What Is a Septic Inspection? (And How Do I Know If I Need One?)

When your septic system is working properly, it’s easy to forget about it, but that can be a costly oversight. If any part of the system malfunctions, it can result in catastrophic backups and environmental leaks, which can contaminate your home, property or neighborhood.

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Fortunately, regular septic inspections can help you find and address issues before they escalate into major problems.

What Is a Septic Inspection?

A septic inspection is a checkup of your septic system, which includes the septic tank, drain field — which is sometimes referred to as a leach field — and distribution box. The goal of the inspection is to determine whether all the system’s components are structurally sound and fully functional and to make recommendations for repairs or replacement.

Who Performs Septic Inspections?

These inspections are typically performed by septic tank contractors or plumbers who specialize in septic systems. However, regulations regarding who can legally perform an inspection may depend on your state and the reason for the inspection. In some states, such as Florida, an inspection that’s done as part of the home-buying process must be performed by a certified health professional or a state-licensed septic tank contractor or plumber. For more information on local inspection requirements, contact your state's Department of Health.

What Does a Septic System Inspection Include?

There are two types of septic system inspections: a visual septic tank inspection and a full septic inspection. Both types of inspections typically start with a review of relevant documents, such as permits, design schematics and maintenance records, including septic tank pumping logs.

The inspector then opens up the tank to do a visual inspection, in which they’ll examine:

• The integrity of the tank

• Sludge and scum levels

• The condition of any installed effluent filters

• Any signs of leakage

• Stains above the outlet pipe that may indicate backup

• Inlet and outlet pipes for corrosion

• Electrical connections, wiring and controls

• Pumps

The inspector may also snake a small camera into the pipes and leach lines to check for blocked or collapsed sections.

A visual septic system inspection also includes an evaluation of the drain field, in which they’ll look for standing water or irregular drainage, as these can be signs of a failing system. During the septic field inspection, the inspector may excavate areas of your yard to look for signs that the soil’s ability to absorb water has diminished.

Finally, the inspector will examine the distribution box, which separates the flow of wastewater into several trenches so it leaches out evenly, to make sure it’s intact and functioning.

Full inspections include additional elements. During this comprehensive assessment, the inspector will examine the levels in the tank while running water in the house to make sure they aren’t rising too quickly. They may also do a dye test, in which fluorescent dye is added to running water to test for leaks or shortcomings.

If your septic system contains additional components, such as pumps or alarms, they'd also be assessed during an inspection.

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How Do I Know If I Need a Septic Inspection?

If your home has a septic system, you should consider having it inspected every 1 to 3 years, depending on the age of the system and the level of usage. Because early detection of issues can help you avert system failures, you may also want to get a septic test if you’re seeing warning signs of problems, such as:

• Slow-draining water in sinks, tubs and showers

• Foul odors in your drains or yard

• Sewage backups

• Standing water near your drain field

• Lush grass growth near your septic tank

• Gurgling sounds coming from pipes, toilets or drains

How Often Should You Get a Septic Inspection?

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, homeowners should have a septic system inspection every one to three years. Some states may also require a septic inspection as part of the home-buying process. However, even if you don’t live in one of these states, you may want to have the septic system assessed before purchasing a home to make sure it's in good working order.