Virginia Passes HB2671: Standardizing Septic Inspections

Transforming Septic System Inspections in Real Estate Transactions

Virginia’s onsite wastewater industry is about to see a significant shift in how septic system inspections are conducted during real estate transactions. House Bill 2671 (HB2671), introduced by Delegate Eric Phillips, has successfully passed both the Virginia House and Senate and was signed by the Governor on March 20th, 2025. This legislation is a major step forward for septic professionals, real estate agents, and homebuyers alike, establishing clear standards, licensing requirements, and reporting guidelines that will ensure consistent and qualified evaluations across the state.

What HB2671 Means for the Industry

For years, the process of point-of-sale septic inspections has varied widely, leading to inconsistent evaluations, confusion for homebuyers, and potential risks to public health. HB2671 addresses these concerns by:

✅ Standardizing Inspections – Establishing minimum requirements for thorough and uniform evaluations of all key septic system components.
✅ Leveling the Playing Field – Requiring that only professionals with Virginia DPOR licenses (onsite sewage system operators, installers, or soil evaluators) perform real estate-related inspections.
✅ Enhancing Consumer Protection – Mandating that inspectors provide detailed reports within 10 business days, outlining system conditions and maintenance requirements.
✅ Clarifying Inspector Limitations – Preventing misleading assessments by prohibiting pass/fail determinations and hydraulic load tests.

Why This Matters for Septic Professionals

If you currently conduct point-of-sale septic inspections in Virginia, you must hold a valid onsite sewage system operator, installer, or soil evaluator license from the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) to continue performing these inspections under the new law.

This legislation raises the bar for professionalism in septic inspections, ensuring that only trained and licensedindividuals assess systems in real estate transactions. It also provides greater confidence for homebuyers and real estate professionals, knowing that septic inspections will be thorough, accurate, and consistent across the state.

Acknowledging Delegate Phillips’ Support

We appreciate Delegate Eric Phillips for his willingness to engage with the onsite wastewater industry and work collaboratively to develop a bill that addresses key concerns. By listening to industry professionals and real estate stakeholders, he has helped craft a practical and effective solution that brings consistency to point-of-sale septic inspections while ensuring public protection.

What’s Next?

For those in the onsite wastewater industry, now is the time to:
✅ Ensure you hold the proper DPOR licensing to conduct real estate inspections.
✅ Familiarize yourself with the new reporting and inspection requirements.
✅ Educate real estate professionals and homebuyers about these upcoming changes.

HB2671 represents a major advancement for the onsite wastewater industry, creating a more professional, accountable, and standardized approach to septic inspections.