Free referral service · Chattanooga area
Septic inspection quotes, including home sales
Buying, selling, refinancing or adding on? Send one request and independent local septic companies contact you to schedule an inspection.
How this works: Chattanooga Septic Quotes is a free referral service, not a septic company. We pass your request to independent local septic pros, who may pay us for the referral. They quote, schedule and do the work; check their insurance before you hire. More about us.
What an inspection costs
Angi's 2026 national average is $550, and most homeowners pay $200 to $900. A detailed inspection tied to a home sale on a larger house can reach $1,300.
| Type | Used for | Angi 2026 range |
|---|---|---|
| Annual | Routine visual check | $200 to $250 |
| Basic | Every 3 years | $250 to $400 |
| Detailed | Real estate sales | $400 to $700 |
| Camera | When there's a problem | $250 to $900 |
Uncovering the tank adds $50 to $250 if it isn't included. Angi lists Georgia's state average at $500.
Is an inspection required to sell a home?
We did not find a Tennessee or Georgia rule that requires a septic inspection at every sale. A lender or buyer may still ask for one, and some local situations trigger an official review:
- Georgia (Catoosa, Walker): Northwest Georgia Public Health lists loan closing or refinance among the reasons for an existing-system evaluation by the county Environmental Health office. Catoosa charges $125 and Walker $75 under their published fee schedules. If there's no inspection record on file, the tank has to be partly uncovered first. Georgia's rule says these evaluations follow the state manual.
- Hamilton County, TN: Groundwater Protection lists an inspection letter ($105), a recertification letter ($180) and an existing permit review ($205) on its fee schedule. Short-term vacation rentals need a $205 septic inspection.
A private inspection from a septic company is a separate thing from these government reviews. Ask your lender or agent which one they need.
Get the County records first
In Hamilton County, the septic permit and installation certificate are on file with Groundwater Protection. Owners can email gwp@hamiltontn.gov for a copy, and anyone can search the County's online document retrieval by street name. The records show the permitted size (bedrooms) and layout, which is worth comparing with the house you're buying.
Adding on, or putting in a pool?
Hamilton County requires an application for use of an existing system. Additions must be at least 5 feet from the tank and 10 feet from the field lines, and in-ground pools, or cuts deeper than a foot, need 25 feet from the field lines. An inspector visits within 3 days.
Sources
- Angi, How Much Does a Septic Inspection Cost? (updated Oct 7, 2026)
- Northwest Georgia Public Health, Existing System Evaluations (pamphlet, PDF)
- Catoosa County Health Department, Environmental Health fee schedule (PDF)
- Walker County Health Department, Environmental Health fee schedule (PDF)
- Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. 511-3-1-.17, Maintenance and Operation (via Cornell LII)
- Hamilton County, Development Services: Groundwater Protection (permits and fees)
- Hamilton County, Septic Information and Forms
- Hamilton County, Use of Existing System and Existing Permit (PDF)
Prices are national ranges published by the sources above, not quotes. Your price depends on the system, access and timing; local companies quote after seeing the job.