The Texas directory of septic tank pumping companies

Septic Tank Pumping Texas: Find a Septic Company Near You

Search 960 septic tank pumping companies across 166 Texas counties. Every company is ranked by real Google reviews, and it is free to use.

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960 companies
415 towns
166 counties
43,715 reviews analyzed

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Professional Septic Tank Pumping Across Texas

If you are looking into septic tank pumping texas homeowners rely on, this page explains what the service involves, how often a tank needs it, and what it tends to cost before you pick up the phone. Texas has a large and uneven septic market, so the right choice depends partly on where your property sits.

Most septic problems start quietly. Solids build up at the bottom of the tank, scum thickens at the top, and eventually material reaches the drain field and clogs the soil. A routine pump-out removes that buildup before it damages the rest of the system, which is why most pumpers recommend a service visit every three to five years for a typical household tank.

This guide covers the basics, then moves through state rules, warning signs, a comparison of system types, a step-by-step way to choose a company from our statewide directory, and guide prices. Use the county list below to find local providers, and use the sections here to know what to ask them.

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Why Texas Septic Pumping Depends on Where You Live

Our directory lists 960 septic companies across 166 counties and 415 towns, and the coverage is uneven. Harris County alone lists 43 companies, and Montgomery County follows with 36, most of them serving the Houston area, where Gulf Coast soils are often heavy clay and the water table can sit close to the surface. Head into the Hill Country and the picture changes. Thin limestone soils over bedrock make drain fields harder to build and easier to stress, so keeping to the pumping schedule matters more there. In West Texas, distances between towns can stretch a single service call into a long drive. Lubbock County lists 16 companies, and Action Air Plumbing and Septic in Lubbock has 1,844 Google reviews, the most in our statewide data. Before you hire anyone, confirm that they serve your county, not just the nearest big city.

What Septic Tank Pumping Actually Removes

A septic tank is a buried, watertight container that holds wastewater long enough for solids to settle and grease to float. Heavy material sinks into a layer of sludge at the bottom, lighter material forms a scum layer at the top, and the middle liquid flows out to the drain field. Over time the sludge and scum layers grow. Once they take up too much of the tank, solids can escape into the outlet line.

Pumping means a truck with a vacuum hose removes the contents of the tank, including the sludge and scum. A competent pumper also checks the baffles or tees, inspects the tank for cracks or root intrusion, and notes the condition of the outlet. Ask for a written note of what was found, because that record helps you plan the next visit and catches problems early.

How Often a Texas Household Should Pump

The standard guidance for a typical household tank is pumping every three to five years. The right interval for your home depends on several factors, and a tank that fits one family can fill much faster in another home.

Tank size: smaller tanks fill sooner than larger ones.
Household size: more people means more wastewater and more solids.
Water use: long showers, frequent laundry, and leaks all add volume.
Garbage disposal: ground food adds solids that settle into sludge.
Drain field health: a stressed drain field often points to a tank that needs service.
System type: aerobic units follow a maintenance schedule that is separate from pumping.

Septic Tank Pumping by County in Texas

Choose your county to see every town and its ranked septic tank pumping companies.

Septic Tank Pumping Texas Rules and Who Oversees Them

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, known as TCEQ, regulates on-site sewage facilities across the state. Its rules cover how systems are designed, installed, operated, and maintained, and they set standards for the people who do that work. If you hire a pumper or installer, ask whether the company works under TCEQ rules and whether its staff hold the credentials the agency requires for septic work.

Who Regulates Septic Work

TCEQ oversees the licensing framework for septic installers and maintenance providers, which is why a company that pumps tanks, installs systems, and services aerobic units should be able to explain how its work fits into state rules. Local health or permitting offices may add their own requirements, so check with the authority that covers your property before starting a project.

How Far a Septic Tank Sits From a House

Setback distances, meaning how far a tank and drain field must sit from a house, a well, a property line, or a water source, are set by state rules and can change based on the system design and site conditions. Do not rely on a rule of thumb from a neighbor or a website. Ask the installer or your local permitting office for the setbacks that apply to your lot before you plan a remodel, a new deck, or a new well.

Warning Signs Your Tank Is Overdue

Many homeowners wait until a problem shows up in the house. These signs suggest the tank may need pumping soon, and they call for a service visit sooner rather than later.

Drains run slowly across several fixtures at the same time.
Toilets gurgle or sewage backs up into tubs or showers.
Wet, spongy, or unusually green patches appear over the drain field.
A strong odor lingers near the tank lid or the drain field.
Water pools in the yard above the tank or along the drain lines.
It has been more than three to five years since the last pump-out and you cannot remember the last service.

Choosing a Pumper From a Statewide List

A statewide directory helps you compare options, but it does not replace a phone call. Use these steps to narrow the list for your property.

