Jefferson County · Pop. 212,237
Birmingham is Alabama's largest city, situated in the Jones Valley between the Appalachian ridges of Red Mountain and Shades Mountain. While the urban core is served by the Birmingham Water Works and municipal sewer, the sprawling suburban and semi-rural areas of Jefferson County — including communities like Trussville, Clay, Gardendale, and Helena — rely extensively on private septic systems. Jefferson County has over 40,000 permitted on-site systems, and the combination of hilly topography, residual clay soils from weathered shale and limestone, and rapid suburban expansion along the I-459 corridor creates a complex septic landscape. The region's post-industrial growth into former green belt areas has brought thousands of new homes onto septic, making proper permitting and maintenance more critical than ever.
Bht Resources holds an Alabama Onsite Wastewater Board license in Birmingham, Alabama (Jefferson County). Alabama licenses onsite wastewater installers and pumpers through the AOWB under Ala. Code § 34-21A — the Department of Public Health issues system permits but does not license contractors. License 4359 — Pumper — is held by Trenton Wright and is listed as active.
Work this license authorizes, per Alabama Onsite Wastewater Board
Brookside Septic Tank Service holds an Alabama Onsite Wastewater Board license in Birmingham, Alabama (Jefferson County). Alabama licenses onsite wastewater installers and pumpers through the AOWB under Ala. Code § 34-21A — the Department of Public Health issues system permits but does not license contractors. License 874 — Pumper — is held by Derrick Pickle and is listed as active.
Work this license authorizes, per Alabama Onsite Wastewater Board
Charles Pickle Septic Tank holds an Alabama Onsite Wastewater Board license in Birmingham, Alabama (Jefferson County). Alabama licenses onsite wastewater installers and pumpers through the AOWB under Ala. Code § 34-21A — the Department of Public Health issues system permits but does not license contractors. License 2931 — Pumper — is held by Justin Pickle and is listed as active.
Work this license authorizes, per Alabama Onsite Wastewater Board
Charles Pickle Septic Tank Service holds an Alabama Onsite Wastewater Board license in Birmingham, Alabama (Jefferson County). Alabama licenses onsite wastewater installers and pumpers through the AOWB under Ala. Code § 34-21A — the Department of Public Health issues system permits but does not license contractors. License 2932 — Pumper — is held by Jonathan Pickle and is listed as active.
Work this license authorizes, per Alabama Onsite Wastewater Board
Hhh Sanitation INC. holds an Alabama Onsite Wastewater Board license in Birmingham, Alabama (Jefferson County). Alabama licenses onsite wastewater installers and pumpers through the AOWB under Ala. Code § 34-21A — the Department of Public Health issues system permits but does not license contractors. License 2296 — Pumper — is held by Chris Hettich and is listed as active.
Work this license authorizes, per Alabama Onsite Wastewater Board
Phillips Contracting holds an Alabama Onsite Wastewater Board license in Birmingham, Alabama (Jefferson County). Alabama licenses onsite wastewater installers and pumpers through the AOWB under Ala. Code § 34-21A — the Department of Public Health issues system permits but does not license contractors. License 1449 — Adv Installer (Lv 1) And Installer — is held by Steven Phillips and is listed as active.
Work this license authorizes, per Alabama Onsite Wastewater Board
Wayne Pickle Plumbing And Septic Tank holds an Alabama Onsite Wastewater Board license in Birmingham, Alabama (Jefferson County). Alabama licenses onsite wastewater installers and pumpers through the AOWB under Ala. Code § 34-21A — the Department of Public Health issues system permits but does not license contractors. License 695 — Pumper — is held by Wayne Pickle and is listed as active.
Work this license authorizes, per Alabama Onsite Wastewater Board
A-1 Evironmental Septic Tank holds an Alabama Onsite Wastewater Board license in Watson, Alabama (Jefferson County). Alabama licenses onsite wastewater installers and pumpers through the AOWB under Ala. Code § 34-21A — the Department of Public Health issues system permits but does not license contractors. License 643 — Pumper — is held by Rodney Mcduffie and is listed as active.
Work this license authorizes, per Alabama Onsite Wastewater Board
All City holds an Alabama Onsite Wastewater Board license in Pleasant Grove, Alabama (Jefferson County). Alabama licenses onsite wastewater installers and pumpers through the AOWB under Ala. Code § 34-21A — the Department of Public Health issues system permits but does not license contractors. License 2848 — Installer — is held by Kelly Watson and is listed as active.
