ALTERNATIVE ONSITE SEPTIC SYSTEM INSPECTION
$500.00
Alternative Septic System Inspection & Maintenance
At Virginia Septic Service LLC, our Alternative Septic Inspection service ensures your Alternative Onsite Sewage System (AOSS) is operating efficiently, safely, and in compliance with Virginia Department of Health (VDH) regulations.
What’s Included in an AOSS Inspection
During your scheduled inspection, we:
- Check sludge levels and inspect all operational components of your AOSS.
- Determine if pumping, cleaning, or repairs are needed.
- Perform routine maintenance such as:
- Cleaning filters
- Turning peat media
- Cleaning air blowers and diffusers
- Cleaning filters
- File a detailed inspection report with your local health department and provide a copy to you within approximately 4 weeks.
Please note that we do not perform tank pumping, but we can recommend trusted local septic pumpers in your area.
Our standard inspection rate applies to most homes located in Central Virginia, including Alleghany, Amherst, Appomattox, Botetourt, Bedford, Campbell, Pittsylvania, Roanoke, and Franklin Counties, as well as nearby areas.
What We Need From You
To ensure an efficient visit, please contact us with:
- Your address, phone number, and email
- Details about your system’s age, condition, and maintenance history
- Photos of your system components, if available
- Any relevant plans, permits, or documentation
- Special notes about site access, pets (especially large dogs), or hazards
Initial Inspections & Repairs
During an initial (first-time) inspection, we may uncover minor or major issues requiring repair. If the system cannot be confirmed as operational, we must file a “failed” inspection report per VDH requirements.
Some systems may require multiple visits to complete the assessment or repair work.
Inspection and troubleshooting services are billed at $200 per hour, including drive time and mileage, plus 15% for materials.
Routine inspections do not include heavy maintenance, deep cleaning, or system repairs. If additional work is needed during your visit, we’ll notify you and bill accordingly.
Please note: system performance and lifespan cannot be guaranteed. Our inspections represent a “snapshot in time” of the system’s condition on the day of service.
Warranty Information
We strive to provide the best service and support possible.
- New systems installed by Orenco carry a 5-year manufacturer’s warranty on parts (labor not included).
- Most systems come with a 1–2 year warranty from the date of installation.
- Pump warranties vary by manufacturer, typically 1 year, and are valid only when components are purchased through us or authorized suppliers.
Older systems (10–15 years) may require replacement of multiple components over time. Like a vehicle, maintenance and part replacement are part of responsible ownership.
Replacement Costs
Complete replacement of an alternative treatment system can range from $25,000 to $60,000 (as of 2022). We provide honest advice and recommendations to help you make informed decisions and extend your system’s life.
Routine & Traditional Septic System Services
We also inspect and maintain traditional septic systems, including pump-up and real estate inspection services.
For systems without risers or easy access, additional labor costs may apply to locate and dig up tank lids.
We strongly recommend installing:
- Riser lids for easy access
- Effluent filters to protect your drainfield and extend its lifespan
Scheduling Your Routine Inspection
Routine inspections are typically scheduled when we’re in your area. You do not need to be home, as most system components are outdoors. Please ensure:
- Lids and risers are uncovered and accessible
- A garden hose and water spigot are available for cleaning
- Decorative items (rocks, mulch, planters, etc.) are removed from tank areas
We are not responsible for locating buried components or those without accessible lids. If you don’t have your septic design plan (“as-built” or plat), you can obtain a copy from your local health department.
Routine inspections generally take about one hour on-site, plus time for documentation and reporting.
Pricing
Our flat-rate routine inspection includes:
- Up to 2 hours on-site
- Up to 2 hours of drive time
- Routine maintenance tasks such as cleaning filters, turning peat, and testing controls
Additional time or repair work beyond the routine scope is billed at $200/hour plus materials and mileage.
