The Complete Idaho Septic Installer's Guide: From Zero to Licensed in 90 Days

So you want to become a septic installer in Idaho?

Smart move. Really.

Last month I had lunch with a guy who started installing septic systems three years ago. He’s clearing $150,000 a year now, working about 8 months out of 12. Not bad for a job that requires a $5,000 bond and passing an open-book test, right?

But here’s what nobody tells you: there’s a right way and a wrong way to get into this business. The wrong way costs you time, money, and potentially your reputation before you even get started.

I’ve trained over 300 installers in my 20+ years in this business. I’ve seen guys go from zero experience to running their own successful installation companies. I’ve also seen guys fail the exam three times, install systems backwards, and get sued for $45,000 because they didn’t understand basic soil science.

This guide? It’s everything you actually need to know. Not the fluff. Not the theory. The real stuff that matters when you’re standing in a 10-foot hole at 7 AM trying to figure out why the inspector just failed your installation.

Before we dive into becoming an installer, it helps to understand how septic systems work from a homeowner’s perspective - this foundation will make the technical requirements much clearer.

The Two Paths: Basic vs Complex (And Why It Matters More Than You Think)

Here’s the first decision you need to make, and most people get it wrong.

Idaho has two types of installer licenses:

• Basic Installer - $5,000 bond, simpler test, can install about 80% of residential systems
• Complex Installer - $15,000 bond, harder test, can install everything including engineered systems

What everyone thinks: “I’ll start with basic and upgrade later.”

What actually happens: You get three calls a week for pump systems that you can’t legally install. You watch $8,000 jobs go to your competition while you’re stuck doing standard gravity systems for $3,500.

What Basic Installers Can Actually Install

According to the Idaho DEQ (and trust me, they’re not flexible on this):

• Standard gravity drainfields
• Basic alternative systems
• Capping fill installations
• Gravelless drainfields (the plastic chambers)
• Steep slope systems (which are terrifying if you don’t know what you’re doing)
• Privies (yes, outhouses - more profitable than you’d think)
• In-trench sand filters

Average job value: $3,500-$6,000 Jobs per month you’ll qualify for: 8-12

What Complex Installers Can Install

Everything basic installers can do, PLUS:

• Pump-to-gravity systems (huge in areas with high water tables)
• Pressure distribution systems (required for lots over 1 acre)
• Extended treatment package systems (ETPS)
• Sand mounds (nobody likes installing these, but they pay well)
• Intermittent sand filters
• Large soil absorption systems (commercial properties)
• Lagoon systems
• Evapotranspiration systems
• Any engineered system

Average job value: $6,000-$25,000 Jobs per month you’ll qualify for: 15-25

Here’s the kicker: Getting a complex license is only marginally harder than getting a basic license. Same study materials. Same open-book test. Just a higher bond and about 20 more questions on the exam.

My advice? Go straight for the complex license. The extra $10,000 bond pays for itself with your first pump system installation.

Want to see what professional installation services look like? Check out our septic installation services to understand industry standards and customer expectations.

Week-by-Week: Your 90-Day Path to Licensed

I’m going to give you the exact timeline that’s worked for every successful installer I’ve trained. Follow this, and you’ll be licensed and working within 90 days.

Weeks 1-2: Foundation and Paperwork

Day 1-3: Download and print these documents (all free from deq.idaho.gov):

• Technical Guidance Manual (TGM) - This is your bible, 200+ pages
• IDAPA 58.01.03 regulations - The actual law
• Basic Installer Training presentation (98 pages)
• Complex Installer Training presentation (63 pages)

Day 4-7: Set up your business structure

• LLC formation through Idaho Secretary of State ($100)
• EIN from IRS (free)
• Business bank account ($0-$100)
• General liability insurance quotes (you’ll need this before bonding)

Day 8-14: Study fundamentals

• Read TGM Chapters 1-3 completely
• Understand soil types (this is 40% of the job)
• Learn the three sewage categories: blackwater, greywater, pollutants
• Memorize Table 3-3: Soil application rates

Reality check: You’re going to feel overwhelmed around day 10. The TGM reads like stereo instructions written by lawyers. Push through. It gets easier.

