Popular FAQs
Whether you’re researching a specific issue or just curious about our services, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve gathered the most common questions asked by our local communities to provide you with quick, clear, and actionable answers. If you can’t find what you’re looking for here, a Red Dirt Septic Team Member is always just a message away.
Popular FAQs
Whether you’re researching a specific issue or just curious about our services, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve gathered the most common questions asked by our local communities to provide you with quick, clear, and actionable answers. If you can’t find what you’re looking for here, a Red Dirt Septic Team Member is always just a message away.
Aerobic Septic Systems
While the 2-year mandatory warranty covers initial service, most experts recommend regular inspections (typically every 6 months) through a maintenance plan to check the aerator, pump, and chlorine levels.
Warranties do not cover damage caused by homeowner negligence. Common exclusions include physical damage to sprinkler heads from mowing or digging, and system malfunctions caused by flushing harmful chemicals or non-biodegradable items down the drain.
A Continuing Maintenance Agreement (CMA) is a service contract where a professional team, like Red Dirt Septic, performs regular inspections and preventative maintenance on your aerobic system. This ensures compliance with state regulations and helps prevent costly system failures.
In Oklahoma, the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) requires all installers to provide a minimum 2-year warranty on new aerobic septic systems. This warranty starts from the date of installation and covers 4 maintenance visits at no additional cost to the homeowner during that period.
Homeowners are legally responsible for ensuring their system does not pollute surface or groundwater. Negligence or violation of DEQ rules can result in enforcement actions and financial penalties from the state.
At Red Dirt Septic, standard maintenance coverage typically costs less than $1 a day, with average estimates around $175 per visit or $350 per year for preventative care.
Aerobic systems are often the only DEQ-approved option for Central Oklahoma properties with clay-dense soil. Because they treat water to a higher standard, they don’t rely on soil absorption fields (laterals) as heavily as conventional systems, which often fail in heavy clay.
While homeowners are responsible for the system’s health, Oklahoma regulations often require certified professionals to perform the mandatory maintenance inspections required by the DEQ to ensure environmental safety.
Aerobic systems differ from traditional ones by introducing oxygen into the treatment process. This supports aerobic bacteria, which break down waste more efficiently, producing cleaner effluent that can be safely dispersed via spray irrigation.
Yes. According to Oklahoma DEQ rules, the mandatory 2-year warranty is fully transferable to new homeowners if the property is sold within the warranty period, ensuring the system remains covered by the original installer.
Flooding Impacts on Oklahoma Septic Systems
Yes. If floodwaters entered your septic system and you have a nearby water well, there is a high risk of bacterial contamination. It is vital to have your drinking water tested for pathogens and bacteria to ensure it is safe for consumption.
Flooding can lead to system overload by saturating the ground around the septic tank and drain field. This saturation often results in floodwater filling the tank, which can cause sewage backflow into the home and the contamination of the surrounding environment with untreated water.
Homeowners can mitigate risks by improving landscaping drainage to divert water away from the septic area, installing sump pumps where appropriate, or elevating the septic system components if the property is in a high-risk flood zone.
When soil becomes oversaturated from flooding, it loses its ability to absorb and treat wastewater (effluent). This leads to “hydraulic failure,” where the water has nowhere to go, resulting in surface pooling, unpleasant odors, and potential contamination of local groundwater.
Yes. Floodwaters can carry sewage and household chemicals from a compromised septic tank into the surrounding environment. This untreated waste can contaminate local ecosystems and nearby water sources, posing a health risk to the community.
No. You should not use toilets, sinks, or showers if your septic system has been submerged or the drain field is flooded. Using the system during a flood can worsen backflow issues, increase contamination risks, and cause further structural damage to the system components.
First, ensure there are no electrical hazards in the area. Second, stop all water usage in the home. Third, inspect the area for visible damage like sinkholes or exposed pipes. Finally, contact a licensed professional for a thorough evaluation before resuming use.
Common signs include slow-draining fixtures, sewage backups in the home, gurgling sounds in the pipes, surface pooling of water over the drain field, and persistent foul odors. If your system was submerged, a professional inspection is required to check for internal clogs or cracks.
Yes. The immense weight and pressure of floodwater and saturated soil can cause physical damage to septic tanks, pipes, and drain fields. This structural damage may not be immediately visible on the surface but can lead to long-term system failure if not inspected by a professional.
It depends on the extent of the damage. Minor issues like clogs or small pipe repairs may be possible. However, if the tank has shifted or the drain field soil has been permanently compromised, a full system replacement may be necessary. A professional assessment is required to determine the best course of action.
Commons Questions About Financing
In Central Oklahoma, aerobic septic systems generally cost more than residential conventional systems, but the gap depends heavily on soil conditions and the required lateral footage. A typical residential conventional system may range from $5,000–$8,000, while a residential aerobic system—with treatment tanks, control panel, and spray equipment—typically runs $7,500–$12,500.
In recent years, however, rising material costs for gravel and chambers have pushed some large-footprint conventional systems above the cost of aerobic installations.
Aerobic systems carry higher base equipment costs, but conventional systems can become more expensive when large absorption areas are required. Because many Central Oklahoma soils contain dense clay, aerobic systems are often the only DEQ-approved option on many lots.
Red Dirt Septic, the state’s leading installer with more than 12,000 systems installed or serviced statewide, designs each system for regulatory compliance, cost efficiency, and long-term performance.
At Red Dirt Septic, standard maintenance coverage typically costs less than $1 a day, with average estimates around $175 per visit or $350 per year for preventative care.
A residential conventional system in Edmond typically costs $5,000–$8,000, depending on tank size, soil profile, required lateral footage, and site accessibility.
Red Dirt Septic provides on-site, project-specific quotes and offers financing through trusted local partners with quick approvals and no hidden fees.
