Inspection
Septic inspections in Hot Springs, AR
Your home inspector won't open the septic tank. A licensed local septic company will.
Buying a house
Your home inspector won't check the septic
A standard home inspection doesn't open or test the septic tank. Arkansas home inspectors work to the ASHI standards, and those leave septic out.
Arkansas doesn't require a septic inspection to sell a house either. If you're buying a place on septic, it's on you to order one.
When
Other times it makes sense
- Before you list a house, so nothing comes up at closing
- After a backup, or a wet spot in the yard that won't dry
- When nobody knows when the tank was last pumped
What is checked
What gets looked at
Most inspections start with finding the tank and opening it up. They'll check the liquid level, the baffles and the lids, then walk the drain field for wet spots and smell. A lot of companies pump the tank during the inspection so they can see the walls and bottom.
Ask the company that calls you back what their inspection covers and what you get in writing.
Permit records
Find the original septic permit
The county keeps septic permits. In Garland County, call the Garland County Health Unit at 501-624-3394 and ask for the Onsite Environmental Specialist. It helps to have the year the house was built, the subdivision and lot number, and the original owner or builder if you know it.
The office is at 1425 Malvern Ave in Hot Springs. In Hot Spring, Saline or Montgomery County, call that county's health unit.
Free lot check
Buying a place on septic? Check the lot first
Type the address. See the USDA soil rating, lot size and flood zone, and the parcel ID for the county permit search.
Need septic help around Hot Springs?
Send a short request. A licensed local septic company calls you back. We don't do the work ourselves.