Grouped by topic. Everything below is on the relevant service page too, with more detail around it.
Septic System Installation
How much does a new septic system cost in the CSRA?
A conventional gravity system on good soil with adequate room sits at the low end. An engineered Standard 610 design on a clay or small lot costs substantially more because it needs an engineer's design, a licensed soil classifier's report, and more material. The biggest single driver is what your soil evaluation says. We give you a firm number after we've seen the property.
Do I need a permit to install a septic system in South Carolina?
Yes. A construction permit from SCDES is required before any new system goes in, and you must notify the department before replacing an existing system or its components. It starts with a site and soil evaluation, and the fee set by regulation is $150. Note that SCDHEC became SCDES in July 2024, so older guides online name the wrong agency.
How long is a septic permit good for?
In South Carolina, five years from issuance, as long as the physical character of the property hasn't changed. In Georgia, a construction permit is valid for no more than twelve months. That difference matters if you're a builder phasing lots.
Who does the soil evaluation, and what is a backhoe pit?
In South Carolina the evaluation is done by a certified SCDES staff member or a licensed Professional Soil Classifier. A backhoe pit is a dug pit rather than a hand boring, so the evaluator can see the full soil profile. Backhoe pits are required for all sites above the Fall Line, which runs through Augusta, so whether your parcel needs one genuinely depends on the address.
What size septic tank do I need?
Minimum 1,000 gallons for a home with up to four bedrooms, plus 250 gallons per bedroom above four. Same in South Carolina and Georgia. Georgia increases capacity by 50 percent for a garbage grinder and requires a two-compartment tank with the first compartment at least two thirds of the liquid capacity.
What if my lot fails the soil evaluation?
It usually means the soil won't accept effluent the way a conventional system needs, most often clay, shallow rock or a high water table. That often doesn't make the lot unbuildable. It means you need an engineered system, designed by a registered professional engineer working from a licensed soil classifier's report. Only Tier 3 installers may install those in South Carolina.
How far does a septic tank have to be from a well?
In South Carolina, 75 feet from a private well and 100 feet from a public well. Other setbacks: 5 feet from buildings, driveways and property lines, 75 feet from surface water at mean high water, 15 feet from an in-ground pool, and 25 feet from an upslope basement.
Do I need room for a second drainfield?
Yes. South Carolina requires new systems to have a usable repair or replacement area of at least 50 percent of the original system size held in reserve, and 100 percent for community systems. This is one of the most common reasons a small lot won't take a conventional system.
Do you install in Georgia too?
Yes. Georgia certifies both the company and the individual contractor, and out-of-state certifications are not recognized, so a contractor has to hold Georgia credentials specifically to work there. We do. Richmond, Columbia, McDuffie and Burke counties all permit through the East Central Health District.
How long does a septic system last?
A concrete tank can last 50 years or more. Pumps and controls are typically replaced every 10 to 20 years. Drainfields older than 25 to 30 years commonly lose effectiveness. Routine maintenance runs $250 to $500 every three to five years, versus $5,000 to $15,000 to repair or replace a failed conventional system, according to the EPA.
Read the full septic system installation page →
Engineered & Tier 3 Systems
What is a Standard 610 engineered septic system?
Standard 610 is the specialized design pathway in South Carolina's onsite wastewater regulation for systems under 1,500 gallons per day. A licensed Professional Soil Classifier assesses the soils, then a registered professional engineer designs a system based on that report. Only Tier 3 licensed installers may install them.
Why was my lot rejected for a conventional septic system?
Usually one of five reasons: clay soils with massive or platy structure that South Carolina classes as unsuitable, a water table too close to the surface, rock or a restrictive horizon within twelve inches of the application point, not enough room for the drainfield plus the required 50 percent repair area, or setbacks that cannot be met.
What does Tier 3 certification mean and why does it matter?
South Carolina tiers installer licenses by law. Tier 1 covers gravity residential systems and cannot repair existing systems. Tier 2 adds pumps, grease traps and commercial work and may repair. Tier 3 adds Standard 610 engineered designs and permits self-inspection of its own installations. It requires three years of clean installation history plus insurance and bond at every renewal.
What is a mound system and when is one required?
A mound system builds the treatment area up above natural grade in engineered fill. It's used where natural soil is too shallow, too wet, or too close to a seasonal high water table to provide the vertical separation the regulation requires. Instead of digging down to find suitable soil, you build upward.
What is a bed system?
A bed system uses one wider absorption bed instead of separate trenches. It's useful where the usable area is an awkward shape, or where the seven feet of undisturbed earth South Carolina requires between trenches won't fit the available space.
Are engineered systems more expensive?