✅ SEO Keywords
- Alternative Wastewater Operator Virginia
- Alternative Onsite Sewage System (AOSS) inspection
- Septic inspection Central Virginia
- Licensed septic operator Virginia
- AOSS maintenance contract
- Septic tank cleaning and inspection
- VDH-compliant wastewater services
- Septic system repair and maintenance
- Virginia septic inspection and maintenance
Real-estate SEPTIC Inspection includes Pumping
$1,250.00
Real Estate Septic Inspections in Virginia
Buying or selling a home with a septic system?
A professional septic inspection is one of the most important steps in the real estate process — and it’s required by law in many Virginia counties.
At Virginia Septic Service LLC, we provide comprehensive real estate septic inspections for both conventional systems and Alternative Onsite Sewage Systems (AOSS). Our inspections ensure your system is safe, compliant, and functioning properly before closing.
Why a Real Estate Septic Inspection Matters
A septic system is one of the most expensive components of any home — and also one of the least visible. A quick home inspection is not enough to determine the true condition of your septic system.
Our licensed wastewater operators evaluate the entire system, helping buyers avoid costly surprises and giving sellers peace of mind before listing their property.
We inspect, document, and report on the actual operating condition of the system at the time of sale.
What’s Included in a Real Estate Septic Inspection
During a property sale inspection, we:
- Locate and open all septic tank and drainfield components
- Measure sludge and scum levels to determine if pumping is required
- Test pumps, blowers, filters, and alarms for proper operation
- Check effluent clarity and flow to the drainfield
- Inspect for leaks, odors, blockages, or system damage
- Review electrical and mechanical controls (if applicable)
- Provide a written inspection report for your real estate agent, buyer, or lender
- File any required documentation with your local health department
We can also recommend trusted local septic pumpers and repair contractors if maintenance or pumping is required before closing.
For Buyers and Sellers
- Buyers: Protect your investment. Ensure the home’s septic system is compliant, properly sized, and in good working order before you sign.
- Sellers: Avoid last-minute issues that can delay closing. A recent septic inspection shows confidence, transparency, and good home maintenance.
If the system fails inspection, we can help identify the cause and provide professional recommendations for repairs or upgrades.
Areas We Serve
We perform real estate septic inspections throughout Central Virginia, including:
Bedford, Botetourt, Campbell, Franklin, Amherst, Pittsylvania, and Roanoke Counties, and nearby communities.
Scheduling an Inspection
To schedule a real estate septic inspection, contact us early in your transaction timeline — ideally before the home inspection or appraisal.
We’ll work with your real estate agent, title company, or lender to ensure the report is completed and filed properly.
📞 Call (540) 586-3191 to schedule your inspection today.
We’ll make sure your system is ready for a smooth and worry-free closing.
Phone it in! "Septic Advice"
$50.00
Statewide Septic System Consultation – Serving All of Virginia
No matter where you live in Virginia — from the mountains to the coast — Virginia Septic Service LLC is here to help.
A quick phone call with our licensed Alternative Wastewater Operator can give you a clearer understanding of your septic system, any issues you’re facing, or general wastewater-related questions you may have.
Expert Guidance Anywhere in Virginia
We proudly assist homeowners, contractors, and property owners across the entire state of Virginia. Whether you’re dealing with a maintenance issue, planning an upgrade, or just trying to understand how your system works, we can help you:
- Understand the type of system you have (AOSS or traditional)
- Identify potential system issues or warning signs
- Learn about your maintenance and pumping schedule
- Estimate future service and operating costs
- Get connected with qualified local professionals
Helping You Find Licensed Service Providers
We maintain a list of state-licensed and VDH-approved professionals, including:
- Inspectors & Operators
- Installers
- Designers & Engineers (AOSEs and P.E.s)
We’ll provide you with names and contact information for licensed experts in your part of the state.
While we cannot personally guarantee the quality of their work, we only recommend properly licensed and approved providers — which already puts you ahead of more than half of unlicensed operators in the field.
💡 Tip: Choosing experienced, licensed professionals often saves you money and headaches in the long run.
How Our Consultation Works
This service includes one 15-minute phone consultation with a licensed septic operator — your “Septic Doctor.”