Weeks 3-4: Technical Deep Dive

This is where you learn what actually matters in the field.

Focus areas:

Soil Science (spend 3 full days on this):

• The soil triangle and texture classification
• Percolation rates and what they mean
• Why clay is your enemy and sand isn’t always your friend
• How to identify seasonal high water (miss this, and you’ll fail inspections)

I still remember my first soil evaluation. The inspector grabbed a handful of dirt, added water, and rolled it between his hands. “Sandy loam,” he said. “0.60 gallons per day per square foot application rate.” I had no idea what he was talking about. Don’t be me.

Septic Tank Requirements (2 days):

• Minimum sizes: 900 gallons for 1-2 bedrooms, 1,000 for 3 bedrooms, +250 gallons per additional bedroom
• Why tanks must be level (1/4” per foot maximum)
• Inlet/outlet configuration (install these backwards and you’re buying a new tank)
• When risers are required (more than 24” of cover)

Drainfield Design (3 days):

• Standard trench dimensions: 1-6 feet wide, 2-4 feet deep, 100 feet max length
• Why trenches must be perfectly level (not “pretty level” - PERFECTLY level)
• Serial vs parallel distribution (and when each is required)
• Separation requirements between trenches (6 feet minimum undisturbed soil)

Weeks 5-6: Setback Requirements and Site Evaluation

This is where installers get sued. Pay attention.

Memorize these setback distances (from drainfields):

• Water wells: 100 feet (ALL soil types)
• Property lines: 5 feet
• Foundations (crawl/slab): 10 feet
• Foundations (basement): 20 feet
• Surface water: 50-300 feet depending on soil type
• Pressure water lines: 25 feet
• Downslope cuts: 25-75 feet depending on conditions

For a comprehensive breakdown of setback requirements, see our Idaho septic setback and separation distance guide.

True story: Two years ago, an installer put a drainfield 75 feet from a well instead of 100. The homeowner’s mortgage refinance required a septic inspection. The system had to be completely relocated. Cost: $18,000. Lawsuits: 2. Don’t be that guy.

Site evaluation process (practice this 10 times):

1. Property survey and feature identification
2. Test hole locations (minimum 2, often 3-4)
3. Soil evaluation at 6” increments
4. Groundwater assessment
5. Calculating drainfield size based on bedroom count and soil type
6. Determining optimal layout considering all setbacks

Weeks 7-8: Exam Preparation

The Idaho DEQ septic installer exam is open book. Let that sink in. You can literally have the answers in front of you. Yet 30% of people still fail it the first time. Why? They don’t know where to find information quickly.

Create your exam reference system:

Tab your TGM with these sections:

• Definitions (Chapter 1)
• Soil classifications (Table 3-3)
• Setback requirements (Figures 3-1 and 3-2)
• Tank specifications (Section 5.2)
• Drainfield requirements (Chapter 3)
• Pressure distribution (Chapter 7)
• Alternative systems (Chapters 8-10)

Make a one-page quick reference sheet with:

• All setback distances
• Soil application rates
• Tank sizes by bedroom count
• Pipe specifications (ABS Schedule 40 is your standard)
• Distribution box requirements
• Inspection points

Take practice tests:

• The DEQ website has sample questions
• Time yourself - you get 2 hours for basic, 3 for complex
• Most questions are scenario-based: “A 4-bedroom home on sandy loam soil needs…”

Week 9: Taking the Exam and Getting Licensed

Before exam day:

• Create your DEQ account at deq.idaho.gov (do this 2 days before)
• Have your TGM and IDAPA printed and tabbed
• Clear your schedule for 3-4 hours
• Have payment ready ($100 for basic, $150 for complex)

Exam day process:

1. Log into DEQ portal by 9 AM (less server traffic)
2. Read each question twice (they love double negatives)
3. If unsure, mark and return (you can review before submitting)
4. Print your certificate immediately upon passing
5. Make 3 copies (you’ll need them)

Common exam questions you WILL see:

• Calculating drainfield size for a 4-bedroom home on Type B-1 soil
• Minimum separation distance from well to septic tank
• When is an engineer required for installation
• Maximum trench length for standard systems
• Requirements for installing in fill material

Week 10: Bonding and Insurance

You passed the exam. Congratulations. Now the expensive part.

