Septic Pumping & Service in Tyler, TX

Septic systems in East Texas

Once you leave city sewer lines around Tyler, nearly every home relies on an on-site sewage facility (OSSF), better known as a septic system. In East Texas you will see two main types:

• Conventional systems: a septic tank plus an underground drain field. They work best in soils that absorb water well.
• Aerobic treatment units: a multi-chamber system with an air pump that treats wastewater, then sprays it on the lawn or disperses it underground. They are very common in East Texas because much of the area has dense clay that does not absorb water well.

Aerobic systems need ongoing maintenance

If you have an aerobic system with sprinkler heads in the yard, Texas rules require it to be maintained. Typically that means a contract with a licensed maintenance provider who inspects the system and files a report with the permitting authority at least every four months, and the chlorinator must be kept supplied. The installer's initial contract usually covers the first two years; after that, homeowners must renew a contract (or, where the local authority allows, maintain it themselves after training). If yours has lapsed, a local septic company can set up a new maintenance agreement.

How often should a tank be pumped?

A common guideline is every 3 to 5 years for a typical household, but it depends on tank size, how many people live in the home, and whether you use a garbage disposal. Aerobic systems also need periodic pumping of solids, which your service provider can check during inspections. See our septic cost guide for typical prices.