Sand under the pines
The Lost Pines grow on deep, sandy ground, and much of Bastrop County drains fast. That sounds ideal for a drain field, but very fast sand can move effluent through before the soil has done its job, and sand over a clay layer can hold water right where the field sits. That’s why the site evaluation matters here: the soil class decides between a conventional field, a low-pressure dose system or an aerobic system.
Who permits septic here
Bastrop County is the TCEQ’s authorized agent for septic systems in the unincorporated county, through Development Services on Jackson Street. The county requires a permit for every new or modified system, no matter the acreage. Emergency repairs to things like tank lids, inlet and outlet devices and solid lines don’t need a permit, but they have to be reported to the county within 72 hours. Inside the city limits, check with the City of Bastrop, which publishes its own OSSF checklist.
Common jobs in the county
Aerobic maintenance visits, pump-outs for older conventional tanks, repairs to compressors, pumps and lines, and new systems on wooded lots, including the many homes rebuilt since the 2011 Bastrop County Complex fire. The trees that make this county beautiful also send roots into old lines and cracked tanks.
Bastrop questions
Asked around Bastrop.
Do I need a permit to repair my septic system in Bastrop County?
For a new or modified system, yes: Bastrop County requires a permit regardless of acreage. Emergency repairs such as a tank lid, inlet or outlet devices or a solid line don’t need a permit first, but they must be reported to the county within 72 hours. We’ll tell you which side of that line your repair falls on.
Is sandy Lost Pines soil good for a septic system?
Often, but not automatically. Sand drains well, yet very fast sand can pass effluent before it’s treated, and some Bastrop sand sits over clay that holds water. A licensed site evaluator classifies the soil, and the design follows from that.
Do you offer aerobic maintenance contracts in Bastrop?
Yes. Larry’s offers maintenance contracts in both the City of Bastrop and Bastrop County.
Can pine roots damage a septic system?
Yes. Roots go after water and nutrients in lines, cracked tanks and fields. A camera inspection shows where they’re getting in, and keeping new trees away from the tank and field prevents the next round.
Reviews
What customers wrote.
First time using a septic service. Cody was amazing and knocked our aerobic system out in 1 day. Communication was great and guided us in the right direction with an engineer and the permits. I won't be calling anyone else.
Such quality service!! Cody was so nice and informative and he showed up right on time. He gave many helpful tips and put us on a service schedule. Would highly recommend!
Great experience with Larry’s Tank Service! Showed up perfectly on time, did great work, was super informative, and very professional.