Septic Installer Bond:

• Basic: $5,000 bond (costs $100-$250/year)
• Complex: $15,000 bond (costs $300-$750/year)
• Companies: Western Surety, RLI Surety, Old Republic

Factors affecting bond cost:

• Credit score (above 700 saves you money)
• Business experience
• Liquid assets
• Previous bonds

General Liability Insurance:

• Minimum $1 million coverage
• Costs $800-$2,000/year for new installers
• Must list “septic system installation” specifically
• Get quotes from 3 companies minimum

Pro tip: Bundle your bond and insurance with the same company for discounts.

Week 11: Final Documentation and License Issuance

Submit to your local health district:

1. Completed installer application
2. DEQ exam certificate
3. Bond documentation
4. Proof of insurance
5. License fee ($200-$300 depending on district)

Processing time: 5-10 business days

What you’ll receive:

• Physical installer license (carry this always)
• Installer number (needed for all permits)
• Your name added to the state installer database

Week 12: Equipment and Setup

Now you’re licensed. Time to actually work.

Minimum equipment needed (if subcontracting excavation):

• Transit/laser level ($400-$1,200)
• 100’ measuring tape ($40)
• Soil auger ($150)
• Shovel and hand tools ($200)
• Stakes and flagging ($50)
• First aid kit ($50)
• TGM in waterproof binder ($40)

If doing your own excavation (add):

• Mini excavator, 5-8 ton ($40,000 used, $70,000 new)
• Trailer for excavator ($5,000-$8,000)
• Truck capable of towing ($35,000-$60,000)
• Commercial vehicle insurance ($3,000-$5,000/year)

Most new installers subcontract excavation for the first year. Smart move. You make less per job but have minimal overhead.

Week 13: Getting Your First Jobs

Three ways new installers get work:

1. Subcontract to established installers

• Pay: $25-$35/hour starting
• You learn their systems and processes
• No marketing costs
• Steady work
• Build your reputation safely

2. Partner with excavation companies

• They dig, you design and manage installation
• Split profits 50/50 typically
• They already have customer flow
• You bring the license and expertise

3. Direct to homeowner

• Join local Facebook groups
• Craigslist ads (still works in rural Idaho)
• Door hangers in areas with older septic systems
• Partner with real estate agents (failed septic inspections = immediate work)

The Money: What You’ll Actually Make

Let’s talk real numbers. No BS.

As an Employee/Subcontractor:

Year 1: $45,000-$55,000

• Starting at $25-$30/hour
• Overtime during busy season (April-October)
• Possible bonuses for efficient installations

Year 2-3: $55,000-$70,000

• Rate increases to $30-$40/hour
• Running your own crews
• Performance bonuses

As a Business Owner:

Year 1: $40,000-$60,000

• 2-3 jobs per month starting
• Learning curve costs you efficiency
• Building reputation

Year 2: $70,000-$100,000

• 4-6 jobs per month
• Established relationships with excavators
• Repeat customers and referrals

Year 3-5: $100,000-$150,000

• 8-12 jobs per month
• Multiple crews possible
• Commercial work opportunities
• Maintenance contracts

The ceiling: I know three installers in the Treasure Valley clearing $250,000+. They run multiple crews, focus on complex commercial systems, and have maintenance contracts with 200+ properties.

Critical Mistakes That Will End Your Career

I’ve seen every way this can go wrong. Learn from other people’s mistakes:

Mistake #1: Not Understanding Soil Types

What happens: You install a system designed for sandy loam in clay soil.

