Three common inspection types
Maintenance inspectionChecks current condition, pumping need, alarms, access lids, filters and visible signs of leakage or backup.
Real-estate inspectionHelps a buyer understand the system type, age, condition, capacity, records and possible repair risk.
Permit or completion inspectionConfirms approved components, location, elevations and construction details before the system is covered or placed in service.
What an inspector may review
- Permit, filing, design and previous pumping records
- Tank material, size, access openings, baffles and effluent filter
- Liquid levels, sludge and scum depth where access and safety procedures permit
- Pumps, floats, controls, alarms and treatment equipment
- Distribution box, field, mound or other disposal area
- Odours, surfacing effluent, wet ground, lush strips of growth or erosion
- Distance from buildings, wells, surface water and property features
- Evidence of vehicle traffic, roots, damaged lids or unsafe access
Will the tank be pumped?
Some inspections include pumping so the contractor can see the tank interior and confirm its condition. Others use a non-invasive review. Ask what the quoted inspection includes and whether pumping, locating, camera work, dye testing, flow testing or a written report costs extra.
How to prepare
- Find the permit, site plan and recent pumping receipts.
- Clear safe access to the tank lids and equipment.
- Do not open or enter a tank yourself.
- List recent symptoms such as slow drains, alarms, odours or wet ground.
- Tell the inspector about additions, suites, high water use or long periods of vacancy.
Questions to ask after the inspection
Ask whether the system is operating normally, what maintenance is due, which defects need immediate work, what remaining service life the inspector expects, whether the system matches available records, and whether further investigation or authority approval is needed.
For a property purchase: use a written inspection report and make sure the inspector explains limits of the inspection. A visual review cannot prove future performance.
Related regulation guides
Find a local septic service area
Use the AcreageSeptic directory to find the listed operator for your community, then confirm service type, travel area, timing and current price directly.