Buying or selling a property
Arrange an assessment before your transaction deadline. Share any conditions from the buyer, seller or other parties, and confirm the required report and inspection scope before booking.
Duncan based · Nanaimo to Victoria
Septic system inspections
Buying or selling a property, planning maintenance or investigating a concern? Contact Shoreline to arrange a septic inspection in Duncan, the Cowichan Valley, Nanaimo or Victoria.
Start with your property address and the reason for the inspection. We’ll discuss access, the assessment you need and the scope of your quote.
An assessment for your next step
Maintenance and system history
Discuss the system's age, previous pump-outs, maintenance plan and any available records. An inspection can help identify what needs further attention and inform the next service discussion.
A change or a concern
Tell us about slow drains, recurring backups, odours or changes near the tank or drain field. Explain planned changes to the property's use so the team can help you choose the appropriate assessment.
Confirm the scope before booking
Every property and system is different. Ask which components are included, whether additional access or pumping is needed, who performs the assessment, and what findings or documentation you will receive.
Shoreline’s ROWP staff can discuss the right service for your property. Confirm the practitioner’s relevant qualifications and responsibilities for the work you need.
Have these details ready
- The exact property address and your preferred dates or transaction deadline.
- Why you need the inspection: purchase, sale, maintenance or a specific concern.
- Any system plans, previous reports, maintenance records and pump-out dates you have.
- Known tank and drain-field locations, plus any gates, slopes or access restrictions.
- The report or documentation you need and anyone who must receive it.
- Whether the property is occupied and who can arrange access on the day.
Septic inspection questions
What does a septic inspection include?
The scope depends on the system, accessible components and the reason for the assessment. Discuss the tank, treatment components, drain field, operating checks and records with Shoreline before booking. Confirm what will be checked, what access is needed and any limitations.
Can I arrange an inspection before buying or selling a home?
Yes. Contact Shoreline with the address, transaction deadline and any specific inspection or report requirements. Confirm the appointment, scope and report timing before relying on an inspection date for your transaction.
Is a septic inspection the same as a pump-out?
No. A pump-out removes material from the tank; an inspection assesses agreed aspects of the system. Tell us which service you need and ask whether pumping is required for the proposed inspection. Pumping and inspection costs should be confirmed separately.
How much does an inspection cost?
Contact Shoreline for a quote based on your property, access, assessment scope and reporting requirements. The online septic-pricing calculator estimates pump-outs, not inspections or installation projects.
Do I need to find or uncover the tank first?
Share what you know about the component locations and access. Ask the team what preparation is needed before the visit and whether locating or uncovering components is included in the quote.
Which areas does Shoreline serve?
Shoreline is based in North Cowichan and serves Duncan and the Cowichan Valley, with septic service enquiries from Nanaimo to Victoria. Give your exact address so the team can confirm inspection availability and travel requirements.
Need another septic service?
For onsite system records and information about practitioner roles, see Island Health’s sewerage information.