Septic Services in Montgomery, TX
Montgomery homeowners pay $250-$350 for standard 1,000-gallon septic pumping, with emergency service at $400-$650 and aerobic contracts averaging $250-$375 yearly.
Montgomery is a small historic town of about 2,500 people that happens to share its name with the county it sits in. That creates some confusion for newcomers, but locals know the distinction: the City of Montgomery is a separate municipality within Montgomery County, with its own character distinct from the county seat in Conroe.
The town has a charming historic downtown that dates back to the Republic of Texas era, surrounded by a mix of estate properties, rural acreages, and newer developments attracted by the Lake Conroe proximity. According to the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension OSSF program, over 2.2 million septic systems operate across Texas, and Montgomery County ranks among the state's highest-growth areas for new permits. The combination of historic properties with aging systems and newer homes on challenging soil creates steady demand for septic services.
| Service | Montgomery Price Range | Key Factor |
|---|---|---|
| Standard pumping (1,000 gal) | $250-$350 | Most common tank size |
| Large tank (1,500+ gal) | $350-$525 | Estate homes |
| Pumping + inspection | $400-$600 | Recommended for home sales |
| Emergency/after-hours | $400-$650 | Same-day response |
| Aerobic maintenance (annual) | $250-$375 | TCEQ-required contract |
| New installation (conventional) | $6,000-$7,500 | 3-bedroom home |
What Septic Services Are Available in Montgomery?
Montgomery septic companies handle pumping ($250-$350), installations ($6,000-$15,000+), repairs, inspections, and aerobic maintenance contracts.
Montgomery's mix of historic downtown properties, large estate lots, and proximity to Lake Conroe means local septic companies see the full range of service needs.
Septic Pumping
TCEQ recommends pumping your septic tank every 3-5 years for most households. Larger estate homes with higher water usage may need service every 2-3 years. The area's sandy to clayey-loam soils drain reasonably well, but don't push your pumping schedule. Estate properties with multiple bathrooms, large families, or guest houses accumulate solids faster than smaller homes.
New System Installation
Montgomery continues to attract new residents drawn by its small-town feel and Lake Conroe access. A conventional system for a three-bedroom home runs $6,000-$7,500 locally. Estate homes with larger square footage, multiple bathrooms, and higher occupancy need larger tanks (1,500+ gallons) that cost more. Properties with challenging soil conditions or near the lake may require aerobic systems at $10,000-$15,000+.
Septic Repair
The historic downtown area has some of the oldest septic systems in Montgomery County. Properties built in the 1950s and 1960s may have concrete tanks and clay pipe drain fields that are well past their design life. Common repairs include tank deterioration, drain field failure, and settling from decades of use. Drain field replacement runs $3,000-$7,000, tank repairs $1,500-$3,000, and line clearing $200-$500.
Septic Inspection
Real estate in Montgomery moves steadily, with buyers attracted to the historic character and lake proximity. Get an inspection before closing. Full inspections run $250-$450, with combined pumping-and-inspection packages at $400-$600. For older downtown properties, inspectors should carefully evaluate tank condition and drain field viability given the system's age.
Aerobic System Maintenance
Aerobic systems are found throughout Montgomery, especially on properties near Lake Conroe or with soil conditions unsuitable for conventional drain fields. TCEQ requires a maintenance contract with inspections every four months. Montgomery County enforces the two-year initial contract requirement for new installations. Budget $250-$375 per year.
What Should Montgomery Homeowners Know About Local Septic Conditions?
Historic downtown lots, estate properties, and Lake Conroe watershed rules all affect your septic system options and maintenance requirements in Montgomery.
Historic Downtown Properties
Montgomery's downtown district preserves buildings and homes from the town's founding era in the 1830s. These historic properties are a point of pride, but they come with septic challenges.
Many downtown lots are smaller than modern septic system design standards assume. Space constraints limit drain field options, and setback requirements from property lines, wells, and structures can be difficult to meet. When these older systems fail, replacement often requires engineered alternatives that work within tight footprints.
