A well and septic inspection costs between $400 and $650 on average if they are conducted during the same visit. Prices will vary depending on the inspector’s rates, the types of weather they test, the size of your septic tank, and the surrounding environment.

Homeownership comes with the highest of highs and the lowest of lows, like a burst septic tank which can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $25,000 to repair or replace. If you suspect a septic system issue or adding an addition to your home, you’ll need a well and septic inspection.

While a well and septic inspection can be expensive, it’s always cheaper than potentially replacing a collapsed septic system.

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How much does a well and septic inspection cost?

The average cost of a well and septic inspection ranges between $400 and $650, but how much you actually pay could be lower or higher than that. Here are some factors that affect the cost of your inspection:

Water testing: Inspections that include water testing at a lab will assess the water quality and check for contaminants but it will also be more expensive.

Travel fees: Some companies will charge travel fees of$1 to $2 per mile if you live outside of their regular service range.

Depth of the well and size of the tank. Inspectors will charge additional fees for wells that are deeper than 500 feet and larger septic tanks.

Location and age of home: Older homes located near mining, agriculture, or construction sites require additional water testing.

Real estate transactions: If your inspection is part of a real estate transaction, you’ll end up paying more.

There are a few additional costs you’ll have to factor in if you’re getting a well and septic inspection to sell or purchase a home including:

Type of inspection	Description	Average cost
Well and septic inspection for home purchase	Getting your home inspected during your well and septic inspection.	$250 to $400
Title 5 inspection	Some states require a well and septic inspection every two to five years or before the sale of home.	$300 to $650
VA or FHA loan	A full septic inspection will be required if your purchasing a home using a VA or FHA mortgage.	$300

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Regular home inspections don’t typically include a well and septic inspection, so be ready to add the cost of a well and septic inspection or Title 5 inspection to your overall home buying and selling costs.

Getting a well and septic inspection can actually save you money! Homes with a failed septic system will drop at least $50,000 in value if it's not fixed before the sale.

Do I need a well and septic inspection?

A well and septic inspection is always a good idea for regular maintenance, before remodels or real estate transactions, but it may also be a requirement depending on where you live. Some counties require well and septic inspections every two to five years for regular maintenance while in others it is just required upon home sale or the addition of a room, bathroom, or pool.

Your real estate agent or general contractor should be able to walk you through the local well and septic inspection regulations, but we’ll review the national guidelines for VA and FHA loans.

Well and septic inspection for VA and FHA loan

If you’re purchasing a home with VA or FHA loan, a well and septic inspection may be necessary if there is a problem with the well and septic system or if the lender requires it.

You’ll be required to get a full well and septic inspection if the appraiser notices:

Water or sewage backs up inside the home

Bright green grass near the septic tank

Roten egg smell or other nasty odors

Water pooling in the yard

Slow draining

Poor water quality

Well is pumping sand and sediment

Low water pressure

If the well and septic don’t pass inspection, mortgage lenders won’t approve a loan for a home with failed well and septic system.

MORE: When to walk away after a home inspection

Signs of a failing well and septic system

It’s recommended you get a well and septic inspection every two to four years for regular maintenance or whenever your system is experiencing these problems:

Rotting smell or other odors: You won’t be able to miss the smell of rotting eggs or other nasty odors when your septic system is failing.

Skyrocketing electricity bills: Have your electricity bills recently skyrocketed without explanation? This can indicate a worn-out or clogged water pump.

Water and sewage backing into the home: Waste backup from toilets, sinks, and drains are not something to ignore.

Gurgling sounds: Keep an ear out for gurgling sounds coming from the plumbing system.

Change in water quality: If there is sand or sediment in your water or it smells, surface water could leak into your well. Poor quality water should be tested and inspected immediately.

Bright green grass: Are you an amazing gardener or is it a leaky septic tank?

Schedule a well and septic inspection immediately to have your water tested for dangerous pathogens and contaminants when you notice any of the above problems. If neglected, exposure to untreated sewage can make people and animals very sick.

MORE:

Does homeowners insurance cover bellied pipes?

Well and septic repair costs

Average costs for well and septic repairs can range anywhere from $750 to $3,000 but depending on the extent of the damage, repairs could be $6,000 or more! If you spot early signs of damage, your repair costs could be minor. But if you need major repairs or to replace the entire well and septic system, you’re looking at an expensive bill. That’s inspections and regular maintenance are so important.

You can regularly maintain your well and septic systems by:

Checking and replacing damaged well covers and casings

Cleaning by removing debris and leaves around your well

Regularly pumping the septic tank when needed

Storing products with toxic chemicals away from the water well

Keeping your septic tank lid closed

Directing water away from the septic drain field

Well and septic system maintenance can be tiresome and sometimes costly, but it can prevent exposure to dangerous untreated sewage and that inspection fee is much less expensive than a major repair.

How to hire well and septic inspector

Whether you're having your well and septic systems inspected for routine maintenance, a remodel, or in preparation to sell your home, you’ll need a trained inspector you can rely on.

Here are a few tips to help you find the well and septic inspector for the job:

Ask your real estate agent, friends, and family for well and septic inspector recommendations.

Make sure they are qualified. Certified maintenance providers and some well and septic installers have been trained to inspect and evaluate existing systems.

Read reviews. If you want the honest truth about a company and not just what they claim on their website, read their customer reviews.

Call and get a quote. Once you narrow down your list to three inspection companies, call and get a quote from each to make your decision.

Hiring a well and septic inspector will ensure you’re getting a comprehensive report from a trained professional and provide you with peace of mind.

How to save on homeowners insurance

Well and septic inspections are an expensive but necessary part of home ownership. If your inspection results were less than ideal and you’ve been stuck with a huge repair bill, now is the perfect time to shop around for homeowners insurance with

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