Septic System Evaluation
TCEQ OSSF Licensed Inspector serving San Antonio, the Texas Hill Country, and surrounding areas. Comprehensive septic evaluations for buyers, sellers, and homeowners.
Why a Septic Evaluation Matters
In rural and semi-rural Texas, septic systems are the primary means of wastewater treatment and a failing system can cost $10,000–$30,000 or more to replace. A professional septic evaluation gives buyers and homeowners a clear picture of the system's condition, compliance status, and remaining service life before problems become expensive emergencies.
Texas requires an On-Site Sewage Facility (OSSF) permit for any new or repaired septic system..
Buying a Home with a Septic System?
Don't skip the septic evaluation. A failed drain field or damaged tank may not covered by homeowner's insurance and can cost tens of thousands of dollars to replace. Many lenders also require a passing septic inspection before approving financing on properties with on-site sewage systems.
Septic Systems We Inspect
Every system type has unique components and failure modes. Our TCEQ-licensed inspectors are trained to evaluate all of them.
Conventional Septic System
Tank + Drain Field
The most common system in Texas. Wastewater flows from the home into a septic tank where solids settle and liquids are distributed through a drain field (leach field) into the soil. We inspect the tank, baffles, distribution box, and drain field for signs of failure, saturation, or damage.
Aerobic Treatment Unit (ATU)
Advanced Treatment System
ATUs use oxygen injection to break down waste more thoroughly than conventional systems, producing a higher-quality effluent. Common in areas with poor soil conditions or high water tables. We inspect the aerator, chlorinator, spray heads, alarm system, and overall mechanical condition.
Drip Irrigation System
Subsurface Drip Distribution
Treated effluent is distributed through a network of subsurface drip emitters, allowing for precise application in areas with limited space or challenging soil. We inspect the pump, filter, pressure regulators, drip lines, and distribution zones for clogs, leaks, and proper operation.
Low-Pressure Dosing System
Pressurized Distribution
Uses a pump to distribute effluent evenly across a drain field through small-diameter pipes with orifices. Provides more uniform distribution than gravity systems, especially on sloped or uneven terrain. We inspect the pump, timer, dosing chamber, and distribution network.
What Our Evaluation Covers
Tank condition — inlet/outlet baffles, lid seals, and access risers
Tank pumping assessment — sludge and scum layer depths to determine pump-out needs
Distribution system — distribution box, pipes, and even flow to drain field zones
Drain field condition — signs of saturation, surfacing effluent, or system failure
Mechanical components — pumps, aerators, alarms, timers, and control panels (ATU/LPD/Drip)
Setback compliance — distance from wells, property lines, structures, and water features
Permit and maintenance records —make sure you ask the seller for verification of OSSF permit and required service history
Spray heads and emitters — coverage, clogs, and proper operation (ATU/Drip systems)
Our Evaluation Process
Pre-Inspection Research
Ask the seller for any available OSSF permit records and system documentation prior to the inspection to understand the permitted system type, design, and any prior repair history.
On-Site Evaluation
Our TCEQ-licensed inspector locates and uncovers accessible tank access points, inspects all visible components, probes the drain field area, and evaluates mechanical systems where present.
Operational Test
We run water through the system to observe flow rates, distribution, and system response under normal operating conditions, identifying any sluggish drainage or distribution issues.
Detailed Written Report
You receive a comprehensive written report with photos, findings, condition ratings for each component, and clear recommendations — including whether the system is functioning properly or requires repair.
Frequently Asked Questions
Schedule Your Septic System Evaluation
Serving San Antonio, the Texas Hill Country, and surrounding areas. Combine with a home inspection and save time.