Checklist · reviewed July 24, 2026

Wastewater Buyer Inspection Checklist

Prepare for a Hawaiʻi home purchase by documenting the wastewater system, records, condition, access, service history, and open questions.

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Buyer check

Identify the system

Seller disclosures and listing descriptions are compared with available county and DOH records.Cesspool, septic, aerobic treatment, sewer connection, or unknown status is stated in writing.System location, age, permits, approvals, and bedroom/design assumptions are requested.

Buyer check

Inspect condition and operation

A qualified inspector or evaluator explains the scope and limitations of the inspection.Recent pumping, service, repair, overflow, odor, backup, or failure history is requested.Tank, piping, disposal area, alarms, pumps, electrical components, and visible site conditions are addressed when applicable.

Buyer check

Understand the site

Access for evaluation, pumping, excavation, and future equipment is considered.Slope, rock, structures, wells, water features, property lines, easements, and setbacks are discussed.A conversion location is not assumed until feasibility and current requirements are checked.

Buyer check

Protect the purchase decision

Inspection and records are completed before the relevant contingency deadline.Written next steps, unresolved questions, and rough timing are recorded.Insurance, lending, appraisal, title, disclosure, and legal questions are sent to the appropriate professionals.The ownership budget includes evaluation, pumping, repair, conversion, permitting, and site restoration reserves.

Important limit

A record is not a condition report

Parcel, permit, tax, or wastewater records may be incomplete, delayed, or based on old property conditions. An opened record does not prove the system is permitted, functioning, correctly sized, financeable, or suitable for continued use.

Continue research

Official and practical next steps

Organize county and state sources in the property research launcher, then use the conversion guide when replacement planning is relevant.

Identify the system

Inspect condition and operation

Understand the site

Protect the purchase decision

A record is not a condition report

Official and practical next steps

More practical homeowner resources