Septic tank inspections cost around $550 on average and fall between $200 and $900. Prices can fluctuate depending on the type of inspection needed.
A septic inspection costs $550 on average and ranges between $200 and $900. You could pay as little as $100 for a routine inspection of a small system sized for a 1,000-square-foot home or as much as $1,300 for a detailed inspection for a real estate transaction for a larger home.
There are a few key factors to consider in order to get an accurate estimate for your septic inspection cost.
There are several types of septic inspections, each serving a specific purpose. You’ll often see the lowest prices for routine annual inspections, while the highest costs are reserved for detailed inspections and camera inspections that you might need to schedule before purchasing a property.
| Inspection Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Annual inspection | $200–$250 |
| Basic inspection | $250–$400 |
| Detailed inspection | $400–$700 |
| Camera inspection | $250–$900 |
The time since your last septic inspection is another factor to consider. If you conduct inspections once every one to three years and use the same inspector each time, your professional will be able to keep track of changes and more easily determine if something unusual is a worsening problem. Knowledge of your system and its condition over time can speed up the inspection process, meaning labor costs could be lower.
The size of your septic tank and the depth at which it’s buried can also influence the inspection cost. Larger tanks require more time and effort to inspect thoroughly, resulting in higher labor fees. If the inspection company doesn’t include digging to uncover the tank in the cost of the inspection, this could add between $50 and $250 to the overall septic inspection cost, with higher prices often correlating to septic tanks that are buried deeper.
If you’re getting a septic inspection due to suspected problems with your septic system, you’ll probably need a detailed inspection or a camera inspection, which are more expensive than routine inspections. The extent of any issues discovered during the inspection can also lead to septic tank repair costs, which can be anywhere from $230 to $3,000 on top of the inspection fee. The exact price you’ll pay for the repair will depend on the type of issue you’re experiencing.
Septic tank lid repair: $150–$500
Septic baffle repair: $300–$900
Septic filter repair: $200–$300
Septic pump repair: $250–$1,000
Septic main line repair: $1,000–$4,200
Septic tank replacement: $500–$2,500
Septic system replacement: $3,000–$20,000
You can expect some of the highest costs if you have a septic system leak, as you’ll often have to pay cleanup fees to prevent contamination of the soil and groundwater. Prices can reach beyond $20,000 for the replacement of the old system and the fines.
Most of your septic system cost will go toward labor, and labor costs vary by location, often in relation to the local cost of living. You’ll see prices up to around 1.5 times higher in areas with a high cost of living.
| State | Septic Inspection Cost |
|---|---|
| California | $800 |
| Florida | $560 |
| Georgia | $500 |
| Illinois | $530 |
| Michigan | $510 |
| New York | $680 |
| North Carolina | $540 |
| Ohio | $520 |
| Pennsylvania | $520 |
| Texas | $510 |
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), you should get a septic inspection done every one to three years, and you should get your tank pumped every three to five years. An annual inspection is a good idea if any of the following apply to your home:
You added on to your home since your tank was installed and are putting more strain on your system
Your septic system is 20 or more years old
You’re experiencing issues with sewage backup
You use a garbage disposal
You notice sewage odors in your yard
Portions of your grass are unusually green or vibrant
Your tank is undersized for your home
You should also schedule a septic inspection if you haven’t had one in the last three years or if you’re purchasing a home with a septic system installed.
In addition to the primary inspection, there are several common add-on services that may be worth considering based on your type of septic system and situation.
Well inspection cost: $250–$550
Septic tank pumping cost: $290–$560
Septic tank jetting cost: $350–$600
Cost to replace septic filter: $230–$280
Septic system drain field repair cost: $1,000–$3,000
Septic system drain field replacement cost: $5,000–$12,000
While some may consider doing their own septic tank inspections to save money, it's important to note that DIY inspections are not a good idea. There are safety and environmental concerns since septic systems contain toxic waste and fumes. You should never even open a septic tank yourself, as the methane gas can be deadly, and accidents related to falling into the opening are often fatal.
In addition to safety concerns, you may run into legal issues or problems with future home inspections if you choose to do the inspection yourself. Most home buyers and lenders will not accept the results of a DIY septic inspection, so you’ll always have to hire a professional in these cases. You’re also more likely to miss issues as a DIY inspector, which could end up costing you thousands of dollars if the problem leads to damages that require repairs down the road.
If you need a septic inspection, you should always hire a local septic company to get the job done correctly.
Though septic inspection costs are largely unavoidable, there are ways to minimize the financial impact of yours. Here are some ways to save money on this service.
Get multiple quotes: Shop around and get quotes from several reputable septic inspection companies to find the most competitive pricing.
Combine multiple inspections: If you require additional services, such as a well inspection or general home inspection, consider bundling them with your septic inspection to save on overall costs.
Combine with septic tank repairs: If your inspection reveals issues that require repairs or replacement, combining the inspection with repair work can be cost-effective in the long run.
Keep your septic system healthy: Regularly engaging in septic-safe practices and performing routine maintenance can prolong the life of your septic system and reduce the need for pricier inspections.
Carry out routine inspections: Scheduling a septic inspection once every one to three years may seem like a waste, but per-inspection costs will tend to be lower, and regular inspections will reduce the risk of unexpected major repairs or replacements.
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Most septic systems last for between 20 and 30 years, but the life span depends on the tank material, how often you carry out maintenance, and how diligent you are about maintaining septic tank health. Steel tanks last for 15 to 20 years, concrete tanks last for 20 to 40 years, and fiberglass and plastic tanks last for 30 to 40 years. You’ll more often see lifespans reaching the upper ends of those ranges if you get pumping done regularly and avoid putting chemicals and non-biodegradable solids down your drains.
The easiest thing you can do to prolong the life of your septic system is to adopt septic-safe practices. This includes not flushing non-biodegradable items, chemicals, or excessive grease down drains and scheduling regular septic tank pumping to prevent buildup. It’s also important to fix plumbing leaks promptly and to practice water conservation to avoid overloading the system. To maintain your drain field, avoid heavy vehicle traffic and plant shallow-rooted vegetation in the area. Most importantly, invest in routine inspections and maintenance to detect and address issues early.
Signs of a failing septic system include slow drains, foul odors around drains or outside your home near the leach field, unusually healthy grass growing in your yard, standing water in your yard, a toilet that won’t flush, and a constant gurgling noise around pipes. These could be signs of severe clogs, cracks in pipes, or another serious septic problem, so call a septic pro right away if you experience any of these problems.
