Open-house handout

Open House Septic Red-Flag Checklist

A quick Rhode Island buyer checklist for spotting septic questions during open houses and showings.

Built for

HomebuyersBuyer agentsRealtors

Formats

PDF-style checklistMobile guide

Why this is linkable

Simple, printable, and easy for agents to share before weekend showings.

1

Look and ask

✓ Is the property on septic or sewer?
✓ Are there odors near the yard, basement, or drains?
✓ Are there soggy spots, unusually green strips, or standing water?
✓ Are tank lids, risers, or access points visible?
✓ Are there additions or bedroom changes that could affect system sizing?

2

Do not diagnose at the showing

✓ Use red flags to ask better questions, not to make engineering conclusions.
✓ Request records and professional inspection.
✓ Ask the seller for last pump date and known issues.
✓ Flag unknowns before the inspection contingency expires.
✓ Use a qualified septic professional for next steps.

Shareable blurb

For buyer agents: send this before showings so clients know which septic questions to capture early.

Suggest an improvement →