Collect records
Ask for approvals or filings, design/as-built plans, maintenance, pumping, repair history and treatment-unit service.
Confirm configuration
Locate the tank, field, wells and major site features. Check that visible use matches the recorded design.
Inspect appropriately
A general home inspection is not automatically a septic inspection. Decide what level of septic evaluation is appropriate before removing conditions.
Plan future use
Bedrooms, additions, rental suites and heavier occupancy can change the capacity question even if the system works for the current owner.
Property-specific rule: septic approvals, filings, permits and qualified-person requirements differ across Canada. Use the province and city-area guides to reach the correct official starting point.
Before you act
Keep the system location, approval records and service history together. For purchases, failures or renovations, use a qualified onsite professional appropriate to your province and the scope of work.