Yes, meaningfully. You're paying for an engineer's design, a licensed soil classifier's report, more material and more careful installation. SCDES itself describes engineered systems as significantly more expensive with greater separation distances required. Weighed against a lot you cannot build on, most owners find the number reasonable.
Can any septic contractor install an engineered system?
No. In South Carolina, only Tier 3 licensed installers may install Standard 610 engineered systems. Tier 2 installers are not permitted to. Ask any contractor bidding your job what tier they hold and when the license expires.
Who designs an engineered system?
A registered professional engineer, working from a licensed Professional Soil Classifier's soil report. Under the regulation, only a registered professional engineer may design specialized systems, large community systems, non-water-carried sewage treatment, wastewater combustion and gray water reuse systems.
Read the full engineered & tier 3 systems page →
Septic Tank Pumping
How often should a septic tank be pumped in South Carolina?
Most households should pump every three to five years, according to the EPA and Clemson Extension. South Carolina Regulation 61-56 does not set a required interval for residential systems, but it does require owners to keep them in good working order. Tank size, household size and water use all shift the timing.
How much does septic tank pumping cost in the CSRA?
It moves with tank size, how long since the last service, how deep the lid is buried, and truck access. A tank that hasn't been touched in ten years takes longer and costs more than one on a regular schedule. Call and describe your setup and we'll give you a real number.
How do I know if my septic tank is full?
Slow drains throughout the house, gurgling plumbing, odors near the tank or drainfield, soggy ground or standing water over the field, and grass noticeably greener over the drainfield. A backup is the last warning sign, not the first.
How long does pumping take?
Usually about an hour for a residential tank once the lid is uncovered. If the lid has to be located and dug up, add time. If you know where your lid is and can clear access to it, that keeps the job quick.
Do I need to dig up the lid before you arrive?
No, but it helps. If the lid is at grade and clear, we're in and out faster. If it's buried, we'll locate and uncover it, which adds time and cost. Once we've serviced your system we keep the location on file for next time.
Is there a required pumping schedule by law in South Carolina?
Not for residential systems. Regulation 61-56 requires owners to properly operate and maintain systems in good working order but sets no routine interval. Grease traps are treated differently: the regulation requires them to be cleaned by a licensed septage pumper at frequent intervals to prevent carryover.
Do you provide a written record of service?
Yes, every time. Date, tank size, volume removed and anything we found. Keep it. Georgia's seller's disclosure form asks for the date of last professional service, and having a receipt makes that question easy to answer at closing.
What happens to the waste after you pump it?
It goes to an approved disposal facility. Both states regulate septage transport and disposal, including where it can be taken and what records must be kept. We follow it.
Do you pump commercial tanks and grease traps?
Yes. Commercial tanks, grease traps and restaurant kitchens, on a scheduled route with the documentation you need for health inspections. See our
grease trap service page.
Read the full septic tank pumping page →
Septic Repairs
My septic is backing up. What do I do right now?
Stop using water in the house. No flushing, no laundry, no showers. Every gallon you add has to go somewhere and the system has already told you it can't take it. Then call. Avoid drain chemicals, which do nothing for a septic problem and can damage the bacterial balance in the tank.
Can a drainfield be repaired, or does it have to be replaced?
It depends on why it failed. A field clogged by carryover from a neglected tank has sometimes recovered with rest and corrected maintenance. A field that's structurally failed, crushed, or simply aged out usually has to be replaced. We look at whether it's accepting effluent before giving you an answer.
Why is the grass over my drainfield greener than the rest of the yard?
Because effluent is reaching the surface or near-surface and fertilising it. It means the field isn't absorbing at the depth it should. It's an early warning worth acting on, not a cosmetic quirk.
Do I need a permit to repair or replace a septic system?
Yes in both states. In South Carolina you must notify SCDES before relocating or replacing a system or its components and they determine whether a new permit is required. In Georgia, all repairs, replacements and additions to existing systems require permitting and inspection by the county board of health.
How long does a drainfield last?
Drainfields older than 25 to 30 years commonly experience reduced effectiveness, according to the EPA. How long yours lasts depends heavily on whether the tank was pumped on schedule, since carryover of solids is the main thing that kills a field early.
Will adding a bedroom affect my septic system?
Yes, and it's a permitting matter, not just a capacity one. Under South Carolina's regulation, when a change increases wastewater flow you must submit an application and receive a permit to construct before any alterations. Georgia's seller's disclosure form asks how many bedrooms the system was approved for, so an unpermitted addition becomes a closing problem later.
Can tree roots damage a septic system?
Yes. Clemson lists tree roots and heavy machinery weight as the primary causes of underground pipe damage in South Carolina septic systems. Roots follow moisture and nutrients straight into the lines. Keep trees well clear of the tank, the lines and the drainfield.
