A proper septic inspection is more than lifting a lid. The inspector locates and opens the tank, measures the sludge and scum layers, checks the liquid level, examines the baffles, filter and tank walls, runs water to confirm flow from the house, and evaluates the drain field for signs of saturation or failure. For a home purchase, the tank is usually pumped as part of the inspection so the interior can be seen.

  • Tank located, uncovered and opened
  • Sludge and scum levels measured
  • Baffles, tees, filter, lids and tank walls examined
  • Flow from the house tested; line scoped where needed
  • Drain field checked for ponding, odor and saturation

Buying a house with a septic system

A standard home inspection does not include the septic system, or covers it only superficially. If the property is on septic, order a separate septic inspection during your inspection period. Ask the seller for pumping and repair records and for the permit history, which the county health department can provide. A system's age, its type and when it was last pumped tell you a great deal before anyone picks up a shovel. Some lenders require an inspection as a condition of the loan.

What it costs

Angi puts the average septic inspection at $550, with most homeowners paying between $200 and $900. A routine maintenance inspection runs $200 to $250. A detailed inspection for a home purchase costs $400 to $700, and more if a camera inspection of the lines is added. Pumping, where required, is usually an additional charge.

Reading the report

The report should state the tank's material and capacity, the measured sludge and scum depths, the condition of each component, what was observed at the drain field, and any recommended repairs. Be cautious about a report that simply says the system is functioning without describing what was examined. An inspection describes the system's condition on the day; it is not a guarantee of future performance.

Common septic inspection situations in Jacksonville

  • Buying or selling a home on septic
  • No record of when the tank was last pumped
  • Slow drains with no obvious cause
  • Planning an addition, a pool or a new driveway
  • A system more than twenty years old

Septic Inspection FAQs

How long does a septic inspection take?

Typically one to two hours for a standard residential system, longer if the lids are buried and have to be found and dug up, or if the tank is pumped and the lines are scoped as part of it.

Is a 1,000-gallon tank big enough for a three-bedroom house?

A 1,000-gallon tank is a common size for a three-bedroom home, though the minimum required depends on current code and the number of bedrooms. The inspection report should state the tank's capacity. If you plan to add bedrooms, the county health department may require the system to be evaluated or upgraded.

This content is reviewed by the Jacksonville FL Septic Tank Pumping editorial team and informed by licensed-contractor sourcing, manufacturer documentation, and established industry standards for Septic Tank Pumping. Read our editorial standards.