Skip to content

Septic service in Memphis, TN

Homes in Memphis that are not on city sewer depend on a septic tank and drain field that need regular care. Whether you need routine pumping, a repair, an inspection for a home sale or a new system, a local septic company that works in Memphis and across Shelby County can help.

Memphis has about 618,639 residents across 296.2 square miles. The same crews typically serve Germantown, Southaven, Horn Lake and other nearby communities.

Get septic help in Memphis, TN

By submitting this request you agree that SepticTank.com and the local septic company it matches you with may contact you by phone, text or email about your request. Message frequency varies. Message and data rates may apply. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help.

Why regular pumping matters in Memphis

Solids settle in the tank while liquid moves on to the drain field. When Memphis homeowners wait too long between pumpings, solids reach the outlet and clog the field. Pumping every few years keeps that layer in check. Ask the company to inspect the baffles and the outlet filter on the same visit, since those parts protect the field.

What a failing drain field looks like in Memphis

A drain field near Memphis that has reached the end of its life gives clear clues. Water pools on the surface after the washing machine runs, the soil stays spongy long after rain, and odors linger outdoors. Indoors, drains slow across the whole house. Catching it early can mean a repair rather than a full replacement.

What to expect from a good Memphis septic company

A reliable septic company serving Memphis arrives when scheduled, locates and opens the tank without damaging the yard, and checks the inlet, outlet and filter as part of pumping. They tell you the sludge level and when to book the next visit. You should leave the appointment knowing the condition of your system.

Septic permits and rules around Memphis

Septic permits near Memphis are handled at the county or state level rather than by the city. Repairs, replacements and new installations usually need a permit and an inspection. Your septic company can pull the permit for you. If you are buying or selling a home, ask whether a septic inspection is required at closing.

Local conditions in Memphis

Among the mapped soils within about two miles of central Memphis, the USDA soil survey rates 75% as very limited for septic absorption fields, 25% as somewhat limited and 0% as not limited. The most common drainage class is well drained. Soils like these often call for careful system design, such as a larger drain field, a mound or another engineered system, and a site evaluation before any new installation or replacement.

Memphis averages about 53 inches of precipitation a year, and April is usually the wettest month. January is the coldest month at about 39°F on average, so freezing is rarely the main concern here. Heavy rain and saturated ground are the bigger factors for drain fields.

Sources: USDA NRCS Soil Survey (SSURGO), Soil Data Access; NASA POWER long-term climatology. Soil ratings describe mapped soil types near the city center and do not replace a site evaluation of your property.

Septic services in Memphis

Common septic questions in Memphis

How often should a septic tank in Memphis be pumped?
Most households pump every three to five years. Tank size, the number of people in the home and whether you use a garbage disposal all change that. A local company can check your tank and set a schedule.
Who handles septic permits for Memphis?
Septic permits and inspection rules are usually set at the county or state level. Check with the Shelby County health department or permitting office, or ask the septic company to pull permits for you.
What are signs of septic trouble?
Slow drains in several fixtures, gurgling pipes, sewage odors, wet or unusually green grass over the drain field, and backups in the lowest drains are the common warning signs.
Does SepticTank.com do the work?
No. SepticTank.com connects you with an independent local septic company that serves Memphis and nearby communities.

Own a septic company in Memphis? This city is available to one company. Every request from this page goes to you.

See availability