# The Septic Guide

> The Septic Guide (thesepticguide.com) is a U.S. septic contractor directory built from published state license and certification records. As of October 2026 it lists 28,538 septic companies and licensed septic professionals in 45 states, 27,059 of them matched to septic license or certification lists published by 26 state agencies. Published by Catalyst Digital Services LLC.

How to read listings: a license badge means the business or person appears on the named state agency's published list; each badge links to that agency's lookup. Listings are not reviews or endorsements. Services marked "per state license" follow from the license type; services marked "from their website" were found on the business's own site. Counts are what The Septic Guide matched, not official state totals.

## About this site
- [Information for AI assistants](https://thesepticguide.com/ai-info/): what the site covers and how to cite it.
- [How we verify licenses](https://thesepticguide.com/how-we-verify-licenses/): which state lists are used and how listings are matched.
- [Septic licensing statistics](https://thesepticguide.com/septic-data/): licensed septic providers by state, with sources.
- [All septic guides](https://thesepticguide.com/septic-guides/)
- [Editorial policy](https://thesepticguide.com/editorial-policy/)

## Septic licensing by state
- [Septic license requirements in all 50 states](https://thesepticguide.com/septic-licensing/)
- [Alabama septic license requirements](https://thesepticguide.com/septic-licensing/alabama/): Installer licenses carry bond requirements that rise with the license class. The board's search checks one name at a time.
- [Alaska septic license requirements](https://thesepticguide.com/septic-licensing/alaska/): DEC publishes a current certified installer list; the municipalities of Anchorage and Valdez run their own programs.
- [Arizona septic license requirements](https://thesepticguide.com/septic-licensing/arizona/): Septic work in Arizona requires a contractor license in class CR-41; counties issue the permit for each system.
- [Arkansas septic license requirements](https://thesepticguide.com/septic-licensing/arkansas/): The Health Department licenses installers and septic tank cleaners separately; designated representatives perform site evaluations.
- [California septic license requirements](https://thesepticguide.com/septic-licensing/california/): California has no license named for septic work; septic systems fall under the C-42 Sanitation System classification. Counties issue system permits.
- [Colorado septic license requirements](https://thesepticguide.com/septic-licensing/colorado/): Colorado has no statewide septic installer license; each county licenses installers under the state's Regulation 43 standards.
- [Connecticut septic license requirements](https://thesepticguide.com/septic-licensing/connecticut/): Connecticut licenses septic installers and cleaners (pumpers) under Chapter 393a; active licenses are published daily on data.ct.gov.
- [Delaware septic license requirements](https://thesepticguide.com/septic-licensing/delaware/): Delaware publishes its Class E septic contractor roster as public-domain open data, including company phone and email.
- [Florida septic license requirements](https://thesepticguide.com/septic-licensing/florida/): Florida registers septic tank contractors under Chapter 489, Part III. State-certified plumbing contractors may also do septic work. The DEP search shows name, number, class and status only.
- [Georgia septic license requirements](https://thesepticguide.com/septic-licensing/georgia/): Georgia certifies septic installers and companies through the Department of Public Health; county environmental health offices administer the exams and permits.
- [Hawaii septic license requirements](https://thesepticguide.com/septic-licensing/hawaii/): Hawaii has no license named for septic work; cesspool and septic jobs fall under general and plumbing-related contractor classes.
- [Idaho septic license requirements](https://thesepticguide.com/septic-licensing/idaho/): Idaho installers and pumpers hold permits from the public health districts. Idaho Code 9-348 prohibits using the state's lists as a mailing or phone list.
- [Illinois septic license requirements](https://thesepticguide.com/septic-licensing/illinois/): Illinois licenses the individuals who install and pump private sewage (septic) systems; licenses are issued to people rather than companies.
- [Indiana septic license requirements](https://thesepticguide.com/septic-licensing/indiana/): Indiana has no statewide septic installer license; counties register installers.
- [Iowa septic license requirements](https://thesepticguide.com/septic-licensing/iowa/): Iowa sets septic rules statewide but leaves contractor requirements to counties.
- [Kansas septic license requirements](https://thesepticguide.com/septic-licensing/kansas/): Kansas counties license septic installers. K.S.A. 45-230 restricts using public-record name lists for solicitation.
- [Kentucky septic license requirements](https://thesepticguide.com/septic-licensing/kentucky/): Kentucky certifies septic installers, but has no online lookup; the program confirms certification by phone.