Work this license authorizes, per Alabama Onsite Wastewater Board
Amc Plumbing holds an Alabama Onsite Wastewater Board license in Bessemer, Alabama (Jefferson County). Alabama licenses onsite wastewater installers and pumpers through the AOWB under Ala. Code § 34-21A — the Department of Public Health issues system permits but does not license contractors. License 4426 — Pumper — is held by Blaine Davis and is listed as active.
Work this license authorizes, per Alabama Onsite Wastewater Board
American Septic System INC. holds an Alabama Onsite Wastewater Board license in Adger, Alabama (Jefferson County). Alabama licenses onsite wastewater installers and pumpers through the AOWB under Ala. Code § 34-21A — the Department of Public Health issues system permits but does not license contractors. License 979 — Pumper — is held by Brian Davis and is listed as active.
Work this license authorizes, per Alabama Onsite Wastewater Board
Apex Septic Tank Service holds an Alabama Onsite Wastewater Board license in Quinton, Alabama (Jefferson County). Alabama licenses onsite wastewater installers and pumpers through the AOWB under Ala. Code § 34-21A — the Department of Public Health issues system permits but does not license contractors. License 4065 — Pumper — is held by Jared Smith and is listed as active.
Work this license authorizes, per Alabama Onsite Wastewater Board
Caples Septic Tank Service holds an Alabama Onsite Wastewater Board license in Pinson, Alabama (Jefferson County). Alabama licenses onsite wastewater installers and pumpers through the AOWB under Ala. Code § 34-21A — the Department of Public Health issues system permits but does not license contractors. License 109 — Pumper — is held by Carrol Caples and is listed as active.
Work this license authorizes, per Alabama Onsite Wastewater Board
Gilliam Septic Services holds an Alabama Onsite Wastewater Board license in Warrior, Alabama (Jefferson County). Alabama licenses onsite wastewater installers and pumpers through the AOWB under Ala. Code § 34-21A — the Department of Public Health issues system permits but does not license contractors. License 4371 — Pumper — is held by Justin Gilliam and is listed as active.
Work this license authorizes, per Alabama Onsite Wastewater Board
Hyatt's Septic Service holds an Alabama Onsite Wastewater Board license in Adger, Alabama (Jefferson County). Alabama licenses onsite wastewater installers and pumpers through the AOWB under Ala. Code § 34-21A — the Department of Public Health issues system permits but does not license contractors. License 809 — Pumper — is held by Johnny Hyatt and is listed as active.
Work this license authorizes, per Alabama Onsite Wastewater Board
Hyatt's Service holds an Alabama Onsite Wastewater Board license in Adger, Alabama (Jefferson County). Alabama licenses onsite wastewater installers and pumpers through the AOWB under Ala. Code § 34-21A — the Department of Public Health issues system permits but does not license contractors. License 4888 — Installer — is held by Amanda Hyatt and is listed as active.
Work this license authorizes, per Alabama Onsite Wastewater Board
Jonathan White holds an Alabama Onsite Wastewater Board license in Bessemer, Alabama (Jefferson County). Alabama licenses onsite wastewater installers and pumpers through the AOWB under Ala. Code § 34-21A — the Department of Public Health issues system permits but does not license contractors. License 4619 — Pumper — is held by Jonathan White and is listed as active.
Work this license authorizes, per Alabama Onsite Wastewater Board
Meeks Environmental Services holds an Alabama Onsite Wastewater Board license in Bessemer, Alabama (Jefferson County). Alabama licenses onsite wastewater installers and pumpers through the AOWB under Ala. Code § 34-21A — the Department of Public Health issues system permits but does not license contractors. License 4729 — Installer — is held by Jason Wood and is listed as active.
Work this license authorizes, per Alabama Onsite Wastewater Board
Meeks Environmental Svcs holds an Alabama Onsite Wastewater Board license in Bessemer, Alabama (Jefferson County). Alabama licenses onsite wastewater installers and pumpers through the AOWB under Ala. Code § 34-21A — the Department of Public Health issues system permits but does not license contractors. License 4308 — Pumper — is held by Jon Meeks and is listed as active.
Work this license authorizes, per Alabama Onsite Wastewater Board
New South Restrooms, LLC holds an Alabama Onsite Wastewater Board license in Cartersville, Alabama (Jefferson County). Alabama licenses onsite wastewater installers and pumpers through the AOWB under Ala. Code § 34-21A — the Department of Public Health issues system permits but does not license contractors. License 4380 — Pumper — is held by Michael Murphy and is listed as active.
Work this license authorizes, per Alabama Onsite Wastewater Board
Phil Crews Septic Service holds an Alabama Onsite Wastewater Board license in Dora, Alabama (Jefferson County). Alabama licenses onsite wastewater installers and pumpers through the AOWB under Ala. Code § 34-21A — the Department of Public Health issues system permits but does not license contractors. License 4362 — Pumper — is held by Nicholas Bridier and is listed as active.
