What Happens During a Septic Inspection?
TL;DR: A septic inspection checks the condition of your septic tank, drain field, and key system components to make sure everything is working properly. During the inspection, a professional looks for signs of buildup, damage, or drainage issues and recommends maintenance if needed. For New Hampshire homeowners, regular septic inspections help catch small problems early and avoid costly repairs later.
For many homeowners, the idea of an inspection can feel intimidating or confusing, especially if it’s your first time.
But septic inspections are straightforward and meant to protect your system, saving you money and hassle in the long run. In this guide, we’ll walk through what a septic inspection involves, what inspectors look for, and why regular inspections matter for homeowners in New Hampshire.
What Is a Septic Inspection?
A septic inspection is a professional evaluation of your septic system’s condition and performance. The goal is to make sure everything is working as it should and to identify small issues before they turn into bigger problems.
A septic inspection typically looks at:
The septic tank
Key system components
The drain field
Visible signs of trouble around the property
It’s important to note that an inspection doesn’t automatically mean repairs are needed. In many cases, inspections simply confirm that a system is functioning properly or that routine maintenance like pumping is due.
Why Septic Inspections Are Important for Homeowners
Septic inspections are one of the best ways to protect both the system and your property.
Regular inspections help:
Catch problems early, before they become expensive repairs
Extend the life of the septic system
Provide peace of mind, especially with older systems
Because homeowners are responsible for septic system care, inspections are a proactive way to stay ahead of issues rather than reacting after something goes wrong.
When Should You Schedule a Septic Inspection?
There are several situations when a home septic inspection is especially helpful:
As part of routine maintenance
Before buying or selling a home
If the system hasn’t been inspected in several years
After periods of heavy water use
When warning signs appear, such as slow drains or odors
Even if everything seems fine, inspections can uncover early signs of wear or buildup that aren’t yet obvious.
What Happens During a Septic Inspection? Step by Step
While every system is a little different, most septic inspections follow a similar process.
1. Review of System History
The inspector may start by reviewing available information about the system, such as its age, size, and maintenance history. Homeowner input about past issues or concerns is also helpful.
2. Locating the Tank and Drain Field
Next, the inspector locates the septic tank and drain field. Proper access makes it possible to thoroughly evaluate the system.
3. Visual Site Inspection
A walk-around inspection checks for surface signs of trouble, such as standing water, unusually lush grass, or odors near the tank or drain field.
4. Opening and Inspecting the Septic Tank
The tank lid is opened so the inspector can check liquid levels and overall condition. This step is critical for understanding how the system is functioning internally.
5. Measuring Sludge and Scum Levels
Inspectors measure the sludge and scum layers inside the tank. If these layers are too thick, pumping may be recommended to prevent solids from reaching the drain field.
6. Checking Baffles, Pipes, and Components
Key internal parts — such as inlet and outlet baffles — are checked to make sure they’re intact and doing their job of keeping solids in the tank.
7. Drain Field Evaluation
The drain field is examined for signs of saturation or poor absorption. Inspectors look for soggy soil, pooling water, or other indicators that wastewater isn’t dispersing properly.
8. Optional Water Flow Testing
In some cases, water may be run inside the home to observe how the system responds. This helps confirm that wastewater flows correctly from the house to the tank and beyond.
Septic Tank Inspection: What the Inspector Checks
A septic tank inspection focuses on the tank’s ability to perform its three main functions: separating solids, supporting bacterial breakdown, and storing waste safely between pumpings.
During the inspection, the inspector checks:
Liquid level inside the tank
Sludge and scum thickness
Condition of baffles and pipes
Signs of cracks, leaks, or structural damage
Drain Field and Soil Evaluation
The drain field is one of the most important (and most expensive) parts of a septic system. Because of that, inspectors pay close attention to how it’s performing.
They look for:
Wet or spongy areas above the drain field
Evidence of wastewater reaching the surface
Changes in vegetation that suggest saturation
Proper grading and drainage around the area
Healthy soil is essential for wastewater treatment, so even surface conditions provide valuable clues.
Septic Inspection Checklist: What’s Typically Reviewed
While inspections vary by system, a typical septic inspection checklist includes:
Septic tank access and condition
Sludge and scum measurements
Inlet and outlet baffles
Distribution box (if applicable)
Drain field condition
Signs of leaks or backups
Surface drainage around the system
What Is a Sewer Camera Inspection?
A sewer camera inspection uses a small, waterproof camera that’s fed through a drain or sewer line to visually inspect the inside of the pipe. The camera allows a professional to see blockages, pipe damage, root intrusion, buildup, or misaligned sections without digging or guessing.
While a sewer camera inspection is not automatically part of a septic inspection, it’s sometimes recommended when there are symptoms like frequent backups, recurring slow drains, or uncertainty about whether a problem is coming from the household plumbing or the septic system. The camera helps determine whether an issue is inside the pipe leading to the septic tank or farther downstream in the septic system itself.
What Happens After the Inspection?
After the inspection, the homeowner usually receives a summary or report outlining:
The condition of the system
Any issues found
Recommended next steps, such as pumping or monitoring
Recommendations are just that — recommendations. In many cases, the outcome is simply confirmation that the system is working well or guidance on tank maintenance timing.
What a Septic Inspection Means for Homeowners
A septic inspection is one of the simplest ways to protect your system, your property, and your peace of mind. By understanding what happens during a septic inspection, homeowners can feel more confident caring for their systems and addressing small issues before they become big ones.
If you’re unsure when your system was last inspected or have questions about its condition, a knowledgeable local septic professional can help you decide the right next step.
Frequently Asked Questions About Septic Inspections
How long does a septic inspection take?
Most septic inspections take between one and two hours, though the exact time depends on the size and complexity of the system. Older systems, hard-to-locate tanks, or properties with multiple drain field areas may take longer to inspect.
Does a septic inspection include pumping?
A septic inspection does not automatically include tank pumping, but it may be recommended based on what the inspector finds. During the inspection, sludge and scum levels are measured to determine whether the tank is nearing capacity.
How often should a septic system be inspected?
Most septic systems benefit from an inspection every one to three years, depending on household size, water use, and system age. Homes with larger families, older systems, or higher water usage may need inspections more frequently.
Can a septic inspection fail?
Septic inspections don’t technically “pass” or “fail” like a building inspection. Instead, the inspector documents the system’s condition and identifies any concerns.
Some findings may be minor and simply require monitoring or routine maintenance, while others may suggest repairs or further evaluation. The goal of an inspection is to provide information, not automatically trigger system replacement.
Is a septic inspection required when selling a home in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire does not have a statewide requirement for septic inspections during home sales. However, many buyers request an inspection as part of the purchase process to avoid unexpected repair costs after closing.