Provide a signed written contract to the client before performing an inspection.
This contract should:

1. Detail the services and their costs.

2. Get written permission from the property owner before inspecting.

Inspect specific, easily accessible systems and components

1. Deliver a written report to the client within 10 days post-inspection, which should:

2. Describe the inspected systems and components

3. List inspected items and note any items not inspected, specifying reasons. If a system is not located, the report should clarify this distinctly from "not visible."

4. Highlight any components that don't work properly or might harm the wastewater treatment.

5. Specify any issues needing repair, observation, or further evaluation. This should include details on the defect, potential consequences, and referrals to the health department or a qualified professional

6. Include the inspector's name, license number, and signature.

Keep records of all inspections for seven years.

When inspecting an on-site wastewater system the inspector shall inspect and describe the following in a report:

1. Any part of the system located more than five feet from the primary structure that is part of the operations permit;

2. Septic tanks;

3. Pump tanks;

4. Distribution devices;

5. Dispersal fields;

6. Treatment units;

7. Control panels;

8. Any other components required as part of on-site wastewater system permit, including drainage; and

9. Any vegetation and grading with respect only to their effect on the condition of the system or system components.

The inspector shall:

1. Uncover tank lids and distribution devices so as to gain access, unless blocked. The distribution box may remain covered if the inspector has an alternate method of observing its condition;

2. Probe system components where deterioration is suspected;

3. Report the methods used to inspect the on-site wastewater system;

4. Open readily accessible and readily openable components.

5. Report signs of abnormal or harmful water entry into or out of the system or components; and

6. Conduct the inspection using the rules in effect at the time of the initial construction or renovation of the system, whichever occurs later, and any subsequent installation or replacement of any system or component of the system.

The inspector shall not be required to:

1. Conduct dosing volume calculations;

2. Evaluate soil conditions beyond saturation or ponding;

3. Evaluate for the presence or condition of buried fuel storage tanks;

4. Evaluate the system for proper sizing, design, or use of approved materials.

5. Perform a hydraulic load test on the system.

During the inspection, the inspector must:

1. Determine the advertised number of bedrooms based on:

- Realtor Multiple Listing Service information.

- Sworn statement from the owner or the owner's representative.

2. Ascertain the designed system size (either in gallons per day or by the number of bedrooms) from:

- Local health department records, such as the current permit.

During the inspection, the inspector shall also:

1. Check if there are any regulatory requirements for maintenance or inspections of the system type inspected in your area.

2. Identify the type of water supply: well, spring, public water, or community water.

3. Locate the septic tank and determine its details:

- Distance from the house or other structures.

- Proximity to a well (if applicable).

- Proximity to a water line (if visible).

- Distance from known property lines.

- Depth from the finished grade to the tank top or access riser.

- Types of access risers present and their condition.

- Tank lid's condition.

- Condition of the tank baffle wall.

- Water level in the tank compared to the tank outlet.

- Outlet tee's condition.

- If there's an outlet filter and its condition.

- Presence of roots in the tank.

- Signs of tank leakage or non-permitted connections.

- Connection from the house to the tank and from the tank to the next component.

- The last known pumping date for the tank.

- Percentage of solids in the tank.

4. Locate the pump tank and detail:

- Distances from house, well, water line, property lines, and septic tank.

- Presence and type of access risers.

- Tank lid's condition.

- Control panel's location and condition.

- Functionality of alarms and pump.

5. Locate the dispersal field and detail:

- Type of dispersal field.

- Distances from property lines, septic tank, and pump tank.

- Number and length of lines.

- Signs of past or current surfacing.

- Traffic evidence over the field.

- Vegetation, grading, and drainage effects on the system.

- Confirm if the system effluent is reaching the drainfield.

6. List any conditions that hindered the inspection or determination.

If a client opts against pumping the tank for the inspection: The inspection contract should state: "The client has been advised for a complete inspection, the tank should be pumped. They've chosen not to pump it for this inspection." A space should be provided for the client's signature and date.

The inspector shall not:

Dismantle any electrical device other than removing the covers of main and auxiliary control panels.

Inspectors are not required to report on the following:

1. Life expectancy of any component or system;

2. The causes of the need for a repair;

3. The methods, materials, and costs of corrections;

4. The suitability of the property for any specialized use;

5. The market value of the property or its marketability;

6. The advisability or inadvisability of purchase of the property; or

7. Normal wear and tear to the system.

Inspectors are not be required to:

1. Identify property lines;

2. Offer warranties or guarantees of any kind;

3. Calculate the strength, adequacy, or efficiency of any system or component;

4. Operate any system or component that does not respond to normal operating controls;

5. Move excessive vegetation, structures, personal items, panels, furniture, equipment, snow, ice, or debris that obstruct access to or visibility of the system and any related components;

6. Determine the presence or absence of any suspected adverse environmental condition or hazardous substance, including toxins, carcinogens, noise, and contaminants in the building or in soil, water, and air;

7. Determine the effectiveness of any system installed to control or remove suspected hazardous substances;

8. Predict future condition, including failure of components;

9. Project operating costs of components;

10. Evaluate acoustical characteristics of any system or component; or

11. Inspect equipment or accessories that are not listed as components to be inspected in this Section.