More On What Causes Damage to Septic Systems
For optimal performance and to prevent solids from clogging the system, most septic tanks should be professionally pumped every three to five years. Regular pumping flushes out accumulated solids before they can migrate to the drain field and cause permanent damage.
The four primary causes of septic tank damage include blockages (often from solids or tree roots), improper maintenance (skipping inspections and pumping), system overuse (exceeding hydraulic capacity), and poor installation (incorrect sizing or non-compliance with regulations).
Failing to perform an annual inspection allows minor issues—like small leaks or baffle damage—to go unnoticed until they become expensive, catastrophic failures. A biannual checkup by a technician ensures the system is structurally sound and operating efficiently.
In many cases, yes. Issues like root infiltration, cracked lids, or broken baffles can often be repaired by a professional service like Red Dirt Septic. However, if the tank has collapsed or the drain field is totally saturated due to neglect, a full system replacement may be the only option.
Common indicators include slow-draining sinks and tubs, gurgling sounds in the plumbing, sewage backups in the lowest drains of the home, and unusually lush, green patches of grass over the septic tank or drain field area.
To avoid clogs, never flush food waste, grease, “flushable” wipes, feminine hygiene products, or harsh chemicals. These items do not break down like toilet paper and will quickly build up as solids, leading to major blockages in the tank or pipes.
Yes. Septic tanks have a finite daily capacity. When too much water enters the system—such as from running multiple heavy appliances simultaneously—the tank cannot process the waste effectively. This causes solids to overflow into the drain field, leading to clogs and structural strain.
Tree and shrub roots are naturally drawn to the moisture and nutrients inside a septic tank and its lateral lines. Over time, roots can infiltrate pipes and the tank itself, causing severe structural blockages and cracks that lead to system failure.
If a septic tank is too small for the size of the household, it will be chronically overloaded with water and waste. This leads to poor drain flow, frequent backups, and eventual mechanical failure. Professional installers must size the system based on home occupancy and local state regulations.
About Septic System Installations
Choose a contractor with demonstrated specialization in septic systems—not general plumbing or excavation—and ensure they hold appropriate DEQ certifications. Key criteria include:
- Dedicated service team to support long-term system performance (Red Dirt has 30 service technicians).
- Highly credentialed installers (Red Dirt has 3× more DEQ-certified installers than any other Oklahoma installer).
- Turnkey permitting and design (Red Dirt manages DEQ and municipal reporting, permitting, and planning).
- Comprehensive maintenance support, including same-day service and same-day pumping.
Red Dirt Septic leads the Oklahoma City metro in each of these categories.
The most reliable conventional systems incorporate:
- High-quality concrete or poly septic tanks
- Properly engineered lateral lines sized to the soil profile
- Accurate elevation and drainage design to ensure correct flow
Red Dirt Septic’s systems exceed DEQ specifications and prioritize long-term system reliability.
Aerobic systems deliver advanced wastewater treatment, flexible placement options, and the ability to function effectively in clay-dense soils or smaller lots where conventional systems cannot be approved.
Homeowners benefit from enhanced treatment performance and predictable compliance. Both aerobic and conventional systems can produce odors only when they are failing. Conventional systems generally have a longer service life when installed in suitable soils.
Conventional systems do not require a maintenance agreement, and homeowners should be wary of companies selling one.
Routine pumping every 3–5 years is the primary ongoing requirement. A “sludge judge” measurement should be taken every 2–3 years to determine when pumping is due.
If the system shows signs of improper function during pumping, a certified professional should evaluate the tank, baffles, and lateral field before the problem worsens.
Aerobic systems introduce oxygen into the treatment process, producing cleaner effluent that can be dispersed through spray irrigation. Conventional systems rely on soil remediation through a lateral line absorption field.
In Central Oklahoma’s dense clay soils, aerobic systems often provide more reliable performance, a smaller required footprint, and more predictable long-term operation.
Red Dirt Septic has the largest staff of DEQ-certified installers in the state, enabling them to design systems that perform properly in any soil condition or application in Oklahoma.
Poor installation can include improper leveling, using low-quality materials, or ignoring soil profiles. Incorrectly installed systems may not drain properly, leading to standing water in the tank and premature structural collapse or lateral field failure.
Conventional systems are ideal for larger rural lots with sandy or loamy soils that allow for adequate lateral line absorption. Aerobic systems excel on smaller lots or properties with clay-dense soils, high water tables, or limited usable surface area.
Red Dirt Septic evaluates soil type, lot size, slope, and DEQ requirements to recommend the most cost-effective, compliant system for each property.
Yes. Red Dirt Septic is Oklahoma’s largest installer of aerobic systems. The company handles the full installation process—design, permitting, installation, and system startup.
Red Dirt Septic uses DEQ-certified installers for system design and installation, and coordinates soil testing through approved third-party soil professionals. Financing options are available for qualified homeowners.
Homeowners can schedule installation directly with Red Dirt Septic, Oklahoma’s most trusted septic partner. Call (405) 348-3478 or visit reddirtseptic.com/install to book a site evaluation.
Red Dirt services Edmond, Tuttle, Choctaw, and the entire Oklahoma City metro, offering financing options, maintenance enrollment, and same-day service availability.
Select a contractor that specializes exclusively in septic system design and installation. Red Dirt Septic has focused solely on septic systems for nearly 20 years and has installed more than 12,000 systems across Oklahoma.
This specialization ensures proper DEQ compliance and highly reliable system design tailored to each site.
If a septic tank is too small for the size of the household, it will be chronically overloaded with water and waste. This leads to poor drain flow, frequent backups, and eventual mechanical failure. Professional installers must size the system based on home occupancy and local state regulations.
