How to check a septic company

Who licenses septic installers and pumpers in each state, where to look a company up, and what to ask for before it pumps, repairs or installs a system.

Updated October 18, 20266 checks88 official sources

Your checklist6 checks before you hire

1Check the license
2Ask about the permit
3Ask for the records
4Watch how the tank is pumped
5Be wary of additives in place of pumping
6What to ask when you call

You can check a septic company before it pumps your tank or digs in your yard. Here's who licenses septic work in each state, where to look a company up, and what to ask for when you call.

Check the license

Ask for the license, certification or registration number and the name it's issued to, then look it up. Make sure the name matches the business on your quote.

Who licenses septic work differs by state. Some license installers and pumpers separately, and some leave installers to counties or local health departments. These are the states where we could cite the rule, with the state's own lookup where it has one; for any other state, ask your county health department.

State	What the state's rule says
Alabama	In Alabama, the Alabama Onsite Wastewater Board licenses the people who install and service septic systems, with Basic, Level I and Level II installer licenses and a pumper license.^1-2 Check a license with the Alabama Onsite Wastewater Board.
Alaska	In Alaska, the Department of Environmental Conservation certifies septic installers. To be certified, a person must be a licensed general, excavation, or water and sewer contractor, or work under one, and pass the department's training program and written exam (18 AAC 72.405, 72.415).³ See the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation, Division of Water's list.
Arkansas	In Arkansas, the Department of Health registers septic installers after they pass an exam, and a registered installer must be on the job site during every phase of construction. Septic tank cleaners, who pump tanks and haul septage for pay, need a license under the department's septic tank cleaner rules.^4-5 Check a license with the Arkansas Department of Health, Onsite Wastewater Section.
California	In California, the Contractors State License Board's C-42 Sanitation System Contractor license covers fabricating and installing septic tanks and other sewage disposal structures. Septic tank pumpers must register with the local health officer: Sonoma County Environmental Health, for example, registers and permits pumper trucks, citing Health and Safety Code 117400.^6-7 Check a license with the Contractors State License Board.
Colorado	Colorado lets each local board of health adopt rules to license septic installers (systems contractors) and pumpers (systems cleaners), so whether you need a license depends on the local board (Regulation 43, section 43.4.K).⁸
Connecticut	In Connecticut, the Department of Public Health issues subsurface sewage disposal system installer licenses and cleaner licenses (Gen. Stat. 20-341d), and every septic system must be built by a person licensed under that law.^9-10 Check a license with the Connecticut Department of Public Health, Environmental Practitioner Licensure Unit.
Delaware	In Delaware, DNREC's Division of Water licenses septic installers as Class E System Contractors and pumpers as Class F Liquid Waste Haulers, who remove and haul the contents of septic tanks.¹¹ Check a license with the Delaware DNREC, Division of Water, Groundwater Discharges (Class E System Contractor). Check a license with the Delaware DNREC, Division of Water, Groundwater Discharges (Class F Liquid Waste Hauler).
Florida	In Florida, anyone who contracts to build, repair, service or maintain a septic system must be registered under the state's septic tank contracting law (Fla. Stat. 381.0065). The Florida Department of Environmental Protection registers septic tank contractors and master septic tank contractors.^12-13 Check a registration with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Onsite Sewage Program.
Georgia	In Georgia, the Department of Public Health certifies septic installers and pumpers. Each must pass a department exam, the residential exam to install or the pumper exam to pump septic tanks, and work for a certified company, and pumping companies also need a county septage removal permit.¹⁴ See the Georgia Department of Public Health, Environmental Health Section, Onsite Sewage program's list.
Hawaii	In Hawaii, the state Contractors License Board's C-9 Cesspool contractor license covers excavating and installing cesspools and septic tanks under Department of Health requirements. Pumpers and haulers, including cesspool pumpers, must register with the Department of Health's Wastewater Branch (HAR 11-62-50).^15-16 See the Hawaii Department of Health, Wastewater Branch's list. Check a license with the Hawaii Contractors License Board.
Idaho	In Idaho, septic installers need a basic or complex installer registration permit, applied for through the local public health district after passing the installer exam. Anyone who pumps septic tanks needs a septic pumper permit, renewed every year (IDAPA 58.01.03.050).^17-19 See the Idaho public health districts' list.
Illinois	In Illinois, the Illinois Department of Public Health licenses private sewage disposal installation contractors and pumping contractors. Each license needs a passed exam and is renewed every year.^20-21 Check a license with the Illinois Department of Public Health, Private Sewage Disposal Program.
Indiana	In Indiana, anyone who removes, hauls or disposes of septage needs a septage management business permit from the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM), usually valid for 3 years.²²
Iowa	In Iowa, septic tanks may be pumped only by a commercial septic tank cleaner licensed by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, and the license is renewed every year (567 IAC chapter 68).^23-24
Kentucky	In Kentucky, septic systems must be installed by a certified installer, who passes an exam through the local health department and takes six hours of training each year. A business that pumps septic tanks needs an annual license from the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, with a surety bond and a license for each truck (902 KAR 10:170).^25-27
