What is a septic inspection?
A hands-on check of your whole septic system, from the tank to the drainfield. We make sure everything works and tell you in plain English what, if anything, needs attention.
What we check on every inspection
- Tank & levels
- Inlet & outlet baffles
- Pumps & floats
- Alarms & control panel
- Clean filters
- Drainfield condition
- Lids & risers
- Report filed with county
- Homeowner education
How often do I need an inspection?
Required by Washington state code.Who should get a septic inspection?
Your septic system is a living ecosystem
Billions of natural bacteria live in your tank and drainfield and break down waste. Keep them healthy and your system does its job for decades. Kill them off and solids build up, clog the drainfield, and lead to costly repairs.
- Waste flows into the tank
- Bacteria break it down
- Clean water goes to the drainfield
What harms your septic system
- Bleach, cleaners & drain openers
Kill the bacteria your tank depends on - Liquid fabric softener
Keeps sludge from settling, so it flows out and clogs the drainfield - Antibacterial soaps
Built to kill bacteria, including the good kind - Flushed medications
Antibiotics especially disrupt the tank - Grease, fats & oils
Build up and clog lines and the drainfield - Wipes & paper towels
Even "flushable" wipes don't break down - Paint, solvents & pesticides
Toxic to bacteria and to groundwater - Heavy garbage disposal use
Adds solids faster than bacteria can keep up
Septic-friendly habits
- Only flush toilet paper
- Use cleaners sparingly
- Spread out laundry loads
- Fix leaky toilets and faucets
- Keep up with inspections
Not sure if something's safe? Ask us at your inspection.
What happens if you skip your inspection?
Septic problems don't fix themselves. A small issue nobody catches tends to turn into a big one.
- 1. A small problem startsEveryday bleach, cleaners and fabric softener go down the drain. They kill the good bacteria in your tank and send sludge out toward your drainfield.
- 2. Solids move downstreamNobody catches it, and sludge starts flowing out toward the drainfield.
- 3. The drainfield clogsSoggy yard, odors, slow drains, and sewage surfacing outside.
- 4. System failureBackups into the house, and often a full drainfield replacement.
There's a reason inspections are required
Nearly all the drinking water on Whidbey comes from the ground beneath our feet. The EPA has designated the island a sole source aquifer, so there's no backup supply. With a septic system on almost every lot, one failing system can contaminate a neighbor's well, our beaches and our shellfish beds. Regular inspections are how Island County protects the water we all share.
What to expect from your inspection
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One simple, upfront rate
You'll know the rate before we ever come out. No add-ons, no surprises.
What's included
- Full system check
- Pumping check
- Filters cleaned
- Homeowner education
- Written report
- Filed with the county
★★★★★ "Sean took the time to walk me through what he was seeing and teach me how to maintain a system."
Septic inspection FAQ
How often does my septic system need to be inspected?
Washington state code requires it: every year if your system has a pump, and every three years for a conventional gravity system.
Do I need a septic inspection to sell my house?
Yes. A septic inspection is required when a property with a septic system is sold in Island County.
How long does an inspection take?
Usually 1 to 2 hours on site, depending on the site and how easy the lids are to reach.
Do you pump the tank during an inspection?
Every inspection includes checking whether your tank needs to be pumped, so you only pay for pumping when it's actually due. If it is, we'll connect you with a trusted local pumper.
Schedule your septic inspection
Tell us about your property and we'll get back to you within one business day.