- [Louisiana septic license requirements](https://thesepticguide.com/septic-licensing/louisiana/): The Louisiana Department of Health publishes its active installer list, which marks installers who can also maintain mechanical (aerobic) plants.
- [Maine septic license requirements](https://thesepticguide.com/septic-licensing/maine/): Maine licenses site evaluators who design systems; installer certification is voluntary.
- [Maryland septic license requirements](https://thesepticguide.com/septic-licensing/maryland/): Maryland certifies installers of nitrogen-reducing BAT septic units; installers also need the unit maker's certification, and some counties require a local license.
- [Massachusetts septic license requirements](https://thesepticguide.com/septic-licensing/massachusetts/): Massachusetts towns permit septic installers; the state certifies Title 5 inspectors and soil evaluators.
- [Michigan septic license requirements](https://thesepticguide.com/septic-licensing/michigan/): Michigan licenses septage haulers statewide; septic installers are licensed by county health departments, and Michigan has no statewide sanitary code.
- [Minnesota septic license requirements](https://thesepticguide.com/septic-licensing/minnesota/): Minnesota licenses septic (SSTS) businesses and certifies the individuals who work for them. The MPCA search shows each business's license, insurance and bond status.
- [Mississippi septic license requirements](https://thesepticguide.com/septic-licensing/mississippi/): Mississippi certifies septic installers, pumpers and maintenance providers through the State Department of Health.
- [Missouri septic license requirements](https://thesepticguide.com/septic-licensing/missouri/): Missouri registers onsite system installers; no public download of the registry was found.
- [Montana septic license requirements](https://thesepticguide.com/septic-licensing/montana/): Montana counties license installers; the state licenses pumpers.
- [Nebraska septic license requirements](https://thesepticguide.com/septic-licensing/nebraska/): Nebraska certifies onsite wastewater professionals by role: installers, pumpers, inspectors, soil evaluators and mound system installers.
- [Nevada septic license requirements](https://thesepticguide.com/septic-licensing/nevada/): Nevada septic work falls under the Contractors Board's C-27 sewerage classification; local health districts permit individual systems.
- [New Hampshire septic license requirements](https://thesepticguide.com/septic-licensing/new-hampshire/): New Hampshire requires a NHDES permit to design or install a septic system; the Subsurface Systems Bureau publishes the list of permitted designers and installers.
- [New Jersey septic license requirements](https://thesepticguide.com/septic-licensing/new-jersey/): New Jersey leaves septic installer requirements to local health departments.
- [New Mexico septic license requirements](https://thesepticguide.com/septic-licensing/new-mexico/): New Mexico septic installers need a Construction Industries Division license; homeowners may install their own systems under NMED rules.
- [New York septic license requirements](https://thesepticguide.com/septic-licensing/new-york/): New York has no statewide septic installer license; some counties license installers.
- [North Carolina septic license requirements](https://thesepticguide.com/septic-licensing/north-carolina/): North Carolina certifies onsite wastewater installers by grade and certifies inspectors; the board publishes its certification list.
- [North Dakota septic license requirements](https://thesepticguide.com/septic-licensing/north-dakota/): North Dakota began licensing septic installers statewide under 2025 legislation (SB 2267); local public health units administer the program.
- [Ohio septic license requirements](https://thesepticguide.com/septic-licensing/ohio/): Ohio installers register with each county health district they work in.
- [Oklahoma septic license requirements](https://thesepticguide.com/septic-licensing/oklahoma/): Oklahoma certifies septic installers by system type: subsurface, lagoon, aerobic spray and aerobic drip.
- [Oregon septic license requirements](https://thesepticguide.com/septic-licensing/oregon/): Oregon licenses sewage disposal businesses and certifies the installers who work for them.
- [Pennsylvania septic license requirements](https://thesepticguide.com/septic-licensing/pennsylvania/): Pennsylvania has no state septic installer license; local sewage enforcement officers permit each system. Our Pennsylvania listings come from the Pennsylvania Septage Management Association member directory.
- [Rhode Island septic license requirements](https://thesepticguide.com/septic-licensing/rhode-island/): Rhode Island licenses septic (OWTS) installers for three-year terms after an exam.
- [South Carolina septic license requirements](https://thesepticguide.com/septic-licensing/south-carolina/): South Carolina licenses septic installers in three tiers and licenses pumpers; licenses renew yearly. State law (S.C. Code 30-2-50) bars using this data for commercial solicitation.
- [South Dakota septic license requirements](https://thesepticguide.com/septic-licensing/south-dakota/): South Dakota licenses septic installers through the State Plumbing Commission.
