When things go wrong at home—especially with major systems—it can be frustrating, and your septic system is no exception. If your plumbing starts backing up, your septic tank begins to fill, or you begin to notice a foul odor in the backyard, it can leave you with a sinking feeling. Your first thought might be to call a plumber. While this isn’t necessarily a bad idea, since clogged pipes can often be cleared with a simple snaking, a more serious septic issue requires a specialized approach. This post is to inform you of the truth about proper licensing for septic system installations.
Recently, we’ve been hearing about unlicensed septic work being performed by plumbers in the Amarillo area. These plumbers, though licensed for plumbing, are not licensed for septic system work. Hiring someone who isn’t properly licensed to handle septic repairs can turn a frustrating situation into a nightmare, potentially involving the Environmental Health Department or the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). While neither of these agencies is likely to take legal action for a simple mistake, correcting an improperly installed septic system can become an expensive ordeal.
Understanding Licensing for Septic Work in Texas
Before we dive into how to verify that your septic contractor is properly licensed, it’s important to understand how the licensing process works in Texas, particularly in Potter and Randall counties.
In Texas, the TCEQ regulates the installation of septic systems, while the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners oversees the licensing of plumbers. While a plumber can become licensed as a septic installer, they are not automatically qualified to install septic systems just because they hold a plumbing license. Unfortunately, some homeowners aren’t aware of this distinction and mistakenly assume that a licensed plumber can also handle their septic system installation.
In rural areas of Texas, where properties use on-site wastewater treatment systems instead of public sewer systems, a plumber’s responsibility ends at the edge of the building’s foundation. From that point on, the septic system installation falls under the responsibility of a licensed septic installer. Outside the city limits of Amarillo and Canyon in Potter and Randall counties, there is no formal building inspection process for the house itself, but there is an inspection process for septic systems. In fact, Texas law requires that all septic systems (with very few exceptions) be permitted and inspected.
Additionally, all septic systems in Texas must be installed by a licensed septic installer unless a homeowner chooses to install their own system. In that case, the homeowner must complete all the work themselves—none of the labor can be subcontracted to anyone without a septic installer license. However, even these DIY systems are subject to the same permitting and inspection requirements.
How to Verify a Septic Installer’s License
If you’re in the Amarillo area and need septic system work, it’s crucial to verify that the person or company you’re hiring has the appropriate licenses. While we would love to assist everyone in the Texas Panhandle with their septic system needs, there are several licensed installers to choose from, some of whom may also be licensed plumbers.
Here’s how to check if your chosen contractor is properly licensed:
1. Amarillo Environmental Health Department: If you’re in Potter or Randall counties, you can contact the Amarillo Environmental Health Department at (806) 378-9472, and they can provide you with a list of licensed septic installers in the area.
2. TCEQ Licensing Lookup: You can also verify an installer’s credentials through the TCEQ’s individual licensing lookup page here. This tool allows you to search for licensed installers by name or license number.
If you have any questions about septic installations or repairs, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re happy to guide you through the process or handle everything for you, ensuring your system is installed safely and correctly.
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