Septic Tank Survey

In short: a septic tank survey is a targeted inspection of a private drainage system — usually carried out as part of a property purchase, sale, or when a problem is suspected — covering type, age, condition, capacity and compliance.

When you need one

• Buying a property with private drainage — see buying a house with a septic tank
• Selling a property, to identify issues before they surface in a buyer’s own survey
• Suspecting a problem (smells, slow drainage, wet ground) without a clear cause
• Planning an extension or change of use that could affect system capacity

What’s inspected

• Tank type, approximate age and physical condition
• Drainage field location and apparent performance
• Discharge point and likely compliance position under the General Binding Rules
• Signs of previous repairs, damage or inadequate capacity
• Available documentation (installation records, emptying receipts, permits)

What you get afterwards

A written report setting out findings and, where relevant, recommendations — which might range from “no action needed” through routine maintenance advice to a recommendation for replacement or further assessment. For typical prices, see septic tank survey cost. This is general guidance, not a legal or regulatory determination — see our compliance checker for a quick self-assessment starting point.