Can a septic system fail an inspection?

Inspectors usually describe condition rather than giving a simple pass or fail, but a report can show a system is not working or needs major repair. Ask what standard the inspector uses and what the findings mean for your situation.

Is a home inspection enough for a septic system?

Usually not. General home inspectors often do only a quick look at the septic system. A septic company opens the tank and evaluates the drain field, which gives a much more complete picture.

Does Clarkston require a septic inspection when a home is sold?

Rules differ by county and state. Some areas require an inspection or certification when a home changes hands and others do not. Check with the DeKalb County health department to confirm what applies.

How often should I inspect my septic system?

A professional inspection every few years is a good habit, often at the same time as pumping. Systems with pumps, aerobic units or known problems may need more frequent checks.

Septic Inspection in Clarkston, GA

Most septic problems are cheaper to fix when they are found early. A professional inspection in Clarkston checks how the system is built, how it is performing and whether anything is close to failing.

You might be under contract on a house or have owned your home for years. Either way, a local company that works across DeKalb County can give you a clear written picture of your system.

The checklist an inspector works through

Expect the inspector to locate every component, measure how full the tank is, check inlet and outlet baffles for damage, and watch whether water flows the right way. Many also run water through the house to see how the system responds and walk the drain field for wet spots or odors.

Choosing the right level of inspection

Not every inspection is the same. Some lenders or buyers only need a basic functional check, while others want the tank pumped and inspected empty, plus a look at the distribution box and drain field. If the system is old, has no records, or the home has been vacant, ask for the more complete option. It costs more up front but gives a far clearer answer.

Good times to schedule an inspection

The most common reason people in Clarkston call for an inspection is a home sale. Other good times include before a renovation that adds water use and after heavy flooding. It also helps when you notice slow drains or odors, or when you move into a home with no records for the system. Regular inspections help you catch small problems before they turn into drain field replacements.

What a useful report includes

A useful report gives you facts you can act on: measurements of scum and sludge, the condition of each part, a sketch or photos of where things are, and clear recommendations. If repairs are listed, ask the inspector which ones are urgent and which can wait.

Before the inspection day

Make the inspector's job easier by locating the tank lids or marking where you think they are, and moving vehicles away from the area. Have a list of questions ready. If you are a buyer, ask the seller for any septic records the DeKalb County health office may have on file.

Choosing a septic inspector

Look for an inspector who explains the process clearly, provides a detailed written report and is not rushing to sell you repairs. It is reasonable to ask whether the same company performs repairs and how they handle that. Experience with the types of systems common around Clarkston and Tucker, Avondale Estates, Stone Mountain is a plus.

Septic inspections in DeKalb County

Inspection requirements differ across DeKalb County and neighboring areas, and some local health departments keep records of past permits and inspections. Ask the DeKalb County health department whether there is a file for the property. An inspector who knows local rules can tell you what a buyer or lender will expect.

What inspectors look at closely around Clarkston

Soil conditions vary around Clarkston, so a good inspection looks at how this particular yard drains rather than assuming. With about 51 inches of precipitation a year, an inspection after a dry spell can look better than the system really is. Ask how recent rain affects the results.

Local conditions in Clarkston that affect septic inspection

Among the mapped soils within about two miles of central Clarkston, the USDA soil survey rates 36% as very limited for septic absorption fields, 64% as somewhat limited and 0% as not limited. The most common drainage class is well drained. Conditions vary from lot to lot here, so a site evaluation is the only way to know how well a particular yard will handle a drain field.

Clarkston averages about 51 inches of precipitation a year, and December is usually the wettest month. January is the coldest month at about 40°F on average, so freezing is rarely the main concern here. Heavy rain and saturated ground are the bigger factors for drain fields.

Sources: USDA NRCS Soil Survey (SSURGO), Soil Data Access; NASA POWER long-term climatology. Soil ratings describe mapped soil types near the city center and do not replace a site evaluation of your property.

What the soil around Clarkston means for septic inspection

By drainage class, the USDA soil survey maps the land around Clarkston as 86% well drained, 10% moderately well drained, 3% somewhat poorly drained, 1% somewhat excessively drained. A good inspection here checks the drain field as well as the tank.

Source: USDA NRCS Soil Survey (SSURGO), Soil Data Access

Septic companies near Clarkston

These are the septic companies in our directory closest to Clarkston, with straight-line distance. Call any of them directly, or send one request and we will pass it to the best match.

Amerisep, Stone Mountain, GA, 7.7 mi
Doug Clack Septic Tank Service, Lithonia, GA, 10.7 mi
Tri R Service Septic & Sewer, Snellville, GA, 12.5 mi
Rylander Septic Tank Service, Morrow, GA, 15.2 mi
Action Septic Pro LLC, Lawrenceville, GA, 15.2 mi
Action Septic Tank Service, Alpharetta, GA, 15.9 mi

Septic Inspection in nearby towns

We also cover septic inspection in these towns near Clarkston:

Tucker, 3.2 mi
Avondale Estates, 3.4 mi
Stone Mountain, 4.1 mi
Decatur, 4.3 mi
Chamblee, 5.8 mi
Brookhaven, 6.5 mi

About Clarkston, GA

Clarkston is in DeKalb County, Georgia. About 14,396 people live there, across 1.8 square miles of land (about 7,803 per square mile).

Septic Inspection questions in Clarkston

Can a septic system fail an inspection?: Inspectors usually describe condition rather than giving a simple pass or fail, but a report can show a system is not working or needs major repair. Ask what standard the inspector uses and what the findings mean for your situation.
Is a home inspection enough for a septic system?: Usually not. General home inspectors often do only a quick look at the septic system. A septic company opens the tank and evaluates the drain field, which gives a much more complete picture.
Does Clarkston require a septic inspection when a home is sold?: Rules differ by county and state. Some areas require an inspection or certification when a home changes hands and others do not. Check with the DeKalb County health department to confirm what applies.
How often should I inspect my septic system?: A professional inspection every few years is a good habit, often at the same time as pumping. Systems with pumps, aerobic units or known problems may need more frequent checks.