Real Estate Transfer Septic System Inspections

When buying or selling a property with an Onsite Sewage System most purchasers and lenders require an inspection and certification that the septic system is functioning properly and with routine maintenance is expected to function properly for the foreseeable future. SES offers a standard and a comprehensive inspection by licensed onsite wastewater system operators, installers and onsite soil evaluators. New laws in Virginia require the owner of a property served by an onsite septic system to disclose the presence and any maintenance requirements to purchasers of real property in Virginia. But, as always, it’s buyer beware!
Standard inspections can satisfy most lender requirements for newer conventional and alternative onsite sewage systems to confirm that the system is not malfunctioning as defined by The Virginia Department of Health. When questions arise during a standard inspection, when inspecting a complex alternative onsite sewage disposal system, older conventional system or when a dwelling has been unoccupied for more than 30 days a comprehensive inspection is recommended.