Home Septic Guide For realtors and inspectors
For real estate pros
Septic inspections for realtors and home inspectors
A septic surprise can sink a closing. We work with agents and home inspectors around Cleveland, Ooltewah and Bradley County to get the tank found, pumped, inspected and written up before the deadline.
Fast scheduling
Clear written reports
Buyer and seller friendly
Quick answer
What does a septic inspection for a home sale include?
We locate and uncover the tank, pump it so the walls and baffles can be seen, check the baffles, lids and any pump and alarm, walk and probe the drain field, compare the system to permit records, and send a written report. It’s the level of detail a buyer and lender can rely on.
Pumped
So baffles and walls can be seen
Records
Checked against the permit
Written
Report for all parties
What’s included
What does our home-sale septic inspection include?
- Locating and uncovering the tank
- Full pump-out through the main lid
- Inlet and outlet baffle check
- Lid, riser and tank wall check
- Pump, float and alarm test where present
- Drain field walk and probe
- Comparison to TDEC or Hamilton County Groundwater records
- Written report with photos on request
Timing
How far ahead should agents book?
Book as soon as the contract is signed. Finding records and uncovering buried lids can add time, and permitted repairs need even more. We try to fit inspections in quickly for closings; tell us the deadline when you call.
Common findings
What do septic inspections commonly find?
| Finding | Typical fix | Closing impact |
|---|---|---|
| Missing outlet baffle | New sanitary tee | Usually fixed before closing |
| Cracked lid | New lid or riser | Quick fix |
| No records | Locate and map | Report notes it |
| Bedrooms exceed permit | Permit review | Needs discussion |
| Failing field | Permit repair or replacement | Price or credit negotiation |
Both sides
How do we work with buyers and sellers?
We report what we find, plainly, to whoever orders the inspection. We don’t take sides. Sellers sometimes book an inspection before listing so there are no surprises; buyers book one before closing.
Local case example
Example: a pre-closing inspection in Ooltewah
The problem
A buyer’s agent needed an inspection with 10 days to closing on an older home near Wolftever Creek.
What we found
Lids were buried, one lid was cracked and the outlet baffle was missing. The field was dry.
What we did
Located, pumped and inspected the tank, checked the county’s septic records and sent a report.
The result
The seller fixed the lid and baffle before closing, and the deal closed on time.
Example scenario based on common jobs in our area. It is not a customer review.
We answer these calls across Cleveland (37311, 37312, 37323), Charleston and Calhoun, Georgetown, McDonald and Hopewell, Ooltewah, Harrison, and Benton and Ocoee, across Bradley, Hamilton, Polk and McMinn counties. See all service areas.
From our crew
What makes a septic inspection go smoothly?
These small things save days before a closing.
- Book early. Right after the contract is signed.
- Share the address and parcel. We start the records search right away.
- Tell us about access. Gates, pets and tenants.
- Know the county. Bradley and Hamilton records are kept by different offices.
FAQ
Questions we hear about this
How long does a septic inspection take?
Usually a few hours on site, plus time to write the report.
Who orders the septic inspection?
Usually the buyer, but sellers sometimes order one before listing.
Do you inspect in Hamilton County?
Yes, including Ooltewah and Harrison.
Is a visual inspection enough?
For a sale, we recommend a pumped inspection. A visual check can’t see the baffles or walls.
Can repairs be done before closing?
Small fixes often can. Field repairs need a permit and more time.
Related: Free septic checklists · Septic inspection · Buying a home with septic · Find septic permit records · Hamilton County permits · Book a septic pump-out
Last updated October 3, 2026.
Closing coming up?
Call to book a septic inspection for your client.