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.

Should the tank be pumped before an inspection?

Many inspectors prefer to see the tank before and during pumping so they can judge how the system has been working. Ask the inspector what they want rather than pumping on your own beforehand.

Does Exeter 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 Luzerne 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 System Inspections for Exeter Homes

If a home in Exeter uses a septic system, the condition of that system can change what the house is worth. An inspection looks at the tank, the pipes and the drain field so there are no surprises after closing.

Local septic companies that serve Exeter can inspect for a sale, a refinance or simply because you want to know how your system is holding up.

Inside a septic inspection

Inspectors look at the system from the house to the drain field. They confirm where the main line leaves the house, open the tank to check its condition and levels, and inspect the baffles and any effluent filter. Outside, they walk the drain field and look for soggy ground, lush grass stripes or odors. Some inspections add a camera run through the lines or a hydraulic load test that sends a measured amount of water through the system.

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.

Inspections for buyers and sellers

Buyers use an inspection to learn what they are taking on. Sellers use one to fix problems before listing or to show buyers the system is sound. In either case, schedule early in the process so there is time to pump, make repairs or negotiate. Waiting until the last week before closing leaves little room if the inspector finds a problem.

Reading your inspection report

Look for three things: what was inspected, what was found, and what is recommended. Pay attention to notes about parts of the system that could not be reached, since those are unknowns. Ask the inspector to explain any term you do not understand and to rank repairs by urgency. If you are buying, share the report with your agent so it can be part of the negotiation.

Getting ready for the inspector

Find any septic permit, the original design drawing and receipts from past pumping or repairs. If you know where the tank lids are, clear grass, mulch or snow from them. Let the inspector know about any past backups or wet spots, and plan for normal water use in the house beforehand.

What to ask before you book

Useful questions include: What will you check, and what is outside your inspection? Is the tank pumped during the visit? Do you include the drain field? How will you document what you find? Will your report meet what my lender or buyer needs? Clear answers make it easy to compare companies.

Septic inspections in Luzerne County

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

Because most mapped soils near Exeter are rated very limited for septic absorption, inspectors pay special attention to how the drain field is handling water. With about 46 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. 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 Exeter that affect septic inspection

Among the mapped soils within about two miles of central Exeter, the USDA soil survey rates 100% as very limited for septic absorption fields, 0% 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.

Exeter averages about 46 inches of precipitation a year, and June is usually the wettest month. Average temperatures stay below freezing for about 3 months a year, with January averaging 23°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 Exeter means for septic inspection

By drainage class, the USDA soil survey maps the land around Exeter as 35% well drained, 33% moderately well drained, 11% poorly drained, 9% somewhat poorly drained, 7% somewhat excessively drained, 3% excessively drained, 2% very poorly drained. A good inspection here checks the drain field as well as the tank, since 22% 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 Exeter

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

Rural Septic, Hunlock Creek, PA, 14.4 mi
May's Sewer & Drain, Hunlock Creek, PA, 17.3 mi
Elston William Septic Tanks, Jefferson Twp, PA, 18.3 mi
Avalanche Septic Service LLC, Moscow, PA, 21.7 mi
Chapin Roy W Septic Tank Cleaning, Huntington Mills, PA, 24.2 mi
Chapin Design Co, Benton, PA, 28.2 mi

Septic Inspection in nearby towns

We also cover septic inspection in these towns near Exeter:

West Pittston, 1.1 mi
Pittston, 1.9 mi
West Wyoming, 2.1 mi
Wyoming, 2.2 mi
Duryea, 2.7 mi
Hughestown, 2.7 mi

About Exeter, PA

Exeter is in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. About 5,524 people live there, across 4.6 square miles of land (about 1,197 per square mile).

Septic Inspection questions in Exeter

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.
Should the tank be pumped before an inspection?: Many inspectors prefer to see the tank before and during pumping so they can judge how the system has been working. Ask the inspector what they want rather than pumping on your own beforehand.
Does Exeter 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 Luzerne 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.