- [Tennessee septic license requirements](https://thesepticguide.com/septic-licensing/tennessee/): Tennessee permits septic installers yearly by system type; permits expire December 31.
- [Texas septic license requirements](https://thesepticguide.com/septic-licensing/texas/): TCEQ licenses the individuals who install, evaluate and maintain on-site sewage facilities (OSSF), including maintenance providers for aerobic systems.
- [Utah septic license requirements](https://thesepticguide.com/septic-licensing/utah/): Utah certifies onsite professionals who design, inspect and maintain systems; there is no separate installer license.
- [Vermont septic license requirements](https://thesepticguide.com/septic-licensing/vermont/): Vermont licenses septic designers; installer certification is voluntary.
- [Virginia septic license requirements](https://thesepticguide.com/septic-licensing/virginia/): Virginia licenses septic installers, operators and soil evaluators at journeyman and master levels; DPOR updates its lists every five business days.
- [Washington septic license requirements](https://thesepticguide.com/septic-licensing/washington/): Washington counties certify septic installers; the state licenses designers.
- [West Virginia septic license requirements](https://thesepticguide.com/septic-licensing/west-virginia/): West Virginia certifies septic installers in two classes through the Office of Environmental Health Services.
- [Wisconsin septic license requirements](https://thesepticguide.com/septic-licensing/wisconsin/): Wisconsin has no separate septic installer license; private onsite systems are installed under plumbing licenses and maintained by licensed POWTS maintainers.
- [Wyoming septic license requirements](https://thesepticguide.com/septic-licensing/wyoming/): Wyoming counties license septic installers; DEQ permits only systems of 2,000 gallons per day or more.

## Septic services
- [Septic Tank Pumping: What the Service Involves and How Often You Need It](https://thesepticguide.com/septic-tank-pumping/): Septic tank pumping is the removal of sludge, scum and liquid from a septic tank by a septic service company with a vacuum truck. The U.S. EPA says household septic tanks are typically pumped every three to five years, depending on household size, wastewater volume, solids and tank size. The National Association of Wastewater Technicians says a proper pump-out goes through the main access port, removes all organic solids and includes a check of the baffles.
- [How Septic System Installation Works, Step by Step](https://thesepticguide.com/septic-system-installation/): Septic system installation follows a fixed sequence: site evaluation, soil and percolation testing, system design, a permit from the local authority, excavation and installation by a licensed installer, and a final inspection before backfill. Premier Tech says permit decisions usually take a few days to a few weeks, and the Town of Pembroke, Massachusetts, tells homeowners to allow about three to four months for the whole process. Installer licensing is set by states and counties; Texas, for example, issues Installer I and Installer II licenses through the TCEQ.
- [Septic Inspection: Types, What Gets Checked, and When You Need One](https://thesepticguide.com/septic-inspection/): A septic inspection is a professional evaluation of a septic tank, its baffles and sludge levels, the distribution lines and the drain field. The U.S. EPA says a typical household system should be inspected at least every three years, and yearly if it has pumps, float switches or other mechanical parts; its SepticSmart infographic puts typical servicing at every one to three years. A full inspection for a home sale usually includes pumping the tank, and Penn State Extension says inspections under Pennsylvania's PSMA/NOF procedures require it.
- [Septic Tank Repair: Common Problems, Warning Signs, and When to Replace](https://thesepticguide.com/septic-repair/): Septic repair is the fix of a failed part of a septic system, most often a baffle, effluent pump, pipe, lid, distribution box or drain field. HomeAdvisor reports a national average septic repair cost of $1,828, with a typical range of $627 to $3,041 (2026). Many counties require a permit for septic repairs; Public Health - Seattle & King County, for example, requires a repair proposal and permit for any change or replacement.
- [Septic Drain Field (Leach Field): How It Works, Signs of Failure, and Repair Options](https://thesepticguide.com/drain-field/): A septic drain field, also called a leach field or soil absorption field, is a shallow, covered excavation in unsaturated soil where effluent from the septic tank is released and treated by the soil, as the U.S. EPA describes it. A drain field fails when a clogging layer called the biomat grows faster than the soil can absorb water, sending sewage to the surface or back into the house. HomeAdvisor warns that a failed leach field can cost up to $20,000 to fix.
- [Aerobic Septic Systems: How They Work, Where They're Required, and What Maintenance Costs You](https://thesepticguide.com/aerobic-septic-systems/): An aerobic septic system, or aerobic treatment unit (ATU), injects air into the wastewater so oxygen-dependent microbes break it down, producing cleaner effluent than a conventional septic tank. The U.S. EPA says aerobic units suit lots with poor soil, high water tables or nearby water, but they need electricity and more frequent maintenance. In Texas, the TCEQ requires aerobic systems to be maintained under contract with a licensed maintenance provider who reports at least once every four months.