During your call, we will:
- Discuss your system type and history
- Review your current issues or concerns
- Offer professional guidance and next steps
- Provide referrals to licensed operators, designers, or installers near you
If we’re out in the field and unavailable when you call, we’ll return your call or schedule a time that works best — morning, afternoon, or evening.
Serving Every Corner of Virginia
From Bedford County to Loudoun, Roanoke to Richmond, and Danville to Virginia Beach — we’re here to help you get the right answers and the right people for the job.
Even in rural areas with limited providers, we’ll do our best to connect you with qualified contacts and guide you through your next steps confidently.
✅ SEO Keywords for This Section
- Virginia septic consultation
- Septic system advice Virginia
- Licensed septic operator consultation
- AOSS inspection and advice
- Septic system expert Virginia
- Find septic installers and operators VA
- Statewide septic service Virginia
- Septic system help near me
- Licensed wastewater operator consultation
- Septic maintenance cost and guidance
About Us
What we do
We are licensed to inspect and evaluate septic systems, perform maintenance and file health department reports on the operation of private and commercial septic systems in the state of Virginia:
The service we provide during an inspection is necessary maintenance and testing for the system. This keeps your septic system operating in the designed specifications and keeps your ground water and drinking water clean. Bio-Filter cleaning, manifold and spray nozzle cleaning, recirculation splitter valve cleaning, turning of peat moss or cleaning of any filter media or peat system are just some of what is included in some systems inspections we conduct. This is part of the normal inspection.
Permitted AOSS - Alternative Onsite Septic systems in Virginias are required by law to have a yearly inspection completed for the health deptartment each year. This is not required on pump up systems and standard conventional septic systems, however they can benefit from annual or semi- annual inspections. Treating any issue even tree roots before they block pipes is a very good idea. Minimizing grease and oils put into the system and not putting any flushable wipes into the system are all good ideas to maintain a healthy septic system.
- We inspect septic systems requiring additional DEQ permits for direct discharge, commercial, rental, and UV light systems.
We service Brand names such as-
Advantex, Orenco AX20 , AX20RT, AX25RT, Puraflo, Ecoflo, Multiflo, AquaKlear Presby, Eco-Pod-N, Whitewater, Delta Environmental, BioMicrobics FAST® systems, MicroFast, High Strength Fast, Infiltrator, etc.
What we do -
- We test all the components of your septic system during an Inspection, including operational testing and can also provide needed maintenance on septic systems to keep them running in the design parameters as set by the design and as per state regulations. After the inspection we file reports with the appropriate state agency and send a copy to the customer for their files. We also offer consultation about AOSS and conventional septic systems upgrades and repairs and provide real-estate inspections for clients who are purchasing or selling a home.
What we do
We are licensed to inspect and evaluate septic systems, perform maintenance and file health department reports on the operation of private and commercial septic systems in the state of Virginia:
The service we provide during an inspection is necessary maintenance and testing for the system. This keeps your septic system operating in the designed specifications and keeps your ground water and drinking water clean. Bio-Filter cleaning, manifold and spray nozzle cleaning, recirculation splitter valve cleaning, turning of peat moss or cleaning of any filter media or peat system are just some of what is included in some systems inspections we conduct. This is part of the normal inspection.
Permitted AOSS - Alternative Onsite Septic systems in Virginias are required by law to have a yearly inspection completed for the health deptartment each year. This is not required on pump up systems and standard conventional septic systems, however they can benefit from annual or semi- annual inspections. Treating any issue even tree roots before they block pipes is a very good idea. Minimizing grease and oils put into the system and not putting any flushable wipes into the system are all good ideas to maintain a healthy septic system.
- We inspect septic systems requiring additional DEQ permits for direct discharge, commercial, rental, and UV light systems.
We service Brand names such as-
Advantex, Orenco AX20 , AX20RT, AX25RT, Puraflo, Ecoflo, Multiflo, AquaKlear Presby, Eco-Pod-N, Whitewater, Delta Environmental, BioMicrobics FAST® systems, MicroFast, High Strength Fast, Infiltrator, etc.
