Missouri Septic Specialists Since 1982

Professional
Septic System
Installation

Over 7,000 complete residential and commercial systems installed across Missouri. Licensed crews. Full code compliance. Every system type, every property size.

7,000+ Systems Installed
44+ Years Experience
100% Code Compliant

44 Years of Doing It Right

Septic Services Inc. has been installing complete residential and commercial septic systems across Missouri since 1982. With more than 7,000 systems in the ground and a team of highly trained, experienced crews, we have built a well-deserved reputation for quality workmanship, dependable service, and competitive pricing.

Spring is the season when new construction picks up pace, homeowners break ground on long-planned projects, and contractors need a reliable installation partner they can count on. Our crews are ready, our equipment is staged, and our calendar is open. Whether you are starting a new build or replacing an aging system, there is no better time to get started.

Every system we install is designed to give you dependable, trouble-free service for many years to come. From the initial soil evaluation and permit process to final inspection and system startup, we manage the entire process so you do not have to.

Why Missouri Property Owners Trust Us

We are fully licensed installers registered with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. Every installation complies with 19 CSR 20-3.060, the minimum construction standards governing on-site sewage disposal systems in Missouri, plus all applicable county-level ordinances.

Our team understands the soil conditions, setback requirements, and design criteria that vary across Missouri counties, from Franklin County to St. Charles County and beyond. We bring that knowledge to every project, large or small.

We are competitively priced and committed to getting the job done quickly, correctly, and to your complete satisfaction.

Complete Septic System Installation Services

We install every component of your system, providing a complete, fully functioning setup. No subcontractors, no handoffs. One experienced team from excavation through final inspection.

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Aeration Tanks (ATU) and Septic Tanks

Properly sized and installed concrete or approved-material tanks meeting all Missouri state standards, including multi-compartment requirements for larger tanks.

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Complete Drip Drain Fields

Drip soil absorption systems distribute effluent through underground drip lines in a grid pattern, ideal for properties with challenging site conditions or landscaping requirements.

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Low Pressure Drain Fields (LPP)

Pressure distribution systems pump effluent through small-diameter piping to evenly distribute wastewater across the absorption area, perfect for uneven terrain.

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Conventional Drain Fields

Gravity-fed soil absorption systems using seepage trenches or beds for properties with suitable soil percolation rates and adequate space for a standard installation.

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Lagoons

Earthen basin lagoon systems for single-family residences on larger rural properties where subsurface soil absorption is not feasible, installed and permitted per Missouri DNR guidelines.

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Lift Stations

Pump stations that move wastewater from lower elevations to the drain field or treatment system when gravity flow is not possible. Designed with appropriate storage capacity per county code.

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Grease Traps

Commercial grease interceptor installation for restaurants, kitchens, and food service operations. Sized correctly per Missouri code requirements for daily meal volume and wastewater flow.

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Water and Sewer Lines

Complete water line and sewer line installation connecting your building to the septic system, installed with all required setbacks from wells, property lines, and structures.

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Sewage Treatment Plants

Large-scale centralized wastewater treatment system installation for commercial developments, subdivisions, and facilities with flows exceeding standard residential system capacity.

How a Septic System Gets Installed in Missouri

Every installation in Missouri follows a regulated process governed by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) under 19 CSR 20-3.060, with additional requirements set by each county's local health department. Here is what the process looks like from start to finish.

Important: A permit is required for virtually every new septic system installation in Missouri. The only limited exception applies to single-family homes on parcels of 10 acres or more meeting specific criteria. Even then, state standards still apply. Septic Services Inc. manages the entire permit and inspection process on your behalf.
1
Soil Evaluation
A state-certified soil scientist conducts a soil morphology evaluation and percolation test on your property to determine soil absorption capacity and the appropriate system type. Systems cannot be permitted without this report.
2
System Design
Based on soil test results, lot size, and household or commercial flow requirements, our team or a registered engineer designs your system. Tank sizing is based on bedroom count for residential systems (minimum 1,000 gallons for up to 3 bedrooms) or daily flow for commercial applications.
3
Permit Application
We submit the completed design plans, soil morphology report, site plan, and required fees to your county health department. Design plans must be approved before any construction begins. Pre-site inspections may be required.
4
Installation
Our licensed crews install your complete septic system according to the approved design. Missouri regulations prohibit backfilling any components until the county inspector has approved the installation. We coordinate all required inspections and provide the required 24-hour notice to the department.
5
Final Inspection and Approval
County health inspectors verify that all components are installed correctly, setback distances are maintained, and the system meets all state and county requirements before issuing final approval. Only then is the system backfilled and the project considered complete.

