Septic inspections and maintenance visits

Home buyers, sellers and real estate agents, property managers and homeowners who want regular system checkups.

A flat fee per inspection, plus charges for maintenance visits, maintenance contracts, minor parts and a margin on subcontracted pumping.

• Understanding how septic systems work
• Clear written reports
• Building relationships with agents and homeowners

• Inspector certification or registration, which varies by state and county
• General liability and errors and omissions insurance in case you miss a problem
• Gas and confined-space hazards; stay out of tanks without training
• Local rules on who may open tanks or do repairs, check with your county health department
• Agreements with subcontracted haulers; make sure they hold the right licenses

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $1,500 to $7,500, depending on your inspection tools, insurance and how you set up reporting and marketing. You subcontract pumping rather than buying a truck.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $1,500 to $7,500, depending on how many inspections and maintenance visits you book and your relationships with agents and homeowners.

Check whether inspector certification or registration applies, as it varies by state and county. Also check local rules on who may open tanks or do repairs with your county health department, and insurance such as general liability and errors and omissions.