How to file a septic inspection report in Washington

What Washington requires at property transfer

When an inspection is triggered

Transfer of property served by an on-site sewage system, effective February 1, 2027.

Scope

Statewide transfer inspection requirement effective February 1, 2027, using a form approved by the local health jurisdiction.

Inspector credentials

Inspection must be performed by a person qualified under state rule and the local health jurisdiction.

Report validity period

Verify the pre-transfer inspection window with the Washington State Department of Health and the local health jurisdiction.

Pumping requirement

Verify pumping requirements with the local health jurisdiction.

Failure and repair rules

Failures and required corrections are handled by the local health jurisdiction.

Exemptions

Waiver rules apply in defined circumstances — verify with the local health jurisdiction.

How the report is filed

Submission method

Report is submitted on the form approved by the local health jurisdiction; waiver provisions apply in defined circumstances.

Who receives the report

Provide the report to the buyer and to the local health jurisdiction as directed.

Copies required

Buyer copy required · Seller copy required · Government filing required

Local jurisdiction involvement

County or municipal rules can add requirements on top of the state rule. Confirm with the approving authority.

Local notes

There is no single statewide PDF; each local health jurisdiction approves the form used.

Official Washington forms

• Local health jurisdiction-approved on-site sewage system transfer inspection report

  Open the official form

• On-site sewage system transfer inspection report (local health jurisdiction-approved form)

  Open form

Filing checklist for inspectors

1. 1. Confirm the governing authority. Primary source: Washington State Department of Health.
2. 2. Use the correct form. File on the official state form when one exists; otherwise use the form the local approving authority accepts.
3. 3. Document the system. Tank, distribution, drainfield and dated photos, captured in the field so the report is complete on site.
4. 4. Sign and certify. Include the inspector name, license number and title on the certification line.
5. 5. Deliver and retain. Send the report to every required recipient and keep your copy per state record-keeping rules.

Regulatory requirements change and may vary by local jurisdiction. Verify current requirements with the applicable state/local authority. Septic Pro Connect does not provide legal advice. Library entry last verified 08/17/2026.