FAQ

---

Consider your OSSF (septic) before submitting your pool building permit to Hays County. Septic lines will need to be relocated if the line is within 10 feet of any potable water line or source like a swimming pool. Have an aerobic spray OSSF system? Your spray edge must be at least 25’ from your swimming pool. Both of these situations require a septic design revision, permitting and septic installation in many jurisdictions before the pool development permit will be granted.  As one of only a handful of companies that maintain both design and installation licenses, we can provide you both services turnkey.  We work with pool builders and specialize in line and sprayhead relocations needed for pool construction and permitting. 

Most likely your septic system was designed and permitted to adequately service your home at the time of construction. First things first…determine the capacity of your septic system by contacting your local permitting authority. Your permitted septic records can be requested through your county's Open Records process. The square footage of the structure and the number of bedrooms drives the size of a residential septic system. Other criteria are used for commercial designs.

1. PUMP your septic system. Routine pumping (every 3-5 years) is critical. Your maintenance provider may also recommend pumping under other circumstances. Excessive sludge in your tank short cuts the treatment process and decreases your system’s performance. At some point, excessive sludge fills your tank and it gets very ugly.  
2. GUARD your septic field. The weight of cars and heavy equipment can crush the underground tanks. 
3. CHECK access points. Your system’s access points should be within 10 yards of your structure. Make sure the lids are shut and solid.  
4. KEEP MAINTENANCE RECORDS when tanks are pumped or service performed. 
5. KEEP A MAP of your system and where spray fields are located. Refer to this when planning home or building improvements.  
6. ECONOMY in the use of water helps prevent overloading the system. Leaky faucets & running commodes tax your system. Avoid doing all of your laundry in the same day. Surges in water entering the system can overload the system and throw off the balance of bacteria.  
7. REMEMBER EVERYTHING YOU PUT DOWN THE DRAIN GOES INTO YOUR SEPTIC TANK. Use your garbage disposal sparingly and DON’T pour kitchen grease down the drain. Septic systems are meant to treat domestic wastewater and toilet paper ONLY. Things that harm your system:  • Excessive use of garbage disposal  • Grease, fats or oil • Too many cleaners, bleach • Diapers and wipes • Feminine products • Q-tips • Paint • Food including fruit, juice, cola, vinegar, wine, salad oil, sugars, coffee grounds • Unused medicines