Septic Services in Kerrville, TX
Kerrville homeowners typically pay $275-$425 for septic pumping on a 1,000-gallon tank, with aerobic maintenance running $200-$400 per year.
Kerrville is one of the Hill Country's largest communities, with roughly 25,300 residents and a growth rate near 1% annually. Nearly every home outside the city's limited sewer service runs on a septic system. According to the EPA, about 20% of U.S. households rely on septic, but in Kerrville that number is far higher. Kerr County's rocky limestone terrain means many of those properties use aerobic or alternative designs rather than conventional gravity systems. With 28% of residents over age 65, a significant number of Kerrville homes have older systems that need regular attention or full replacement.
What Septic Services Are Available in Kerrville?
Septic Pumping
Routine pumping removes accumulated sludge and scum before solids push into the drain field. Most Kerrville households need pumping every 3-5 years. Families of four or more should plan on every 2-3 years.
Kerrville's rocky terrain can make tank access harder for pump trucks, especially on larger lots south of the Guadalupe River or in the hills west of town. If your tank lid is buried under rock or landscape material, mention that when you schedule service. It saves time and keeps your cost down.
Septic Repair
Drain field problems are the most expensive repair in the Kerrville area. Shallow limestone bedrock, often just 15-24 inches below the surface, limits where drain fields can go and how they perform. Common repairs include replacing failed drain field lines ($3,500-$7,500), fixing cracked or shifted tanks ($1,500-$3,000), and clearing clogged inlet or outlet pipes ($200-$500).
Ashe juniper (cedar) and live oak roots are constant threats in Kerr County. These trees aggressively seek moisture and will find their way into pipes, joints, and even tank walls over time. Older systems built 20-30 years ago are especially vulnerable.
Septic Inspection
If you're buying or selling a Kerrville-area home with a septic system, get an inspection before closing. While Kerr County doesn't mandate pre-sale inspections, most lenders and buyers require one. A full inspection covers the tank, drain field, distribution system, and baffles. Combined pumping-and-inspection services run $400-$600 and give you the clearest picture of system condition.
Given the number of retirees selling homes in Kerrville, inspections frequently reveal systems that haven't been serviced in years. Catching problems before closing protects both buyers and sellers.
Aerobic System Maintenance
Aerobic systems are common across Kerr County because the rocky terrain rules out conventional gravity systems on many properties. TCEQ requires a maintenance contract for every aerobic system, with inspections every four months. Kerr County also requires an initial two-year maintenance contract and an Affidavit to the Public filed with the county.
If you bought a home with an aerobic system and don't have a current maintenance contract, you're technically out of compliance. Getting one set up is straightforward, and your provider handles the TCEQ reporting.
New System Installation
Conventional systems run $6,000-$8,000 on the rare Kerrville properties with adequate soil depth. But most lots here need aerobic systems, spray fields, drip irrigation, or mound designs at $12,000-$20,000 installed. Excavation through limestone adds significantly to cost compared to areas with softer ground. Site evaluations and Kerr County permit fees add $1,000-$2,000 on top of that.
If you're deciding between a major repair and full replacement, consider the system's age. Spending $5,000 to repair a 25-year-old conventional system is often poor value when a new aerobic system ($12,000-$20,000) could last another 25-30 years with proper maintenance.
What Makes Kerrville Different for Septic Systems?
Kerrville's Limestone Terrain and the Kerrville Soil Series
According to USDA soil survey data, the area sits on what soil scientists literally named the Kerrville series: gravelly clay loams over indurated (hardened) limestone bedrock. Bedrock typically sits just 15-24 inches below the surface, and slopes range from gentle to steep across ridges and backslopes throughout the county.
For septic systems, this means thin topsoil, limited natural filtration, and very few sites suitable for conventional drain fields. Most Kerrville properties end up with aerobic treatment units, spray fields, or drip irrigation systems. The western parts of Kerr County toward Mountain Home and Hunt tend to be even rockier, while areas along the river corridor have slightly deeper alluvial soils.
Steep slopes add another challenge. On grades above 5%, runoff increases and distributing effluent evenly gets harder. Pressure distribution and drip systems handle slopes better than gravity-fed alternatives, but they add cost and complexity.
Guadalupe River Watershed Protection
Kerrville straddles the Guadalupe River, and the entire county sits within the Guadalupe River watershed. This is a significant environmental consideration. A failing septic system in Kerrville can send nutrients and pathogens directly into the river, which flows downstream through Canyon Lake to New Braunfels and beyond.
TCEQ's rules under 30 TAC Chapter 285 apply, and the watershed location influences what system types get approved during permitting. The Guadalupe River also brings seasonal flooding risk. Properties near the river corridor, through Ingram, and south toward Center Point can see drain fields saturated during heavy spring rains. If your property is in a flood-prone area, your system design needs to account for periodic high water.
Kerr County Septic Regulations
Per TCEQ regulations under 30 TAC Chapter 285, the Kerr County Environmental Health Department serves as the authorized permitting authority for on-site sewage facilities. All installations, non-emergency repairs, and system upgrades require a permit through the county. The department also handles complaint investigations, subdivision plat reviews, and tank abandonment oversight.
