Septic pumping and repair in Jefferson County, MO

Septic or sewer?

Not every Jefferson County home has a septic tank. If you pay a sewer bill, you're probably connected and don't have one to pump.

• Cities such as Festus and De Soto run sewer systems. The Jefferson County Public Sewer District serves unincorporated areas that aren't in another district.
• Other districts include Northeast, Rock Creek, Glaize Creek, Selma Village, Lake Adelle and Valle Lake.
• In unincorporated areas, septic systems fall under the Jefferson County On-Site Sewage Treatment Code. It allows on-site systems where central sewer isn't available, and it says a new permit shouldn't be issued if public or private sewer is within 400 feet of the parcel, unless the county grants an exception.
• A 2013 Leader report said about 27% of the county's 220,000 residents lived in cities with public sewer, and most of the 160,000 people in unincorporated areas had no access to public sewer (Leader, May 2013).

Signs your tank needs attention

• Sewage backing up into tubs, showers or floor drains
• Slow drains or gurgling pipes throughout the house
• Sewage smell near the tank or in the yard
• Soggy ground or unusually green grass over the tank or drain field

If sewage is coming into the house, limit water use and flush as little as possible. Choose "Sewage backing up" in the form and we'll mark it urgent.

How often to pump

Many sources say every 3 to 5 years. A Jefferson County sewer supervisor quoted in a 2013 Leader article said every 2 to 3 years, and that going past 5 is "abusing the system" (Leader, May 2013). Bigger households and smaller tanks mean more often.

What does septic service cost?

The company that comes out gives you the real quote. Public cost guides list typical figures for this area:

• Routine pump-out: about $300 to $600 in Jefferson County, depending on tank size and access (SepticTankHub).
• Drain field repair or replacement in Missouri: about $5,000 to $20,000 (SepticFast).

Towns we cover

Festus · Hillsboro · De Soto · House Springs · Arnold · Imperial · and the rest of Jefferson County