Some historic properties also have septic systems installed before modern permitting existed. Documentation may be incomplete or nonexistent. If you're buying a downtown Montgomery property, budget for a thorough inspection and possible surprises.
Estate and Rural Properties
Outside downtown, Montgomery is characterized by larger lots ranging from a few acres to substantial rural tracts. These estate properties often have the space for conventional septic systems, but that doesn't mean they're maintenance-free.
Larger homes with more bathrooms, higher occupancy, and amenities like guest quarters generate more wastewater than typical single-family homes. The rule of thumb for pumping frequency assumes average water usage. If your Montgomery estate has a pool house, multiple master suites, or regular guests, pump more frequently than the standard 3-5 year recommendation.
Rural properties toward Plantersville or Dobbin may have older systems with limited documentation. These often work fine but should be evaluated and inspected when changing hands.
Lake Conroe Proximity
Montgomery sits west of Lake Conroe, close enough for many residents to enjoy lake access but not directly on the shoreline. Properties closer to the lake face the same challenges as Conroe and Willis: high water tables, stricter TCEQ oversight, and frequent need for aerobic or alternative systems. As Ryan Gerlich of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension notes, "If we put a conventional septic tank with a gravity-fed drain field in an area with a high clay content or where there's a lot of rock, the soil is not going to accept or treat the water at the rate that we're applying it."
The lake is a public water supply reservoir, so any septic system in its watershed receives additional scrutiny. If your Montgomery property drains toward the lake, expect:
- More rigorous permitting for new installations or major repairs
- Possible requirement for a registered sanitarian or professional engineer
- Higher likelihood of needing an aerobic treatment unit
- Regular maintenance contract enforcement by the county
Montgomery County Permitting
Per TCEQ's authorized agent program, the Montgomery County Environmental Health Department handles all septic permits in the county, including the City of Montgomery. Their office is in Conroe. The septic permit fee is $175 plus a $10 state fee, and a building permit ($50) is also required at the time of application.
The permitting process for new installations includes:
- Site and soil evaluation by a licensed evaluator
- System design submission and approval
- Permit to Construct from the county
- Licensed installer performs the work
- Two-year initial maintenance contract required
Montgomery County takes enforcement seriously. Lapsed maintenance contracts trigger 30-day notices, and unresolved violations can be referred to court. The EPA reports that more than one in five U.S. households depend on septic systems, and proper maintenance is the primary factor in preventing failures. This may seem strict, but it protects property values and groundwater quality across the county.
For properties on 10+ acres with a single-family home, TCEQ exemptions may apply. Check with the county before assuming you qualify.
How Much Do Septic Services Cost in Montgomery, TX?
Most Montgomery homeowners pay $250-$350 for standard septic pumping, with 1,000-gallon tanks averaging around $300.
| Service | Montgomery Price Range |
|---|---|
| Standard pumping (1,000 gal) | $250 - $350 |
| Large tank (1,500+ gal) | $350 - $525 |
| Pumping + inspection | $400 - $600 |
| Emergency/after-hours | $400 - $650 |
| Locating buried tank lid | +$75 - $150 |
| Aerobic maintenance (annual) | $250 - $375 |
| New installation (conventional) | $6,000 - $7,500 |
Montgomery pricing aligns with the broader Montgomery County market. Historic downtown properties with buried or difficult-to-locate tanks may cost more. Estate properties with oversized tanks or complicated access also add to the price. New installations near Lake Conroe may require alternative systems at significantly higher cost.
Prices based on February 2026 provider surveys and market data for the Montgomery/Montgomery County area. Your actual cost depends on tank size, accessibility, and system condition.
How Do You Find a Septic Pro in Montgomery?
1. Tell Us About Your Needs
Fill out our short form with your septic service needs and Montgomery-area address. Let us know if it's routine pumping, an inspection for a home sale, a new construction installation, or an emergency. Mention if your property is in the historic downtown or on a larger estate lot.