- [Septic System Maintenance: The Schedule, the Checklist, and What Not to Flush](https://thesepticguide.com/septic-system-maintenance/): Septic system maintenance rests on four habits: professional inspection, regular pumping, careful water use, and keeping the wrong things out of drains and off the drain field. The U.S. EPA says a typical household system should be inspected at least every three years (yearly for systems with pumps or mechanical parts) and the tank typically pumped every three to five years. The EPA also says to flush only human waste and toilet paper.
- [Septic Pump Repair: Signs of Failure, Fixes and Cost](https://thesepticguide.com/septic-pump-repair/): Septic pump repair fixes the effluent, lift or grinder pump that moves wastewater to a drain field or sewer when gravity cannot, along with its float switches, controls and high-water alarm. Angi puts most septic pump repairs at $250 to $400 and full pump replacement at $1,000 or more in 2026, while Angi prices grinder pump replacement at $2,000 to $4,000. Washington State's Department of Health advises checking the breaker, cord and floats before calling for service, and having repairs done by a licensed professional.

## Septic costs
- [How Much Does It Cost to Install a Septic System in 2026?](https://thesepticguide.com/septic-system-installation-cost/): Installing a septic system costs $3,590 to $12,463 for most homeowners, with a national average of $8,016, according to Angi's 2026 data. A conventional gravity system runs $3,000 to $8,000 (Angi) or $3,500 to $8,500 (HomeGuide). Mound and aerobic systems cost far more: $10,000 to $20,000 per Angi, and $20,000 to $50,000 or more per HomeGuide.
- [How Much Does Septic Tank Pumping Cost in 2026?](https://thesepticguide.com/septic-tank-pumping-cost/): Septic tank pumping costs $292 to $565 for most homeowners, with a national average of $428, according to Angi's 2026 data; This Old House reports a $420 average. A standard 1,000-gallon tank costs $325 to $700 to pump per Angi, or $300 to $700 per HomeGuide. The EPA says household septic tanks are typically pumped every three to five years.
- [How Much Does Septic Tank Replacement Cost in 2026?](https://thesepticguide.com/septic-tank-replacement-cost/): Replacing a septic tank costs $3,000 to $10,000, according to Angi and HomeAdvisor, while HomeGuide puts a 3- or 4-bedroom tank replacement at $3,500 to $8,500. Replacing the tank and drain field together costs $5,000 to $12,000 per Angi and $4,500 to $20,000 per HomeGuide. The tank itself is usually $500 to $3,000 depending on material and size; the rest is labor, excavation, permits and removal of the old tank.
- [How Much Does Septic Repair Cost in 2026?](https://thesepticguide.com/septic-repair-cost/): Septic system repair costs $627 to $3,041 for most homeowners, with a national average of $1,828, according to Angi's 2026 data; HomeGuide reports a $1,900 average and Fixr $2,000. Small fixes such as a lid, filter or baffle usually cost $150 to $900, while line repairs run $1,000 to $5,000. Drain field repairs are the most expensive, with replacement costing $3,000 to $20,000 depending on the publisher.
- [How Much Does Drain Field Replacement Cost in 2026?](https://thesepticguide.com/drain-field-replacement-cost/): Replacing a septic drain field costs $3,000 to $15,000 with a national average of $7,900, according to HomeGuide; Angi estimates about $7,000, and Forbes Home and Bob Vila put the range at $2,000 to $20,000. A conventional (anaerobic) field is cheapest at roughly $2,000 to $6,000, while a mound field costs $10,000 to $20,000. Drain field repair or rejuvenation costs $1,000 to $5,000 per HomeGuide and Fixr.
- [How Much Does an Aerobic Septic System Cost in 2026?](https://thesepticguide.com/aerobic-septic-system-cost/): An aerobic septic system (aerobic treatment unit, or ATU) costs $10,000 to $20,000 to install, according to Angi's 2026 data, while HomeGuide puts an engineered ATU at $20,000 to $40,000 or more. That compares with $3,000 to $8,000 for a conventional system per Angi. Aerobic systems also carry ongoing costs: InspectApedia estimates $25 to $250 a year for aerator electricity, $200 to $300 for supplies, and $200 to $800 for inspections and maintenance.
