Serving Butte County for Over 40 Years!


Escrow Inspections

Escrow Inspections

If you are buying or selling a home with a septic system, the system absolutely must be inspected before the ownership of the home is transferred. In fact, most mortgage companies require inspection and certification before loans are even funded. Inspections are legally required and necessary to ensure the system is functioning properly. The inspection must be performed by a qualified inspector, like the team at Chico Septic! Our certified specialists will always perform your escrow inspections objectively and with integrity.

a member of chico septic writing on a clip board

What takes place during an inspection?

We need access to both septic lids to perform the inspection. First, we will inspect the liquid operating level of the tank. An adequate level to pass inspection sits just below the inlet and outlet T’s. We will also check the quality of your septic tank. We look for deterioration in a cement tank or bowing and compromises to a polyethylene tank. We ensure the inlet and outlet Ts are in place and then we perform a 15-minute hydraulic load test on your leach line.

What is not included in a typical inspection?

We don’t check the line from your house to the tank unless you have a concern. The inspections do not include locating the leach lines. However, we can provide this service if needed.

How are leach lines inspected/tested?

A hydraulic load test is conducted by surcharging the septic tank with about 150 gallons of water over a 15-minute period, and then observing the rise of water in the tank and the subsequent draining process.

Do I need water on the property?

Yes. We need water to perform the hydraulic test on your leach line. If there is no water on the property, please let us know at the time of scheduling and special arrangements can be made.

Do I need to be there during the inspection?

It is not necessary to be on-site while your inspection takes place unless you would like to see the process in person. We provide a detailed inspection report within 24-48 hours and have experienced staff available to answer all of your questions.

Do you need to enter my house to do the inspection?

In most circumstances, no. We may need to enter the home if we cannot locate the septic tank or if there’s no clean-out on the outside of the house. In that case, we need to flush a beeper down the toilet to locate the tank.

When will I get the results of my inspection?

We understand that the results of these inspections can be time sensitive in many cases, so we make every attempt to get a completed report back to you by the end of the next business day.