Septic systems dug right the first time.
New installs, replacements and repairs for Hill Country homes. We handle the rock, the permit paperwork and the dirt work in one crew, so your build doesn't wait on three schedules.
From soil test to final inspection.
Texas requires a permit and approved design for almost every septic system. In Burnet County you need the building permit first, then the septic permit.
Site evaluation
A licensed site evaluator tests the soil. That report decides which systems your lot can take.
Design & permit
The system gets designed and we file the permit with the county or local authority.
Install
We dig, break rock where needed, set the tank and build the drain field or spray area.
Inspect & cover
The county inspects before cover-up. Then we backfill, grade and seed or restore the yard.
Permit background: Burnet County OSSF permits · TCEQ septic basics
Rock is the hidden septic cost.
A drain field needs depth, and Hill Country rock often doesn't give it to you. Contractors who have to call in a breaker sub add days and dollars. We run the breaker ourselves, so rock gets handled the same day it's found.
- Conventional and aerobic systems
- Replacements for failing systems
- Tank and line repairs
- Trenching for plumbing and power
Septic at a glance.
Typical Texas ranges for residential systems, including tank, field and installation. The site evaluation and rock set the final number.
| Work | Typical price |
|---|---|
| Conventional systemTank and gravity or gravel-less drain field | $6,300–10,000 |
| Aerobic systemTreatment unit with spray or drip disposal | $10,000–20,000 |
| New construction systemCoordinated with the pad and utilities | $8,000–25,000 |
| County permit feesBurnet County, most systems / aerobic | $250 / $400 |
Ranges from Texas Septic Guide 2026 data and Burnet County. Your written proposal is fixed before work starts.
Septic FAQ
How much does a septic system cost in the Hill Country?
Conventional systems in Texas typically run about $6,300 to $10,000 and aerobic systems about $10,000 to $20,000. Shallow rock, slope and lake setbacks push many Highland Lakes lots toward aerobic or pumped systems.
Do I need a permit?
Yes. Almost every septic system in Texas needs a permit and an approved design before installation. In Burnet County you also need a building permit first. We handle the permit paperwork with the county.
Conventional or aerobic: which do I need?
A licensed site evaluator tests the soil and the site evaluation decides which systems are allowed. Deep, workable soil can take a conventional system. Thin soil over rock, small lots and spots near the lake usually need aerobic.
Do aerobic systems need maintenance?
Yes. Texas requires a maintenance contract for aerobic systems, with regular inspections. Plan on roughly $700 to $1,500 a year for aerobic upkeep versus $350 to $850 for a conventional system.
Planning a new home or replacing a system?
Tell us where the house is going and what the ground looks like. We'll walk it, line up the site evaluation and send a fixed price for the dirt work and septic together.