- [How Much Does a Septic Inspection Cost in 2026?](https://thesepticguide.com/septic-inspection-cost/): A septic inspection costs $200 to $900 for most homeowners, with a national average of $550, according to Angi and HomeAdvisor's 2026 data; HomeGuide reports a lower $290 average. A basic visual inspection runs about $200 to $400, while a detailed home-sale inspection costs $400 to $700 per Angi. The EPA recommends a septic inspection every 1 to 3 years.

## How septic systems work
- [How Does a Septic System Work?](https://thesepticguide.com/how-septic-systems-work/): A septic system is an on-site wastewater system with two main parts: a buried, watertight septic tank and a drain field (soil absorption field), according to the U.S. EPA. In the tank, solids sink into a sludge layer and grease floats up as scum; the clarified liquid in the middle (effluent) flows out through a baffled outlet, usually to a distribution box, then into perforated pipes where the soil filters and treats it. Penn State Extension notes wastewater may spend at least 24 hours in the tank.
- [What Are the Different Types of Septic Systems?](https://thesepticguide.com/types-of-septic-systems/): The U.S. EPA describes ten common types of septic systems: the septic tank itself, conventional gravel drain field, chamber, drip distribution, aerobic treatment unit (ATU), mound, recirculating sand filter, evapotranspiration, constructed wetland and cluster systems. Conventional and chamber systems are the simplest and cheapest; HomeAdvisor (2026) puts conventional anaerobic systems at $3,000 to $8,000 and chamber systems at $5,000 to $12,000. Mound and aerobic systems, used where soil or groundwater rule out a conventional drain field, run $10,000 to $20,000 by HomeAdvisor's and Angi's figures.
- [What Is a Conventional Septic System?](https://thesepticguide.com/conventional-septic-system/): A conventional septic system is a buried septic tank connected to a gravel or stone drain field, with effluent filtered by microbes in the soil below, as the U.S. EPA describes it. It typically runs on gravity with no pumps, serves a single-family home or small business, and needs a large area of suitable soil. HomeAdvisor and Angi (2026) both put a conventional anaerobic system at $3,000 to $8,000 installed.
- [What Is a Mound Septic System?](https://thesepticguide.com/mound-septic-system/): A mound septic system is a drain field built inside a raised mound of sand, used where soil is shallow, groundwater is high or bedrock is near the surface, according to the U.S. EPA. A pump chamber doses septic tank effluent into gravel and distribution pipes in the mound, and the effluent filters through the sand into the native soil below. HomeAdvisor (2026) puts mound systems at $10,000 to $20,000, with a $15,000 average.
- [What Is a Chamber Septic System?](https://thesepticguide.com/chamber-septic-system/): A chamber septic system is a gravelless drain field made of connected, open-bottom chambers, usually plastic, that release septic tank effluent into the surrounding soil, as the U.S. EPA describes it. The EPA says chambers are easier to deliver and build and suit high water tables, variable loads and places where gravel is scarce. HomeAdvisor (June 2026) and Angi (2026) put chamber systems at $5,000 to $12,000, with HomeAdvisor citing an $8,500 average.
- [What Size Septic Tank Do I Need?](https://thesepticguide.com/septic-tank-size/): Septic tank size is set by the number of bedrooms, not square footage. Angi's 2026 chart and New York's state table (10 NYCRR Appendix 75-A, Table 3) both list a 1,000-gallon minimum for one to three bedrooms, 1,250 gallons for four, 1,500 for five and 1,750 for six. Some states set lower floors: Pennsylvania's code requires at least 900 gallons for any installation, so your state or county rule is the one that counts.
- [How Long Does a Septic System Last?](https://thesepticguide.com/how-long-do-septic-systems-last/): A septic system lasts 15 to 40 years on average, according to the U.S. EPA, and longer with proper maintenance. Tank material matters most: Bob Vila puts concrete tanks at 20 to 30 years (up to about 40) and steel at 15 to 20, and Fixr puts plastic at about 30. Drain field estimates range from 10 to 20 years (InspectAPedia) to 20 to 30 years (Michigan Saves), with pumping every 3 to 5 years the biggest factor in reaching the high end.

## Septic care & problems
- [How Often Should You Pump Your Septic Tank?](https://thesepticguide.com/how-often-to-pump-septic-tank/): A household septic tank is typically pumped every 3 to 5 years, according to the U.S. EPA, with an inspection at least every 3 years. The exact interval depends on tank size, the number of people in the home and how much solid waste goes in: Oregon State University Extension estimates a 1,000-gallon tank serving four people needs pumping about every 2.6 years. Garbage disposals and aerobic treatment units shorten the interval.
