How long does a septic inspection take?

Most take one to three hours. Time depends on how easy the system is to find, whether the tank is pumped during the visit and how much testing is done on the drain field.

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 Bloomington 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 Hennepin County health department to confirm what applies.

What happens if the inspection finds a problem?

You get a clearer picture of what needs fixing and how urgent it is. Small items like a broken baffle are usually simple. Bigger findings, like a failing drain field, may call for repair quotes before a sale moves forward.

Septic System Inspections for Bloomington Homes

A septic inspection tells you whether the system under a Bloomington property is working, what shape the tank and drain field are in, and what repairs might be coming. It is one of the most useful reports you can have before buying or selling a home that is not on city sewer.

Request a call and a septic company that inspects systems in Bloomington and Richfield, Edina, Burnsville will explain what their inspection includes and when they can get out.

What the inspector checks

Expect the inspector to look at four main things. First is the tank's structure and water level, then the inlet and outlet baffles. Next come any pumps, floats and alarms, and finally how well the drain field is absorbing water. On older Bloomington homes they also look for signs that the system was changed or repaired without records. The goal is a clear picture of whether the system works today and what it may need soon.

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 Bloomington 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.

Reading a septic inspection report

The report should say where each part of the system is, how big the tank is and what it is made of, how full it was, and the condition of baffles, filter, lids and any pumps. It should describe how the drain field looked and list recommended repairs, with photos where possible.

Before the inspector arrives

Find the tank if you can, move vehicles off the drain field and make sure the inspector can reach the lid. Have records ready and a list of questions. If you are the buyer, ask the seller for permission and records well ahead of time. If the lid is deeply buried, ask whether digging is included or billed separately.

What to ask when you book an inspection

Ask exactly what the inspection includes, whether the tank will be opened and pumped, and whether the drain field will be tested. Ask about their experience with your type of system, how long the report takes, and whether the report format is accepted by lenders in Hennepin County.

Septic inspections in Hennepin County

Inspection requirements differ across Hennepin County and neighboring areas, and some local health departments keep records of past permits and inspections. Ask the Hennepin 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 Bloomington

Because most mapped soils near Bloomington are rated very limited for septic absorption, inspectors pay special attention to how the drain field is handling water. Bloomington averages about 33 inches of precipitation a year. Mention recent heavy rain to your inspector, since it can change what the drain field shows. Frozen ground in the colder months can limit what an inspector can see, so plan inspections for a home sale early when you can.

Local conditions in Bloomington that affect septic inspection

Among the mapped soils within about two miles of central Bloomington, the USDA soil survey rates 96% as very limited for septic absorption fields, 4% as somewhat limited and 0% as not limited. The most common drainage class is well drained. Soils like these often call for careful system design, such as a larger drain field, a mound or another engineered system, and a site evaluation before any new installation or replacement.

Bloomington averages about 33 inches of precipitation a year, and June is usually the wettest month. Average temperatures stay below freezing for about 4 months a year, with January averaging 13°F, so tank lids and shallow lines benefit from a layer of snow or mulch rather than being cleared bare.

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 Bloomington means for septic inspection

By drainage class, the USDA soil survey maps the land around Bloomington as 35% well drained, 17% very poorly drained, 12% somewhat excessively drained, 12% poorly drained, 9% somewhat poorly drained, 9% excessively drained, 6% moderately well drained. A good inspection here checks the drain field as well as the tank, since 38% of the soil drains poorly and that is where fields tend to show trouble first.

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

Septic companies near Bloomington

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

Bixby Septics, Prior Lake, MN, 9.6 mi
Mckinley Sewer Service & Supply, Prior Lake, MN, 10.4 mi
Volkenant Inc, Maple Plain, MN, 20.7 mi
Town & Country Sewer Service, Webster, MN, 20.7 mi
Schlomka Services Inc, Hastings, MN, 22.3 mi
Esi Septic Service, Hampton, MN, 23.0 mi

Septic Inspection in nearby towns

We also cover septic inspection in these towns near Bloomington:

Richfield, 3.5 mi
Edina, 4.8 mi
Burnsville, 4.8 mi
Savage, 5.4 mi
Eden Prairie, 7.2 mi
Eagan, 7.5 mi

About Bloomington, MN

Bloomington is in Hennepin County, Minnesota. About 87,398 people live there, across 34.7 square miles of land (about 2,519 per square mile).

Septic Inspection questions in Bloomington

How long does a septic inspection take?: Most take one to three hours. Time depends on how easy the system is to find, whether the tank is pumped during the visit and how much testing is done on the drain field.
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 Bloomington 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 Hennepin County health department to confirm what applies.
What happens if the inspection finds a problem?: You get a clearer picture of what needs fixing and how urgent it is. Small items like a broken baffle are usually simple. Bigger findings, like a failing drain field, may call for repair quotes before a sale moves forward.