For Homeowners

Pre-Inspection: Before scheduling a septic inspection, property owners should ensure that all aspects of their septic system can be effectively accessed and inspected. It is recommended that property owners consult with their selected inspector to understand the conditions that must be met prior to scheduling an inspection. Useful information to collect for the preparation of the septic inspection may include, but are not limited to:

• Location of septic design (HHE 200 Forms). It may be useful to contact the Planning, Permitting, and Code Department at the City of Auburn to help with this search, or you can utilize the Permit Search tool on the Maine Department of Health and Human Services website.
• Physical location of septic tank.
• Physical location of septic field (also called the leach field or drain field).
  
  

Scheduling an Inspection: To schedule an inspection, the property owner should contact an inspector who is certified in the state of Maine. Certified inspectors will be able to provide a certification number and documentation to the property owner, if asked. (To view a list of pre-qualified certified inspectors who have volunteered to participate in the LAWPC Septic Inspection Program, see the Septic Inspectors page.)

Per the City of Auburn’s ordinance, inspectors are required to use the state’s septic inspection form HHE-240. Property owners should ask their selected inspector to use the form, which can be accessed on the Forms page.

During the Inspection: The purpose of a septic inspection is to evaluate the system, determine if all components are functioning as expected, and catch problems early. The process may vary slightly for each inspector, but will generally involve inspecting the following components of the system:

• Sewer line (may involve using a camera to scope the lines)
• Tank
• Distribution box
• Septic field (may involve digging a test pit to check for pooling of effluent)
• Building sewer and drain (may involve sending water through the system to check flow)
• Lift station
  
  

Completed inspection reports must be submitted to the City of Auburn’s Planning, Permitting and Code Department either by dropping it off at their office at 60 Court Street, Auburn ME, emailing permits@auburnmaine.gov, or uploading the report to the SmartGov permitting system.

Reimbursement: After the inspection, property owners can request a reimbursement from LAWPC for up to $400 toward the cost of the inspection. To request a reimbursement, submit the following to LAWPC:

• A copy of the septic inspection report.
• An itemized receipt of payment.
• A completed reimbursement form (found on the Forms page).
  
  

These items can be emailed to lakeauburnwater@lakeauburnwater.org, or mailed to

Lake Auburn Watershed Protection Commission RE: Septic Inspection Program
268 Court Street
Auburn, ME
04212
If property owners would like additional support, LAWPC staff are available to be present on site during an inspection. Contact us for assistance.