Septic Certification & Inspection

Why Should I Have My Septic System Inspected?

When selling a residence or other property that contains a septic system it is important that it be inspected and tested by a qualified septic system inspector prior to the sale. Many national lending institutions and most large mortgage companies will require this inspection and certification prior to funding the loan. A septic system inspection gives protection for everyone involved in a real estate transaction.

What is required in a septic certification?

A septic certification involves the following:

  • Locating the septic tank.
  • Digging out the primary and secondary lid of the septic tank
  • Pumping the septic tank and performing a visual inspection of the tank
  • Locating the drainfield: Seepage pit or leach lines
  • Performing a water test to check for water absorption
  • And, if needed, providing a sketch of the septic system location

When the inspection has been completed, the septic system will have either passed or failed. Septic systems that pass have met all the requirements for septic systems as described per the local city guidelines. Those systems that failed will not be issued a certification. Septic certifications can only issued for systems that pass the inspection. When a system fails you will be issued a Failed System Report which will tell you the reasons for failure and what modifications you will need to make to meet the standards.

Septic Pumping
Septic Inspection

What are the requirements to pass a Septic Certification?

  1. Septic tank must be in good physical condition:
    • The septic tank must have a primary and secondary compartment
    • Both sides of the tank must be inspected
    • The inlet and outlet tee must be present
    • The baffle wall must be intact
    • There cannot be any major cracks or breaks in the body of the tank, the septic tank cannot be leaking
    • The septic tank must have lids
  2. Septic tank must be connected to a drainfield: Either Leach lines or seepage pit/cesspool
    • The Seepage Pits/ Cesspools must be less than 60% full
      • Must be able to pass the water test, must be able to handle 30min of running water without flowing back into the septic tank
      • Line to pit must be free of major debris
      • Must have an adequate lid
    • Leach lines/ Leach field
      • Must be free of major roots or debris
      • Must be able to pass the water test, must be able to handle 30min of running water without flowing back into the septic tank
      • Multiple lines must have a distribution box