Septic Services in Aubrey, TX
Aubrey-area homeowners pay $275-$375 for standard septic pumping, $5,000-$10,000 for new conventional system installation, and $450-$750 for emergency service.
Aubrey sits along US 377 about 10 miles north of Denton, and it's one of the fastest-growing communities in all of Texas. According to the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG), Aubrey's population reached 9,801 in 2025, a 6.7% jump from the prior year. The surrounding area north of Denton has more than 30,000 people and climbing fast. Master-planned communities like Frontier Park, Silverado, and The Parks at Wilson Creek are putting hundreds of new homes on septic systems because municipal sewer hasn't extended this far north. If you live in or around Aubrey, your home almost certainly runs on septic.
What Septic Services Are Available in Aubrey?
Unlike Denton proper, which has city sewer for most of its urban core, the Aubrey area is almost entirely septic-dependent. That creates demand for everything from routine pumping on new systems to large-capacity installations for the horse properties and ranches that still define much of northern Denton County.
Septic Pumping
Most Aubrey households need pumping every 3-5 years. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension recommends pumping aerobic units every 2-3 years and conventional systems every 3-5 years. Sandy loam soil drains well here, so drain fields tend to hold up better than in the heavy clay zones south and east of Denton. But good drainage doesn't mean you can skip pumping. Solids still accumulate in the tank, and letting sludge build up pushes particles into the drain field where they clog the soil. Families of four or more, or homes with garbage disposals, should pump closer to every 3 years.
New Construction Installation
With subdivisions going in across the Aubrey area, new septic installations are a major part of the local workload. About 37% of new U.S. homes are built with on-site wastewater treatment systems (Texas A&M AgriLife Extension), and Aubrey's rapid growth puts it squarely in that trend. Aubrey's Cross Timbers sandy loam is generally favorable for conventional gravity systems, which cost less to install and maintain than the aerobic systems required on Blackland Prairie clay. A standard residential system on sandy loam typically runs $5,000-$10,000 depending on lot layout, tank size, and drain field length. Per TCEQ's on-site sewage facility (OSSF) program, Denton County requires a permit ($310 for new systems), site evaluation by a licensed Professional Engineer or Registered Sanitarian, and a final construction inspection before you can get occupancy.
Horse Property and Ranch Systems
Northern Denton County still has plenty of 5-20 acre parcels used for horses, cattle, and hobby ranching. These properties need larger-capacity septic systems (1,500-2,000+ gallon tanks) to handle the household load, and some need separate waste management for barn areas. Expect $10,000-$20,000 or more for a ranch-scale installation. These systems also need more frequent pumping because of the higher volume.
Septic Inspection
Buying or selling an Aubrey-area home? Most lenders require a septic inspection even though Texas law doesn't mandate one statewide. A full inspection runs $200-$500 and covers the tank, baffles, distribution lines, and drain field performance. Combined pumping-and-inspection packages ($425-$650) are the most thorough option, especially for older systems or properties that haven't been serviced in years.
What Should Aubrey-Area Homeowners Know About Local Septic Conditions?
Cross Timbers Sandy Loam: Better Drainage, Different Risks
Aubrey sits squarely in the Eastern Cross Timbers ecoregion, where sandy loam soils derived from sandstone parent material are the norm. If you've heard about the heavy Blackland Prairie clay that makes septic life difficult in Denton, Dallas, and points east, Aubrey is a different story.
Sandy loam drains well. That's mostly good news for septic. Conventional gravity drain fields work reliably in this soil, and you're less likely to need an expensive aerobic treatment unit. But fast drainage comes with its own risk. Wastewater can move through sandy soil quickly, sometimes too quickly for the ground to fully filter out bacteria and nutrients before they reach groundwater. On properties where the water table is shallow or where the drain field sits close to a private well, this becomes a real concern.
The standard setback between a septic system and a private water well is 150 feet, and Denton County enforces a 2-acre minimum lot size near private wells. Those rules exist specifically because of the contamination risk in fast-draining soils like sandy loam. If your Aubrey home uses both a septic system and a private well, annual well water testing is a smart precaution.
