Who's in charge of your septic?
In Washoe County, Northern Nevada Public Health (formerly the Washoe County Health District) regulates home septic systems and the companies that pump them.
In other Nevada counties, state environmental health and local building departments handle septic permits. In California, Nevada County Environmental Health covers Truckee.
Pumpers must be permitted
In Nevada, anyone who pumps and hauls septage needs a state septic pumping contractor permit, renewed every year, with each truck listed. Ask any company you hire if they're permitted.
Home-loan septic certification
Nevada's state environmental health office offers a loan certification inspection for about $133. It's a visual check for surfacing sewage and bad drain connections. Lenders sometimes require it. It does not pump or open the tank, so many buyers also get a full inspection.
Building or remodeling?
New systems usually start with a test trench and a design that goes in with your building permit. If you add bedrooms, a garage, or an ADU, the health authority reviews whether your septic and its repair area are affected.
This is general information
Rules change and vary by county. Always confirm with your local health authority before building or replacing a system.
Need a pump-out?
Call (916) 494-8868 or send the quote form. We serve 22 towns across Northern Nevada.