Do you need a permit to pump a septic tank?
No. A routine pump-out is licensed hauling, not a county construction permit.
When you need a permit
A county permit and inspection are for new systems, significant repairs, and modifications. That is county work. We do not invent wait times or fees — those live on the health department site for your address.
A routine pump-out is not that permit. Pumping and hauling has to be done by a licensed private sewage disposal pumping contractor. Ours is License #055-044513.
Main line and real-estate inspections are quoted on site. Kane County Health Department does not perform home-sale or mortgage septic inspections — that is a separate service.
County health departments
Pick the county for the property, not the mailing city.
Kane County Health Department
A county permit is required for a new or repaired system, and the work has to be done by a licensed contractor.
DuPage County Health Department
New installs, significant repairs and modifications need a county permit and inspection before work starts.
Will County Health Department
The county's private sewage program permits and inspects new and repaired systems.
Cook County Department of Public Health
Septic work in unincorporated and non-sewered areas is permitted and inspected by the county.
Cook County Department of Public Health private sewage program
Kendall County Health Department
The county permits and inspects construction and repair of onsite wastewater systems.
Statewide rules: Illinois Administrative Code Title 77 Part 905, Private Sewage Disposal Code.
Common questions
Do I need a permit to pump my septic tank?
No. A pump-out is licensed hauling. The county permit is for a new system or a significant repair.
Who issues septic permits in the Chicago suburbs?
Illinois writes the Private Sewage Disposal Code (Title 77 Part 905). The county health department issues the permit and inspects the work for the address. Ability is based in Batavia (Kane County) and works across DuPage, Kane, Will, Cook, and Kendall.
Does the health department inspect for a home sale?
Kane County Health Department says it does not conduct septic inspections for home-sale or mortgage transactions. A sale inspection is a separate service. Tell us the closing date when you call.