Result: System fails within 2 years. You’re liable for replacement. Cost: $15,000-$25,000 plus lawsuits.

Prevention: When in doubt, bring in a soil scientist ($500 consultation vs $25,000 failure).

Mistake #2: Ignoring Seasonal High Water

What happens: You install in July when groundwater is low. Come March, the drainfield is underwater.

Result: Raw sewage surfacing in the yard. Health department violations. Emergency replacement.

Prevention: Look for mottling in soil (rust-colored spots). Check historical water tables. Install monitoring wells if unsure.

Mistake #3: Cutting Corners on Inspections

What happens: You cover the system before inspection to “save time.”

Result: $1,000-$5,000 fine. License suspension. Having to excavate and re-expose entire system.

Prevention: Schedule inspection 48 hours in advance. Never cover anything until inspector signs off.

Mistake #4: Using Wrong Materials

What happens: You use Schedule 35 pipe instead of Schedule 40 leaving the tank.

Result: Pipe crushes within a year. Sewage backup into home. Insurance claim denied (improper materials).

Prevention: Keep the approved materials list laminated in your truck.

Join Our Installation Team Looking for experienced installers or apprentices to join our crew. Competitive pay, ongoing training, and professional development opportunities. Apply now →

Mistake #5: Poor Business Practices

What happens: You don’t pull permits, don’t document installations, don’t maintain insurance.

Result: One lawsuit bankrupts you. Criminal charges possible. Lifetime ban from the industry.

Prevention: Every job gets a permit. Every installation gets photos. Every agreement goes in writing.

Advanced Certifications and Specializations

Once you’re established, consider these add-ons:

ETPS Certification (Extended Treatment Package Systems)

What it is: Certification to install and maintain advanced treatment units (aerobic systems)

Requirements:

• Manufacturer training (2-3 days, $500-$1,000)
• Pass manufacturer exam
• $15,000 additional bond
• Annual reporting requirements

Income boost: $20,000-$40,000/year from maintenance contracts

Pumper License

What it is: License to pump and transport septage

Requirements:

• Pumper truck ($40,000 used, $150,000 new)
• Pumper license ($500/year)
• Disposal site agreements

Income potential: $400-$600 per tank pumped, 3-5 tanks/day

Want to learn more about the pumping business? Read our Idaho septic pumper licensing guide for complete business setup information.

Inspector Certification

What it is: Certification to perform septic inspections for real estate transactions

Requirements:

• NEHA or similar certification ($500-$1,000)
• Liability insurance ($1,000/year additional)
• Marketing to real estate agents

Income boost: $300-$500 per inspection, 10-20/month possible

See professional inspection services in action: Check out our septic inspection offerings to understand what homeowners and real estate agents expect.

Building Your Business: Years 2-5

You’ve survived year one. Here’s how to scale:

Year 2: Systematize Everything

Create standard operating procedures for:

• Site evaluations
• Installation process
• Customer communication
• Inspection scheduling
• Documentation

Invest in:

• Project management software ($50-$100/month)
• Drone for site photos ($1,500)
• Marketing website ($2,000-$5,000)

Year 3: Build Your Team

First hire: Laborer/assistant ($18-$22/hour)

• Helps with installations
• Handles material runs
• Maintains equipment

Second hire: Apprentice installer

• Train them for basic license
• Pay for their bond
• Create non-compete agreement

Year 4-5: Diversify Services

Add complementary services:

• Septic inspections
• Maintenance contracts
• Repair services
• Drain field rejuvenation
• Portable toilet rentals (seriously, great ROI)

Regional Considerations: Where to Focus

Not all Idaho counties are created equal for septic installers.

