Septic System Installation Cost in Texas (2026)
A new conventional septic system in Texas costs $6,300-$10,000 installed, while aerobic systems run $10,000-$20,000. Add $1,500-$5,000 for site evaluation, permits, and engineering.
How Much Does a New Septic System Cost in Texas? (2026 Guide)
A new conventional septic system in Texas costs $6,300-$10,000 installed, while aerobic systems run $10,000-$20,000. Add $1,500-$5,000 for site evaluation, permits, and engineering.
Installing a septic system is one of the biggest expenses in building a new Texas home or replacing a failed system. According to the EPA, more than one in five U.S. households depend on septic systems, and Texas has over 2.6 million of them. The cost depends mainly on what type of system your property's soil can support, and in much of Texas, that means aerobic.
This guide breaks down every cost involved, from the site evaluation through final inspection, so you know what to budget before you start.
How Much Does Each Type of Septic System Cost to Install?
Most Texas homeowners pay $6,300-$20,000 total for a new septic system, depending on whether their soil allows a conventional system or requires aerobic treatment.
| System Type | Total Installed Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Conventional (gravity) | $6,300-$10,000 | Sandy or loamy soil with good drainage |
| Aerobic with spray | $10,000-$15,000 | Clay soil, small lots, most of Central/North TX |
| Aerobic with drip | $12,000-$18,000 | Rocky soil, sloped lots, Edwards Aquifer zone |
| Low-pressure dosing | $8,000-$12,000 | Moderate soil, uneven terrain |
| Evapotranspiration | $12,000-$18,000 | Arid West Texas areas |
These ranges include the tank, dispersal system, installation labor, and basic site preparation. They don't include the site evaluation, permit fees, or engineering, which add $1,500-$5,000 on top.
Why aerobic is so common in Texas: The Blackland Prairie clay that stretches from Dallas through Austin to San Antonio covers millions of acres. This soil drains too slowly for conventional drain fields, so most new installations in these areas require aerobic treatment. Per TCEQ rules (30 TAC Chapter 285), the site evaluator's soil analysis determines which system types your property can support. Properties in the Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone face even stricter requirements, with drip dispersal often the only option.
What Does Each Part of a Septic System Cost?
The septic tank itself is only 15-25% of the total cost. The drain field or dispersal system, labor, and site work make up the rest.
| Component | Cost Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Septic tank (concrete) | $1,600-$3,500 | Size based on bedroom count |
| Septic tank (plastic) | $2,000-$3,200 | Lighter, easier to install |
| Conventional drain field | $3,000-$6,000 | Trenches with gravel and pipe |
| Aerobic treatment unit | $4,000-$8,000 | Tank, blower, pump, control panel |
| Spray dispersal system | $2,000-$4,000 | Spray heads, pump, timer |
| Drip dispersal system | $3,000-$6,000 | Drip lines, filter, pump |
| Installation labor | $3,000-$7,500 | Excavation, plumbing, backfill |
| Electrical (aerobic only) | $800-$2,000 | Panel, wiring, connections |
Tank Size by Bedroom Count
Under TCEQ regulations, Texas sizes septic tanks based on the number of bedrooms in the home, not bathrooms or square footage.
| Bedrooms | Minimum Tank Size | Typical Tank Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 1-2 | 750 gallons | $900-$2,200 |
| 3 | 1,000 gallons | $1,600-$3,200 |
| 4 | 1,250 gallons | $2,200-$3,800 |
| 5+ | 1,500+ gallons | $2,500-$4,500 |
What Are the Additional Costs Beyond the Septic System Itself?
Site evaluation, permits, soil testing, and engineering add $1,500-$5,000 to your total project cost.
| Additional Cost | Range | Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Site evaluation and soil testing | $600-$2,500 | Yes, before permit |
| County permit fee | $200-$1,500 | Yes |
| System design (PE or sanitarian) | $500-$2,500 | Yes for aerobic and complex sites |
| Land survey | $330-$900 | Sometimes |
| Re-inspection fee (if first fails) | $100-$150 | Only if needed |
| Landscaping restoration | $500-$2,000 | Recommended |
| Tree removal (if in drain field area) | $200-$2,000 | If needed |
Permit fees vary by county. Some examples from Texas counties:
| County | Conventional Permit | Aerobic Permit |
|---|---|---|
| Williamson | $510 | $710 |
| Travis | $285-$475 | $475-$700 |
| Hays | Contact office | Contact office |
| Harris | Contact office | Contact office |
Your installer usually handles the permit application as part of their service. The fee is passed through to you.
How Long Does Septic System Installation Take in Texas?
A new septic system in Texas takes 4-8 weeks from site evaluation through final inspection, with the actual installation taking 1-5 days.
