Septic inspection - Septic Certification

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A Septic Inspection aka. Septic Certification is required in Tucson when there is a property transaction with a septic system, and when you’re selling your home you’ll need to do this about a month before closing. The process is to make sure that the buyer is getting a good working septic system with no surprises when moved in. 

The seller has up to 6 months to perform the septic inspection and record the paperwork with PDEQ. All that paperwork gets sent over to title BEFORE close of escrow. 

The surgeon comes to the property ready to dig up the tank with a mini-excavator…both manhole lids need to be excavated if it’s a 2-chambered tank. The mini-ex is very narrow at 33” wide and can fit through any backyard gate.(Photo Gallery)

After excavation, the tank is observed for water tightness as well as functionality of the parts. The leachfield is tested with a “day in the life” dose of water from a garden hose or recycled water. Once passed, the tank is called for pump(if needed) and backfilled. On to paperwork at PDEQ in Tucson. Remember this procedure is called a septic inspection as well as a septic certification.

The 7-page REPORT OF INSPECTION is turned into PDEQ in Tucson for them to review it and issue a permit. Then all the rest of the paperwork is bundled together and sent to title BEFORE COE. Usually the septic inspection is the last paperwork to go to title before you close.

Payment for the septic certification work can be paid with escrow funds for a small fee.