- [Signs of a Failing Septic System (and What to Do)](https://thesepticguide.com/signs-of-septic-system-failure/): The main signs of septic system failure, according to the U.S. EPA, are sewage backing up into the home, slow drains, gurgling plumbing, standing water or damp spots over the tank or drain field, sewage odors, and bright green, spongy grass over the system even in dry weather. Most failures trace back to poor maintenance or a system built on unsuitable soil. If sewage backs up, stop using water, avoid contact with the sewage and call a licensed septic professional.
- [Why Is My Septic Alarm Going Off?](https://thesepticguide.com/septic-alarm/): A septic alarm goes off when the water level in a pump tank or aerobic unit is too high or too low, when power to the pump is cut, or when a pump, float switch or aerator fails. Angi advises pressing the alarm's silence button, checking the breaker and cutting water use for 10 or more hours; Premier Tech says an alarm caused by heavy rain or heavy water use often resets on its own. If the alarm keeps sounding or the red light stays on, Oklahoma State University Extension says to call your maintenance provider rather than repair the system yourself.
- [Do Septic Tank Treatments and Additives Work?](https://thesepticguide.com/septic-tank-treatments/): Septic tank treatments and additives are not recommended by the U.S. EPA, which says household septic systems do not need additives to function and that some can harm the system or the environment. Kansas State University Extension reports that most research shows additives have no effect, and the Georgia Department of Public Health warns biological products can push suspended solids into the drain field. What actually keeps a septic system healthy is pumping every 3 to 5 years, conserving water and keeping chemicals, grease and wipes out of the drains.
- [Septic Tank Risers: What They Are and Why You Want One](https://thesepticguide.com/septic-tank-risers/): A septic tank riser is a watertight pipe-like collar that extends a buried septic tank's access opening up to the ground surface, so the tank can be inspected and pumped without digging. Risers come in concrete, polyethylene, polypropylene, PVC and fiberglass, and HomeAdvisor puts the cost at $300 to $600. Every riser needs a secure, child-resistant lid: Onsite Installer reports children fall into septic tanks every year when lids are not fastened.
- [Septic vs. Sewer: Which Is Better and What Does Each Cost?](https://thesepticguide.com/septic-vs-sewer/): A septic system treats a home's wastewater on the property and has no monthly bill, while a sewer connection sends wastewater to a municipal treatment plant for a monthly fee. Angi puts septic installation at $3,500 to $11,800 and a sewer line at $1,450 to $5,720 (2026), with sewer bills averaging about $66 a month and septic pumping about $550 every three to five years. Switching an existing home from septic to sewer costs around $6,000 or more, according to HomeAdvisor.
- [Aerobic vs. Conventional Septic Systems: Which Do You Need?](https://thesepticguide.com/aerobic-vs-conventional-septic/): A conventional septic system settles wastewater in a tank and lets soil in a gravel trench finish treatment, while an aerobic treatment unit (ATU) pumps air into the tank to treat wastewater more thoroughly before it reaches the ground. HomeAdvisor puts a traditional anaerobic system at $3,000 to $8,000 and an aerobic system at $10,000 to $20,000 (2026). The EPA says ATUs suit small lots, poor soil, high water tables and sites near sensitive water, but require electricity and regular lifetime maintenance.
- [Septic System Backing Up Into the House: What to Do](https://thesepticguide.com/septic-system-backing-up/): When a septic system backs up into the house, stop running water and flushing toilets, keep children and pets away from the sewage, turn off power if water is standing near outlets or wiring, and call a septic service company. The Virginia Department of Health advises wearing rubber gloves for any contact and disinfecting with a 1-part-bleach-to-9-parts-water solution, and the EPA warns that only trained specialists should open or repair a septic tank because it can contain dangerous gases. Common causes include a full tank, a clogged pipe or filter, a failed pump and a saturated or failing drain field.
- [Aerobic Septic System Maintenance: What It Takes](https://thesepticguide.com/aerobic-septic-system-maintenance/): Aerobic septic system maintenance means regular service visits to check the aerator, chlorinator, pump, spray heads and alarm, keeping the chlorinator stocked with the right tablets, and pumping sludge when it builds up. The EPA says systems with mechanical parts generally need inspection once a year, and Texas AgriLife Extension says aerobic units are usually inspected once every 4 months. In Texas, TCEQ rules require service by a licensed maintenance provider with reports at least once every four months, and homeowners can take over maintenance only two years after installation on eligible systems.

