Last updated on March 31st, 2022
How much does a septic tank inspection cost in the UK?
If you’re interested in buying a property with a septic tank, it’s a good idea to have a septic tank inspection carried out. This can also be useful if you already live in a rural home with a septic tank, or if you’re preparing to sell your property. We’ll look at the average septic tank inspection cost here in this guide, so that you can budget accordingly.

If you’re interested in buying a property with a septic tank, it’s a good idea to have a septic tank inspection carried out. This can also be useful if you already live in a rural home with a septic tank, or if you’re preparing to sell your property.
A septic tank survey assesses the condition of the unit, pipework and connected systems. It’s all to make sure your tank is working as it should and to prevent costly problems further down the line.
We’ll look at the average septic tank inspection cost in the UK here in this guide so that you can budget accordingly.
How much is a septic tank inspection?
Cost provided item | Low cost | High cost | Average cost |
---|---|---|---|
Septic tank survey | £250 | £300 | £275 |
Our costs are ballpark averages – get a local tradesperson to quote now
The cost of getting a septic tank survey carried out can vary depending on the access to your tank and pipework. A surveyor may need to empty the tank or otherwise break into the system to inspect it properly, which can be expensive.
Generally speaking though, the average septic tank inspection cost in the UK is around £275.
What is a septic tank inspection?
A septic tank survey involves an initial visual inspection, followed by a thorough check of the tank and pipework. This usually requires emptying the tank, and many survey companies will also use CCTV technology to inspect the pipework.
The survey aims to do the following:
- Check that the size and type of septic tank is suitable for the property (and the number of people living there).
- Make sure the system complies with the Environment Agency General Binding Rules.
- Check that the tank isn’t discharging into a stream, ditch, land or surface water drain.
- Check the tank for leaks and signs of ‘backing up’.
- Identify any cracks in pipework or other damage.
- Make sure no rainwater or run-off from certain appliances is entering the tank.
FAQs
Is it mandatory to have a septic tank inspection?
No, but it’s really important to have a septic tank inspection carried out if you’re buying or selling a rural property. The cost of replacing the system can be enormously expensive, so regular surveys are a good preventative measure. Plus, septic tanks can become dangerous over time.
How long does a septic tank inspection take?
A septic tank inspection can take anywhere between 45 minutes to three hours. It all depends on the complexity of the job and any findings which require further investigation.
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