tank to check for cracks, baffle, flow etc.  New house was sold in August of 2013.  Town ordinance provides pumping of septic systems every three years.  CSI (Classic Septic Inspections LLC) caused me undue worry and concern between buyers and their lawyer in their fool recommendation that septic be pumped.  At a cost to seller.  If CSI had did their job properly  they would of pumped it at the time of inspection.  I strongly feel they only succeeded in providing a bad taste between buyer and seller. I am sure that if I had pumped same septic a month ago they would  still recommend another pump out.

Inspector arrived right on time and did a great job.

Mike was very professional.  He arrived on time.  It was a very snowy and chilly day (10 below 0) and he did not rush into the inspection.  He took his time in inspecting every bit of the tank, leach field and the pump.   Never hesitated to answer any of my questions.  Post inspection,  I called him a few times to get a better understanding of the the report and he was very courteous to answer the questions to my satisfaction.   I will definitely recommend Classic Septic and Mike.   Great job guys !

unknown

Morning of the inspection a team of two young fellas impressed the h*** out of me with their professionalism, courtesy, and knowledge. With some pretty cool equipment they provided a detail account of the physical state and the functioning of the septic in question. Two days later i received the full report in which there was in more detail info about the septic system. If you are buying a house with a septic, these guys will let you know what you are getting into. In my case the news was GOOD. I've been recommending them and when i have to i will surely use them again.

The 2 young men that showed up were very friendly and knowledgeable.  They were late but I was notified earlier in the day that they would be running about 30 mins late.  They performed the inspection and found 1 problem.  I received the report 3 days after the inspection was complete.

Great. Person was efficient.

unknown

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My inspection was a bit more costly than a regular septic inspection but that was because the system was a bit more complicated than a normal septic system and my property required extensive site work. Mike, the owner, was the one who conducted the inspections. They had to do 3 site visits in order to write the report. He also actually lowered himself into two of the tanks to personally inspect them. He was very forthcoming with information and explained everything to me. He struck me as a very honest inspector and businessman. Another local inspector had quoted me a far higher price for the same type of inspection. Mikes pricing, for the extensive work he had to do on my property, was good as compared to some other quotes.

The inspector was very reassuring, informative and professional. This inspection was performed as part of a house sale by the seller in response to a questionable inspection done by a septic contractor for the buyer. CSI addressed all the issues raised by the buyer's inspection and assessed each aspect. The report was thorough and timely.CSI only performs inspections. They are not septic contractors. Consequently, their inspections are more likely to be unbiased than inspections conducted by septic contractors.

Unsurpassed service! I have never dealt with a company that was more customer service oriented. They are very knowledgable, answer all questions/concerns and are extremely thorough. We need more companies like CSI that provide services like this, that care about clients and that are professional on the job. I highly recommend them to anyone in need of a septic tank inspection.

They did a great job, and were very informative regarding how the system works and what needed to be repaired.