Why are septic inspections more expensive and involved than they used to be?
For many years the standard septic inspection that was performed for real estate transfer purposes consisted of a visual inspection of the ground surrounding a residence. Water was sometimes introduced into the system, sometimes not, and the inspector walked around the yard looking for any indications of septic outbreak such as unexplained wet spots, or telltale odor. If water from the house was introduced into the septic tank, sometimes a fluorescent dye was introduced at the same time, and the inspection was then called a septic dye test. Due to some large law suits and other pressure the Maryland Legislature in 1999 passed a Law: 9-217.1 that states After July 1, 1999, every person engaged in the business of inspecting an on-site sewage disposal system for a transfer of property must certify to the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) that the person has completed a course of instruction, approved by the Department, in the proper inspection of on-site sewage disposal systems
