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How Often Does an Aerobic Septic System Need to Be Serviced?

If you own a home with an aerobic septic system in Texas, you're required by state law to have it maintained regularly. Here's what you need to know about the maintenance schedule and what happens if you let it lapse.

Texas State Maintenance Requirements

Minimum: 3 visits per year (every ~4 months)

Texas requires aerobic systems to be under an active maintenance contract with a licensed provider, with at least three inspections per year and required reporting to the permitting authority.

Most maintenance contracts are written as two-year agreements and cover the required three annual visits. The maintenance contractor is responsible for submitting inspection reports to your county health department or the TCEQ on a schedule dictated by state rules.

What Each Maintenance Visit Should Include

  • ✓Visual inspection of all tanks, pumps, and components
  • ✓Chlorine tablet or liquid replenishment
  • ✓Air diffuser and pump screen cleaning
  • ✓Spray head inspection and adjustment
  • ✓Control panel and alarm test
  • ✓Written inspection report submitted to the appropriate authority

Related Pages

→ Aerobic Septic Maintenance→ Septic Repair→ Septic Alarm / Red Light→ Request Service

Maintenance Schedule FAQs

Yes. Texas state rules (30 TAC Chapter 285) require aerobic septic systems to be under an active, two-year maintenance contract with a licensed maintenance company. The contractor must inspect and service the system at least three times per year and submit inspection reports to the appropriate permitting authority.
Yes. Texas state rules (30 TAC Chapter 285) require aerobic septic systems to be under an active, two-year maintenance contract with a licensed maintenance company. The contractor must inspect and service the system at least three times per year and submit inspection reports to the appropriate permitting authority.
Missing maintenance visits can put your system out of compliance and risk regulatory action from your county or the TCEQ. It can also cause system components to deteriorate faster and increase the likelihood of a failure or costly repair.
Missing maintenance visits can put your system out of compliance and risk regulatory action from your county or the TCEQ. It can also cause system components to deteriorate faster and increase the likelihood of a failure or costly repair.
Yes, though the requirements differ. Conventional systems should have the septic tank pumped every 3-5 years depending on household size and usage. They don't require the same frequent inspection schedule as aerobic systems, but neglecting them leads to costly problems over time.
Yes, though the requirements differ. Conventional systems should have the septic tank pumped every 3-5 years depending on household size and usage. They don't require the same frequent inspection schedule as aerobic systems, but neglecting them leads to costly problems over time.

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