Louisiana	In Louisiana, the Louisiana Department of Health's Onsite Wastewater Program licenses installers each year: a basic license to install a septic tank system and a combination license for an aerobic treatment unit. Anyone hauling septage needs a sewage sludge hauler registration from the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality.^28-29 See the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality, Water Permits Division, Sewage Sludge and Biosolids Program's list. See the Louisiana Department of Health, Office of Public Health, Onsite Wastewater Program's list.
Maine	In Maine, every truck hauling septage needs a non-hazardous waste transporter license from the Maine Department of Environmental Protection, which lists septage as its Category C.³⁰
Maryland	In Maryland, anyone who installs, pumps or hauls for septic systems must register with the State Board of On-Site Wastewater Professionals, through the Maryland Department of the Environment, until the Board sets its new licensing rules. A registration lasts 2 years, and one registration covers every septic service a person provides.^31-32 See the Maryland Department of the Environment, State Board of On-Site Wastewater Professionals' list.
Massachusetts	In Massachusetts, the local board of health issues both credentials: a Disposal System Installer's Permit, good for up to two years, to build or repair a septic system, and a septage hauler permit to pump and haul septage in that town (310 CMR 15.019 and 15.502).^33-34
Michigan	In Michigan, a septage hauling business needs a septage waste license from EGLE, along with a license for each vehicle. Licenses run for 5 years, with fees paid each year (Part 117 of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act).^35-36
Minnesota	In Minnesota, a person who designs, installs, maintains or pumps septic systems needs a license from the commissioner of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, with exceptions such as a homeowner building a system for their own home. A licensed business needs liability insurance, a surety bond and a named certified individual (Minn. Stat. 115.56).^37-38 Check a license with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, SSTS program.
Mississippi	In Mississippi, the Mississippi State Department of Health's Division of On-site Wastewater certifies septic installers after its training program and licenses pumpers that remove and dispose of septage. Both need general business liability insurance (15 Miss. Code R. 18-77, Rules 2.1.27 to 2.1.38).^39-40 Check a license with the Mississippi State Department of Health, On-Site Wastewater.
Missouri	In Missouri, anyone other than a qualifying homeowner must be registered with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services to install a septic system: a basic registration after a training course, and an advanced registration for systems the department lists as advanced (19 CSR 20-3.080).⁴¹ Check a registration with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, Onsite Wastewater Treatment program.
Montana	In Montana, some counties license septic installers. Flathead County, for example, requires every septic installer to be licensed through the Flathead City-County Health Department by passing a written test. Septic tank pumpers need a Septic Tank Pumper License from the Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), and licenses expire December 31.^42-43
Nebraska	In Nebraska, anyone doing work on septic systems must be certified by the state. The Department of Water, Energy, and Environment certifies installers and pumpers, at master or journeyman level, as well as inspectors and soil evaluators (Title 124, chapter 9).^44-45 Check a license with the Nebraska Department of Water, Energy and Environment, Onsite Wastewater Program.
Nevada	In Nevada, the State Contractors' Board grants a classification C-27 (individual sewerage) license, which lets its holder lay and install individual septic tanks and sewage systems. A septic tank pumping contractor needs an annual permit from the health authority, which means the state health division or a local board of health (NAC 624.440, 444.820).^46-47 Check a license with the Nevada State Contractors Board. See the Southern Nevada Health District's list.
New Hampshire	In New Hampshire, anyone in the business of installing septic systems needs an installer's permit from the Department of Environmental Services (NHDES), earned by examination and renewed every other year. Anyone hauling septage on public roads needs a septage hauler permit from NHDES (RSA 485-A:36, Env-Wq 1603.03).^48-49 Check a license with the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services, Subsurface Systems Bureau. See the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services, septage hauler permits' list.
New Jersey	In New Jersey, a company that hauls septic waste must hold an A-901 license and register with the Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), and it can't legally transport waste until its vehicles carry NJDEP decals.^50-51
New Mexico	In New Mexico, septic installers need a contractor's license in a liquid waste classification (MM-1, MM-98, MS-1 or MS-3) from the Construction Industries Division, though a qualified homeowner may install some conventional systems (20.7.3.401 NMAC). The New Mexico Environment Department says every septage pumper must complete a department-approved course on the safe handling and disposal of septage.^52-53 Check a license with the NM Regulation and Licensing Department, Construction Industries Division. See the New Mexico Environment Department, Liquid Waste Program's list.
New York	In New York, a company hauling residential septage needs a Part 364 Waste Transporter Permit from the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC).⁵⁴
North Carolina	In North Carolina, septic installers are certified by the North Carolina Onsite Wastewater Contractor Inspector Certification Board, at a level that sets which systems they may install. Companies that pump and haul septage hold a Septage Management Firm permit from the NC Department of Environmental Quality, renewed each year.^55-57 See the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, Division of Waste Management, Solid Waste Section's list. See the North Carolina Onsite Wastewater Contractors and Inspectors Certification Board's list.