Private Wells and Septic: The Dual Contamination Concern
Many Aubrey-area homes rely on private wells for drinking water in addition to septic for wastewater. This combination is common across northern Denton County, and it requires extra attention. As Nathan Glavy, a TWRI Extension program specialist at Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, notes, "Failing septic systems have been identified as a source of increased bacteria and nutrient loading" in Texas watersheds.
In sandy loam, contaminants from a septic drain field can reach groundwater within days rather than the weeks or months it takes in clay soil. Nitrates, bacteria, and other pathogens can migrate toward a nearby well before natural filtration has time to work. Keep your septic system well-maintained, pump on schedule, and test your well water at least once a year for coliform bacteria and nitrates. If you notice changes in water taste, color, or odor, test immediately.
New Construction Quality: What Aubrey Homebuyers Should Watch
With subdivision development moving at breakneck speed, new construction septic quality varies. Some builders treat the septic system as an afterthought, choosing the cheapest design that meets minimum code rather than a system sized for how the home will actually be used.
Before closing on new construction, ask your builder who designed the septic system and whether it was evaluated by a licensed PE or Registered Sanitarian (not just the builder's preferred installer). Request the site evaluation report and the Denton County permit. Make sure the system size matches your household. A 750-gallon tank might pass code for a two-bedroom home, but if the house has four bathrooms and a media room that could easily become a bedroom, the system may be undersized from day one.
Denton County Septic Regulations
Denton County Public Health, Environmental Health Division, handles all septic permits for unincorporated areas around Aubrey. They're the TCEQ-authorized agent for this part of the county.
Key requirements:
- All installations, repairs, and modifications need a permit from Denton County Environmental Health.
- Site evaluation and soil testing must be done by a licensed Professional Engineer (PE), Registered Sanitarian (RS), or TCEQ-licensed Site Evaluator.
- Final inspection is mandatory before occupancy. Tanks must be in place, filled with water, and drain fields constructed before the county signs off.
- Permit processing currently runs 2-6 weeks, though the volume of new development in the Aubrey corridor can push timelines longer.
- Properties near Ray Roberts Lake (northeast of Aubrey) may face stricter setbacks and higher treatment standards to protect the drinking water supply.
For aerobic systems, TCEQ requires a maintenance contract with inspections every four months for the life of the system. Denton County enforces this.
How Much Do Septic Services Cost in Aubrey, TX?
Most Aubrey-area homeowners pay $275-$375 for standard pumping on a 1,000-gallon tank, with larger tanks and add-on services running higher.
| Service | Aubrey Price Range |
|---|---|
| Standard pumping (1,000 gal) | $275 - $375 |
| Large tank (1,500+ gal) | $375 - $575 |
| Pumping + inspection | $425 - $650 |
| Emergency/after-hours | $450 - $750 |
| Locating buried tank lid | +$75 - $150 |
| New system (conventional) | $5,000 - $10,000 |
| Ranch/large-capacity system | $10,000 - $20,000+ |
Aubrey-area prices are roughly in line with the broader Denton County average and typically $25-$50 less than quotes in heavy-clay areas like south Denton or east Dallas, where access and soil conditions add complexity. Sandy loam soil and larger lot sizes make access easier for pump trucks, which helps keep routine service costs reasonable. Rural properties farther from main roads may see a travel surcharge of $50-$100. New construction costs depend heavily on lot layout, soil test results, and system type.
Prices based on February 2026 provider data and market research for northern Denton County. Your actual cost depends on tank size, accessibility, system age, and service needed.
How It Works
1. Tell Us About Your Needs
Fill out our short form with your septic service needs and Aubrey-area address. Let us know if it's routine pumping, a new construction install, an inspection, or an emergency.
2. Get Matched with a Local Pro
We connect you with a licensed, insured septic professional who serves northern Denton County. Every provider in our network holds a TCEQ license and is vetted for quality and reliability.
3. Get Your Quote
Your matched provider contacts you within a few hours with clear pricing. No obligation, no pressure. For emergencies, expect faster turnaround from providers with 24/7 availability.
Why Choose a Local Aubrey-Area Septic Pro?
