Inspection
Septic inspection checklist for home buyers
A practical septic inspection checklist for buyers comparing rural or semi-rural properties.
Short answer
A septic inspection should identify the tank, drainfield, visible defects, maintenance history, signs of backup, and whether additional evaluation is needed. The buyer should ask what was inspected, what was not inspected, and whether local records match the installed system.
Checklist
- Confirm the inspector is qualified for local septic systems.
- Ask whether the tank was opened and whether baffles/components were visible.
- Look for slow drains, sewage odors, wet spots, or unusually green drainfield areas.
- Request written findings and photos where possible.
Buying a Home With Well & Septic Checklist
Use the inspection question list before hiring an inspector.
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