Here's the timeline:
Weeks 1-2: Site evaluation and design
- Licensed site evaluator tests your soil (percolation tests, depth to bedrock and groundwater)
- Professional engineer or registered sanitarian designs the system based on results
- They'll determine which system type your property needs
Weeks 2-4: Permitting
- Submit application to your county's authorized agent with soil report, design plans, and fees
- County reviews for compliance with TCEQ rules (30 TAC Chapter 285) and local orders
- TCEQ requires permitting authorities to approve or deny within 30 days of a complete application
- You receive an Authorization to Construct (valid for 1 year)
Week 4-5: Installation
- TCEQ-licensed installer does the work (1-3 days for conventional, 3-5 days for aerobic)
- County inspector checks work at critical stages
- Nothing gets covered or buried until inspector approves
Week 5-6: Final inspection and activation
- County issues your License to Operate
- For aerobic systems, your maintenance contract begins
- Installer walks you through the system operation
What Factors Affect Septic Installation Cost the Most?
Soil conditions are the single biggest cost driver. If your soil can't support a conventional system, you'll pay $4,000-$10,000 more for aerobic treatment.
The top cost factors in order of impact:
-
Soil type. Clay soil means aerobic, which costs roughly double conventional. The USDA Soil Survey classifies much of Central Texas as expansive clay, which won't support conventional drain fields. Rocky soil means drip dispersal, adding even more. Sandy soil with good drainage gives you the cheapest option.
-
System type required. You don't get to choose freely. Your site evaluation determines what the soil can handle, and that drives which system the county will permit.
-
Property terrain. Sloped lots, high water tables, and shallow bedrock all complicate installation and increase costs by $1,000-$5,000.
-
Tank size. A 5-bedroom home needs a bigger tank than a 2-bedroom. The difference is $1,000-$2,000.
-
Accessibility. If the installation area is hard to reach with equipment (narrow access, mature trees, existing structures), labor costs increase.
-
Distance from house to system. Longer runs of pipe between the house and tank increase material and labor costs.
How Much Does a Septic System Cost Per Year After Installation?
After installation, budget $100-$300 per year for conventional systems and $400-$640 per year for aerobic, plus pumping every 3-5 years.
| Ongoing Expense | Conventional | Aerobic |
|---|---|---|
| Maintenance contract | Not required | $200-$400/year |
| Pumping (every 3-5 years) | $235-$485 | $235-$485 |
| Electricity | $0 | $120-$360/year |
| Annual total | $60-$120 | $400-$640 |
Aerobic systems also have moving parts (blowers, pumps) that eventually need replacement. Budget $300-$800 for a blower replacement every 5-8 years. Over a 20-year span, a conventional system runs roughly $2,000-$4,000 in maintenance, while an aerobic system costs $8,000-$13,000, not including the higher upfront price.
For detailed maintenance costs, see our septic pumping cost guide and our comparison of aerobic vs. conventional systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I install my own septic system in Texas?
Technically yes, but only on your own single-family home that you live in, and only if you're not being paid. You still need to follow all TCEQ design and permitting rules, which means hiring a licensed site evaluator and designer. Most homeowners hire licensed installers because the permitting and inspection requirements are complex, and mistakes are expensive to fix.
How long does a new septic system last?
A properly installed and maintained system lasts 25-40 years for the tank and 15-25 years for the drain field. Aerobic components (blowers, pumps) have shorter lifespans of 5-10 years and need periodic replacement. Regular maintenance is the biggest factor in system longevity.
Does my homeowner's insurance cover septic installation?
No. Standard homeowner's insurance doesn't cover new installation or replacement of a septic system. Insurance may cover damage caused by a sudden septic failure (with a sewer backup endorsement), but it won't pay for the new system itself. Some Texas homeowners finance installations through TCEQ-approved programs, USDA rural development loans, or home equity lines of credit.
How do I find a licensed septic installer in Texas?
Contact your county's environmental health office for a list of TCEQ-licensed installers in your area. You can also search TCEQ's database for licensed professionals. Get at least three quotes, and verify each installer holds a current TCEQ Installer I or Installer II license. Ask for references from recent Texas installations.
Why is aerobic so much more expensive than conventional?
Aerobic systems cost more because they have mechanical components (air blower, spray pump, control panel), require electrical hookup, and involve more complex installation. The treatment unit itself costs $4,000-$8,000 compared to a simple $1,600-$3,500 tank for conventional. But in much of Texas, clay soil means aerobic is the only option that will pass county permitting.
Can I finance a new septic system in Texas?
Yes, several financing options exist for Texas homeowners facing a major septic installation. USDA Rural Development loans cover septic systems for qualifying rural properties. Some counties offer low-interest programs through TCEQ-approved financing. Home equity lines of credit and personal loans are also common options. A few Texas installers offer in-house payment plans for systems over $10,000.
Last updated: February 7, 2026 Reviewed by: Texas Septic Guide Editorial Team, content verified against TCEQ permitting requirements, Texas provider surveys 2025-2026, and county fee schedules
Need a new septic system in Texas? Get free installation quotes from licensed providers
Sources: EPA Septic Systems Program; TCEQ permitting requirements (30 TAC Chapter 285); Texas provider surveys 2025-2026; Williamson, Travis, and Harris County fee schedules; NAHB/Census Bureau Survey of Construction 2024; Angi cost guides for Texas installations.
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