Septic Pumping, Inspections, and Repairs
Septic pumping, inspections, repairs, and new systems for Eastern Washington and North Idaho, with the health-district lists for each county.
Last reviewed: October 25, 2026
Septic Services
Septic Tank Pumping
A pump-out removes the solids from the tank. Ask the company doing the work to include a condition check of the baffles and effluent filter. Most homes need pumping every 3–5 years. If the last pump date is unknown, an approved pumper can measure the tank.
Septic Inspections — Home Sales and Routine
Buying or selling a home on septic? Washington requires a third-party inspection at property transfer beginning February 1, 2027, and most lenders and buyers already ask for one. Routine operation-and-maintenance inspections are done by a provider the health district has approved. Washington rules call for an inspection every 3 years for conventional gravity systems and every year for alternative systems.
Repairs
Slow drains, soggy ground, pump alarms, and effluent filter problems need a diagnosis on site. Ask the company to explain the problem before pricing a larger repair.
New Systems and Replacements
A new system or a replacement starts with a permit from the health district and an approved installer. In Washington, site evaluation follows WAC 246-272A-0220. Confirm with the district who may evaluate the lot.
What does it cost?
Pumping and inspection prices vary with tank size, how deep the lids are, and how far the truck must travel. Ask the company for a written price before work starts.
Call or email
Where the lists are
Spokane County: SRHD permitted pumpers and SRHD operation-and-maintenance providers. SRHD says it does not endorse the companies on its lists.
Stevens, Pend Oreille, and Ferry counties: Northeast Tri County Health District septic contractors.
Bonner, Boundary, and Kootenai counties: Panhandle Health District septic permits and records, the Idaho DEQ installer list dated June 2026, and the Idaho DEQ pumper list marked updated August 21, 2025. Confirm each file is still current.
Confirm Idaho sale rules with Panhandle Health District. Washington's February 1, 2027 transfer rule does not apply in Idaho. In Washington, site evaluation follows WAC 246-272A-0220. Confirm with the district who may evaluate the lot.
Guides
What changes a pumping price
How often to pump a septic tank
Signs a tank may be full
Washington's 2027 inspection rule
Spokane County transfer checklist
County pages: Spokane County and Coeur d'Alene and Kootenai County.