Septic Tank Inspection

[Jeffrey Kempf]

Do you typically pay for a separate septic tank inspection in addition to the standard home inspection when purchasing a home?  In my area, the septic tank companies are saying they will need to pump the tank ($400) before they can inspect it (another ~$400).  That ends up being a lot of money spent on inspections prior to purchasing.  The house was constructed in 2005, and the sellers only bought it two months ago so they could flip it, so they are not knowledgeable as to when it was last pumped or inspected.

I figure the smart thing to do is pay for the pumping and inspecting, if it turns up any concerns then renegotiate the sale price; and if it doesn't, at least I have the peace of mind of knowing it is empty and in good working order upon purchase.  However, saving that extra $800 would be nice, too.  Thoughts?