Confirm they serve your countyMany companies work a specific region. A company with strong reviews in another part of the state may not travel to your address, so check coverage first.
Ask about licensing under TCEQ rulesAsk how the company meets state requirements for septic work and whether its staff are trained for the type of system you have.
Use reviews as a starting pointGoogle review counts show how much customer feedback a business has collected. Action Air Plumbing and Septic in Lubbock lists 1,844 reviews, OneCall Houston lists 1,588, and Underwood Plumbing and Septic in Bonham lists 1,085. Read recent reviews too, not just the total.
Check the hours that matter to youOur data shows that Action Air, OneCall Houston, Underwood, and Van Delden Wastewater Systems in Boerne list seven open days and 24-hour service. Harris Aerobic in Granbury and Paramount Wastewater Solutions in Temple list Monday through Friday hours, so ask about weekend or after-hours options before you need them.
Ask what the quote includesFind out whether the price covers locating and uncovering the lid, and whether an emergency or weekend callout carries an extra fee.

What Not to Flush or Pour Into the Tank

Much of the trouble that shortens the time between pump-outs comes from what goes down the drain. Keep these items out of the system.

Wipes, including those labeled flushable, which often do not break down in the tank.
Feminine hygiene products, diapers, and paper towels.
Cooking grease, oil, and fat, which harden in pipes and clog the outlet.
Chemical drain cleaners and harsh solvents that can kill helpful bacteria.
Paint, pesticides, motor oil, and other household chemicals.
Coffee grounds and large amounts of food scraps, which add solids quickly.

Open green septic tank riser lid in a Texas lawn with a vacuum hose lowered inside

How Much Does Septic Tank Pumping Cost in Texas?

Pumping a standard 1,000 gallon septic tank in Texas typically costs $300 to $550, with larger tanks and aerobic systems a little more. Prices vary by tank size, distance and how easy the lid is to reach.

Read the Full Texas Cost Guide

Septic tank pumping (1,000 gallon)$300–$550
Large tank pumping (1,500 gallon+)$450–$750
Aerobic system pumping$350–$650
Septic inspection$200–$500

How Much Does Septic Tank Pumping Cost in Texas?

The table below gives guide prices for common septic work in Texas in 2026. These are ranges to help you plan, not quotes. Your final cost depends on tank size, access, soil conditions, the type of system, and how far the crew must travel to reach your property. A standard 1,000 gallon tank pump-out falls between $300 and $550, while a large tank of 1,500 gallons or more runs $450 to $750.

Other services cost more or less depending on the work. An aerobic system pump-out is typically $350 to $650, and a yearly aerobic maintenance contract runs $200 to $450. Locating and uncovering the lid costs $50 to $200, and an emergency or weekend callout adds $100 to $300. Ask every company to itemize the quote so you can see exactly what you are paying for.

Typical 1,000 gal pump out$300 to $5502026 guide price for Texas

Typical septic tank pumping prices in Texas
Service	Guide price
Pumping
Septic tank pumping (1,000 gallon)Standard residential tank, lid already exposed	$300 to $550
Large tank pumping (1,500 gallon+)Bigger homes or two compartment tanks	$450 to $750
Aerobic system pumpingTrash, aeration and pump tanks emptied	$350 to $650
Locating and uncovering the lidDepends on depth and soil	$50 to $200
Grease trap pumpingRestaurants and commercial kitchens	$250 to $500
Emergency or weekend calloutAdded to the pumping price	$100 to $300
Inspection and maintenance
Septic inspectionVisual and operational check, often for a home sale	$200 to $500
Aerobic maintenance contractYearly, three visits as required in many Texas counties	$200 to $450
Effluent filter cleaningOften included with a pump out	$75 to $150
Repairs and installs
Riser and lid installationSaves digging on every future pump out	$300 to $800
Septic or effluent pump replacementPump unit, float switch and labor	$800 to $1800
Drain field repairSize, soil and access dependent	$2000 to $10000
New aerobic system installedDesign, permit and install	$8000 to $18000

Guide prices only, not quotes from listed businesses. Always confirm with your septic company.

Conventional Tanks, Aerobic Systems, and Grease Traps Compared

Not every property has the same setup. A standard tank, an aerobic treatment unit, and a grease trap each need different attention, and the guide prices differ. The table below shows what each system involves and how often it usually needs service.

System	What Gets Serviced	Guide Price Range	Ongoing Need
Conventional tank (1,000 gallon)	Sludge and scum removal	$300 to $550	Pump every three to five years for a typical household
Large conventional tank (1,500 gallon or more)	Sludge and scum removal	$450 to $750	Interval depends on household size and water use
Aerobic treatment unit	Sludge removal plus unit check	$350 to $650	Yearly maintenance contract, guide $200 to $450
Grease trap	Grease and solids removal	$250 to $500	Depends on kitchen volume and use

Installing a New System Is a Different Job

Some homeowners search for how to install a septic tank when a current system fails or a property needs a first system. Installation is a licensed, permitted project that involves site evaluation, design, excavation, and inspection. It is not a do-it-yourself job, and it is not covered by a routine pump-out.