Can any septic contractor do repairs?
No. In South Carolina, Tier 1 installers are not legally permitted to repair an existing system at all. Only Tier 2 and Tier 3 may. Ask what tier a contractor holds before they start work on your system.
Read the full septic repairs page →
Drainfield Repair & Replacement
Can a drainfield be repaired or does it have to be replaced?
It depends on the cause. A field clogged by solids carryover from a neglected tank has often sealed the soil pore space, which is largely irreversible and usually means replacement. A field with a crushed line or a failed distribution box is a repair. We assess whether it's still accepting effluent before recommending either.
What does a drainfield replacement cost?
It's driven by soil type and how much field area the evaluation requires, whether your reserve repair area is usable, equipment access and whether the design must be engineered. On Piedmont clay lots the required footprint is larger, which increases the cost. We give a firm number after seeing the property.
Why is the grass over my drainfield so green?
Effluent is reaching near the surface and fertilising it rather than soaking in at depth. It's one of the earliest visible signs that a field is struggling, and it's worth acting on before it becomes standing water or a backup.
Do I need a permit to replace a drainfield?
Yes. In South Carolina you must notify SCDES before replacing a system or its components and they determine whether a new permit is required. In Georgia all replacements require permitting and a county board of health final inspection before backfill.
What is a repair area and why does it matter?
South Carolina requires new systems to keep a usable repair or replacement area of at least 50 percent of the original system size in reserve. That reserve is where a replacement field goes. If it's been built over, paved or landscaped, replacement becomes much harder and more expensive.
Can I build over my drainfield or reserve area?
No, and it's a costly mistake. Structures, driveways, pools and heavy landscaping over the field or the reserve area compact the soil, damage lines, and remove your options when the field eventually needs replacing. Find out where both are before you build anything.
My tank was just pumped and it backed up again. Why?
Because the tank probably wasn't the problem. If pumping buys you weeks instead of years, the drainfield isn't accepting effluent. Repeated pumping in that situation is a subscription, not a fix.
Read the full drainfield repair & replacement page →
Septic Inspections
Do I need a septic inspection to sell my house in South Carolina or Georgia?
Neither state mandates one by law. What drives it is lender requirements, particularly FHA and VA loans where an appraiser flags a concern, and seller disclosure obligations. South Carolina's Residential Property Condition Disclosure Act requires disclosing the condition of the sanitary sewage disposal system, and Georgia's standard disclosure form asks specific septic questions.
What does a septic inspection include?
Records and permit history, opening and assessing the tank, sludge and scum levels, structural condition including cracks and baffles, distribution box and outlet filter, drainfield evaluation including a test hole, and verification of any mechanical components. Then a written report. Typically one to three hours on site.
How much does a real estate septic inspection cost?
Real estate inspections cost more than a routine maintenance check because of the written report and the depth of the evaluation. Adding a pump-out, which is usually needed to properly assess the tank interior, increases it further. Call with the property details for a real number.
The disclosure form asks how many bedrooms my septic was approved for. How do I find that out?
It's in the permit records, not in the house. In South Carolina, SCDES maintains permit records for permitted systems showing system type, tank size and drainfield location. In Georgia the county health department holds them. We can retrieve those records for you as part of an inspection.
How long does an inspection take?
Usually one to three hours on site, depending on the system type, how accessible the tank and drainfield are, and whether a pump-out is included.
Does FHA or VA require a septic inspection?
Not automatically. FHA requires properties to comply with local health authority standards and requires appraisers to examine the system for signs of failure, with further inspection required if deficiencies are found. VA relies on the appraiser's initial evaluation, with a full inspection triggered only if the appraiser has concerns.
What happens if the system fails inspection?
You get a written statement of what's wrong and what it takes to correct it. Repair responsibility is negotiable between buyer and seller. Having the information early gives both sides room to negotiate rather than forcing a decision days before closing.
Can you pull my old septic permit records?
Yes. In South Carolina, SCDES maintains permit records for permitted systems and owners who can't locate their original permit can request a copy. In Georgia the county health department holds the records. We handle the retrieval as part of an inspection.
Read the full septic inspections page →
Grease Trap Pumping
How often does a restaurant grease trap need to be cleaned?
South Carolina's regulation requires the owner or manager to ensure the trap is cleaned by a licensed septage pumper at frequent intervals to prevent carryover, rather than setting a fixed calendar. In practice most commercial kitchens run monthly to quarterly, depending on trap size, menu and covers per day.
What documentation do I get for the health inspector?
A dated service record for every visit showing what was removed and where it was disposed of. Using a properly licensed septage pumper is what makes that documentation meaningful.
Do you offer scheduled service contracts?