Best Markets:

Kootenai County (Coeur d’Alene area)

• Massive growth
• Lots of lakefront properties needing complex systems
• Higher property values = bigger budgets
• Average system cost: $12,000-$20,000

Ada County (Boise area)

• Steady growth
• Mix of residential and commercial
• Competitive but plenty of work
• Average system cost: $8,000-$12,000

Valley County (McCall area)

• Vacation homes = complex systems
• Seasonal high water challenges
• Fewer installers, less competition
• Average system cost: $10,000-$25,000

Challenging Markets:

Rural Eastern Idaho

• Lower property values
• More DIY homeowners
• Longer drives between jobs
• Average system cost: $5,000-$8,000

The Technical Stuff You’ll Actually Use Daily

Forget the theory. Here’s what you’ll calculate every single day:

Drainfield Sizing Formula

Daily flow = Number of bedrooms × 150 gallons/day

4-bedroom home = 600 gallons/day

Required drainfield area = Daily flow ÷ Application rate

600 gallons ÷ 0.60 (sandy loam) = 1,000 square feet needed

Trench configuration:

• 4 trenches × 50 feet × 5 feet wide = 1,000 square feet
• OR 5 trenches × 40 feet × 5 feet wide = 1,000 square feet

Quick Soil Identification (The Hand Test)

Sandy: Feels gritty, won’t hold shape when squeezed

• Application rate: 0.75-1.20 gal/day/ft²

Loamy: Feels smooth, holds shape briefly, crumbles easily

• Application rate: 0.45-0.60 gal/day/ft²

Clay: Feels sticky, holds shape, ribbons when squeezed

• Application rate: 0.20-0.30 gal/day/ft²

The Three Measurements That Matter

1. Level: Maximum 1/4” fall per 10 feet in drainfield trenches 2. Separation: Minimum 6 feet between trenches, undisturbed soil 3. Cover: Minimum 6”, maximum 48” over distribution pipes

Working With Health Districts: The Politics Nobody Mentions

Every county health district has its own personality. Here’s what I’ve learned:

Central District Health (Ada, Boise, Elmore, Valley)

• Strictest interpretations
• Require engineered designs more often
• Best to over-document everything
• Inspectors: Professional but inflexible

Panhandle Health District (North Idaho)

• More flexibility with alternatives
• Faster permit processing
• Good relationship with installers
• Inspectors: Reasonable if you communicate

Eastern Idaho Public Health

• By-the-book approach
• Excellent technical support
• Longer permit wait times
• Inspectors: Thorough but helpful

Pro tip: Take donuts to the health district office once a month. Not a bribe - just relationship building. The person processing your permit is more likely to call you about a small issue instead of rejecting the application.

Learn about county-specific requirements: Each health district has unique processes. Check our guides for Ada County, Boise County, Valley County, and other counties to understand local variations.

When Things Go Wrong: Troubleshooting Guide

Because they will go wrong. Usually on a Friday at 4 PM.

Problem: Failed Perc Test

Solution: Don’t give up immediately. Options:

• Test different location on property
• Consider pressure distribution (works in tighter soils)
• Look into ETPS systems
• Engineer might save it with alternative design

Problem: Hit Groundwater at 3 Feet

Solution:

• Pump system to higher ground
• Sand mound (expensive but works)
• Holding tank (last resort)
• Connect to sewer if within 300 feet

Problem: Inspector Failed Your Installation

Common reasons and fixes:

• Not level: Re-grade with transit level
• Wrong materials: Replace immediately, document change
• Setback violation: Hope it’s minor, might need to relocate
• No permit: Pay fine, pull permit, pray for mercy

Problem: Customer Won’t Pay

Prevention:

• 50% deposit before starting
• Progress payments for large jobs
• Mechanics lien rights (learn these!)
• Clear contract with payment terms

The Seasonal Reality: Working in Idaho Weather

Nobody talks about this, but weather dictates everything.

