Licensing Guides
State Septic License: How to Become a Septic Contractor in Delaware
Septic, DE
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Septic License Requirements in Delaware
We all need safe, reliable sewage management for our homes and businesses. Those homeowners and businesses that rely on septic tanks, also known as on-site sewage facilities (OSSF), depend on people who know how to install and maintain those systems.
According to National Tank Outlet, about 20% of Delaware’s population relies on septic systems. This means there’s a need for licensed operators who can protect public health and the clean water supply.
There are 27,900 septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners nationwide according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), and Delaware employs 140 of them. The projected growth rate nationally is expected to be 8% from 2022 to 2032, adding 3,000 of these skilled workers to the ranks. In Delaware, according to CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website, the projected growth rate is more than three times that, at 30% for septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners.
If you’re thinking about starting a septic business or working in the field, you need to know the requirements in your state or local jurisdiction. This guide will help you determine Delaware regulations governing the design, installation, and operation of on-site wastewater treatment and disposal systems.
Who Issues Septic Licenses in Delaware?
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) Division of Water issues licenses for the various professions involved in designing, installing, and maintaining on-site wastewater treatment and disposal systems. License types and application instructions are listed on the Groundwater Discharges section of its website.
Types of Septic Licenses in Delaware
The types of groundwater discharge licenses in Delaware include:
Class A – Percolation Tester: Required for the performance of percolation tests.
Class B – Designer: Required for “the design of conventional on-site wastewater treatment and disposal systems which utilize gravity distribution systems for seepage beds and seepage trenches and certain standardized pressure distribution and disposal systems.”
Class C – Designer: Allows for the design of conventional and alternative systems, as well as experimental on-site wastewater treatment and disposal systems and all pressure distribution systems.
Class D – Site Evaluator: Required for the performance of site evaluations.
Class E – System Contractor/Installer: Required for the construction and installation of wastewater treatment and disposal systems.
Class F – Liquid Waste Hauler: Required for the septic tank pumping (or the removal of waste from cesspools), as well as transportation or disposal of the solid and liquid contents of septic tanks.
Class H – System Inspector: Required for the inspection, investigation, and data collection to make determinations regarding the operational condition of on-site wastewater treatment and disposal systems.
Class I – Construction Inspector: Required for “the inspection of all new, replacement, and repairs of small gravity on-site wastewater treatment and disposal systems, gravity on-site system component replacements, and cover inspections for above-grade gravity on-site wastewater treatment and disposal system.”
Steps to Get a Septic License in Delaware
The steps to getting any of the septic licenses listed above are similar, with variations in the required training, work experience, and tests.
Apply online using the Digital DNREC ePermitting system and pay the $40 application fee.
Meet specific qualifications and experience requirements as outlined in Section 4.0 of the Title 7 Natural Resources & Environmental Control Delaware Administrative Code.
Pass an exam.
There may be other requirements and fees associated with septic permit applications, which are unique to each locality.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Septic License in Delaware?
Each licensed class incurs a $40 application fee.
What Business Owners Need to Know
Getting the most out of a septic installation service provider, no matter where they are in their licensing journey, takes work. ServiceTitan cloud-based, all-in-one septic business software gives technicians and business owners the technology they need to do the work efficiently, and the data they need to do it smartly.
ServiceTitan features:
SMS communications that keep customers informed about the technician’s visit.
Location-specific service history, including recorded calls, accessible from the mobile app.
Required forms that ensure every job is done right, driving consistency.
The ability to build multi-option proposals with photos, on-site, in minutes.
Sales presentations that make conversations with customers easier and drive the average ticket.
Mobile payment acceptance, eliminating lost checks and increasing cash flow.
To learn more, schedule a demo with a product expert today.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Septic License in Delaware?
The length of time it takes depends on the septic license type:
The Class C license requires registration as a professional engineer. Becoming a PE requires a bachelor’s degree in engineering and four years of verifiable experience. The bachelor’s degree can be omitted if you have 15 years of verifiable experience.
A Class D license requires a mix of education and experience up to six years.
A Class E license requires two years of experience.
For a Class I license, the applicant must have three years of experience as a Class B or C license holder.
Delaware Septic Training Programs and Schools
Septic training is offered through the Environmental Training Center (ETC) at Delaware Technical Community College and the Delaware Rural Water Association (DRWA).
Delaware Septic Licensing Exam Details
All applicants for a Class A, B, C, D, E, F, H, or I license will be required to pass an examination prepared and administered by the DNREC. The test must be taken within six months of applying for the license. If an applicant fails, they will be required to take a training course before testing again.
Do I Need to Renew My Delaware Septic License?
Yes, all septic licenses must be renewed annually for a $40 fee.
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Does Delaware Reciprocate Septic Licenses?
Yes. Applicants must detail their current state’s licensing requirements in a Request for Reciprocity. They must be similar to state regulations in Delaware.
National Septic Certifications
Other certifications can help you demonstrate your proficiency to potential employers and clients. The National Association of Wastewater Technicians and The National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association offer certifications. Those and other professional certifications are not required but can add to your marketability and therefore increase your opportunity to make more money.
Continuing Education
License holders must complete 10 hours of continuing education each renewal period. Courses are available through the Delaware Technical & Community College Environmental Training Center, Delaware Rural Water Association, and Water and Waste Operators Association of Maryland, Delaware and District of Columbia.
Resources
You can stay up to date on all septic industry news several ways:
Check top septic blogs, including ServiceTitan’s blog.
Read about the latest industry trends, and discover ideas on how to grow your septic business.
Listen to top septic podcasts like ServiceTitan’s “Toolbox for the Trades” podcast.
The states have licensing requirements for other trades, too. You can find out more about how to get an HVAC, plumbing, or electrical license in Delaware, or in any of the other 49 states and the District of Columbia through the ServiceTitan Licensing Hub.