For aerobic systems, you need a signed maintenance contract and an Affidavit to the Public filed with the county. Properties on 10 or more acres with a single-family dwelling may qualify for the TCEQ 10-acre exemption, though site evaluation and setback requirements still apply.
Emergency repairs can proceed without a prior permit but must be reported to the county promptly.
Key contacts:
- Kerr County Environmental Health: (830) 792-2260
- Kerr County OSSF Information
How Much Do Septic Services Cost in Kerrville?
Most Kerrville homeowners pay $275-$425 for standard septic pumping, with larger tanks running $375-$550.
| Service | Kerrville Price Range |
|---|---|
| Standard pumping (1,000 gal) | $275 - $425 |
| Large tank (1,500+ gal) | $375 - $550 |
| Pumping + inspection | $400 - $600 |
| Emergency/after-hours | $450 - $700 |
| Locating buried tank lid | +$75 - $200 |
| Aerobic maintenance (annual) | $200 - $400 |
Kerrville pricing runs 10-15% above the Texas state average. Rocky terrain, larger lots, and buried access points on Hill Country properties all push costs higher. Properties where pump trucks can't get close to the tank or where lids sit under rock or landscaping will be on the higher end.
Prices based on 2025-2026 provider surveys and market data for the Kerrville/Kerr County area. Your actual cost depends on tank size, system type, accessibility, and provider.
How It Works
1. Tell Us About Your Needs
Fill out our short form with your septic service needs and Kerrville-area address. Let us know whether it's routine pumping, an inspection, aerobic maintenance, or an emergency so we match you with the right provider.
2. Get Matched with a Local Pro
We connect you with a licensed, insured septic professional who works in Kerr County. Every provider in our network holds a valid TCEQ registration and knows the local limestone terrain and permitting process.
3. Get Your Quote
Your matched provider contacts you with clear pricing. No obligation. For emergencies, providers offering 24/7 service respond fastest.
Why Choose a Local Kerrville Septic Provider?
- They know the rock. A provider who works in Kerr County understands shallow bedrock, the Kerrville soil series, and which system designs actually perform on Hill Country lots.
- Guadalupe watershed awareness. Local pros know the watershed protection rules and can handle permitting requirements that out-of-area companies may overlook.
- Faster emergency response. Local companies can often respond same-day. That matters when sewage is backing up or your aerobic alarm won't stop.
- Retirement-community experience. Many Kerrville providers regularly service older systems and can advise on repair versus replacement for aging infrastructure.
Serving Kerrville and Surrounding Areas
We connect homeowners with septic professionals throughout the Kerrville area, including:
- Ingram
- Center Point
- Hunt
- Comfort
- Fredericksburg
- Harper
- Mountain Home
- Camp Verde
- Medina
- Bandera
- Pipe Creek
- Welfare
- Sisterdale
Frequently Asked Questions About Septic Services in Kerrville
How much does septic pumping cost in Kerrville?
Standard septic pumping in Kerrville costs $275-$425 for a 1,000-gallon tank, with most homeowners paying around $350. Larger 1,500-gallon tanks run $375-$550. Emergency and after-hours service adds $150-$300 to the base price. Properties with buried lids, rocky terrain, or limited truck access will cost more. Kerrville prices run slightly above the Texas average because of Hill Country terrain challenges. Learn more about Texas septic pumping costs.
Why are aerobic systems so common in Kerrville?
Shallow limestone bedrock (often 15-24 inches deep) rules out conventional gravity drain fields on most Kerr County lots. Aerobic systems treat wastewater with oxygen-enhanced bacteria before dispersal through spray fields or drip irrigation, producing cleaner output that works with shallow or rocky soils. They cost more to install and require maintenance every four months under TCEQ rules, but they're often the only option that meets both soil conditions and watershed protection requirements.
Do I need a permit for septic work in Kerr County?
Yes, Kerr County requires an OSSF Development Permit for all septic installations, non-emergency repairs, and system upgrades. The Kerr County Environmental Health Department handles permitting as a TCEQ-authorized agent under 30 TAC Chapter 285. Routine pumping does not require a permit. Emergency repairs can start without one but must be reported to the county promptly. Contact (830) 792-2260 for the county OSSF office.
What should I know about buying a Kerrville home with a septic system?
Get a full septic inspection ($400-$600) before closing, since many Kerrville homes have older systems that haven't been serviced in years. With 28% of residents over age 65, it's common to find lapsed aerobic contracts or tanks that haven't been pumped in a long time. A combined pumping and inspection ($400-$600) reveals the true condition. Ask for maintenance records, and check whether the system has an active aerobic maintenance contract if it's an aerobic unit.
How does the Guadalupe River affect septic systems in Kerrville?
The entire county sits within the Guadalupe River watershed, so TCEQ and Kerr County enforce strict septic permitting to protect downstream water quality. Failing systems can send nutrients and pathogens directly into the river, which flows through Canyon Lake to New Braunfels. Properties near the river corridor also face seasonal flooding that can saturate drain fields. If your home is near the Guadalupe, your system should be designed for periodic high water, and you should have it inspected after any significant flood event.
Ready to find a Kerrville septic professional? Get free quotes from licensed Kerr County providers
Last updated: February 9, 2026 Pricing based on Kerrville/Kerr County provider surveys and market data Sources: Kerr County Environmental Health Department, TCEQ, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, USDA Soil Series Data
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