How Much Does Septic Pumping Cost in Texas? (2026 Prices)

Septic pumping in Texas costs $250-$400 for a 1,000-gallon tank in 2026. Houston runs $255-$350, Austin $260-$380, and Dallas/San Antonio $275-$400. Emergency service adds $100-$300.

If you're wondering what you'll pay to pump your septic tank, you're in the right place. We surveyed providers across Texas to give you real numbers, not vague estimates.

This guide covers pricing by city, costs by tank size, what affects your final bill, and how to avoid overpaying. Whether you're scheduling routine maintenance or dealing with an urgent situation, you'll know what to expect before the truck arrives.

Septic Pumping Cost by Texas City

Prices vary across Texas based on local competition, travel distances, and demand. Here's what homeowners actually pay in major Texas metros:

City	1,000 Gallon Tank	Notes
Houston	$255 - $350	Most competitive market in Texas
Austin	$260 - $380	High demand in growing suburbs
San Antonio	$275 - $400	Hill Country properties may cost more
Dallas	$275 - $400	Similar pricing across DFW suburbs
Fort Worth	$275 - $385	Slightly lower than Dallas proper
Round Rock	$265 - $375	Part of Austin market
The Woodlands	$260 - $360	Houston-area pricing
New Braunfels	$285 - $410	Smaller market, fewer providers
Georgetown	$270 - $380	Growing Austin suburb
Boerne	$290 - $420	Hill Country premium
Kyle/Buda	$270 - $385	South Austin corridor
Conroe	$260 - $365	North Houston area

Smaller towns and rural areas often cost $25 to $75 more due to travel time. Providers charge for the miles, so if you're 30 minutes outside a major city, expect to pay on the higher end.

Houston has the most competitive pricing due to the sheer number of septic companies in the metro. Austin and San Antonio pricing tends to run higher, especially in the Hill Country suburbs where rocky terrain and longer drives add to provider costs.

As Nathan Glavy, Extension Program Specialist at Texas A&M's Texas Water Resources Institute, notes in the OSSF education program, routine pumping every 3 to 5 years is the single most cost-effective way to protect your septic investment and avoid expensive repairs.

How Much Does Septic Pumping Cost by Tank Size?

Your tank size is the biggest factor in what you'll pay. Larger tanks take more time to pump and cost more to dispose of the waste.

Tank Size	Texas Average	Common Household
500 gallons	$175 - $250	Small cabin or 1-2 person household
750 gallons	$225 - $300	2-3 person household
1,000 gallons	$250 - $400	3-4 person household (most common)
1,250 gallons	$300 - $450	4-5 person household
1,500 gallons	$350 - $500	5+ person household
2,000+ gallons	$450 - $650	Large households or holding tanks

Don't know your tank size? Most Texas homes built after 1990 have 1,000-gallon tanks. Older homes sometimes have smaller 750-gallon tanks. Your septic permit records (available from your county) will show the exact size.

If you can't find records, your septic provider can measure the tank during the first pumping. Write this number down for future reference.

What Factors Affect Septic Pumping Cost?

Beyond tank size and location, several factors can push your bill higher or help you save.

Tank Accessibility

If your tank lid is easy to reach, you'll pay less. Here's what adds to the cost:

Buried lid: +$50 to $150 to locate and dig up
Risers not installed: Add $150 to $300 for riser installation (one-time cost, saves money long-term)
Long hose distance: +$25 to $50 if the truck can't park close to the tank
Locked or stuck lid: +$25 to $75 for extra labor
Multiple compartments: +$50 to $100 for two-compartment tanks

The best way to save money over time is to install risers. These bring your tank access to ground level, eliminating digging fees forever. A $200 riser installation pays for itself after just two or three pumpings.

Tank Condition

A neglected tank takes longer to pump. If yours hasn't been serviced in 10+ years, expect:

Thick sludge buildup: +$50 to $100 for extra pumping time
Filter cleaning: Usually included, but heavy buildup may add $25 to $50
Compacted solids: +$50 to $150 in extreme cases

Keeping up with regular pumping prevents these extra charges. A tank pumped every 3 to 4 years rarely has the buildup issues that add costs.

Time of Service

When you call matters more than most people realize.

Service Type	Added Cost	When to Use
Scheduled (2+ weeks out)	None	Best value, plan ahead
Same-day service	+$50 - $100	Urgent but not emergency
Emergency (24/7)	+$100 - $300	Backup, health hazard
Weekend	+$50 - $150	Can't wait until Monday
Holiday	+$100 - $200	Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc.

Planning ahead saves money. Book your pumping a few weeks out and you'll get the best rate. Most providers have openings within 1 to 2 weeks during normal seasons.

Disposal Fees

Some areas charge higher disposal fees than others. Providers in rural areas may need to haul waste further, adding to your cost. Most quotes include disposal, but ask if you're getting wildly different prices between companies.

In parts of West Texas and the Panhandle, limited disposal sites can add $50 to $100 to standard rates. Central Texas and Houston-area homeowners typically see disposal included in quoted prices.

