How Much Does a Septic Inspection Cost?

Most of us prefer not to think too much about our septic systems. However, ignoring this crucial system could cause you to run afoul of local regulations while increasing your risk of stinky (and potentially disastrous) leaks, backups and other problems — not to mention costly repairs.

This May Also Interest You: How Much Does a Plumbing Inspection Cost?

This is where septic tank inspections come in. Having a little expert insight into the health of your septic system can go along way towards ensuring its longevity.

What Is a Septic Tank Inspection?

A septic tank inspection involves checking the condition of your septic system, but services vary depending on the level of inspection. For instance, routine maintenance inspections may simply involve visually checking your septic tank, pump tank and drain field (also called a leach field). Septic inspections can also be part of larger home inspections. Meanwhile, more comprehensive tests may include more time-consuming tasks, such as pumping the tank or digging holes in the drain field.

Septic inspectors often perform the following checks and tests:

• Checking the homeowner's septic tank permits

• Reviewing your septic system's service history and installation quality

• Inspecting the condition of the septic tank, distribution box and pump tank

• Inspecting the condition of other components, such as the filters and baffles

• Checking for leaks, blockages and corrosion throughout the septic system

• Inspecting the leach field to ensure it drains correctly

• Testing the pumps and other mechanical parts

• Measuring the scum, sludge and effluent

Local regulations dictate how often you need a septic system inspection and the level of checks you need. Most jurisdictions require septic inspections every two to five years and whenever you install a new bedroom, bathroom or pool or sell your home. You should consider more frequent inspections if you use more water than average and arrange checks whenever you notice standing water, blocked plumbing or other signs of septic system problems.

Average Cost of a Home Septic Inspection

How much a septic tank inspection costs depends on the level. According to HomeGuide, inspections cost $290 (CAD 395) on average. Most homeowners spend between $150 and $450 (CAD 205 and CAD 614) for a maintenance inspection.

How Much Is a Title 5 Inspection?

Residential septic systems are sized based on the number of bedrooms a house has. So, if you add on, your septic system may not be able to keep up. You should expect to spend $300 to $650 (CAD 409 to CAD 886) for the more comprehensive checks required when selling a house or adding a room or pool. These comprehensive septic inspections are called Title 5 inspections.

More Related Articles:

• Snake’s in a Drain! How to Unclog Your Sink With a Drain Snake

• Checked Your Storm Drains Lately? Here’s a List of Maintenance Tasks

• Prevent Frozen-Pipe Problems by Knowing These Things Down Cold

• Pipe Burst? Here’s What to Do Next

• Au Revoir, Standing Water! How to Install a French Drain in 8 Steps

Septic Inspection: Consider These Additional Cost Factors

Your septic system's size and features can impact your inspection costs, and additional services may make the checks more expensive. Consider the following factors when estimating the cost of septic tank inspections.

How Much Is a Well Inspection?

If you have a well, you'll need to schedule an inspection to check its condition and test the water for bacteria and other contaminants. Many septic inspectors also offer well checks and may provide discounts if you book a well and septic inspection at the same time. Expect to spend an extra $250 to $550 (CAD 341 to CAD 750) for a well inspection.

Septic Pumping Costs

Title 5 septic tank inspections almost always require you to pump your tank, and you should insist on pumping before a comprehensive check. Otherwise, your septic inspector may miss faults that could cause a serious leak or malfunction in the future. Companies typically charge an additional fee of $300 to $700 (CAD 409 to CAD 954) for septic tank pumping.

Septic System Size and Depth Affect Overall Cost

Large or deeply buried systems take more time to inspect, so you should expect to pay toward the upper end of the price range if your septic system is extensive or requires significant excavation to examine. Some septic inspection companies charge extra to excavate around tanks and leach fields.

Camera Inspection Costs

Your septic tank inspection company may use fiber-optic cameras to look inside your septic lines. The average cost of these services is $125 to $500 (CAD 170 to CAD 682).

Local Regulations Can Increase Costs

Septic tank inspections typically cost more in states that mandate Title 5 inspections or checks by a licensed septic contractor. For example, homeowners pay $400 to $800 (CAD 545 to CAD 1,091) in Massachusetts, where state rules require homeowners to have regular Title 5 checks. You may also pay more than average if you live in an area with a high cost of living.

All CAD conversions are based on the exchange rate on the date of publication.