Guide prices vary widely. A new aerobic system typically falls between $8,000 and $18,000. Drain field repair can run from $2,000 to $10,000, and a septic or effluent pump replacement from $800 to $1,800. A new tank or drain field project should start with a site review and a written plan from a licensed installer, not a quote based only on a phone description.

Best Time to Book Septic Tank Pumping in Texas

Book pumping before the wettest parts of the year when your schedule allows, because saturated soil makes drain field stress more likely and crews can get busier after heavy rain. If your last pump-out was more than three years ago, or if you notice warning signs, schedule a visit soon rather than waiting for a preferred month. Aerobic systems should stay on their maintenance calendar year round. Emergency calls can happen at any time, so keep a company's number handy before you need it.

General Texas booking pattern for septic tank pumping companies, shown as a guide rather than measured local data.

About TX Septic Tank Pumping

TX Septic Tank Pumping is an independent directory built to make finding a good local septic company simple. We gather public business information, remove anything that is not a septic service, and rank every company with an open formula called the Pump Score. Companies cannot pay to rank higher.

More about us · How we rank companies

Brick ranch home on a rural Texas Hill Country lot with a septic riser lid in the lawn

IndependentNo pay-to-rank, ever.
TransparentThe full scoring formula is public.
Free for homeownersCall companies directly, no fees.

Frequently Asked Questions About Septic Tank Pumping in Texas

Straight answers to the questions homeowners ask before booking a septic company.

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What is septic tank pumping?

Septic tank pumping is the removal of the sludge, scum, and liquid waste from a buried tank using a vacuum truck. It keeps solids from reaching and clogging the drain field. Most pumpers also inspect the tank and its baffles during the visit.

How much does it cost to get a septic tank pumped in Texas?

Guide prices for a 1,000 gallon tank run from $300 to $550, and larger tanks of 1,500 gallons or more run from $450 to $750. Locating the lid, emergency callouts, and aerobic systems can add to that range.

Can a septic tank go 20 years without being pumped?

Going 20 years without pumping is risky. Solids keep building up, and once they reach the outlet they can clog the drain field, which is far more expensive to repair than a pump-out. Most household tanks should be pumped every three to five years, depending on use.

What are the rules and regulations for septic systems in Texas?

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality regulates on-site sewage facilities across the state, including how systems are designed, installed, and maintained. Local permitting offices may add their own requirements, so check with the authority that covers your property.

How far does a septic tank have to be from a house in Texas?

Setback distances from a house, well, property line, or water source are set by state rules and can depend on the system design and site. Ask your installer or local permitting office for the distances that apply to your lot before you build or dig.

How to install a septic tank?

Installation is a licensed, permitted project that begins with a site evaluation and a written design, followed by excavation, installation, and inspection. Homeowners should hire a licensed installer rather than attempt the work themselves.

Do I need to pump an aerobic system the same way as a regular tank?

Aerobic systems usually need sludge removal along with a service visit that checks the treatment unit. Many owners also carry a yearly maintenance contract, with guide prices of $200 to $450 per year, separate from routine pumping.

What should I do before the pumping crew arrives?

Make sure the tank lid is accessible and clear of vehicles, landscaping, and stored items. If you do not know where the lid is, ask the company whether it offers locating and uncovering, which typically costs $50 to $200.

Find Septic Tank Pumping Near You in Texas

Where the 960 septic companies in this directory are based.

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Septic Tank Pumping Texas: Find a Septic Company Near You

Professional Septic Tank Pumping Across Texas

What Septic Tank Pumping Actually Removes

How Often a Texas Household Should Pump

Septic Tank Pumping by County in Texas

Septic Tank Pumping Texas Rules and Who Oversees Them

Who Regulates Septic Work

How Far a Septic Tank Sits From a House

Warning Signs Your Tank Is Overdue

Choosing a Pumper From a Statewide List

What Not to Flush or Pour Into the Tank

How Much Does Septic Tank Pumping Cost in Texas?

How Much Does Septic Tank Pumping Cost in Texas?

Conventional Tanks, Aerobic Systems, and Grease Traps Compared

Installing a New System Is a Different Job

Best Time to Book Septic Tank Pumping in Texas

About TX Septic Tank Pumping

Frequently Asked Questions About Septic Tank Pumping in Texas

Find Septic Tank Pumping Near You in Texas

Do You Run a Septic Company?