How Much More Does Emergency Pumping Cost?

Emergency septic service costs significantly more than scheduled maintenance.

Service Type	Cost Range	When You Need It
Scheduled pumping	$250 - $400	Regular maintenance every 3-5 years
Same-day service	$300 - $500	Can't wait but not a true emergency
Emergency (24/7)	$350 - $700	Sewage backup, immediate health hazard
Holiday/weekend	$400 - $600	Urgent need on non-business days

The lesson? Regular pumping prevents emergencies. A $300 scheduled service today beats a $600 emergency call next month. If you're seeing warning signs like slow drains or odors, schedule service before it becomes an emergency.

How to Save Money on Septic Pumping

You can't avoid pumping your tank, but you can reduce what you pay.

Install risers. Spending $150 to $300 on risers saves you $50 to $150 every pumping cycle. After two or three pumpings, the risers pay for themselves.

Get multiple quotes. Prices vary by $100+ between providers in the same area. Call at least three companies. Ask what's included in the price, whether they charge extra for buried lids, and whether disposal is included.

Schedule off-peak. Avoid spring and fall when everyone else is pumping. Summer and winter are slower seasons for most providers, and you may find better rates.

Ask about maintenance discounts. Some providers offer discounts if you commit to regular service. Annual contracts for aerobic systems often include a pumping discount.

Don't wait for problems. A backed-up system costs 2 to 3 times more than regular maintenance. Stick to your pumping schedule and avoid emergency fees altogether.

What's Included in a Standard Pumping?

When you pay for pumping, a reputable Texas provider should include:

Typically included:

Pumping the entire tank (not just liquid)
Basic tank inspection (baffles, inlet/outlet)
Checking for obvious damage or issues
Disposal fees
Written receipt with tank condition notes

Usually costs extra:

Locating a buried tank ($50 to $150)
Digging to access lid ($50 to $150)
Detailed inspection report ($50 to $100)
Riser installation ($150 to $300)

Red flags to watch for:

Provider only pumps liquid, leaves sludge (defeats the purpose)
No written receipt or documentation
Pressure to buy unnecessary treatments or additives
Quotes that seem too good to be true

A quality provider will explain what they found and answer your questions. If they rush through without any feedback, that's a concern.

How Do You Find a Reputable Septic Company?

Texas requires septic pumpers to be registered with the state. Here's how to find a legitimate provider:

Verify their TCEQ registration number
Check Google reviews and BBB complaints
Get at least 3 written estimates
Ask about insurance and liability coverage
Confirm what's included before they arrive

Avoid companies that show up offering "cheap" same-day service without you calling. Door-to-door septic solicitors often cut corners or push unnecessary services. For more tips, see our guide to choosing a septic company.

What Should You Do Next?

If you're due for pumping (most Texas tanks need it every 3 to 5 years), get three quotes from TCEQ-registered providers in your area. Compare what's included, not just the base price. Ask about riser installation if you don't already have them.

If you're seeing signs of a full tank like slow drains or odors, don't wait for your scheduled date. Call a provider this week.

Find Septic Companies in Your Area

Frequently Asked Questions

How much should I expect to pay for septic pumping near Austin?

Austin-area septic pumping costs $260 to $380 for a 1,000-gallon tank in 2026. Round Rock, Cedar Park, Georgetown, and Pflugerville fall in the same range. Expect higher prices if your tank lid is buried or you need emergency service.

Is $500 too much for septic pumping in Texas?

For a 1,500+ gallon tank with emergency service, $500 is reasonable. For a standard 1,000-gallon tank with easy access during business hours, $500 is high. Get quotes from two other providers to compare. Most standard pumpings for 1,000-gallon tanks should be $250 to $400.

How do I know if my septic needs pumping?

Signs include slow drains throughout the house, sewage odors near the tank or drain field, wet spots in your yard, or standing water over the drain field. But don't wait for warning signs. Stick to your pumping schedule (every 3 to 5 years for most Texas households) to prevent problems before they start.

Can I pump my own septic tank in Texas?

Homeowners can legally pump their own residential tanks in Texas, but you need a legal disposal site for the waste. That's the hard part. Most people find it easier and more cost-effective to hire a registered pumper who handles disposal. The cost difference after renting equipment and paying disposal fees is minimal.

Why do septic pumping prices vary so much across Texas?

Prices differ based on tank size, accessibility, your location, the provider's overhead, and current demand. A company in Houston with heavy competition may charge less than a solo operator in a small town. Travel distance also affects pricing, so rural properties typically pay more. Hill Country properties tend to cost more due to terrain and limited road access.

Last updated: February 2026 Prices based on surveys of Texas septic service providers across Austin, Houston, San Antonio, Dallas, and surrounding areas. Actual costs may vary based on your specific situation.

Sources: TCEQ OSSF Program, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, provider surveys across major Texas metros

Septic Pumping Cost in Texas (2026 Prices)