2. Get Matched with a Local Pro
We connect you with a licensed, insured septic professional who works in Montgomery County. Every provider in our network holds a current TCEQ license and understands both historic property challenges and estate system requirements.
3. Get Your Quote
Your matched provider contacts you within a few hours with clear pricing. No obligation. For emergencies, expect faster response from providers offering same-day service in the Montgomery area.
Why Choose a Local Montgomery Septic Professional?
- Historic property experience. Providers familiar with Montgomery understand the space constraints and documentation gaps common in the downtown area.
- Estate property knowledge. Large homes with high water usage need providers who understand capacity planning and maintenance frequency.
- Lake Conroe watershed expertise. Properties near the lake need providers who know TCEQ requirements and alternative system design.
- Montgomery County permitting. Local companies handle the county's permitting process regularly and maintain relationships with inspectors.
Serving Montgomery and Surrounding Areas
We connect homeowners with septic professionals throughout the Montgomery area, including:
- Conroe
- Magnolia
- Willis
- The Woodlands
- Plantersville
- Dobbin
- Pinehurst
- Panorama Village
- Cut and Shoot
- Spring
Frequently Asked Questions About Septic Services in Montgomery
How much does septic pumping cost in Montgomery?
Standard septic pumping in Montgomery costs $250-$350 for a 1,000-gallon tank, with most homeowners paying around $300. Larger tanks for estate homes run $350-$525. Emergency and after-hours calls add $150-$300 to the base price. Historic downtown properties with buried or hard-to-locate tanks may cost more. Montgomery pricing aligns with the broader Montgomery County average.
Is Montgomery the city different from Montgomery County for septic permits?
Yes, but the same agency handles permits for both. The City of Montgomery is a small municipality within Montgomery County. All septic permits in the county, including within the city limits, are handled by the Montgomery County Environmental Health Department in Conroe. The city doesn't have its own septic permitting process. When people say "Montgomery County permits," that includes the City of Montgomery.
What about septic on historic downtown Montgomery properties?
Historic downtown properties often have aging systems and space constraints. Some downtown lots are smaller than modern septic design standards assume, which limits options when systems need replacement. Many older properties have septic systems installed before modern permitting, so documentation may be incomplete. If you're buying in the historic district, budget for a thorough inspection and possible surprises. Replacement systems may need to be engineered alternatives designed for tight footprints.
Do estate properties near Montgomery need larger septic tanks?
Often, yes. Estate homes with multiple bathrooms, guest quarters, pool houses, or regular entertaining generate more wastewater than typical single-family homes. The standard 1,000-gallon tank is sized for a 3-bedroom home with average usage. Larger homes should have 1,500-gallon tanks or larger, and may need more frequent pumping than the standard 3-5 year recommendation. If you're buying an estate property, verify the tank size matches the home's actual usage patterns.
Who handles septic permits for Montgomery properties?
The Montgomery County Environmental Health Department handles all septic permits, including for the City of Montgomery. Their office is in Conroe, about 7 miles from downtown Montgomery. The permit fee is $185 ($175 septic + $10 state fee), and you'll need a building permit ($50) at the same time. New installations require a soil evaluation, system design, permit approval, and a two-year initial maintenance contract. The county enforces maintenance contract compliance with 30-day notices and court referrals for violations.
Does Montgomery require aerobic septic systems?
No, aerobic systems are not mandatory in Montgomery. The type of system depends on your site's soil conditions. Sandy soils with no seasonal water table can support a conventional system. Heavy clay soils or areas with a high water table require an aerobic or alternative system. Properties in the flood plain must use aerobic systems per Montgomery County rules. A registered sanitarian or professional engineer evaluates your soil before the county issues a permit.
Ready to find a Montgomery septic professional? Get free quotes from licensed Montgomery County providers
Last updated: February 2026 Pricing based on Montgomery/Montgomery County-area provider surveys and market data Sources: Montgomery County Environmental Health Department, TCEQ, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension
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