The average cost for a homebuyer’s septic inspection is around $500. Why so much? The State of Florida requires that the inspection be done by a licensed master plumber or septic contractor, and the tank must be pumped-out in order to certify its condition. Plus, there’s the disposal of the effluent, which is costly due to environmental regulations. 

    Septic tank size is based on the number of bedrooms in a house, and most tanks are from 750 to 1200 gallons. Larger tanks cost more for the pump-out, and a big house may even have two. A more detailed analysis of the drainfield is also offered by some contractors as an optional upgrade. So the cost can go much higher.

    The report itself is a state-mandated one-page standard form, and a copy of the Florida's “Procedure for Voluntary Inspection and Assessment of Existing Systems” is required to provided with the report. It outlines the minimum standards for the inspection. You must also receive a written notice of your right to request an evaluation based on all or only part of the standards.

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Field Guide for Home Inspectors, a quick reference for finding the age of 154 brands of HVAC systems, water heaters, and electrical panels, plus 210 code standards for site-built and manufactured homes, and the life expectancy rating of 195 home components. Available at amazon.com for $19.95.
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Here’s links to some of our other articles about SEPTIC TANK SYSTEMS:

• What is the average life expectancy of a septic tank system?

• Should I buy a house with a septic tank? 

• What are the building code requirements for gray water reuse in Florida?

• What can I add to my septic tank to help it work better? 

• Why do septic tank contractors want you to get rid of your kitchen disposal?

• How can I tell if a house is connected to a septic tank system or sewer?

• How can I locate my septic tank?

• Does a septic tank have to be re-certified if a house has been vacant for a while?

• What is a grinder pump? 

• How often should I pump out the septic tank?

• Should I call a plumber or septic tank contractor when my septic tank backs up into the house? 

• Do I have to get a larger septic tank when I build a home addition?

• Where is the septic tank? Are you going to inspect it? 

• Can a house have more than one septic tank?

• What is the difference between gray water and black water in the plumbing code? 

• Is it alright to disconnect the washing machine drain from the septic tank and divert it to the ground in the yard?  

• Does a home inspector check the septic tank system?

• How far away does a well need to be from a septic system in Florida? 

• How do you abandon a septic tank?

• How close can you build a home addition to a septic tank system in Florida?

• Can you build a deck or patio over a septic tank in Florida?

• What is a septic loading dye test?

 • What are the signs of a full septic tank?

• Can heavy rain cause a septic tank back up?

• What is the minimum distance from septic tank to house in Florida?

• Why would a house have a septic mound system? 

• What is safe to plant over a septic drainfield to avoid problems?