- They know sandy loam. A northern Denton County provider understands how Cross Timbers soil behaves differently from the Blackland Prairie clay in Denton or Dallas, and which system designs hold up best.
- Faster response in a fast-growing area. Aubrey has fewer providers than Denton or the southern DFW suburbs, so working with someone who prioritizes this corridor matters for timely service.
- New construction expertise. With hundreds of new homes going on septic in this area, local providers stay current on Denton County permitting requirements and subdivision-specific challenges.
- Well and septic knowledge. Many Aubrey properties run on both private wells and septic. A local pro understands the spacing, testing, and maintenance needed to keep your drinking water safe.
Serving Aubrey and Surrounding Areas
We connect homeowners with septic professionals throughout the Aubrey area, including:
- Providence Village
- Pilot Point
- Krugerville
- Cross Roads
- Celina
- Prosper
- Little Elm
- The Colony
- Sanger
- Valley View
Frequently Asked Questions About Septic Services in Aubrey
How much does septic pumping cost in Aubrey?
Standard septic pumping in the Aubrey area costs $275-$375 for a 1,000-gallon tank. Larger 1,500-gallon tanks run $375-$575. Emergency and after-hours service adds $150-$400 to the base price. Aubrey's sandy loam soil and larger lots generally make access straightforward, which keeps costs in the mid-range for Denton County. Properties off rural roads may see a travel surcharge.
Is Aubrey's sandy loam soil good for septic systems?
Sandy loam drains well and supports conventional gravity systems, making it better for septic than heavy clay. You're less likely to need an expensive aerobic treatment unit. But the trade-off is that sandy soil filters wastewater less thoroughly than clay. Contaminants can move through the ground quickly, potentially reaching groundwater before pathogens are fully removed. This is especially relevant if your property also has a private well. Proper system design, adequate setbacks (150 feet from wells), and regular maintenance reduce this risk.
My Aubrey home is on both septic and a private well. What should I know?
Test your well water at least once a year for coliform bacteria and nitrates, and keep your septic system well-maintained. In sandy loam soil, contaminants from a failing or neglected septic system can reach groundwater within days. Denton County requires a 150-foot setback between septic components and private wells, plus 2-acre minimum lot sizes near wells. As Bruce Lesikar of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension notes, pumping should happen when combined sludge and scum reach one-fourth to one-third of total tank volume. Don't flush chemicals or grease, and address any system problems immediately. If your water changes taste, color, or smell, get it tested right away.
Who handles septic permits for new construction in the Aubrey area?
Denton County Public Health, Environmental Health Division, issues all septic permits for unincorporated areas around Aubrey. Permit fees run $310 for new systems and $100 for repairs, per Denton County Environmental Health. You'll need a licensed Professional Engineer or Registered Sanitarian to perform the site evaluation and design the system. The county must approve or deny applications within 30 days per TCEQ rules, and a final inspection is mandatory before occupancy. All system installations, repairs, and modifications require a permit. If your property is within Aubrey city limits, check whether city or county jurisdiction applies.
How do I make sure my new-build septic system is done right?
Ask your builder who designed the system, request the site evaluation report, and verify that Denton County issued a permit before construction began. In fast-growing areas like Aubrey, some builders prioritize speed over quality on septic design. Make sure the system was sized for your actual household (not just the minimum bedroom count), that a licensed professional performed the soil analysis, and that Denton County completed a final inspection. After closing, keep all septic documentation and schedule your first pumping within 3-5 years of move-in.
Does every Aubrey property need a septic permit?
Most properties need a permit, but TCEQ provides an exemption for single-family homes on 10+ acres that meet specific conditions. The property must have no other dwelling, the system must not cause a nuisance or pollute groundwater, and all system components must be at least 100 feet from the property line. Emergency repairs like replacing tank lids or inlet devices don't require a permit but must be reported to Denton County Environmental Health in writing within 72 hours.
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Last updated: February 8, 2026 Pricing based on northern Denton County provider data and market research Sources: Denton County Public Health Environmental Health Division, TCEQ OSSF Program, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, NCTCOG Population Estimates, Texas Almanac
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