How Much Does a Septic Tank Inspection Cost?

A septic tank inspection costs $184 on average but can range from $127 to $240, based on our analysis of 312 quotes from licensed inspectors.

If you live in a suburban or rural area, you may have an underground septic system. The EPA recommends inspecting your septic system at least every three years to ensure it runs smoothly.[1] You should also have your septic system inspected when putting your house on the market, which can protect the seller from liability issues caused by a defective system.[2]

What is a septic tank inspection?

A septic tank inspection is a specialized examination of a septic tank's integrity to check that the rest of the septic system is operating properly. It is not part of a basic home inspection unless you order one specifically.

Adam Tucci, owner of Benjamin Franklin Plumbing in Kernersville, North Carolina, says, “In most states, [a septic tank inspection] has to be done by a licensed inspector and is absolutely necessary in buying a home. They check the integrity and operation of the system. A bad septic tank and/or system is a 10k+ problem.”

A cracked or clogged septic tank can cause waste to overflow and seep into the surrounding ground and pool on the surface. That could mean plumbing problems in your home and pose a health hazard.

Signs you might need a septic tank inspection

Tell-tale signs that indicate your septic tank might need repairs or inspection include:

• Slow drainage. If a septic tank is clogged, then the sink, tub, or toilet in the house may drain slowly or not at all.
• Changes to the yard. If the section of yard above your septic tank is especially lush and green, it’s likely getting extra fertilizer from septic tank leakage.
• Contaminated water. Many homes with a septic system also get their water from a well. Bacterial overflow from a damaged septic tank might contaminate well water, so consider getting a well inspection, too.
• Odors or standing water. If you detect a foul odor or see standing water in the area where the septic tank is buried, it may be a sign that your septic tank is either full or damaged.

The septic system is one of the most important and expensive home systems, so you’ll want to have it thoroughly inspected when a home is bought or sold. In many areas, a septic system inspection is required when a home changes ownership.

How much septic tank inspections cost

While the average cost of a septic tank inspection is around $184, the actual cost will depend on the type of inspection you get.

A routine inspection is less expensive — typically around $200–250.[3] In this type of inspection, the inspector will do a simple visual inspection of the septic system. A basic septic inspection, which includes a more thorough examination, will cost around $250–400.

If you need a more intensive pre-sale septic tank inspection, your costs could rise to $400–700.[3] For inspections that require the use of a camera to check the tank interior, the cost could average up to $900.[4]

Septic tank inspection costs by state

Factors impacting septic tank inspection costs

Besides the type of inspection you opt for (basic versus intensive), other factors that can impact septic tank costs include:

• Season and climate. Inspecting a septic tank when it’s snowy or the ground is frozen can be more challenging.
• Size and depth of the tank. Larger homes require larger septic tanks, which take longer to inspect. Tanks that are buried unusually deep also present challenges that could lead to a higher inspection fee.
• Tests and other add-ons. Using a camera will add to the inspection costs, as will special soil tests that measure contaminants in the surrounding soil or water supply.

Septic tank inspection cost vs. other inspections

The average septic tank inspection costs less than many specialized home inspections, though a more in-depth inspection will be more expensive.

What happens during a septic tank inspection?

Casey Callais, a home inspector with Constructiva Inspections in Austin, Texas, notes that “the septic inspection is both a visual assessment and a test of the operation: there is a load or sprayer test depending on the type of system. A good inspector will be familiar with the types of septic systems and their testing procedures.”

During a septic tank inspection, the inspector will examine each of the three main components of the septic system: the septic tank, the distribution box, and the leach field. They’ll look for signs of clogging or leaks and may empty the septic tank to examine it more thoroughly.

A basic septic tank inspection involves a septic inspector visually inspecting your system and looking for external signs of tank malfunction.

In a more intensive septic tank inspection, the inspector might snake a camera into the system and closely check the inside for signs of damage or stress. They may also inject dye into the system to trace the flow of liquid.

During your septic tank inspection, you may see your inspector use specialized tools:

• Locators: Metal detectors or probe rods to locate the septic tank’s exact location, since it’s buried; some inspectors may flush a radio transmitter down the toilet
• “Sludge judge”: Measures the level of sludge in the septic tank to make sure it’s not becoming clogged or overfull
• Septic tank inspection camera: Long, maneuverable cameras that can enter a septic system and give the inspector a real-time look at the inside of the tank
• Soil tests: Testing the surrounding soil for bacterial contamination

A septic inspection typically takes one to three hours. After completing it, your inspector will write a detailed report on their findings and recommend repairs, if necessary.

Post–septic tank inspection steps

You’ll probably want to pay for any recommended repairs — a septic system is vital to the basic functioning of your home. Some common repairs:

• Septic tank pumping ($290–560)
• Filter change ($230–280)
• Pump repair ($250–1,000)
• Septic tank replacement ($500–2,500)
• Septic system replacement ($3,000–20,000)[4]

If you’re buying a home with a septic tank and your inspection report recommends repairs, you have two main options: ask the home seller to make the repairs or give you a repair credit.

Both sellers and buyers often prefer to negotiate repair credits since they keep the deal moving. Buyers can supervise the repairs if they’re worried about sellers compromising on quality. (If they refuse, you still have options.)

If you’re a homeowner, taking some simple preventative measures can support the health of your septic system — and avoid more costly repairs in the future.

Monitor waste disposal

Do not flush non-biodegradable items into your septic system, and limit garbage disposal use as much as possible. Don’t pour chemical substances like harsh cleaners or paint and oil into your drains, as they could kill the helpful bacteria that live in your septic system.

Limit water use

Flushing too much water into your septic system can overload it. Consider upgrading to water-efficient appliances and conserving water.

Protect your drain field

Don’t compress the soil over your drain field by driving or parking over it. Keep deep-rooted trees and shrubs away from the area where the tank is buried, so roots don’t cause a breach or crack.

How to find a septic tank inspector

The best way to find a good septic tank inspector is to request a personal referral from friends or family. You can also ask a trusted real estate agent if they know a good septic inspector, or simply search online for septic inspectors in your area. Always check online reviews, and get price quotes from at least three septic inspectors to comparison shop for the best rates.

Once you find a potential inspector, ask them about their certifications and experience. While septic inspectors aren’t required to get a license, many opt for professional certifications.

You’ll want to ask them how long they’ve been inspecting septic tanks, and if they have specific experience with the type of septic tank you’re dealing with.

The bottom line

Regular septic tank inspections ensure that your septic system is operating smoothly and effectively, but also that it isn’t contaminating your water supply or yard with harmful bacteria.

With the cost of a full septic tank replacement easily running into five figures, a $184 septic tank inspection is a relatively small investment in your home’s well-being that’ll pay huge dividends.

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