About this guide
A1 Septic Tanks is a homeowner-focused resource for septic systems in 22 cities across Tennessee and New Mexico. Information-only. No service offers, no lead capture, no affiliate placements.
What this site is and isn't
What it is
- • Plain-language guides to local septic systems
- • County-level permit and regulator references
- • Typical regional pricing context
- • Pointers to state-licensed contractor directories
- • Updated when state rules change
What it isn't
- • A service provider — we don't pump, install, or repair
- • A lead-generation funnel — no forms, no contact capture
- • A directory we get paid to list contractors on
- • Site-specific engineering advice — that requires a soil scientist
- • A substitute for state and county permits
Methodology
Soil and climate data
Soil profiles cite USDA-NRCS soil survey data, state geological survey publications, and county-level extension office summaries. Climate and rainfall figures come from NOAA Climate Normals (1991–2020).
Regional pricing ranges
Pump-out and installation cost ranges are compiled from publicly published pricing pages of licensed contractors operating in each region, as well as state-level cost surveys where available. Ranges reflect typical residential systems and exclude outliers. Always get at least two written quotes — your specific site can move costs significantly.
Permit and regulatory information
All permit content traces to current TDEC and NMED rules and guidance documents. Where county-level rules deviate, we cite the county.
Editorial review
Every page is reviewed against published state regulator guidance. Pages display a "Last verified" timestamp showing the most recent review. We update content when state rules change or when our pricing data shifts materially.
Primary sources
Tennessee
- Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation (TDEC) →
Subsurface Sewage Disposal Systems (SSDS) Program — primary regulator for septic in Tennessee. Soil scientist evaluations, construction permits, and licensed-installer registry.
- TDEC Environmental Field Offices →
Local field offices in Knoxville, Chattanooga, Nashville, Columbia, Johnson City, and others handle county-level permit administration.
New Mexico
- New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) →
Liquid Waste Program — runs septic permitting at the state level. Field offices in Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Las Cruces, Roswell, and Farmington.
Corrections
If you find an error — outdated permit information, a regulator URL that has moved, a pricing range that no longer reflects local conditions, or anything else — flag it and we'll review and update. State regulator publications take priority over our summaries; if those change, this site changes.