What we do -
- We test all the components of your septic system during an Inspection, including operational testing and can also provide needed maintenance on septic systems to keep them running in the design parameters as set by the design and as per state regulations. After the inspection we file reports with the appropriate state agency and send a copy to the customer for their files. We also offer consultation about AOSS and conventional septic systems upgrades and repairs and provide real-estate inspections for clients who are purchasing or selling a home.
We are located in Central Virginia
At the foot of the Peaks of Otter Mountains,
25 min from Big Island, Va
45 mins from Smith Mountain Lake.
35 mins from Lynchburg, Va.
55 mins from Roanoke, Va.
1 hour+ from Leesville Lake, Va.
1.5 hours from Danville, Va.
2 hours 40 min from Richmond, Va
Inspection, Maintenance and Monitoring Service Agreement
1 year Service Agreement - for Operation and Maintenance
-includes a yearly state approved septic system inspection, cleaning filters, provide maintenance as required, and if equipped, active online monitoring. After the completion of an inspection, a copy of the inspection is provided to the customer and reports are filed with appropriate government and state agency. A standard inspection includes 4 hours total for inspection and drive time combined. Generally Prices are $400 based location and type of system.
Any time over spent over 4 combined hours includingg return drive time during an normal routine scheduled inspection or if during the inspection we discover other repairs are required you are then billed at parts +15% and time at $200/hr on top of the agreed inspection rate.
Extra cost for each if any helpers applies at $25/hour. At least 15% will be added to all invoices we receive on subcontracted work to cover any liability and time involved per hourly rate.
Emergency Calls and Initial inspections: an additional minimum $250 for first 2 hours and $200/hr hourly rate from portal to portal plus mileage rate
Initial Inspections- first time visits- fresh installs- for all new AOSS owners and non-clients we highly recommend an initial inspection of any and all existing AOSS systems. This fee is $500 plus per $200/hr onsite and .60c/mile travel mileage and any distance over 30 miles travel time will be counted as additional labor.
Online Monitoring
If your septic system is equipped with Online Monitoring (such as an Advantex Orenco AX20, AX-20 AX-RT, AX20-RT or AX25-RT ) add $50 per year. Active 24hr monitoring is recommended as it helps to reduce the cost of expensive repairs detecting them before they become an emergency issue.
Adding Online Monitoring to an Advantex
To add internet monitoring to an existing Advantex system you have a few options. It depends on the age of an existing system if it supports upgrading. Older systems will require upgrade the motherboard and additional router installed. This cost approx. $1500+ to complete if the internet connection(a cat 5 cable with workng singla and wire end) is provided already to the inside of the Orenco control panel (CAT5). If no cat5 wire has been run to the panel you may need to have your internet provider run cat 5 wiring to the septic control box or a wireless ap router to provide a lan based wifi signal to the box at it's location, if it is far away. (Orenco does not support any issues with wifi configuration problems, this is for your own provider of wifi ap's to properly configure. We recommend a LAN hard wire cat5 or cat6 connection ) If your control box is newer you maybe able to add the Cat5 or Cat6 internet connection monitoring with only the additional Router upgrade kit This completed cost approx $1200 including labor, but may vary based on distance and any connectivity issue and also requires the owner to provide a cat 5 cable to the box for connection.
Additionally Monitoring of your system will cost $100 per year.
ROOTS
Root intrusion in septic systems is very common, and a very expensive repair, sometimes requiring an entire new drain field or whole entire septic system.
We recommend ROOTX as a safe and cost effective way of first treating/preventing roots in a system. Roots in a septic system can easily cost $2000 to $6500 or more in replacement of sewer lines. If you think roots are getting in your system or have trees on or near the sewer line, it is a good idea to use a 2lb treatment of Root X once in a while to keep system pipes clear. One 2lb kit costs $85 and one $15 funnel is required for mixing. If we do this during an inspection no other cost apply. If we need to come back for a service call there will be a time and mileage fee from portal to portal.
