How Much Does a Septic Inspection Cost? [2024 Data]
Normal range: $200 - $900
Septic tank inspections cost between $200 and $900, but prices can fluctuate depending on the type of inspection needed.
One essential aspect of maintaining your home’s septic system is regular inspections. A septic inspection costs $550 on average and ranges between $200 and $900. Factors that influence overall septic inspection costs include the type of inspection needed, the size of the septic system, and whether or not any septic-related issues exist.
- Average
- $550
- Low end
- $100
- high end
- $1,300
Septic Inspection Cost Factors
If you're in need of a septic inspection, it's important to be aware of the different factors that can affect the overall price you’ll pay for this service. Here are some factors to consider for your inspection budget.
Type of Inspection
There are several types of septic inspections, each serving a specific purpose. Here's a breakdown of the most common ones.
| Inspection Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Annual inspection | $200–$250 |
| Basic inspection | $250–$400 |
| Detailed inspection | $400–$700 |
| Camera inspection | $250–$900 |
Annual Routine Inspection
A routine septic inspection is recommended annually and costs between $200 and $250. This is the simplest, quickest, and easiest checkup for your septic system. It typically involves a visual check for the general condition of your tank and helps identify minor issues before they become major problems.
Basic Inspection
A basic septic inspection goes a step further and includes a thorough examination of your tank's components, including the inlet and outlet pipes. These inspections often include a dye test and other septic tests to check for leaks and common septic issues. Typically recommended every three years, a basic septic inspection may cost you between $250 and $400.
Detailed Inspection
Often performed during home sales, a detailed inspection is a comprehensive examination of your entire septic system, including the tank, pipes, and drain field. It provides a more in-depth assessment—often including soil testing, flow testing, and even a tank size audit—and can cost anywhere from $400 to $700.
If your system happens to fail a detailed inspection, you won’t be able to sell your home until a septic pro repairs or replaces your system.
Camera Inspection
When septic problems arise that can’t be easily identified, a camera inspection may be in order, which can cost anywhere from $250 to $900. The process involves using specialized camera equipment to inspect the interior of your septic tank and pipes for issues like cracks, blockages, and corrosion.
Septic Tank Size and Depth
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, resulting in higher 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.
Septic Issues
If you’re getting this inspection due to suspected problems with your septic system, you’ll probably need a detailed inspection or a camera inspection, which are two of the higher-cost types of septic 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.
Cost of Common Septic Tank Inspection Add-Ons
In addition to the primary inspection, there are several common add-on services that may be necessary or recommended based on your type of septic system and situation.
| Service | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Well inspection | $400–$650 |
| Septic tank pumping | $250–$550 |
| Septic tank jetting | $175–$400 |
| Filter replacement | $200–$300 |
| Drain field repair | $1,000–$3,000 |
| Drain field replacement | $3,000–$15,000 |
Well Inspection
If your property houses a well and that well is located near your septic system, it’s a good idea to have it inspected to ensure there's no risk of water contamination. Well inspections typically cost between $400 and $650.
Septic Tank Pumping
To maintain the health of your system, you should consider having your septic tank pumped periodically. Septic tank pumping costs can vary depending on the size of your tank, but the final price typically ranges from $250 to $550.
Septic Tank Jetting
Septic tank jetting involves cleaning the tank and pipes using high-pressure water. This service can cost between $175 and $400, depending on the complexity of the job.
Filter Replacement
If your septic system has a filter, it should be replaced during the inspection if necessary. Filter replacement costs typically range from $200 to $300.
Drain Field Repair or Replacement
In severe cases where the leach or drain field is failing, repair or replacement may be required. Addressing drain field issues can vary significantly in cost, but repairing often costs $1,000 to 3,000, while a full drain field replacement costs $3,000 to $15,000.
Are DIY Septic Tank Inspections Possible?
While some may consider doing their own septic tank inspections to save money, it's important to note that DIY inspections are not recommended. There are safety and environmental concerns since septic systems contain toxic waste and fumes, and you may run into legal issues or problems with future home inspections if you choose to do the inspection yourself. It’s recommended that you hire a local septic company for all your septic inspections.
Ways to Save Money on Septic Tank Inspection Cost
Though septic inspections are essential, 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Routine inspections are recommended every year, while more detailed inspections should be performed every three years. Septic inspections are also needed during several key circumstances, like when a home is being sold or when you’re planning new construction on your home. Also, if you notice signs of septic problems like slow drains or odors, scheduling an inspection promptly is vital to diagnose and address any septic issues.
Skipping septic tank inspections may seem like a way to save money initially, but it can lead to more significant expenses in the long run. Regular inspections help detect and address minor septic issues before they escalate into costly repairs or system failures. Neglecting inspections may result in undetected problems, which could require extensive and expensive repairs or even complete septic system replacement down the road. Investing in regular inspections is a prudent financial decision to maintain the longevity and efficiency of your septic system while preventing potential financial burdens.
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 ASAP if you experience any of these.