Septic and well checklists
Four short checklists: your first year with septic, your first year with a well, and what to check before you buy a home with either. Progress saves in your browser, and you can print it.
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First year: septic
First year: well
Before you buy: septic
Before you buy: well
Why new owners need a list
City water and sewer are managed by the utility. With a septic system and a private well, you are the utility. Many people move into a rural or suburban house without knowing where the tank is, when it was last pumped, or whether the water has ever been tested. The first year is the best time to find out. Records are easiest to get from the seller and the county while the sale is fresh, and a baseline water test gives you something to compare future results against.
The records that matter
Your county or city health department usually holds the septic permit, which often includes a drawing showing where the tank and drainfield are. Many states also keep well logs, the driller’s report listing depth, casing length, and yield. Keep every pumping receipt, inspection report, and water test result together. A service provider who can see a history of sludge measurements can tell you your real pumping interval, and a buyer will want the same records when you sell.
Buying a home with septic and well
A general home inspection often doesn’t cover the septic system in any depth, and it may not include a lab water test. Ask for both. A septic inspector should find and open the tank, check the baffles and levels, and look at the drainfield. Some jurisdictions require a septic inspection at the time of sale. Check with your local health department. For the well, have a certified lab test the water and have the sample taken by someone other than the seller. Read our buyer’s guide for the questions to ask.
Using the checklists
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