Choosing the Right System for Your Property

Missouri's diverse soil conditions, from the rocky Ozark terrain to the heavy clay soils in western counties, mean that no single system type works for every property. The right choice depends on your soil percolation rate, lot size, setback requirements, and local county ordinances. Our team helps you navigate all of it.

Most Common

Conventional Gravity Systems

The standard choice for properties with suitable soil and adequate space. Effluent flows by gravity from the septic tank through a seepage trench or bed. Missouri state standards require a minimum of two feet of suitable soil between the bottom of the absorption system and high groundwater, ledge rock, or bedrock. Drainfields must be at least 100 feet from wells, wetlands, and streams.

Challenging Sites

Aeration Treatment Units (ATU)

ATUs function similarly to a municipal sewage treatment plant, introducing air to accelerate the breakdown of organic waste. They are ideal for smaller lots or properties where soil conditions are unsuitable for conventional absorption. Missouri requires ATUs to have a minimum treatment capacity of 120 gallons per bedroom per day. These systems require more maintenance than conventional tanks but provide excellent treatment quality.

Rural Properties

Lagoon Systems

Earthen lagoon basins are a practical option for rural Missouri properties where soil conditions do not support subsurface absorption. Missouri regulations permit individual lagoons serving single-family residences. The Missouri DNR and local county health department regulate lagoon installation, location, and permitting. Lagoons require adequate setbacks from property lines, water sources, and structures.

Sloped or Difficult Terrain

Low Pressure Pipe (LPP) Systems

LPP systems use a pump to distribute effluent evenly across the absorption field through small-diameter pipes with small perforations. They are well-suited to properties with irregular terrain where gravity distribution would result in uneven loading. Missouri's pressure distribution systems are designed to ensure uniform effluent application and maximize soil treatment effectiveness across the entire drain field area.

What Missouri Law Requires for Your Installation

Missouri septic system installations are governed by state standards under 19 CSR 20-3.060 and administered by county health departments. Here are the key requirements every property owner should understand.

  • Licensed Installer Required: Any person installing, constructing, or maintaining a septic system in Missouri must be registered with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. Homeowners may perform limited repairs on their own property but are subject to inspection and must demonstrate adequate knowledge.
  • Soil Evaluation Is Mandatory: All permitted systems require a soil morphology report conducted by a state-certified soil scientist. Percolation tests slower than 120 minutes per inch do not permit conventional soil absorption systems. This evaluation determines which system type is appropriate for your site.
  • Required Setback Distances: Missouri state standards set minimum separation distances that all systems must meet. Lateral lines must be at least 100 feet from private wells, 50 feet from streams or lakes, 25 feet from open ditches and basements, 15 feet from building foundations, and 10 feet from property lines. Individual counties may impose greater setback requirements.
  • Tank Size Based on Bedrooms: Residential septic tank capacity is calculated at a minimum of 120 gallons per bedroom. Most county standards require a minimum of 1,000 gallons for homes with up to three bedrooms. Tanks over 1,500 gallons must be divided into two or more compartments with proper baffling and venting between compartments.
  • Inspection Before Backfill: Missouri regulations require county inspection and approval of the septic tank and absorption field before any components can be covered. No backfilling is permitted until the inspector has signed off. Septic Services Inc. coordinates all required inspections and provides the required advance notice to the county.
  • County-Level Variations: Each Missouri county may adopt additional standards on top of the state minimums. St. Charles County, for example, has adopted its own Private Sewage Disposal Code (last updated 2024). Franklin County, Jefferson County, and other counties each have specific local requirements. Our team knows the rules in every county we serve.

Ready to Get Started?

Spring is the busiest season for septic installations in Missouri and our calendar fills quickly. Do not wait until summer to begin the process. Call us today and we will walk you through everything, from the soil evaluation to the final inspection.

