Septic vs Sewer: What Inspectors Check Depending on Your Setup in Georgia

When buying or maintaining a home in Georgia—whether in Atlanta, Marietta, or smaller suburbs like Kennesaw and Smyrna—one of the most important but often overlooked systems is how your property handles wastewater. Every home is connected to either a sewer system or a septic system, and each requires a different inspection approach.

Understanding the differences between the two setups and what an inspector looks for can save homeowners from costly surprises down the road. In this blog, we’ll break down the key inspection points, Georgia-specific concerns, and why knowing your home’s wastewater setup matters more than you might think.

Why It Matters: Sewer vs. Septic in Georgia

• Sewer systems: Common in denser metro Atlanta neighborhoods and most newer subdivisions. Wastewater flows to municipal treatment facilities.

• Septic systems: Common in rural and suburban areas, including parts of Cobb, Cherokee, and Paulding counties. Wastewater is treated on-site in a tank and drain field.

Both have pros and cons, but each carries unique inspection requirements. A home inspector’s role is not to service or maintain these systems but to identify visible problems, red flags, and risks.

What Inspectors Check on Sewer-Connected Homes

For homes tied into the municipal sewer system, inspections usually focus on:

1.

Drain Functionality

• Testing sinks, tubs, showers, and toilets for proper drainage speed

• Looking for gurgling, slow flow, or backflow issues

2.

Cleanout Accessibility

• Ensuring a sewer cleanout is visible and accessible outside the home

• Noting if it’s missing, buried, or damaged

3.

Signs of Blockages

• Observing if multiple fixtures back up at once

• Checking for foul odors that may suggest partial blockage

4.

Recommendations for Sewer Scopes

• Inspectors often recommend a professional sewer scope (camera inspection) to evaluate the main sewer line, which can crack, collapse, or clog with tree roots—an especially common problem in older Atlanta neighborhoods with mature oaks and maples.

What Inspectors Check on Septic Homes

For septic systems, the inspection is different. While a licensed septic professional should always perform a full tank and drain field evaluation, home inspectors look for:

1.

Location of the System

• Identifying the tank and drain field areas

• Checking for signs of vehicles driving or parking on top of them (which can cause damage)

2.

Surface Indicators

• Wet spots, standing water, or lush green grass patches above the drain field may indicate leaks or overloading

• Odors around the system are flagged

3.

Household Performance

• Slow or backing-up drains may suggest septic overload or tank issues

• Multiple occupants vs. system age and size is considered in the report

4.

Maintenance Indicators

• Asking homeowners for pumping history (tanks should be pumped every 3–5 years in Georgia)

• Noting if lids, risers, or inspection ports are unsafe or inaccessible

Georgia-Specific Concerns

• Clay-heavy soil: Many parts of metro Atlanta have clay soil, which slows drainage and can shorten drain field lifespan.

• Tree root intrusion: Both sewer lines and septic tanks are highly vulnerable to root invasion in areas like Marietta, Roswell, and Decatur.

• Older homes: Houses built before 1980 often have outdated or undersized systems that no longer meet modern usage demands.

Because of these factors, inspectors often recommend follow-up testing or evaluations by licensed plumbers or septic specialists.

What an Inspector’s Report Will Say

A home inspection report won’t tell you the exact health of a septic tank or sewer main—it will flag visible concerns and recommend the next step. Expect language like:

• “Evidence of slow drains noted—recommend further evaluation by a plumber.”

• “No septic inspection records provided—recommend licensed septic contractor evaluate and pump as needed.”

• “Main sewer cleanout not located—scope recommended before closing.”

These notes give buyers and sellers clarity on what should be done before finalizing a transaction.

FAQs About Septic vs. Sewer Inspections in Georgia

1. Do home inspectors pump septic tanks?

No. Only licensed septic contractors can pump or fully inspect tanks. Home inspectors evaluate visible conditions and recommend further evaluation.

2. Is a sewer scope included in a standard home inspection?

Not typically. It’s an additional service performed by a plumber with a camera, but many inspectors strongly recommend it in Atlanta due to tree root intrusion.

3. How often should a septic tank be pumped in Georgia?

Generally every 3–5 years, though frequency depends on household size and tank capacity.

4. Can inspectors tell if a sewer line is broken?

They can identify symptoms like backups, gurgling, or odors, but a scope is needed for confirmation.

5. What if I don’t know whether my home is septic or sewer?

Inspectors can usually determine the system type during the inspection. Public records or utility companies can also confirm.

Final Thoughts

Whether your Georgia home runs on a sewer system or septic tank, an inspection is critical for spotting issues early. Sewer-connected homes may hide costly underground pipe problems, while septic systems require regular maintenance and careful monitoring.

At Reynolds Home and Property Solutions, we provide thorough inspections across Atlanta, Marietta, Smyrna, Roswell, and beyond—flagging the warning signs that can save you from expensive surprises.

👉 Schedule your inspection today at Reynolds Home and Property Solutions.