Work this license authorizes, per Alabama Onsite Wastewater Board
Phil Crews Septic Services holds an Alabama Onsite Wastewater Board license in Graysville, Alabama (Jefferson County). Alabama licenses onsite wastewater installers and pumpers through the AOWB under Ala. Code § 34-21A — the Department of Public Health issues system permits but does not license contractors. License 552 — Pumper — is held by Phillip Crews and is listed as active.
Work this license authorizes, per Alabama Onsite Wastewater Board
Pickle Plumbing INC holds an Alabama Onsite Wastewater Board license in Empire, Alabama (Jefferson County). Alabama licenses onsite wastewater installers and pumpers through the AOWB under Ala. Code § 34-21A — the Department of Public Health issues system permits but does not license contractors. License 4461 — Pumper — is held by Patrick Pickle and is listed as active.
Work this license authorizes, per Alabama Onsite Wastewater Board
Pickle Septic Tank & Plumbing holds an Alabama Onsite Wastewater Board license in Empire, Alabama (Jefferson County). Alabama licenses onsite wastewater installers and pumpers through the AOWB under Ala. Code § 34-21A — the Department of Public Health issues system permits but does not license contractors. License 674 — Pumper — is held by James Pickle and is listed as active.
Work this license authorizes, per Alabama Onsite Wastewater Board
Precision-Pro Services holds an Alabama Onsite Wastewater Board license in Mccalla, Alabama (Jefferson County). Alabama licenses onsite wastewater installers and pumpers through the AOWB under Ala. Code § 34-21A — the Department of Public Health issues system permits but does not license contractors. License 1890 — Pumper — is held by Brandon Bice and is listed as active.
Work this license authorizes, per Alabama Onsite Wastewater Board
Reliable Septic Service, LLC holds an Alabama Onsite Wastewater Board license in Gardendale, Alabama (Jefferson County). Alabama licenses onsite wastewater installers and pumpers through the AOWB under Ala. Code § 34-21A — the Department of Public Health issues system permits but does not license contractors. License 2785 — Pumper — is held by Jason Reno and is listed as active.
Work this license authorizes, per Alabama Onsite Wastewater Board
Ruff Septic Tank Service holds an Alabama Onsite Wastewater Board license in Pinson, Alabama (Jefferson County). Alabama licenses onsite wastewater installers and pumpers through the AOWB under Ala. Code § 34-21A — the Department of Public Health issues system permits but does not license contractors. License 4075 — Installer — is held by Terry Ruff and is listed as active.
Work this license authorizes, per Alabama Onsite Wastewater Board
S & W Contruction & Septic Tanks holds an Alabama Onsite Wastewater Board license in Bessemer, Alabama (Jefferson County). Alabama licenses onsite wastewater installers and pumpers through the AOWB under Ala. Code § 34-21A — the Department of Public Health issues system permits but does not license contractors. License 2238 — Installer — is held by Suzette Fitts and is listed as active.
Work this license authorizes, per Alabama Onsite Wastewater Board
Shawn Davis Companies, LLC holds an Alabama Onsite Wastewater Board license in Hueytown, Alabama (Jefferson County). Alabama licenses onsite wastewater installers and pumpers through the AOWB under Ala. Code § 34-21A — the Department of Public Health issues system permits but does not license contractors. License 2582 — Pumper — is held by Mark Davis and is listed as active.
Work this license authorizes, per Alabama Onsite Wastewater Board
Tds Services INC. holds an Alabama Onsite Wastewater Board license in Hueytown, Alabama (Jefferson County). Alabama licenses onsite wastewater installers and pumpers through the AOWB under Ala. Code § 34-21A — the Department of Public Health issues system permits but does not license contractors. License 348 — Pumper — is held by Steven Davis and is listed as active.
Work this license authorizes, per Alabama Onsite Wastewater Board
Wayne Pickle Septic holds an Alabama Onsite Wastewater Board license in Jasper, Alabama (Jefferson County). Alabama licenses onsite wastewater installers and pumpers through the AOWB under Ala. Code § 34-21A — the Department of Public Health issues system permits but does not license contractors. License 4774 — Pumper — is held by John Pickle and is listed as active.
Work this license authorizes, per Alabama Onsite Wastewater Board
White Systems, INC. holds an Alabama Onsite Wastewater Board license in Bessemer, Alabama (Jefferson County). Alabama licenses onsite wastewater installers and pumpers through the AOWB under Ala. Code § 34-21A — the Department of Public Health issues system permits but does not license contractors. License 4092 — Pumper — is held by Terry White and is listed as active.
