AFFORDABLE SEPTIC TANK INSTALLATION IN San Antonio, TX

What Is the Process for Septic Tank Installation in San Antonio?

Septic systems need to be properly maintained so they will run smoothly for decades. Without proper care, your septic system can quickly fail, causing expensive damage and risking the health of everyone in your home. A septic tank fills with three substances. Sludge and solid waste sit at the bottom of the tank, while scum floats on the top. In the middle, effluent is filtered out through your drain field and into the soil. If your septic system isn’t working properly and you notice alarming signs like bright green grass growing above your tank or wastewater seeping into your yard, it’s time to have your tank replaced or upgraded. Signs of failure can include sewage backing up into your home, causing a terrible odor, and releasing dangerous chemicals into the air.

When it’s time to install a new septic tank or repair the one you have, we’ll need to follow Bexar County’s regulations. The county’s Environmental Services Department refers to septic systems as on-site sewage facilities. They have several regulations in place that we need to follow during the installation process. Before any work begins, you’ll need to obtain a permit for a new system or repairs to your current system. Each process requires a different permit through the county.

Once a permit is obtained and we have the green light to begin, we’ll test your soil and groundwater levels. This will help us to determine whether your soil needs to be amended and where to lay your leaching system. During the installation process, the Environmental Services Department will send someone out to inspect our work. We expect them to visit a few times to ensure we’re meeting all of the standards required by the county. It never bothers our plumbers when someone comes out to inspect our work. Septic systems are incredibly important to the safety of our water supply, and it’s always best to have an extra set of eyes on the entire process. 

During their visits, the inspector will check to see that your tank is installed according to the city’s regulations and that the system meets their high standards. The entire installation process can take up to a week, but we’re usually done much sooner.

How Does Permitting Work for Installing Septic Tanks in San Antonio?

There are four types of on-site sewage facility or OSSF permits available in Bexar County. If you are having your septic system repaired or a new one installed, you’ll need to fill out and submit the proper forms before any work begins. Once you have a working septic system, you’ll need to obtain a renewal permit every two or five years, depending on whether you have an aerobic or standard system. To receive a permit, you need to call (210) 335-6700 and the Environmental Department will get you the paperwork you need.

Although a permit seems like a nuisance, it’s a very important step toward having a septic system installed that meets all San Antonio and Bexar County’s regulations. Without a permit in hand, you run the risk of being fined, and all work will have to stop until a permit form is submitted. You’ll also have trouble finding a licensed plumber who will do the work without the homeowner first obtaining a permit.

How Much Does Septic Tank Installation Usually Cost in San Antonio?

In San Antonio, a new septic tank will cost around $6,000. Since every situation is unique, we’ll consider several factors before giving you a quote. The biggest factors include the size of your house, the size of your tank, and the location of your house. Let’s discuss these factors and how they can affect your final price.

House Size

When you’re ready to install a new septic system, you’ll want to make sure it meets the needs of your family. One of the ways we do this is by assessing the size of your home. Most of us measure a home’s size by the square footage or the number of bedrooms inside. This will help us determine the number of people that will be using the septic system and we’ll build one that’s big enough to meet those needs. Larger families and homes will require larger tanks to accommodate their needs, and this will directly influence your price. The home’s size is the biggest factor in determining your final installation price.

Tank Size

According to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, 20% of new homeowners in San Antonio are choosing to install a septic system on their properties. If you’ve just moved to the area, it’s important to choose a tank size that meets your needs best. The standard-sized tank holds 750 gallons and will meet the needs of one to two residents. If your family is larger, you’ll probably want to have a bigger tank installed. With more people using your facilities, your tank will need to be large enough to collect all the wastewater and solid waste. Small tanks will cost less than larger tanks. The price of your tank will be added to your bill.

House Location

If your house is off the beaten path or far from the city limits, it’s going to take more time, gas, and resources for us to get to the worksite. You’ll likely be charged a little more for our extra effort. We’ll make sure to consider this when quoting your price.

Additionally, we may face unique challenges due to your location. For example, if you live in an area with a high water table, we’ll need to bring in a load of aggregate to properly install your leaching area. If we need to bring in additional resources or work around obstacles, we’ll add them to your bill.

What Type of Septic Tank Is Best for Residents in San Antonio?

Septic tanks come in all kinds of materials, including concrete, fiberglass, and polyethylene. Each material has its benefits and drawbacks, and we’re happy to help you choose the one that meets your needs and fits your budget best. Concrete is the most expensive choice, but it’s also the most durable material and the most common in San Antonio. Concrete is the most likely material to stand up to the changes in soil pressure from San Antonio’s clay-rich dirt.

Fiberglass and polyethylene, on the other hand, are much less expensive and they’re easy to install. If you choose these cost-effective options, you may run the risk of having tree roots grow into your leaching system down the road.

In addition to materials, you will also need to choose what type of septic system you’d like to have installed. Options include conventional systems and aerobic systems, among many others. You’ll need to consider the pros and cons of each type to decide what’s best for your home.

How Often Do Homeowners in San Antonio Need to Have Their Septic Tank Inspected?

Homeowners should have their septic tanks inspected by professionals like us every one to three years. It’s also recommended that you have your tank pumped by our team every three to five years. In Bexar County, you have to obtain a renewal permit every five years for standard systems. To renew your permit, you have to pay $30 and submit a receipt proving that your tank has recently been pumped. If you forget to obtain a renewal permit, you can be found in violation and may be charged a fee. 

If you have an aerobic tank, you’ll need to obtain a renewal permit after two years of its installation. You’ll be required to submit proof to the county that you’ve signed a contract with a service provider like us who will need to submit quarterly maintenance reports to the Environmental Services Department.

Without regular maintenance, your tank can fail and cause dangerous sewage to seep into your yard or back up into your home. If you’re unsure about whether your tank needs to be pumped, you can have the sludge level measured by our team. We use a measuring device to check the level of sludge, effluent, and scum in your tank, and we’ll be able to tell whether it’s time to have it pumped. Generally, a larger family will need to have their tank pumped more often than a home with only one or two residents inside. 

Are There Any Rebates Available for Septic Tank Services in San Antonio? 

Although San Antonio doesn’t offer any rebates toward septic tanks, there are some rebates available that will increase the longevity of your septic system. Make sure you take advantage of Bexar County’s Rebate Program. The county offers to replace your toilets with energy-efficient models and will give you $100 toward a high-efficiency washing machine. Homeowners can also enroll in the plumbing retrofit program that provides low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators. 

When you add energy-efficient products to your plumbing system, your septic system doesn’t have to work as hard. With less wastewater flowing down the pipes, your septic tank won’t fill as quickly as it would with normal plumbing fixtures. These minor changes will help your septic system last longer, and you won’t need to have your tank pumped as frequently. Not only will you save money in the long run, but you’ll be saving water and benefiting the environment at the same time.