North Dakota	In North Dakota, every septic installer must hold a license from the Department of Environmental Quality, issued at no cost. Anyone in the business of servicing septic systems needs a septic pumper permit from the department, issued yearly, and permits expire December 31.^58-59 See the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality, Division of Water Quality's list.
Ohio	In Ohio, septic installers and septage haulers must register with each local health district where they work, take a state exam on the sewage treatment system rules, and carry a statewide surety bond, which the Ohio Department of Health lists on its website.⁶⁰ See the Ohio Department of Health, Sewage Treatment Systems Program's list.
Oklahoma	In Oklahoma, anyone who installs more than one septic system a year must be certified by the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). Anyone in the business of pumping, hauling or disposing of septage needs a DEQ septage pumper and transporter license, renewed each year by January 31.^61-62 See the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality, Environmental Complaints and Local Services' list. See the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality, ECLS Licensing Section's list.
Oregon	In Oregon, septic installers and pumpers need a Sewage Disposal Service license from the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), as installer, pumper or both. Installers first take DEQ's installer certification course, and every license needs a bond.⁶³ Check a license with the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, Onsite Wastewater program.
Pennsylvania	In Pennsylvania, anyone who pumps septic tanks or hauls residential septage must register with the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), and the registration number must be shown on each hauling vehicle. Some counties also license pumpers: Chester County's health department, for example, licenses liquid waste pumpers.^64-65
Rhode Island	In Rhode Island, septic installers need an Installer's License from the Department of Environmental Management (DEM), which takes a written exam and lasts up to three years. Anyone in the business of pumping, cleaning or transporting septage needs a Hazardous Waste Transporter Permit from DEM.⁶⁶ See the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, Office of Water Resources, OWTS program's list. See the Rhode Island DEM, Office of Land Revitalization and Sustainable Materials Management's list.
South Carolina	In South Carolina, the Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) licenses septic system installers in three tiers, and septic tank pumpers and haulers need an SCDES pumper/hauler license. Each license takes passing an exam with a score of 80% or better.^67-68 Check a license with the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services, Onsite Wastewater program.
South Dakota	In South Dakota, the State Plumbing Commission licenses septic system installers through its Individual and Small On-site Wastewater System Installer license.^69-70 See the South Dakota State Plumbing Commission's list.
Tennessee	In Tennessee, anyone in the business of installing, altering or repairing septic systems needs an annual installer permit from the Commissioner of Environment and Conservation (TDEC). Septic tank pumping contractors need an annual Domestic Septage Removal Permit from the Commissioner (0400-48-01-.19, -.20).⁷¹ Check a license with the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, Division of Water Resources.
Texas	In Texas, septic system installers must be licensed by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ): an Installer I license covers standard systems and an Installer II license covers all types. Septic tank pumpers register with TCEQ's Sludge Transporter Registration Program.^72-74 Check a license with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Occupational Licensing. Check a registration with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Sludge Transporter Registration program.
Vermont	In Vermont, a business that hauls waste for pay, including septic pumping, needs a waste hauling permit from the Agency of Natural Resources. Permits run five years and are renewed every year.⁷⁵
Virginia	In Virginia, onsite sewage system installers are licensed by the Board for Waterworks and Wastewater Works Operators and Onsite Sewage System Professionals (DPOR), as journeyman or master installers of conventional or alternative systems. Anyone who pumps and hauls septic tank contents needs a sewage handling permit from the health commissioner, applied for through the district or local health department.^76-77 Check a license with the Virginia DPOR, Board for Waterworks and Wastewater Works Operators and Onsite Sewage System Professionals.
Washington	In Washington, septic installers, pumpers and maintenance service providers must be approved by the local health officer before they work in that local health jurisdiction (WAC 246-272A-0340).⁷⁸
West Virginia	In West Virginia, septic system installers must be certified by the state as Class I or Class II installers, and the certification lasts five years. A business that pumps and hauls septic tank contents needs a statewide sewage tank cleaning permit, obtained in the county where the business is located (64 CSR 9).^79-81 Check a license with the WV Department of Health, Office of Environmental Health Services, Public Health Sanitation Division.
Wisconsin	In Wisconsin, the person responsible for installing a septic system must be licensed by the Department of Safety and Professional Services as a master plumber or a master plumber-restricted service. Septage businesses that pump septic and holding tanks need a Department of Natural Resources license under NR 113, and everyone servicing septage must be certified under NR 114.^82-83 Check a license with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Operator Certification program. Check a license with the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services.
Wyoming	In Wyoming, some counties license septic installers and pumpers. Cheyenne-Laramie County Public Health, for example, licenses small wastewater system installers, who take an exam, and non-hazardous liquid waste haulers, and keeps lists of its licensed installers and pumpers.⁸⁴

