Septic inspections in Lakeland

Buying a home on septic? An inspection tells you whether the tank and drain field work before you own them. Selling? A clean report removes a common reason deals stall.

What an inspection covers

  • Finding the tank and checking its size against the house
  • Pumping the tank, so the walls, baffles and inlet and outlet can be seen
  • Checking for cracks, root intrusion and the level of water returning from the drain field
  • Walking the drain field for wet spots, odors and signs of failure
  • Testing pumps and alarms on systems that have them

Cost

Expect roughly $250 to $500 in the Lakeland area, depending on whether pumping is included and how hard the tank is to reach.

Who asks for one

Florida doesn't require a septic inspection for every home sale, but many buyers, lenders and insurers ask for one, and FHA and VA loans often do. Book it early in the inspection period, since a failed drain field can take weeks to permit and fix.

Reading the report

  • Satisfactory: the system works as designed. Ask for the pump date for your records.
  • Needs maintenance: often a baffle, lid or riser. Usually a few hundred dollars.
  • Failing: usually the drain field. Get a repair quote before closing; see drain field repair.