Incorrectly installed septic systems can harm water quality and make people sick, which is why South Carolina law requires site approvals and permits for all septic systems. 

If you are planning to build a home or place a manufactured home on property not served by a public or community sewer system, you must first obtain DHEC's approval and a permit to install a septic system. Without this permit, your county will not be able to issue you a building permit.

Before you buy land for your new home, call your local government to determine water and sewer availability. DHEC provides tips on choosing land suitable for septic systems and residential wells.

General: Application & Permit Process

Application Fee: $150

• Step 1: Onsite Wastewater System Application (D-1740) will need to be submitted online through the ePermitting Portal. You will also need to submit a copy of the property’s plat or deed. If you do not have a copy of the plat or deed, click here for more information on how to obtain a copy. 
• Step 2: Your application will be reviewed to be sure that all necessary paperwork is included. If everything is in order, your application will be accepted. If additional information is needed, you will receive an email notification along with instructions about how to review corrections requests, revise and resubmit your application. 
• Step 3: When using DHEC’s traditional permitting method, a site visit is required. The inspector will evaluate the site’s suitability for a septic system. If the inspector approves your site for a traditional septic system, they will issue you a Permit to Construct. If the inspector does not approve the permit, they will discuss possible alternatives with you. Other permitting options are available. 
• Step 4: Once you have been issued a Permit to Construct, you may contact a licensed onsite wastewater system installer to install your septic system.
• Step 5: Before completing the installation of the septic system, the installer must contact DHEC to schedule a time for the inspection of the septic system before it is covered. If a DHEC inspector does not arrive within 30 minutes of the scheduled time, a licensed installer has the option to proceed with a self-inspection of the installation. Documentation must be provided by the installer to the Department on the DHEC approved form D-3978, Contractor Approval to Operate. *Please note: We have recently updated the form that is utilized to record final inspections. Click here for the new form. Septic installers can still utilize the D-3978 until March 1st, 2024. We will accept both versions of this form until then. Afterwards the new final inspection form must be utilized.*

Permit Expiration and Modifications: Permits to Construct are good for five years. To renew your permit after five years or to make changes to it once approved, you will need to complete a new application and pay the fee again.

The fee and permit are authorized by Regulation 61-56, Onsite Wastewater Systems.

Residential: Permit Needed for Septic Systems

Because incorrectly installed septic systems can harm water quality and make people sick, South Carolina law requires site approvals and permits for all septic systems.

If you are planning to build a home or place a manufactured home on property not served by a public or community sewer system, you must first obtain DHEC's approval and a permit to install a septic system. Without this permit, your county will not be able to issue you a building permit.

Please be aware of how the weather affects our schedules. If the soil is too wet, we may not be able to do a proper evaluation. Soil evaluations may have to be delayed until the soil has had time to dry out which adds to the time it takes to issue your permit. This is similar to farmers having to delay planting or harvesting their crops. If there has been too much rain, they can't get into the field with their equipment to conduct their work.

Backhoe Pit Evaluations

When conducting soil evaluations above the South Carolina Fall Line, onsite wastewater inspectors have a higher chance of hitting rock obstructions when digging, and therefore cannot complete the evaluation using a hand auger. Because of this, sites that are located above the Fall Line will require backhoe pits for the Department to conduct a soil evaluation. 

To determine if your site is located above the Fall Line, click here to view a map of the state. The South Carolina Fall Line is represented on this map as a black line which separates the Piedmont area from the Coastal Plain. To find where you are located on the map, you can type your address into the “Find a Septic Contractor” search bar. Once your site address has been entered, a black dot will appear on the map identifying your site. To determine if your site is above or below the Fall Line, zoom out until you see the black line separating the state. If your site is located above the black line, backhoe pits will be required to conduct a soil evaluation prior to issuing a permit. If your site is located below the black line, backhoe pits are not required. 

Once an application has been submitted and it is determined that your site is above the Fall Line, an onsite wastewater inspector will contact you to schedule a site and soil evaluation. You, the applicant, are responsible for contacting an operator to dig pits on the proposed site. Backhoe pits can be dug utilizing any piece of machinery as long as the pits are dug as outlined in Guidelines for Onsite Wastewater System Soil Evaluation. If you have questions, please contact your local Environmental Affairs office.

Maintain Your System

Regular maintenance of your septic tank system will save you costly repairs, prevent people from getting sick and protect water quality. Below are links to information to help you properly maintain your system.

• Safety Tips
• Maintenance Tips
• Pumping Out the Tank
• Backups, Leaks, Odors

If you need to find a septic contractor (e.g., installer, pumper/hauler or tank manufacturers), you can use this application as a resource.

DHEC is Here to Help You

Use our Frequently Asked Questions for quick help answering common questions. If you have additional questions and need help, please call your local Environmental Affairs Office.

If you need to report a sewage complaint, use our ChatBot tool. Help is available 24/7.