Septic Tank System Abandonment and Removal

What do you do if you need to Abandon a Septic Tank?

When a septic tank is no longer used because of an alternate connection to city sewer, the tank must be properly abandoned or removed. This applies to old cesspools, leaching pits, dry wells, seepage pits, vault privies, and pit privies. Access for future uses must be permanently denied.


Every jurisdiction may have different specific abandonment or removal requirements and must be followed. The goal is to render the area of the old tank safe and free of environmental or public health impacts. 


estimated_quoteArtboard 3

Get a free quote 

Contact Us

Common process for abandoning a septic tank system

In general, a septic tank must first be completely emptied of its contents using a vacuum truck operated by an appropriately licensed professional who will properly dispose of the waste at an approved facility. 


Crush the tank completely.



  1. Drill drain holes so that water will drain. 
  2. Backfill and compact the approved material.
  3. Typically, a granular material or some other inert flowable material is used for backfill (concrete or pea gravel). 
  4. The abandoned tank must present no collapse or confined-space hazard. 
  5. Contaminated material and inspection pipes can be removed and disposed of in a mixed municipal solid waste landfill. 
  6. The Abandonment is Documented and Mapped.


Common process for removing a septic tank system: 

  1. Crush the tank and remove it completely disposing of it an approved facility. 
  2. Backfill and compact the approved material.
  3. Typically, a granular material is used for backfill (pea gravel). 
  4. Contaminated material and inspection pipes can be removed and disposed of in a mixed municipal solid waste landfill. 


In many cases, the leach field may be abandoned in place if approved by the local jurisdiction.


Having an Emergency?

We're available Mon - Fri, 8 am - 5 pm

Our Team of Professionals Is Ready to Serve Your Project Today!

Professional assessment

When you tell us your project needs we assess the scope of work, give free on-site estimates, and help you understand the time-table for which the project will take.

Book a service →

Competitive rates

We give you an fair market estimate and keep in mind that cost can be an important factor in you deciding to do business with us. Of course, the most important thing to know is that you have chosen a company with a great reputation. One that will get the job done right the first time. During the estimating process, we will let you know if there are any concerns we detect that coud cause project over-runs.

Item Link

Guaranteed satisfaction

Once you decide to book your project with us, we take action. That may mean acquiring proper permits and making sure we are compliant with all regulations in your particular area. We keep you alerted of the project status throughout the job. 

Book a service →
Share by: