Frequently Asked Questions:
- What is a septic system?
- What do I do if I need a septic system?
- What do I do if my septic system is failing?
- When is a septic system permit required and what does it cost?
- How often should my septic tank be pumped?
- Why is it necessary to have my septic tank pumped?
A septic system is a method of dealing with household wastewater in areas where public sewers are not available. The standard type of septic system involves a septic tank (to hold wastewater from toilets and drainpipes until solids settle out in the tank), and a system of pipes that distribute the remaining liquid waste underground over a large area --the leach field--where the wastewater "percolates" through the soil, which helps to clean the water. The goal is to make sure that this filtration though the soil is sufficient to clean the wastewater before it reaches drinking water well sources or surface waters.
WHAT DO I DO IF I NEED A SEPTIC SYSTEM?
Contact the Environmental Health Division for a permit. We can refer you to several engineering firms who do soils tests according to current state and local regulations. Upon receiving the soils tests from your engineer, we will do an inspection of your site to insure the system can be constructed in compliance with state and county regulations and that soil and ground water conditions are satisfactory for a septic system.
Once your septic system has been constructed by a licensed septic system contractor, we will perform an inspection to insure that the contractor constructed the system to meet current regulations.
WHAT DO I DO IF MY SEPTIC SYSTEM IS FAILING?
Contact the Environmental Health Division of the department. We will consult with you on the causes for failure and advise you on how the failure can be remedied. We can also advise you on contractors who are licensed to perform repairs. A repair permit is required before beginning any system upgrade.
IS A SEPTIC SYSTEM PERMIT REQUIRED AND WHAT DOES IT COST?
State and County laws require that a permit be issued by the department prior to constructing or making repairs to a septic system. The cost for a permit to construct a new system can be obtained by calling 830-608-2094.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD MY SEPTIC TANK BE PUMPED?
Regulations require that septic tanks be pumped by a licensed pumper every 3 to 4 years. An average of every 3 years is recommended for most families.
WHY IS IT NECESSARY TO HAVE MY SEPTIC TANK PUMPED?
The cost of a septic system is a major investment. To protect that investment and prolong the life of your system, it is necessary to have the septic tank pumped out every 3 to 4 years. Since all solids in your household wastewater settle out in the tank, it's important to have the tank pumped to avoid having sludge block the pipes that allows the liquids to move on to the leach field for filtration. Failure to routinely pump the septic tank may result in the clogging of your leach field and cause a premature malfunction of the system.
Related Web Sites on Septic Systems
(We try to link you to reliable sources of information, but we are not responsible for the content of any pages besides our own. Do not use our pages or any others instead of seeking advice from a health professional.)
General Links on On-Site Sewage Treatment:
- Principles and Design of Onsite Waste Disposal with Septic Systems Software you can download from EPA