Septic tank survey near me

Buying a property with a septic tank? Perhaps you're selling your home, or you've noticed something isn't quite right with your drainage.

A professional septic tank survey can help you understand the condition of the system, identify potential problems and find out whether any further work is needed.

Checkatrade can help you find checked and reviewed septic tank survey specialists working in your local area.

Search your postcode to compare local tradespeople, read verified reviews and request quotes for a septic tank inspection.

How to find septic tank survey services near you

Septic tanks are usually hidden underground, so it's not always obvious what's happening beneath the surface.

Finding someone with experience in inspecting septic tanks and their associated drainage systems is a good place to start.

1. Search your postcode

Enter your postcode into our search tool to find checked tradespeople offering septic tank surveys in your local area.

2. Compare their experience

Read verified reviews, view profiles and look for experience with septic tank inspections. If you're buying or selling a property, check whether they regularly carry out surveys for property transactions.

3. Request quotes

Contact your shortlist to explain what you need, discuss availability and request quotes. Ask what's included in the inspection and whether you'll receive a written report.

4. Use the Checkatrade app

Use the Checkatrade app to contact local specialists and keep your enquiries, messages and quotes together.

Find septic tank inspection services near you with Checkatrade

You might know exactly where your septic tank is and when it was last emptied. Or you might have inherited a system you know very little about.

Either way, a survey can help you get a clearer picture of its condition.

An experienced septic tank specialist can inspect the accessible parts of the system, look for signs of damage or poor performance and explain whether further investigation is needed.

Only tradespeople who pass our checks and commit to upholding the Checkatrade Standard appear in our listings. You can compare profiles, previous work and verified reviews before deciding who to contact.

When might you need a septic tank survey?

A septic tank survey can be useful whenever you need a better understanding of the condition of an existing system.

Some of the most common reasons include:

Buying a property with a septic tank

If you're buying a home that isn't connected to mains drainage, it's worth understanding what you're taking on.

A septic tank inspection can help identify potential problems before you commit to the purchase, particularly if the system is older or there's little maintenance history available.

It may also highlight questions about the drainage arrangements or compliance that need further investigation.

Selling a property

If you're selling a property with a septic tank, a survey can help you understand its condition and address potential concerns before they become an issue during the sale.

It's also useful to gather any existing installation, servicing and emptying records for prospective buyers.

Investigating drainage problems

Slow-draining sinks, unpleasant smells, gurgling pipes or standing water around the drainage area can all suggest something isn't working as it should.

A septic tank survey can help investigate the cause and establish whether repairs, maintenance or further drainage investigations are needed.

Checking an older or unfamiliar system

Perhaps you've lived in your property for years but don't know much about the septic tank. Or you've recently moved in and have no record of when it was last inspected.

A professional inspection can help establish the condition of the accessible system and identify any maintenance or repair work worth considering.

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What does a septic tank survey involve?

During a septic tank survey, a specialist will assess the condition of the tank and associated drainage system, looking for signs of damage or other problems.

The exact checks will depend on the type of system, how accessible it is and the level of survey you've requested.

As a guide, a septic tank inspection may include:

• Locating the septic tank and identifying accessible parts of the system

• Checking the condition of accessible tank covers, chambers and pipework

• Looking for visible cracks, leaks, corrosion or other damage

• Inspecting inlet and outlet connections and accessible internal components

• Checking for signs of blockages, overflowing or poor drainage

• Assessing the condition and performance of accessible drainage components

• Reviewing available installation and maintenance records

• Identifying concerns that may need further investigation

Some specialists may also recommend a CCTV drainage survey to investigate pipework or suspected blockages.

Not every septic tank survey includes the same checks, so it's important to agree the scope before booking.

Will I receive a septic tank survey report?

Many specialists can provide a written report outlining their findings, but it's worth confirming this before booking.

Depending on the inspection, the report may include photographs, details of any visible defects and recommendations for maintenance, repairs or further investigation.

If you're buying or selling a property, ask whether the report will be suitable for sharing with your solicitor or the other parties involved.

Can a septic tank survey check compliance?

A septic tank survey can help identify potential compliance concerns, but it doesn't automatically confirm that a system meets every applicable requirement.

In England, septic tanks and other small sewage discharges are subject to environmental rules, including requirements relating to where and how treated wastewater is discharged.

If you're buying or selling a property, ask the survey specialist whether they can assess the system against the relevant requirements and what supporting information or records they will need.

It's particularly important to establish where the system discharges and whether the existing arrangements need further investigation.

How much does a septic tank survey cost?

The cost of a septic tank survey depends on the type of inspection you need and how much of the system needs to be investigated.

As a guide, a professional septic tank inspection typically costs £250–£300, with an average price of approximately £275.

Factors that can affect your quote include:

• The size and type of septic tank

• How easily the tank and drainage components can be accessed

• Whether you're requesting a basic inspection or a more detailed survey

• Whether CCTV drainage investigations are needed

• The extent of any additional testing

• Whether a written report is included

• Your location

For example, inspecting an accessible tank with a clear maintenance history may involve less work than investigating an older system with unknown drainage arrangements.

Ask for an itemised quote so you know what's included and whether any further investigations would cost extra.

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What to look for when hiring a septic tank survey specialist

Look for someone who regularly inspects septic tanks and understands how the tank and associated drainage system work together.

When comparing local specialists, it's worth checking:

• Experience carrying out septic tank surveys and inspections

• Familiarity with your type of drainage system

• Verified reviews from previous customers

• Whether they can inspect the wider drainage system

• Whether CCTV surveys or additional investigations are available

• Appropriate insurance

• What's included in the inspection and written report

• Availability and likely timescales

• Whether they can advise on potential compliance concerns

For a property purchase, make sure the specialist understands why you need the survey and what information you're hoping to establish.

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Questions to ask before booking a septic tank survey

Once you've found a specialist whose experience looks right, useful questions include:

• Have you inspected similar septic tank systems before?

• What parts of the tank and drainage system will you inspect?

• Will you check the drainage field or soakaway arrangements?

• Is a CCTV drainage survey included or available separately?

• Will I receive a written report with photographs?

• Can you identify potential compliance concerns?

• Will the tank need emptying before the inspection?

• How long will the survey take?

• What's included in your quote?

• What happens if further investigations are needed?

• Do you have appropriate insurance?

You won't necessarily need to ask every question. But if you're arranging a survey as part of a property purchase, make sure you understand exactly what's being inspected and what information you'll receive afterwards.

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Find the septic tank service you need

A survey can help establish the condition of your septic tank, but you may need a different specialist if you already know what work is required.

• Find septic tank installation near you – For new systems or replacement installations

• Find septic tank repair near you – For damaged or faulty septic tanks

• Find septic tank emptying near you – For routine waste removal and emptying services

• Find septic tank pumping near you – For pumping and removing accumulated waste

Find septic tank survey services in your area

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Why use Checkatrade to find septic tank survey services near you?

With Checkatrade, our members are:

• Checked – Every Checkatrade member must pass up to 12 checks and commit to upholding the Checkatrade Standard

• Reviewed – Over 6.2 million reviews from real jobs have been published on Checkatrade, covering everything from communication and timekeeping to tidiness and quality of work

• Guaranteed – Jobs booked through Checkatrade are covered up to £1,000 (T&Cs apply)

Request a quote, search in the Checkatrade app, or enter your postcode below to find checked septic tank survey specialists near you.

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