Is is legal under texas law to install your own septic tank.
Can you install your own septic system in texas.
In addition if you pay for any work done by contractors while installing the tank yourself the contractors must be licensed for septic tank installation by the state.
To ensure that the law is met regarding septic systems the responsibility in most parts of texas falls on the local authorities.
In many areas of the country a homeowner can still install their own septic tank and field line system.
Make sure you purchase materials approved by the state.
If problems are found the system owner normally has 30 days in which to make substantial progress on remedying the situation.
State code regarding the septic rule rule 410 iac 6 8 3 residential sewage disposal systems can be found here.
The system then can be designed based on the findings of the survey and results of the soil test.
However certain systems cannot be sold to property owners individually and must be sold to factory representatives.
Permitting for on site sewage facilities producing 5 000 gallons per day or less of domestic sewage including septic systems pump out stations holding tanks and hauling systems.
A permit is also required to conduct repairs on a septic system and any expansion or alteration of an existing septic system.
Take the test at your leisure and bring fax or mail it back to the health department to be graded.
To set up a septic system in texas one must get permission from the state.
He or she can also suffer legal penalties for using an inadequate septic system.
Falsifying information or documentation.
The first step in any septic installation is to perform a site survey and do a percolation soil test on the area where the powts is going to be installed.
After a wary pause i give a thoughtful and well articulated gem of advice.
People often ask me if they can install their own septic system usually a replacement system.
You can search for your local permitting authority online.
Under texas septic system laws a homeowner can be prosecuted for deviating from the approved plan.
If your hire a licensed installer he would probably already be aware of approved materials.
Authorized agents and representatives also respond to complaints to ensure that an ossf meets minimum standards.
Prepare and design your system.
Unless you are skilled and familiar with heavy machinery i suggest you contact a local professional to get the job done right.
Finally one can read about minimum state standards in the texas administrative code here.
If you pass with a score of 80 or more you will receive a wallet size certificate then you are free to install your septic system.