It's recommend 1 treatment for small root intrusion and to reapply treatments or try 4lbs or 6lbs for larger root issues. More application maybe required over time if the root causing plants continue to grow. Roots killed may also block up the septic lines. Preventing roots is best .
RAIN (Rain Water Intrusion / Rain infiltration)
Very often a big issue with any septic system is water leaking into a drain field. The remove, redirect and using berm or walls and protect the septic system from any water source intrusion, infiltration or even a natural spring or wet spot may help extend pumps and drain field life.
Leaking toilets are a #1 source of issues. Most conventional systems never know what is wrong and a toilet can be a silent killer of drain fields. Test the toilets by using regular cake food coloring. Add 10 drops or so to the top tank and wait and see if the color leaks into the lower bowl any sign of color indicates a leak and how much of a leak. You will want to fix this asap.
Rain can leak into fitting and tank and lids. It is always best to direct all runn off and water away from a septic system and never leave it dug up like a funnel. This will invite water to flood it. Homes without alarm never know.
Alternative Septic Systems
Called Alternative Onsite Sewage Systems (AOSS)
An alternative septic system is a system that is different from the common traditional style septic system. An alternative system is required when the site and soil conditions on a property are limiting, or when the wastewater strength is too strong for the receiving environment
Alternative septic systems are different from conventional
Alternative systems “clean” the wastewater before going to the drain field. Thus Alternative systems require less soil for a drainfield because the water leaving an AOSS is cleaner, the drainfield can be smaller, and closer to water table and other soil limitations.
With conventional septic systems, the soil is “cleaning” the wastewater just as much as the septic tank. With alternative systems, 95% of the “cleaning” is taking place in the advanced treatment unit, which is a tank or container with pumps, blower and/or filtering media some having recirculation tanks and computer and internet connected monitoring.
Alternative Septic Systems Require Maintenance
Alternative septic systems require a variety maintenance because they are more advanced. Septic system maintenance is key to operating as designed and producing a clean effluent. More equipment, different processes. Aerobic septic systems are sufficiently complex systems in a sensitive environment. Improperly functioning alternative systems affect public health and welfare. The risk of failure is high if they are not properly maintained.
Routine maintenance & septic inspection by a licensed operator (or service provider) optimizes treatment and dispersal, reduces the likelihood of costly repairs, and protects the environment (surface water and ground water). The Virginia Department of Health has performance requirements for alternative systems. The owner must follow the system’s Operation and Maintenance Manual, and have the system inspected by a licensed operator at least annually.
Alternative Septic System Contract
A service agreement for an alternative septic system is a recurring annual signed agreement between the septic system owner and a licensed system maintenance professional. The licensed professional routinely cares for your system based upon manufacturers specifications. Providing septic system maintenance can keep you system running smooth without any interruptions in life. Aerobic septic systems produce an effluent that is often 99% cleaner then traditional septic system, provided the septic system maintenance is kept up to date. Septic pump repair and replacement is an emergency call, often to determine the cause for failure and repair the pump if possible. Septic pump repair usually requires two trips to the home and may require a pump truck to pump down the tanks. It may also require an excavator to repair plumbing.
All septic systems require maintenance, and the health department's rational in requiring contracts. Alternative systems are more complicated with more chances for failure, which poses a greater risk to public health and the environment. Having your system monitored by a licensed professional reduces risk for potential system failures. This in turn saves you money by reducing the risk for large costly problems, and protects the environment from potential harm.
Share the big news
Have you opened a new location, redesigned your shop, or added a new product or service? Don't keep it to yourself, let folks know.
Display their FAQs
Customers have questions, you have answers. Display the most frequently asked questions, so everybody benefits.
PAY YOUR INVOICE
Please pay your invoice in the amount you were charged on the invoice(pardon is says it is a donation and we are working to correct this. We prefer a check in the mail but here is option #2 for payments to us
Find an Operator in your Area using Virginia Dept of Health
Click on link to external VDH website
by following the link you can choose which state licensed alternative onsite sewage system operator you are looking for based on a map of virginia. You may contact them directly and they are not associated with us or this website.