Skip to Content
Top
Septic Tank Inspection

Septic Tank Inspection in Fairfax, VA

One Team to Inspect It, Fix It, & Back It Up

When your septic system needs an inspection, the last thing you want is to hire one company to evaluate it and another to fix whatever they find. Marines Service Co. handles both under one roof. As a fully licensed, veteran-owned plumbing company serving Fairfax and Northern Virginia since 2014, we perform thorough septic tank inspections and can move directly into repair work if the findings call for it.

Ready to schedule a septic inspection in Fairfax? Call (703) 215-9076 for a free estimate with upfront pricing and no hidden fees.

What a Septic Tank Inspection Covers

A thorough inspection goes well beyond a visual check of the lid. Our team evaluates the condition and function of the entire onsite sewage system so you know exactly where things stand.

Components we examine include:

  • Tank integrity: Structural condition of the tank walls and access lids
  • Sludge and scum layers: Depth measurements that indicate whether a pump-out is due
  • Inlet and outlet baffles: These direct flow through the tank and prevent solids from reaching the drain field
  • Distribution box: Checked for level and even flow to drain field lines
  • Drain field condition: Surface assessment for ponding, saturation, or breakout
  • Mechanical components: Pumps, float switches, and alarms on alternative onsite sewage systems (AOSS), which rely on electrical and mechanical controls not present in conventional systems

For property transfer inspections or when line damage is suspected, we can run a camera through the drain lines to identify cracks, root intrusion, or joint failures that aren’t visible from the surface. Every inspection produces a written report describing the condition of each component, what needs attention, and maintenance recommendations going forward.

Why Fairfax Homeowners Choose Marines Service Co.

Marines Service Co. is veteran-owned and operated. The discipline and accountability that come with that background show up on every job, from how our technicians treat your property to how clearly we explain what we found and what it costs to fix it.

Our plumbing team is fully licensed, background-checked, and trained across plumbing, drain, and sewer services. Because we handle inspection and repair together, you don’t face the scheduling gap that comes when a dedicated inspector hands off findings to a separate contractor. If something needs repair, we can address it without making you start over with another company.

  • 100% satisfaction guarantee on our service delivery, every job
  • Upfront pricing with no hidden fees, and free estimates on any project
  • 10% discount for active military, veterans, and first responders
  • Financing available through GreenSky for larger repair projects
  • Industry recognition including Expertise Best Plumbers in Fairfax (2023) and PHCC Contractor of the Year (2022)

If you’d like to stay ahead of maintenance rather than react to problems, the Marines Home Care Enlistment Program offers annual maintenance visits, priority scheduling, and exclusive discounts across our plumbing and drain services.

Schedule Your Fairfax Septic Inspection Today

We serve Fairfax and the surrounding Northern Virginia area with free estimates and transparent pricing on every call. Whether you’re buying a home, due for a routine check, or noticing signs that something isn’t right, we’re ready to take a look and tell you exactly what we find.

Call Marines Service Co. at (703) 215-9076 to schedule a septic tank inspection or request your free estimate.

What Makes Us different

Benefits of Working With Our Expert Team
  • Transparent, Honest Pricing
    We provide upfront pricing with no hidden fees and special discounts for veterans and seniors.
  • Veteran-Owned & Operated
    We bring disciplined, honest service rooted in veteran values and pride.
  • Skilled, Licensed Professionals
    Our team is fully licensed, background-checked, and committed to respectful, clean service.
  • Customer Satisfaction Guaranteed
    We stand by our work with a 100% satisfaction guarantee on every job.
Financing Available Through GreenSky

Get the work you need now and pay over time with flexible financing options from GreenSky. Quick approval, easy terms, and no hidden fees.

Fairfax County Septic Inspection Requirements

Fairfax County Code Chapter 68.1 requires all onsite sewage systems to have the septic tank pumped out at least once every five years. The Fairfax County Health Department’s Onsite Sewage and Water Program administers state and local regulations covering construction permits, compliance inspections, and enforcement for all private septic systems in the county. A failing or non-compliant system can result in fines, enforcement action, and discharge into neighboring yards or nearby waterways.

Real Estate Transactions

If you’re selling or buying a property served by a private septic system, a septic inspection is a standard part of the process. Under Virginia law (HB 2671, effective July 2025), any inspection conducted as part of a real estate transaction must meet specific requirements and be performed by a licensed professional. Many lenders also require a septic inspection before approving financing. Scheduling early avoids delays if repairs are needed before closing.

Conventional vs. Alternative Systems

Inspection frequency depends on system type. Conventional septic systems follow the five-year pump-out cycle under Chapter 68.1. Alternative onsite sewage systems (AOSS) involve pumps, electrical float switches, and mechanical controls that require annual inspection rather than the five-year interval because their components degrade faster, and failures can escalate quickly.

When to Schedule a Septic Tank Inspection in Fairfax

Four situations call for a septic inspection:

Real Estate Transactions
Schedule a certified inspection before closing. Many lenders require one, and catching repairs early avoids delays.

Routine Maintenance Cycles
For conventional systems, inspections should occur at least once every three to five years. Regular checks can catch minor issues before they become expensive failures.

Aging Systems
Many properties in Fairfax County outside the municipal sewer service area have systems installed between the 1950s and 1980s. Concrete tanks from that era can develop cracks, deteriorated baffles, and compacted drain fields that show no obvious symptoms until the system backs up.

Warning Signs or Unknown History
Slow drains across multiple fixtures, sewage odors indoors or outside, soggy patches over the drain field, or gurgling sounds after flushing all signal that a system needs professional attention. Newly purchased properties with no documented service history are also good candidates for an early inspection.

Continue Reading Read Less

We Know What Service Is!

Contact Us Today

At Marines Service Co., we're always ready to take your calls! Give us a call or fill out the form below to contact one of our team members.

  • Please enter your first name.
  • Please enter your last name.
  • Please enter your phone number.
    This isn't a valid phone number.
  • Please enter your email address.
    This isn't a valid email address.
  • Please lookup your address.
  • Please make a selection.
  • Please enter a message.
  • By submitting, you agree to receive text messages from Marines Service Co. at the number provided, including those related to your inquiry, follow-ups, and review requests, via automated technology. Consent is not a condition of purchase. Msg & data rates may apply. Msg frequency may vary. Reply STOP to cancel or HELP for assistance. Acceptable Use Policy