📞 636-583-5564

Our crews are licensed, experienced, and ready to install your system to full Missouri state and county code compliance.

Visit us at septicserv.com →

In business since 1982. Over 7,000 systems installed.

Residential • Commercial • Industrial • Municipal

Experience and Knowledge You Can Trust

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    44 Years in the Industry

    Since 1982, we have been one of Missouri's most trusted names in septic installation. That track record does not happen by accident. It comes from doing excellent work, job after job, year after year.

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    Full Code Compliance, Every Time

    Our crews install every system to Missouri state standards and local county codes. We coordinate with county health departments, manage permit applications, and schedule all required inspections so your project moves forward without delays.

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    Competitively Priced

    Quality installation does not have to come at a premium price. We are competitively priced and committed to delivering outstanding value. Contact us for a free project consultation and quote.

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    Ongoing Service and Maintenance

    After installation, we offer complete service and maintenance programs to keep your system performing as designed for years to come. A well-maintained system can last decades. We are your long-term partner, not just your installer.

The Right Equipment for Every Job

Big jobs and small jobs both demand the right tools. Our fleet of excavation equipment allows us to tackle large commercial installations with heavy machinery and handle tight residential spaces with precision without damaging your existing landscaping or structures.

Whether your lot is wide open or confined, our equipment and operators are up to the task.

Trackhoes Skidsteers Specialty Excavation Equipment Large System Equipment Confined Space Equipment

Large job? Our heavy equipment handles major commercial and subdivision scale installations. Small or confined lot? Our compact equipment minimizes landscape impact while getting the job done right.

Septic Installation FAQs

Have more questions? Our team is happy to walk you through the entire process.

Yes. In Missouri, virtually every new septic system installation requires a permit from your county health department. The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) sets minimum statewide standards under 19 CSR 20-3.060, and individual counties may add further requirements on top of those. A certified soil evaluation must be completed before a permit is issued. Septic Services Inc. is fully licensed and manages all permit coordination and county compliance requirements on your behalf.
The right system depends on your soil percolation rate, groundwater depth, lot size, and local county requirements. Properties with suitable soil and adequate space typically use conventional gravity-fed systems. Sites with poor soil, high water tables, or small lots may require an aeration treatment unit (ATU), a low pressure pipe (LPP) system, a drip drain field, or a lagoon. A certified soil scientist evaluates your site first, and we design the appropriate system based on those results.
Missouri state standards size residential septic tanks at 120 gallons per bedroom. Most counties require a minimum of 1,000 gallons for homes with up to three bedrooms. Tanks over 1,500 gallons fabricated as single units must be divided into two or more compartments with proper baffles and at least 50 square inches of venting between compartments. Commercial systems are sized based on daily wastewater flow, with a minimum two-day retention capacity.
Missouri state standards require lateral lines and drain fields to be at least 100 feet from a private well and 300 feet from a public well. The drain field must also be at least 100 feet from any wetland, shoreline, or stream bed. Septic tanks must be set back at least 50 feet from suction water lines. Individual counties may impose greater setback distances. Our team knows the specific requirements in every county we serve and designs every system to meet or exceed those standards.
A standard residential septic installation typically takes one to three days of active construction once the permit is approved. The full process from initial soil evaluation to completed installation typically runs two to six weeks depending on county permit processing times, site conditions, and scheduling. Spring and early summer are our busiest seasons, so we encourage homeowners and contractors to contact us early to get their project on the calendar.
Yes. Our line of compact excavation equipment, including Trackhoes, Skidsteers, and specialty-designed machines, allows us to work in smaller and more confined areas without the level of landscape disruption that heavy equipment would cause. Tight lots may require alternative system types such as an ATU or drip drain field, but our team has the experience and equipment to find the right solution for your site and minimize impact on your existing property.
Yes. Septic Services Inc. offers full service and maintenance programs to keep your system running properly for the long term. Regular maintenance, including annual inspections and periodic pumping, is the most important thing you can do to extend the life of your system. Missouri guidelines recommend inspecting your septic tank at least once per year and pumping when sludge and scum layers reach critical levels. We make it easy to stay on schedule.

Spring Installation Season Is Here

Spots fill fast. Get your project on the schedule before the summer rush.

Call 636-583-5564 Today