Licensing Guides
State Septic License: How to Become a Septic Contractor in Kansas
Septic, KS
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Septic License Requirements in Kansas
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.
About 20% of Kansans use an onsite wastewater system, according to the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service.
Kansas employs 120 septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). There are 27,900 nationwide, according to the BLS.
The projected growth rate nationally is expected to be 8% from 2023 to 2033, adding 3,000 of these skilled workers to the ranks. In Kansas, according to CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website, there is no projected growth rate 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 what you need before you get started.
Who Issues Septic Licenses in Kansas?
In Kansas, septic licenses are issued at the local level. This means licensing requirements for septic installers or servicers vary depending on county or city regulations.
In Johnson County, the county with the highest population in the state, the Johnson County Department of Health and Environment issues licenses for septic designers, installers, pumpers, and haulers. In Sedgwick County, which includes Wichita, septic contractors must obtain a wastewater contractor business license with the Metropolitan Area Building and Construction Department.
It’s important to check with the jurisdiction where you plan to work to make sure you meet licensing or registration requirements. Local government websites or county sanitarian offices are good places to start to research local regulations.
In Kansas, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment’s (KDHE) Local Environmental Protection Program assists local authorities in the adoption and enforcement of county environmental codes, with an emphasis on onsite wastewater systems and private water wells.
The Local Environmental Protection Program’s website lists guidance documents and state legislation governing septic systems. It also lists individual county sanitary codes. These regulations and standards work to protect the quality of groundwater and public health.
Types of Septic Licenses in Kansas
The types of septic licenses in Kansas vary based on the local jurisdiction. In Johnson County, the Johnson County Department of Health and Environment (JCDHE) regulates septic installers, designers, and sanitary disposal contractors who pump, clean, and transport sewage.
The following list are the types of septic licenses issued in Johnson County.
Installer License
An installer license is issued to those who install or engage in the installation or repair of a private sewage treatment system. Employees of an installer with a valid license are not required to hold a separate license. This license covers the design of conventional, shallow, in-ground systems that are pumped or gravity fed.
This license requires the applicant to complete initial training and pass an exam. The license must be renewed annually and requires three hours of continuing education.
Designer License
A designer license is issued to those who conduct or perform design services for any private sewage treatment system regulated under the Johnson County Environmental Sanitary Code. Employees of a designer with a valid license are not required to hold a separate license. A designer license is required for the design of any alternative system such as a mound, low pressure pipe, or other permitted alternative system. Licensed professional engineers are considered licensed to perform the designer services.
This license requires the applicant to complete initial training and pass an exam. The license must be renewed every two years and requires three hours of continuing education each year, for a total of six hours of continuing education per license cycle.
Sanitary Disposal Contractor License
A sanitary disposal contractor license is issued for those who pump and clean a private sewage treatment system or transport sewage to a disposal site. Employees of a sanitary disposal contractor with a valid license do not need to hold a separate license. The license also designates the vehicles used by the licensee. This license is renewed annually.
The JCDHE sets out sanitary disposal contractor performance requirements on its website, including compliance with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Standards for the Use or Disposal of Sewage Sludge.
Steps to Get a Septic License in Kansas
To get a septic installer license in Johnson County, follow these steps.
Complete a training workshop at the Johnson County Department of Health and Environment or training by another recognized governmental, educational, or professional institution.
Download and complete a septic installer license application.
List business contact information.
List employee names.
Provide a copy of business liability insurance.
For new applicants, verify references of work performed outside of Johnson County.
List completed training or continuing education.
Pay the $150 fee by credit card, cash, check, or money order payable to JCDHE.
Email the completed application to joco-onsiteSepticForms@jocogov.org, turn in the application in person, or mail the application to: Johnson County Environmental Division 11811 S. Sunset Dr., Suite 2700 Olathe, KS 66061
A test will be emailed or given to the applicant. Applicants must email back tests before Dec. 31 of the same year the application is submitted.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Septic License in Kansas?
The cost to get a septic license varies depending on the local jurisdiction. In Johnson County, it costs $150 to obtain a septic installer license and $300 to obtain a septic designer license.
What Business Owners Need to Know
Getting the most out of a septic operator license, no matter where technicians 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 Kansas?
The length of time to get a septic installer or pumper license depends on the regulations of the local jurisdiction. In Johnson County, becoming a licensed installer is a fairly quick process. Applicants need to complete a training workshop sponsored by the county environmental health department or another recognized institution and pass an exam before receiving a license.
Kansas Septic Training Programs and Schools
The type of training required before obtaining a septic license depends on the rules of the county or city where you’re applying for the license. In Johnson County, septic installers and designers must complete an initial workshop training sponsored by the Johnson County Department of Health and Environment. The county also accepts training from other recognized governmental, educational, or professional institutions.
Kansas Septic Licensing Exam Details
Whether a septic license requires an exam depends on local regulations. In Johnson County, septic installer and designer licenses require completing a training workshop and passing an exam on subjects related to public health concerns, wastewater disposal techniques, standards for design, construction, or installation of wastewater disposal systems, wastewater treatment theory, and hydraulics.
New installer or designer applicants will be emailed or given a test from the Johnson County Department of Health and Environment when they turn in their application. Applicants may use the Johnson County Sanitary Code book to assist them in taking the test, which is found online or may be picked up from the JCDHE office. Septic designers will also use the Johnson County Designer’s Manual for the test.
Applicants must email back tests to joco-onsiteSepticForms@jocogov.org by Dec. 31 of the same year. A minimum score of 75% is considered a passing grade.
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Do I Need to Renew My Kansas Septic License?
Whether a septic license requires renewal depends on local license requirements. In Johnson County, licensed contractors performing septic installation and design must renew their licenses.
Septic installer license renewal requirements include:
Complete a minimum of three hours of approved continuing education each year.
Submit a renewal application annually. Licenses expire on Dec. 31 and must be renewed on or before Jan. 15 of the following year.
Pay the $150 fee.
Septic designer license renewal requirements include:
Complete a minimum of three hours of approved continuing education each year. Since the license is for a two-year term, license holders must complete a total of six hours of education for each license cycle.
Submit a renewal application every two years. Licenses expire on Dec. 31 and must be renewed on or before Jan. 15.
Pay the $300 fee.
Does Kansas Reciprocate Septic Licenses?
Kansas does not issue statewide septic licenses, so the state does not hold reciprocal agreements for septic licenses with other states. Those performing septic installation, design, pumping, or hauling will need to follow the licensing requirements of local jurisdictions.
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 add to your marketability to property owners by showing your commitment to industry standards and environmental health, potentially increasing your opportunity to make more money.
To find local training resources, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) lists onsite wastewater treatment training centers by state. You can also learn more about wastewater disposal systems, wastewater treatment systems, and water supply protection through other governmental agencies and industry associations in Kansas. This includes:
Continuing Education
Whether a septic license requires continuing education before renewal depends on local licensing requirements.
In Johnson County, those with septic installer or designer licenses must complete three hours of continuing education each year. Those with septic installer licenses renew each year. Those with septic designer licenses renew every two years, so they must complete a total of six hours of continuing education per license cycle.
Continuing education may include:
Attendance at a training workshop conducted or sponsored by JCDHE.
Attendance at a training workshop conducted or sponsored by other recognized governmental, educational, or professional institutions.
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.
States have licensing requirements for other trades, too. You can find out more about how to get an HVAC, plumbing, or electrical license in Kansas, or in any of the other 49 states and the District of Columbia, through the ServiceTitan Licensing Hub.