Yes. Fixed interval, agreed rate, documentation filed every visit, and priority response between scheduled services. Multi-location operators can have all sites covered on one schedule.
What size grease trap does my kitchen need?
It depends on your flow rate and the type of cooking you do, and in a new build it's part of the plumbing design. If your current trap is filling far faster than your service interval, that's usually a sign it's undersized for the volume going through it, and we'll tell you.
Can you service us outside business hours?
Yes. Tell us your service windows and we'll build the schedule around them, including early mornings, closed days and after hours.
Who can legally pump a grease trap in South Carolina?
A licensed septage pumper. South Carolina requires a separate pumper licence from SCDES to clean onsite wastewater systems and holding systems, and the regulation specifically requires grease traps to be cleaned by a licensed septage pumper.
What happens if a grease trap isn't cleaned often enough?
Grease carries over into the downstream lines and, on a septic system, into the system itself. It progresses from odors and slow drains to line blockages requiring jetting, and on septic it can eventually damage the drainfield. It's also a health inspection issue.
Read the full grease trap pumping page →
Jetting & Drain Cleaning
What is hydro jetting and how is it different from snaking?
A snake bores a hole through a blockage so water flows again. Hydro jetting uses high-pressure water to scour the pipe wall clean, removing the grease, roots or sludge lining it. Snaking restores flow temporarily; jetting restores the full pipe diameter, which is why it lasts longer.
Is jetting safe for older pipes?
It depends on the pipe. Orangeburg, old clay and badly corroded cast iron may not take full pressure. We assess pipe condition before jetting, and where there's doubt we recommend a camera inspection first or a different approach. We'd rather tell you up front than cause damage.
How much does hydro jetting cost?
It's driven by line length, how severe the blockage is, access, and whether a cleanout already exists. Commercial jobs are quoted individually. Adding camera work increases the cost but often saves money by pinpointing the actual problem.
Will jetting fix root intrusion permanently?
It clears the roots, but not the crack or joint that let them in. If roots keep coming back in the same place, the pipe itself needs repair or replacement. A camera inspection identifies where and how bad.
Can jetting fix a septic system that's backing up?
Only if the problem is in the line. If the tank is full or the drainfield has failed, jetting the line achieves nothing. That's why we diagnose the system before jetting rather than after.
Read the full jetting & drain cleaning page →
Commercial Septic
Do you install commercial septic systems?
Yes. In South Carolina, commercial, large and community systems require Tier 2 or Tier 3 licensure, and specialized engineered designs require Tier 3. We hold Tier 3 in both South Carolina and Georgia.
How are commercial septic systems sized?
From peak flow rates rather than bedroom count. The design starts from what your operation actually puts through the system and when, which is why a church, a restaurant and a manufactured home community with similar headcounts can need very different systems.
Do you offer commercial service contracts?
Yes. Fixed interval service at an agreed rate, documentation after every visit, priority response between visits, and multi-site coverage on one schedule for operators with more than one location.
Can you work around our business hours?
Yes, and we'd rather. Tell us your operating windows and we'll schedule around them. Where a job genuinely requires downtime, we'll tell you how long before we start, not during.
What size tank does a commercial property need in Georgia?
Georgia sizes conventional commercial systems from 1,000 to 10,000 gallons depending on flow, requires two-compartment tanks with the first compartment at least two thirds of liquid capacity, a minimum 24-hour retention, and an approved outlet filter.
How early should we involve you on a new commercial build?
At design. The septic permit gates the building permit and ultimately the certificate of occupancy. Treating it as a late-stage item is the most common cause of schedule slip on commercial projects in this area.
Read the full commercial septic page →
Plumbing Services
Do you do general plumbing or just septic work?
We handle drain and sewer lines, cleanouts, blockages, jetting, camera work and the plumbing that connects to a septic system. We're not a full-service plumbing company, so for water heaters, repipes or gas work we'll point you to someone who does that properly.
How do I know if my problem is plumbing or septic?
If one fixture is slow, it's usually plumbing. If every drain in the house is slow, if the lowest fixtures back up first, or if there's soggy ground or odor over the drainfield outside, it's the system. When it isn't obvious, we diagnose the whole chain in one visit rather than guessing.
Should I install a cleanout?
If your property doesn't have one, yes. It's a modest one-time cost that makes every future service call faster and cheaper, because we can access the line properly instead of working around the lack of an access point.
Can you camera a line before digging?
Yes. On recurring problems it's usually money well spent, because it tells us exactly where and what the problem is instead of excavating on a best guess.
Read the full plumbing services page →
Still not answered?
Call (803) 2-PUMP-IT and ask. We'd genuinely rather spend five minutes on the phone than have someone guess and make it worse.