## Buying, selling & hiring
- [Septic Inspection When Buying a House: What to Expect](https://thesepticguide.com/septic-inspection-when-buying-a-house/): A septic inspection when buying a house is a pre-purchase check of the tank, pipes, distribution box and drain field, and the U.S. EPA advises homebuyers to have one done by a septic service provider before they buy. Angi puts the detailed inspections used in real estate sales at $400 to $700 in 2026. Some places require an inspection at sale: Massachusetts requires a Title 5 inspection within 2 years before most sales, and King County, Washington requires one before title transfer.
- [What to Ask a Septic Contractor Before You Hire](https://thesepticguide.com/what-to-ask-a-septic-contractor/): Before hiring a septic contractor, ask whether the company holds the license your state or county requires, who pulls the permit, what insurance it carries, exactly what the quoted price includes, what the warranty covers, where the septage goes and when the work will be done. Angi puts permits for a full septic replacement at $460 to $2,770 in 2026, so ask whether the permit fee is in the quote. The right follow-up questions depend on the job: pumping, installation, repair or inspection.
- [Septic System Repair vs Replacement: How to Decide](https://thesepticguide.com/septic-system-repair-vs-replacement/): Septic system repair makes sense when one component has failed, such as a baffle, lid, filter, pump or section of pipe, and the tank and drain field are sound; replacement makes sense when the drain field has failed, the tank is badly damaged or the system is near the end of its life. Angi puts the average septic repair at $1,828 and a new system at $8,016 in 2026, and puts septic system lifespan at 15 to 40 years. Local rules can force the decision: in Massachusetts, a system that fails a Title 5 inspection must be upgraded within 2 years.
- [What Is a Septic Perc Test and How Does It Work?](https://thesepticguide.com/septic-perc-test/): A septic perc test (percolation test) measures how quickly water drains through saturated soil, in minutes per inch, to decide whether a lot can support a septic drain field and what type and size of system it needs. University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension says soil suited to a soil absorption system drains slower than 5 and faster than 60 minutes per inch. Angi puts the national average perc test cost at about $1,300 in 2026, with most homeowners paying $750 to $1,900.
- [Can You Sell a House With a Failing Septic System?](https://thesepticguide.com/can-you-sell-a-house-with-a-failing-septic-system/): You can usually sell a house with a failing septic system, but you will need to repair or replace it before closing, give the buyer a credit or escrow holdback, or sell as-is at a lower price, and in most places you must disclose known problems. Some states and counties add rules: Massachusetts requires a Title 5 inspection within 2 years before most sales and an upgrade of a failed system within 2 years. Angi puts a new septic system at $8,016 on average in 2026, which is the number buyers will negotiate against.

## Licensing & permits
- [Septic Permits: Who Issues Them and How the Process Works](https://thesepticguide.com/septic-permits/): A septic permit is written approval from your local permitting authority, usually a county or city health or environmental department, to build, alter or repair a septic system. The EPA notes that home septic systems are regulated by states, tribes and local governments, not the federal government, so the issuing office and fees vary by location. The usual sequence is a site and soil evaluation, a system design, a construction permit, installation, and a final inspection before the system can be used.
- [Septic System Glossary: 50 Septic Terms Explained](https://thesepticguide.com/septic-glossary/): This septic system glossary defines 50 terms homeowners meet in permits, inspection reports and pumping invoices, from aerobic treatment unit (ATU) to water table. Definitions follow the U.S. EPA's Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems Manual glossary, EPA SepticSmart pages, and state glossaries from MassDEP and the Washington State Department of Health. The three words people mix up most are sludge (solids that settle to the bottom of the tank), scum (grease that floats to the top) and effluent (the liquid that flows out to the drain field).

