At a glance
| Who regulates | Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), OSSF program |
|---|---|
| Inspection when a home is sold | No statewide requirement found. We found no TCEQ rule requiring an inspection when a home is sold. Buyers usually order one anyway, and the local permitting authority can tell you about any local rules. |
Septic tank size in Texas
Tank size is set in the system design under 30 TAC Chapter 285, and your permitting authority approves it. Ask your designer or permitting authority for the size your home needs.
Compare with other states on our tank size calculator.
Aerobic system maintenance
- The maintenance contract must be with a licensed maintenance provider (30 TAC §285.7; Texas Health and Safety Code §366.0515).
- The provider tags the system, inspects every component and reports to the permitting authority and owner at least once every four months, or every six months with electronic monitoring.
- Two years after installation, homeowners may maintain some systems themselves (secondary treatment, non-standard treatment, drip irrigation and surface application), unless the local authority is stricter.
Chlorine tablets
- Use calcium hypochlorite tablets certified for wastewater disinfection.
- Never use swimming pool tablets (trichloroisocyanuric acid): TCEQ warns they disinfect poorly and can explode in the chlorinator.
Pumping
- TCEQ recommends pumping a conventional septic tank every three to five years.
Costs
We don't yet have checked Texas-specific prices. National figures: pumping averages about $420–$430 (pumping cost), inspections about $550 on average (inspection cost), and a conventional system $3,000–$8,500 installed (installation cost).
Rules change, and counties and towns can be stricter than the state. Confirm with the agency above before you buy, sell or build.