Ask about the permit

In most states, local health departments issue the permits to install a septic system, under state law. You can apply for the permit yourself, or the contractor building the system can get it for you.⁸⁵ Ask which one it'll be, and for a copy. Your state's septic rules page says who issues permits where the state sets it.

Ask for the records

After a pumping or repair. The company should note any repairs and the tank's condition in your service report.⁸⁶ Ask for the sludge and scum levels it measured, so you can keep track of when the tank needs pumping.⁸⁶
Before a repair or a new system. The local permitting office can give you a copy of your property's septic record drawing (the as-built design) and its permits, which may show when the system was installed and the soil it sits in.⁸⁵

Watch how the tank is pumped

Penn State Extension suggests being there when the tank is pumped, to make sure it's done properly: the tank should be pumped through its large central access ports, not the small inspection ports over the baffles, which can damage the baffles and leave sludge behind.⁸⁷

Be wary of additives in place of pumping

EPA doesn't recommend septic tank additives: they aren't needed for a system treating household wastewater, and some can harm it.⁸⁸ If a company offers an additive in place of pumping a full tank, keep in mind that Penn State Extension says relying on additives instead of pumping may result in the whole system failing.⁸⁷

What to ask when you call

Which license, certification or registration the company holds, and the number.
Whether the person doing the work holds it, where your state licenses individuals.
Who will get the permit, for a repair or a new system.
What the written report or service record will include.

A listing built from the federal registry shows the company's USDOT number, which you can look up too. Each company on this site is listed with its phone number where it has one, so you can call two or three and compare. You can also use the request form to reach septic companies near you.

Licensing rules from state legislatures, agencies and licensing boards, lookups from the bodies that keep them, and advice from the US EPA and Penn State Extension, checked October 2026.