March-May: Mud Season

• Sites often inaccessible
• Soil too wet for proper installation
• Focus on quotes and planning
• Income: 60% of summer months

June-September: Gold Rush

• 70-hour weeks common
• 2-3 installations per week possible
• Hire temporary help
• Income: Peak earning months

October-November: The Push

• Everyone wants installation before ground freezes
• Premium pricing accepted
• Long days, tired crews
• Income: 80% of summer months

December-February: Maintenance Season

• Frozen ground stops most installation
• Focus on repairs and pumping
• Plan and bid for next year
• Income: 30% of summer months

Financial planning: Bank 20% of summer earnings for winter months. Trust me on this.

Resources That Actually Matter

Websites:

• deq.idaho.gov - Everything official
• idahopublichealth.com - Installer lists and updates

Must-Have Books:

• Idaho TGM (free from DEQ, get physical copy)
• “Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems Manual” (EPA, free PDF)
• “Soil Survey of [Your County]” (USDA, crucial for soil maps)

Industry Connections:

• Idaho Onsite Wastewater Association (IOWA)
• National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association (NOWRA)

Suppliers You’ll Use:

• Ferguson Waterworks (tanks and supplies)
• HD Fowler (plumbing components)
• Infiltrator Systems (chambers and alternatives)

Your First 10 Installations: What to Expect

Installation #1: You’ll second-guess everything. Triple-check measurements. Take 3 days for a 1-day job.

Installation #3: You’ll forget to order something crucial. Hardware store run mid-installation.

Installation #5: First callback. Usually a minor issue. Customer panics. You fix it in 20 minutes.

Installation #7: You’ll bid too low. Lose money. Learn about hidden costs.

Installation #10: Starting to feel confident. Dangerous time - don’t get cocky.

The Long Game: Building a Reputation

In the septic business, your reputation is everything. One bad installation follows you for years. One great installation gets you three referrals.

How to build bulletproof reputation:

1. Answer your phone. Always.
2. Show up when you say you will
3. Explain everything to the customer
4. Take photos of everything
5. Follow up after installation
6. Handle problems immediately
7. Never badmouth competition
8. Become the educator, not just installer

Final Reality Check

Installing septic systems in Idaho is:

• Physically demanding (you’re digging 10-foot holes)
• Mentally challenging (soil science, regulations, engineering)
• Financially rewarding (if you do it right)
• Stable employment (everyone needs septic services)

It’s not for everyone. If you want a clean, climate-controlled office job, this isn’t it. If you want to build something real, help people solve critical problems, and make good money doing honest work - welcome to the industry.

Your Next Steps (Do These Today)

1. Download the TGM from deq.idaho.gov
2. Call your local health district for installer packet
3. Get three insurance quotes
4. Join the Idaho Onsite Wastewater Association Facebook group
5. Find one established installer and offer to buy them lunch

The path from zero to licensed installer is clear. The question isn’t whether you can do it - it’s whether you will.

I’ve been in this business 20+ years. I’ve seen every mistake, every shortcut, every success story. Follow this guide, and you’ll avoid the expensive lessons I learned the hard way.

Your new career is 90 days away. The only thing stopping you is starting.

Now get after it. The next septic system that fails in Idaho could be your first installation. Make it a good one.

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Ready to Launch Your Septic Installation Career?

Qube Septic & Excavation has been installing septic systems in the Treasure Valley for over 20 years. We’ve trained dozens of installers who’ve gone on to build successful businesses.

Want to see professional installations in action or need mentorship?

📞 Call (208) 656-5355 to discuss your installer training path

🌐 View our professional installation services to see industry standards

🔧 Explore all our services to understand the full scope of septic business opportunities

💧 Septic Pumping - Complementary service to add to your business

🏗️ Excavation Services - Essential equipment operation skills

We believe in raising the bar for Idaho’s septic industry. If you’re committed to doing quality work and serving homeowners professionally, we’re here to help guide your journey.

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Got questions? Come talk to us at Qube Septic & Excavation. We’ll show you our trucks, let you see actual installations in progress, and answer the questions you’re afraid to ask. Because that’s what this industry needs - more properly trained, professional installers who do it right the first time.