Updated June 15, 2026
Short answer
Texas requires aerobic septic systems (ATUs) to stay under a maintenance contract — typically a two-year contract included with a new install, then an ongoing annual one. Under that contract a provider services the system periodically through the year, checking the aerator and alarm and the disinfection. With a little owner care between visits, a well-kept aerobic system runs cleanly for decades.
Why aerobic systems need ongoing care
An aerobic treatment unit, or ATU, is more active than a conventional septic tank. Instead of just letting waste settle, it pumps oxygen into the tank so aerobic bacteria can break wastewater down more completely, then disperses the cleaner effluent through surface spray heads or subsurface drip tubing. That extra treatment means moving parts — an aerator, a pump, a control panel and alarm, and often a disinfection step. These systems are common across the clay-heavy Gulf Coast soils in Harris, Montgomery, Fort Bend, Waller, and Liberty counties, where a conventional gravity drainfield often won't pass the soil-class criteria. Because there's equipment running every day, Texas treats aerobic systems differently from conventional ones: they have to be maintained on a contract, not just left alone until something goes wrong.
The required maintenance contract
In Texas, aerobic systems must be kept under a maintenance contract — it isn't optional, and it's tied to keeping the system in compliance. With a new install, a two-year maintenance contract is typically included as part of the package, which covers your first two years of service. After that, you keep the system on an ongoing contract, usually renewed annually, with a licensed maintenance provider. The provider is responsible for the periodic service visits, and in many counties they report the system's status to the local permitting authority. The simplest way to think about it: an aerobic system is always supposed to have an active maintenance contract behind it for as long as it's in use.
What a service visit covers
Under your contract, a provider services the system periodically through the year. A typical visit is a checkup of the parts that keep the system treating properly: the aerator that supplies oxygen, the pump that moves effluent to the spray or drip field, and the control panel and alarm that warn you of a fault. The provider also checks the disinfection — the step that treats the effluent before it's dispersed — and looks the system over for anything out of the ordinary, like odor, ponding, or a part that's wearing out. We don't quote an exact number of visits here because it can vary; what matters is that the visits happen on schedule under an active contract so small issues get caught before they become expensive ones.
Owner habits: the do's and don'ts
Between professional visits, the way your household uses the system matters a lot. Do spread out laundry and heavy water use across the week instead of running everything on one day, since a flood of water can push partially treated effluent through too fast. Do keep an eye and ear out for the alarm, and never just mute or unplug it — it's telling you something needs attention. Do keep spray heads and the dispersal area clear, and keep vehicles and heavy equipment off the field. Don't flush so-called flushable wipes, grease, paint, harsh chemicals, or large amounts of bleach, because they can kill the very bacteria doing the treatment. Don't pour medications down the drain, and don't plant deep-rooted trees over the drip field. None of this is complicated — it's mostly about not overloading the system and not poisoning the bacteria it depends on.
Signs of a problem to watch for
A healthy aerobic system is quiet and odorless. The first warning is usually the alarm on the control panel — it can signal a high water level, a failed aerator, or a pump fault. Other red flags include a persistent sewage smell around the tank or spray area, soggy or unusually green patches over the dispersal field, gurgling drains, or slow-draining fixtures inside the house. Cloudy or smelly water coming from spray heads can mean the treatment or disinfection isn't keeping up. If you notice any of these, call your maintenance provider rather than waiting — aerobic problems tend to get worse, and a backed-up or failing system is both a health concern and a costly repair. Quick Flow Septic installs new systems and doesn't do repairs or pumping, but your maintenance provider is the right first call for service issues.
What happens without a contract
Letting the maintenance contract lapse is one of the most common ways aerobic systems fall out of compliance. Without a provider servicing it, a worn aerator or stuck pump can go unnoticed until the treatment quality drops and the system starts discharging poorly treated effluent — a real health and environmental risk, and often a code violation that the county can act on. It can also create headaches at sale time, since many Texas buyers and lenders want to see that an aerobic system has been properly maintained. Keeping an active contract is both cheaper and simpler than letting a neglected system fail. If you're planning a brand-new system, it's worth knowing the two-year contract typically comes with the install, so you start out covered.
Frequently asked questions
Is a maintenance contract really required for an aerobic septic system in Texas?
Yes. Texas requires aerobic systems to be kept under a maintenance contract for as long as they're in use. A two-year contract is typically included when the system is installed, and after that you keep it on an ongoing contract — usually renewed annually — with a licensed maintenance provider.
What does a service visit actually check?
A typical visit checks the parts that keep the system treating properly — the aerator that supplies oxygen, the pump that moves effluent to the spray or drip field, and the control panel and alarm — plus the disinfection step and a general look-over for odor, ponding, or worn parts. The goal is to catch small issues before they turn into expensive ones.
How often is an aerobic system serviced?
Systems are serviced periodically through the year under your maintenance contract. We don't quote an exact count here because it can vary by system and county — what matters is that the visits happen on schedule under an active contract.
What happens if I let the contract lapse?
Without a provider servicing it, a worn aerator or failing pump can go unnoticed until treatment quality drops and the system discharges poorly treated effluent — a health and environmental risk that's often a code violation. A lapsed contract can also complicate selling the home, since many buyers and lenders want to see a maintained aerobic system.
What should I avoid putting into an aerobic system?
Avoid flushable wipes, grease, paint, harsh chemicals, large amounts of bleach, and medications — they can kill the aerobic bacteria that do the treatment. Spreading out heavy water use, keeping the alarm working, and keeping the spray or drip field clear all help the system run cleanly.
Does Quick Flow Septic handle maintenance and repairs?
Quick Flow Septic installs new septic systems across Harris, Montgomery, Fort Bend, Waller, and Liberty counties — we don't do pumping or repairs. When you get a new aerobic system installed, a two-year maintenance contract is typically included. For a firm install price, start with our free instant estimate online, then book a free on-site soil evaluation.
Quick Flow Septic installs new septic systems across Harris County · Montgomery County · Fort Bend County · Waller County · Liberty County.
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