A septic system provides long-term, effective treatment of household wastewater. But if not maintained, it can fail and require expensive fixes and cause health risks. So, while they're not the most glamorous part of homeownership, septic tank inspections can help keep your septic system running smoothly and protect your home. Plus, it can help minimize pollution.
Whether you're a new homeowner trying to figure out if you need a septic inspection, scheduling your first one, or looking to review options for maintenance inspection, this guide will equip you with the basics to keep your septic system in top condition.
What is a Septic Inspection?
Like a wellness checkup, a septic inspection is a thorough examination of a septic system. This includes assessing the condition of the tank, pipes, and drainage field to certify proper function and compliance with health regulations. These inspections aren’t just a formality; they can help to avoid costly repairs down the line and to determine if it's time to repair or replace your septic system.
What to Expect from a Septic Tank Inspection
Knowing how to prepare for and what to expect during a septic system inspection can help you check that the process matches your expectations.
Septic Tank Inspections: A Step-by-Step Guide
Initially, the inspector will review the history of your septic system, including any maintenance records you have. This provides a baseline for evaluating the current state of your system.
The inspector will follow these steps:
- Initial assessment: The septic inspector will review the septic system's history and maintenance records.
- System location and access: Next, the inspector will locate and uncover access points to the septic tank.
- Tank examination: Along with checking the tank for leaks, corrosion, and levels of scum and sludge, the inspector will check if the tank needs to be pumped.
- Pipe and mechanism inspection: Next, the inspector will check the pipes and mechanisms for damage or blockages. They'll also assess the condition of the septic tank effluent filter if your system has one.
- Drain field evaluation: Lastly, your inspector will evaluate the drain field's absorption capability and look for signs of failure (such as standing water or improper drainage)
- Optional dye test: The inspector may conduct a dye test to detect leaks or system failures.
After the physical inspection, the inspector will discuss the findings with you. They'll point out any immediate concerns or potential future issues.
Who Inspects Septic Tanks, and How Do I Prepare?
Typically, you'll want to contact a licensed septic inspector or a professional septic service company to schedule an inspection. You can research septic inspectors online or find a list of professionals recommended by state authorities. Consider getting recommendations from local friends, family or neighbors for contractors who work with septic systems. Make sure to check an inspector's credentials to see if they are certified and compliant with regulations. Membership in professional organizations such as NACHI, ASHI, or NAHI, is a good sign too.
Before the inspector arrives, you can do several things to support a smooth and efficient septic inspection process. Start by locating your septic system's design records; these documents provide valuable information about the layout and size of your system.
If you're planning to purchase a home, you may assume a septic inspection is part of your standard home inspection, but this isn't always the case. Most home inspectors aren't going to check if the septic system of your prospective home is running properly. You may need to pay extra for a simple visual inspection.
Aspiring homeowners are better off bringing in a septic inspector who’s properly qualified to check if the septic system is operating as it should.
Follow This Pre-inspection Checklist
Here's a quick checklist to guide you:
- Locate and provide septic system design records.
- List any signs of system issues (for example, slow draining, odors).
- Clear the area around the septic tank and drain field.
- Refrain from pumping out the tank right before the inspection, as this can mask issues.
These steps will help you get an accurate assessment of your septic system's health.
How Much Does a Typical Septic Inspection Cost?
The cost of a septic inspection can vary widely. Pricing depends on a few factors, including the type of system you have, how comprehensive you want the inspection to be, how accessible the tank is, and whether the system requires additional testing and urgency.
A septic system inspection costs an average $550, according to “Forbes.” A basic inspection may run $100 to $450. However, the factors previously mentioned can quickly drive up the total septic inspection cost.
A visual inspection differs greatly from a comprehensive inspection. A home inspector or homeowner can do a visual inspection of what’s above ground by looking for soggy ground or sniffing for bad odors (think raw sewage or excrement). But a comprehensive inspection goes underground and requires a licensed plumber, preferably licensed and certified in septic systems, says Charlie Bellefontaine, inspector at Chicagoland Home Inspectors.
“These specialists have to remove the septic tank’s concrete cap, which is usually buried in the dirt,” Bellefontaine says. They view the chambers to check the depth of the sludge, the scum, and the effluent, which is liquid waste or sewage discharge. Then they can do repairs or replacement, because they’re also installers, he adds.
Type of Inspection
Septic inspectors offer different levels of inspection. At the lower end of the price range are routine inspections that cover the basics while at the steeper end you get a more comprehensive inspection, sometimes using a camera.
- Routine inspection: A simple inspection that usually involves a dye test for leaks and a visual inspection. You'll likely pay between $200 and $250.
- Basic inspection: This may include a dye test for leaks, simple system tests, a visual inspection, and measuring the scum and sludge layer. A basic inspection may cost you around $250 to $400.
- Detailed inspection: Along with all the inclusions outlined in the basic inspection, a detailed inspection also includes a wastewater flow test, an audit of tank size, soil testing and pumping tests. Expect to pay between $400 and $700.
- Camera inspection: In some instances, the inspector may not be able to easily identify the source of a problem. They may recommend using a camera to better understand what the system issues are. This could cost an additional $900.
Accessibility
If tanks and components are buried deep, requiring excavation equipment to access, or located in challenging terrain like marshes, slopes, or woodlands, specialized equipment and labor will be required. These tougher access jobs can drive up the cost of your inspection.
Additional Testing
Some owners want extra testing like dye tracing, pump/control verification, flow rates, or effluent sampling for contaminants. These add-on tests may make the inspection more comprehensive, but they come at a price. The fees can tack on $100 to more than $200 to the cost of a basic visual inspection.
Emergency Visits
Calling an inspector outside of business hours for a failed system or other suspected issues could generate higher weekend, night, or rush charges of $200 to 300 and up. You can minimize your risk of emergency septic problems and save the extra cash by scheduling regular, ongoing inspections. We’ll talk about how frequently below.
Septic Inspection FAQs
Let's dive into the most common questions about septic inspections.
How Often Do I Need a Septic Inspection?
The Environmental Protection Agency recommends having your home septic system inspected every one to three years, depending on usage and local regulations. Check with your municipal health administration for specifics. If you have a complex septic system or a system with mechanical components, you may need more frequent inspections. Either way, consistent inspections help identify potential issues before they become major problems, potentially saving you from high-priced fixes and inconveniences.
How Long Does a Septic Inspection Take?
A septic inspection can vary based on factors like the size and complexity of your system. Generally, you can expect the process to take one to three hours. If the inspector finds issues, they may need extra time for troubleshooting and identifying the cause, but the time to keep your system running smoothly is well spent.
What are the Consequences of Not Inspecting My Septic Tank?
Neglecting septic tank inspections can lead to system failures, added expenses, health hazards, and environmental contamination from untreated sewage leaks. By catching leaks or failures early, inspections protect the surrounding soil and groundwater from contamination and you and your neighbors from potentially stinky or dangerous situations.
Can I Perform a Septic Inspection Myself?
Homeowners can do visual inspections. Giving your system a once-over from time to time is a good habit. But hiring a professional for a full inspection is advisable because of the technical knowledge and expertise, as well as safety concerns.
The Importance of Septic System Inspections
Septic tank inspections are a crucial aspect of maintaining a healthy home and environment.
Understanding what’s involved in an inspection, who performs it, how much it costs, and how often to schedule it can help you keep your septic system functioning properly. By keeping up with septic tank inspections, you're not just staying ahead of the game; you're keeping your home's waste system in tip-top shape, giving you one less thing to worry about.