Work this license authorizes, per Alabama Onsite Wastewater Board
White Systems INC. holds an Alabama Onsite Wastewater Board license in Hueytown, Alabama (Jefferson County). Alabama licenses onsite wastewater installers and pumpers through the AOWB under Ala. Code § 34-21A — the Department of Public Health issues system permits but does not license contractors. License 4569 — Adv Installer (Lv 1) And Installer — is held by Brian Goodwin and is listed as active.
Work this license authorizes, per Alabama Onsite Wastewater Board
William Manning holds an Alabama Onsite Wastewater Board license in Adamsville, Alabama (Jefferson County). Alabama licenses onsite wastewater installers and pumpers through the AOWB under Ala. Code § 34-21A — the Department of Public Health issues system permits but does not license contractors. License 4803 — Installer — is held by William Manning and is listed as active.
Work this license authorizes, per Alabama Onsite Wastewater Board
Wood's Septic Tank Service holds an Alabama Onsite Wastewater Board license in Gardendale, Alabama (Jefferson County). Alabama licenses onsite wastewater installers and pumpers through the AOWB under Ala. Code § 34-21A — the Department of Public Health issues system permits but does not license contractors. License 1017 — Pumper — is held by Danny Wood and is listed as active.
Work this license authorizes, per Alabama Onsite Wastewater Board
Woods Septic Tank Service holds an Alabama Onsite Wastewater Board license in Morris, Alabama (Jefferson County). Alabama licenses onsite wastewater installers and pumpers through the AOWB under Ala. Code § 34-21A — the Department of Public Health issues system permits but does not license contractors. License 4678 — Pumper — is held by Tony Wood and is listed as active.
Work this license authorizes, per Alabama Onsite Wastewater Board
Youngblood Enterprises holds an Alabama Onsite Wastewater Board license in Adamsville, Alabama (Jefferson County). Alabama licenses onsite wastewater installers and pumpers through the AOWB under Ala. Code § 34-21A — the Department of Public Health issues system permits but does not license contractors. License 1235 — Pumper — is held by Roger Youngblood and is listed as active.
Work this license authorizes, per Alabama Onsite Wastewater Board
$2,000 – $15,000
$200 – $800
$300 – $600
$3,500 – $20,000
$275 – $600
$500 – $5,000
$6,000 – $25,000
$300 – $3,000
$50 – $500
$500 – $8,000
| Service | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Septic Tank Pumping | $250 - $400 |
| Septic System Installation | $4,500 - $13,000 |
Birmingham's Appalachian foothills are dominated by Anniston and Hartsells soil series — a mix of fine sandy loam surface horizons over red clay and shale subsoils derived from weathered sandstone and limestone. Percolation rates in upland residual soils typically range from 0.1 to 0.5 inches per hour, while bottomland alluvial soils near the Black Warrior River tributaries can be poorly drained with seasonal saturation.
The dominant soil challenge in Birmingham is the transition from sandy loam A-horizons to dense, low-permeability clay B-horizons derived from shale and siltstone parent material. The Hartsells-Linker association that covers much of the Jefferson County uplands features fragipan layers — naturally cemented subsoil horizons — that act as barriers to vertical drainage. These fragipans can intercept percolating effluent and cause lateral movement toward slope breaks and surface seeps. Properties on the steeper south-facing slopes of Red Mountain and Shades Mountain often encounter shallow bedrock within 24-36 inches, requiring engineered alternative systems. Valley-bottom properties near Cahaba River tributaries face seasonal high water tables that further constrain conventional drain field design.
Jefferson County Health Department enforces Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) regulations Chapter 420-3-1, which governs individual sewage disposal systems. All new installations and replacements require a soil evaluation by a Registered Soil Classifier, a permit from the county health department, and installation by a licensed septic contractor. Jefferson County has adopted stricter setback requirements in certain watershed protection zones, particularly near Village Creek and its tributaries, which drain into the Locust Fork of the Black Warrior River. Alternative systems including drip irrigation, aerobic treatment units (ATUs), and mound systems are permitted when conventional systems are not feasible.
Jefferson County Department of Health issues all on-site sewage disposal permits under ADPH regulations. A site evaluation by a Registered Soil Classifier is required for new systems. Improvement permits cost approximately $200-$350, and construction permits run $150-$250. Jefferson County also requires a final inspection before a Certificate of Completion is issued. Lots within 300 feet of public sewer must connect unless granted a hardship waiver by the county health department.
Septic contractors in the surrounding region