When You Need a Septic Inspection
- Buying a home — the single most important check on a rural property. A failed system can cost $15,000–$40,000 to replace.
- Selling a home — get ahead of buyer negotiations with a clean report.
- Escrow / lender requirement — many lenders require septic certification on unsewered properties.
- Permits and remodels — adding bedrooms changes system requirements in Sonoma County.
- Peace of mind — you bought years ago and have never seen your own tank.
What We Inspect
- Tank structure: walls, lids, baffles, inlet/outlet tees
- Sludge and scum levels (tells us if the system is overloaded)
- Liquid level response — signs of drain field backup
- Drain field surface: soggy spots, odors, surfacing effluent
- Distribution box condition where accessible
- Flow test from the house to the tank
Typical price range: $350–$650. Inspection combined with pumping (recommended — an empty tank shows everything) is priced as a package. Written report with photos delivered within 24 hours.
Reports Your Realtor and County Will Accept
Our inspection reports document system type, condition, deficiencies and repair recommendations with photos — in the format realtors, escrow officers and Permit Sonoma expect. If the system needs work, you get a prioritized list separating "must fix now" from "watch over time", so nobody scares you into unnecessary repairs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a septic inspection cost in Sonoma County?
A standalone inspection runs $350–$650. Combining inspection with pumping is the best value — the tank must be pumped anyway to inspect it properly, and the package saves you a second visit fee.
Is a septic inspection required to sell a house in Sonoma County?
It is not universally mandated, but most buyers, agents and lenders require one during escrow on unsewered properties, and Permit Sonoma requires system evaluation in specific permit situations. In practice, nearly every rural sale includes one.
How long does an inspection take?
Plan for 1.5–2.5 hours on site, depending on how accessible the tank and distribution box are. The written report with photos is delivered within 24 hours.
What if the inspection finds problems?
You get a prioritized report: safety and function issues first, cosmetic and preventive items second. We quote repairs separately and you are never obligated to use us for the fix — the report is yours either way.