What a Septic Inspection Usually Covers
The tank
Opened and usually pumped, so the walls, inlet and outlet baffles, and liquid levels can be seen. A tank sitting above its outlet level, or one that refills quickly from the field side, says a lot.
Distribution & field
Where it can be reached, the distribution box is checked for level and even flow. The field area is walked for wet spots, odors and unusually green grass.
Hydraulic load test
Some inspectors run water into the system over a period of time to see how the field handles a normal daily load. Ask whether this is included.
Camera, if needed
A camera can follow the line from the house to the tank or into the field lines to find breaks, roots or crushed pipe.
Buying a House With a Septic System
- Ask the seller for pumping records, any past inspection reports, and a sketch of where the tank and field are
- Ask the town or the county health department whether a system design or permit is on file for the property
- Find out how old the system is and how many bedrooms it was designed for. Additions can outgrow a system
- Schedule the inspection early in your contract period, in case a repair estimate is needed
For Sellers
Pumping and inspecting before you list removes a common last-minute surprise. If something needs attention, you can fix it on your schedule instead of negotiating a credit at the closing table.
Questions
Is a septic inspection required to sell a house in Orange County?
Requirements depend on the town, the lender and the contract. Many buyers make it a condition of the sale either way. Your attorney or real estate agent can tell you what applies.
Can an inspection happen in winter?
Often yes, but frozen ground, snow cover and buried lids can limit what can be seen in the field. Ask the inspector what they can and can't evaluate that day.
Related Services
Septic Tank Pumping
Routine pump-outs that keep solids out of the drain field, with a look at baffles and filters while the tank is open.
Learn more →Septic Backups & Alarms
Sewage backing up, gurgling drains or a pump alarm sounding. What to do now and when to call.
Learn more →Septic Repair
Baffles, effluent filters, risers, broken lines, distribution boxes, pumps and floats.
Learn more →Drain Field Repair & Replacement
Wet spots, odors, or a tank that refills from the field. Diagnosis, rejuvenation options and field replacement.
Learn more →Septic System Replacement
Full new systems: soil testing, design, permits, tank and field installation for failed or outdated systems.
Learn more →Schedule a Septic Inspection
Call or send the form with your town and what's happening.
- Tell us your town and what's happening (backup, alarm, due for pumping, sale)
- If you know it, when the tank was last pumped and where the lid is
- A local septic pro calls back and confirms availability and a typical price range
Request Septic Service
Where This Service Is Available
Monroe, NY 10950, Chester, Warwick, Goshen, Harriman & Central Valley, Woodbury & Highland Mills, Washingtonville & Blooming Grove, Middletown, Newburgh, Florida, Pine Bush & Montgomery, plus Sugar Loaf, Greenwood Lake, Pine Island, Arden, Tuxedo, South Blooming Grove, Salisbury Mills, Cornwall and nearby communities. All service areas.