Septic Inspections in Bucks County, PA
Buying or selling? Request an inspection quote online.
Request a QuoteCall 215-770-8510
A septic system is out of sight, so it's easy to overlook during a home sale, even though a replacement is one of the biggest repairs a homeowner can face. A septic inspection tells buyers what they're getting and helps sellers avoid surprises at the closing table.
Does Pennsylvania Require a Septic Inspection at Sale?
Not statewide. Pennsylvania's Sewage Facilities Act (Act 537) sets up local Sewage Enforcement Officers (SEOs) to issue permits, inspect newly installed systems and resolve malfunctions. It doesn't make SEOs certify systems at a property transfer. According to the Pennsylvania Septage Management Association (PSMA), when Penn State and PSMA approached the state about real estate inspections in 1988, the state declined to make certification part of the SEO's job. That's why PSMA developed its own standardized inspection program for real estate transfers.
Locally, it depends on the municipality. Some townships do require it. For example, Bedminster Township in Upper Bucks requires a resale use-and-occupancy permit for residential sales, and if the property has an on-lot system, a licensed septic company must pump and inspect it and complete the township's Pumper Report and Inspection Report.
Even where it isn't required, buyers, agents and lenders routinely ask for a septic inspection as a contingency. Always check with the township and your agent before you list or make an offer.
If an inspection finds the system can't be repaired, see septic installation and replacement. Selling in Milford Township? See the township's sale rule on our Quakertown page.
Bucks County Rules That Matter at Sale
- Pumping records. Townships with sewage management ordinances (Plumstead, Hilltown and East Rockhill, among others) require pumping at least every three years, with reports on file. Buyers may ask whether the system is up to date.
- Repairs need permits. Under Act 537, repairing or altering an on-lot system generally needs a permit. In Bucks County, the Bucks County Health Department permits new and repaired systems and investigates malfunctions.
- Carbonate areas. The Health Department's on-lot regulations identify the Durham Valley (Springfield, Durham and Riegelsville) and the Buckingham Valley (Buckingham and Solebury) as carbonate (limestone) areas that get special site evaluation, which can matter if a system needs replacing.
What a Septic Inspection Typically Includes
Scope varies by inspector and by the standard used (many PA inspectors follow PSMA's inspection protocol):
- Records review. Permits, past pumping reports and the age of the system.
- Locating and uncovering the tank and access points.
- Pumping and examining the tank: baffles, tank walls, inlet and outlet, and signs of backflow.
- A hydraulic load test. Water is introduced to see how the system handles typical flow.
- Drain field evaluation: probing, inspection ports, and checking for surfacing effluent or saturation.
- A camera inspection of lines where needed.
- A written report with findings and recommendations.
What Affects the Cost of an Inspection?
We don't post prices. The scope drives it:
- Inspection type. A basic check versus a full real estate transfer inspection.
- Tank size and depth, and whether lids have to be dug up.
- Pumping included at the same visit.
- Extras like camera work or a township-specific form.
Request a quote tailored to your property and timeline.
Tips for Sellers
- Find your permit and pumping records early. The county or township may have copies.
- Schedule the inspection before listing, so you have time for any needed repairs.
- Know your township's resale rules. Some need forms done before settlement.
Tips for Buyers
- Make the septic inspection a contingency in your offer.
- Ask for the system's age, permit and pumping history.
- If the inspection finds problems, see our repair & drain field page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a septic inspection required to sell a home in PA?
Not by state law, but some municipalities, such as Bedminster Township, require one through their resale process.
How long does an inspection take?
It depends on the system and scope. Ask when you schedule.
Does a home inspector check the septic system?
A general home inspection usually doesn't fully evaluate a septic system. A dedicated septic inspection is separate.
What if the system fails inspection?
Repairs generally need a Bucks County Health Department permit. We can connect you with a local pro for repairs.
Not sure what your system needs? Our Bucks County Septic Guide covers warning signs, what affects the cost of septic work, and common questions.
Septic Services
Pumping · Inspection · Repair & drain fields · Installation · Emergency
Areas We Serve
Doylestown · Plumstead · Quakertown · Richland Twp & Richlandtown · Perkasie · Hilltown · Sellersville · Chalfont · Dublin · New Hope · All service areas
How It Works
- Tell us your town, what you need and any township deadline.
- Get matched with an independent local septic provider who serves your area.
- Provider follows up by email (or by phone if you add a number) to talk through the job and a quote.
Book Your Inspection
Request a quote online, or call 215-770-8510 if you prefer. We serve Quakertown, Perkasie, Sellersville, Doylestown, New Hope, Chalfont and Dublin. Also see septic pumping.