## Septic company directory
- [Licensed septic companies by state](https://thesepticguide.com/septic-companies/)
- [Septic companies in North Carolina](https://thesepticguide.com/septic-companies/north-carolina/): 4,569 listed, 4,519 matched to a state license list
- [Septic companies in Georgia](https://thesepticguide.com/septic-companies/georgia/): 2,013 listed, 1,983 matched to a state license list
- [Septic companies in Connecticut](https://thesepticguide.com/septic-companies/connecticut/): 1,925 listed, 1,903 matched to a state license list
- [Septic companies in Virginia](https://thesepticguide.com/septic-companies/virginia/): 1,701 listed, 1,688 matched to a state license list
- [Septic companies in Tennessee](https://thesepticguide.com/septic-companies/tennessee/): 1,648 listed, 1,610 matched to a state license list
- [Septic companies in New Hampshire](https://thesepticguide.com/septic-companies/new-hampshire/): 1,541 listed, 1,541 matched to a state license list
- [Septic companies in South Carolina](https://thesepticguide.com/septic-companies/south-carolina/): 1,487 listed, 1,468 matched to a state license list
- [Septic companies in Minnesota](https://thesepticguide.com/septic-companies/minnesota/): 1,256 listed, 1,253 matched to a state license list
- [Septic companies in Oregon](https://thesepticguide.com/septic-companies/oregon/): 1,253 listed, 1,230 matched to a state license list
- [Septic companies in Arkansas](https://thesepticguide.com/septic-companies/arkansas/): 1,248 listed, 1,240 matched to a state license list
- [Septic companies in Idaho](https://thesepticguide.com/septic-companies/idaho/): 1,148 listed, 1,138 matched to a state license list
- [Septic companies in Maryland](https://thesepticguide.com/septic-companies/maryland/): 1,029 listed, 1,012 matched to a state license list
- [Septic companies in California](https://thesepticguide.com/septic-companies/california/): 1,006 listed, 938 matched to a state license list
- [Septic companies in Illinois](https://thesepticguide.com/septic-companies/illinois/): 977 listed, 943 matched to a state license list
- [Septic companies in West Virginia](https://thesepticguide.com/septic-companies/west-virginia/): 961 listed, 961 matched to a state license list
- [Septic companies in Rhode Island](https://thesepticguide.com/septic-companies/rhode-island/): 495 listed, 485 matched to a state license list
- [Septic companies in South Dakota](https://thesepticguide.com/septic-companies/south-dakota/): 469 listed, 469 matched to a state license list
- [Septic companies in Nebraska](https://thesepticguide.com/septic-companies/nebraska/): 456 listed, 448 matched to a state license list
- [Septic companies in Mississippi](https://thesepticguide.com/septic-companies/mississippi/): 447 listed, 439 matched to a state license list
- [Septic companies in North Dakota](https://thesepticguide.com/septic-companies/north-dakota/): 393 listed, 393 matched to a state license list
- [Septic companies in Texas](https://thesepticguide.com/septic-companies/texas/): 363 listed, 158 matched to a state license list
- [Septic companies in Michigan](https://thesepticguide.com/septic-companies/michigan/): 361 listed, 338 matched to a state license list
- [Septic companies in Louisiana](https://thesepticguide.com/septic-companies/louisiana/): 348 listed, 333 matched to a state license list
- [Septic companies in Oklahoma](https://thesepticguide.com/septic-companies/oklahoma/): 280 listed, 257 matched to a state license list
- [Septic companies in Pennsylvania](https://thesepticguide.com/septic-companies/pennsylvania/): 232 listed, 0 matched to a state license list
- [Septic companies in Arizona](https://thesepticguide.com/septic-companies/arizona/): 212 listed, 196 matched to a state license list
- [Septic companies in Florida](https://thesepticguide.com/septic-companies/florida/): 179 listed, 27 matched to a state license list
- [Septic companies in Delaware](https://thesepticguide.com/septic-companies/delaware/): 86 listed, 84 matched to a state license list
- [Septic companies in New York](https://thesepticguide.com/septic-companies/new-york/): 60 listed, 1 matched to a state license list
- [Septic companies in Ohio](https://thesepticguide.com/septic-companies/ohio/): 51 listed, 2 matched to a state license list
- [Septic companies in Alabama](https://thesepticguide.com/septic-companies/alabama/): 49 listed, 2 matched to a state license list
- [Septic companies in Washington](https://thesepticguide.com/septic-companies/washington/): 34 listed, 0 matched to a state license list
- [Septic companies in Massachusetts](https://thesepticguide.com/septic-companies/massachusetts/): 32 listed, 0 matched to a state license list
- [Septic companies in New Jersey](https://thesepticguide.com/septic-companies/new-jersey/): 31 listed, 0 matched to a state license list
- [Septic companies in Colorado](https://thesepticguide.com/septic-companies/colorado/): 30 listed, 0 matched to a state license list
- [Septic companies in Indiana](https://thesepticguide.com/septic-companies/indiana/): 29 listed, 0 matched to a state license list
- [Septic companies in Missouri](https://thesepticguide.com/septic-companies/missouri/): 29 listed, 0 matched to a state license list
- [Septic companies in Wisconsin](https://thesepticguide.com/septic-companies/wisconsin/): 29 listed, 0 matched to a state license list

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