Septic vs. Sewer in the Aubrey Area: What to Know

Not sure if that Aubrey home is on septic or city sewer? That single detail can affect your budget, timeline, and even your offer strategy. If you are buying or selling around Aubrey, you deserve clear answers before you sign. In this quick guide, you will learn how to tell what a property uses, what local rules say, what typical costs look like, and the smart steps to take during a transaction. Let’s dive in.

How Aubrey handles wastewater

Inside Aubrey city limits, the City of Aubrey Utilities provides water and sewer service and handles billing for water, sewer, and trash. You can confirm service and account questions on the City’s Utilities page. City of Aubrey Utilities

Many newer subdivisions accepted by the City are expected to be served by public systems under subdivision standards, which is why they typically have city sewer. You can review those requirements in the municipal code. Aubrey subdivision standards

In areas around Aubrey, some service is provided by regional providers such as Mustang Special Utility District. This is more common outside city limits and in nearby small towns. Mustang SUD overview

The bottom line: properties inside the city or in recently platted communities usually have public sewer, while homes on larger rural lots in unincorporated Denton County are more likely on septic.

Septic vs. sewer: key differences

What each system is

• Public sewer: Your home’s wastewater flows through a lateral to a city or district main. The city handles treatment and ongoing system maintenance. City sewer service overview
• Septic (on-site sewage facility): Wastewater is treated on your property in a permitted system regulated by Denton County under state rules.

Pros and cons in Aubrey

• Septic pros: No monthly sewer bill, works well on rural lots. With regular care, it can be cost effective. Septic basics and maintenance
• Septic cons: Requires pumping and maintenance, and failures can be expensive to fix and may complicate a sale.
• Public sewer pros: Lower homeowner maintenance burden and typically preferred by many buyers. City sewer service overview
• Public sewer cons: One-time connection fees and private lateral costs to connect, plus monthly sewer charges. Some ordinances require connection when a main becomes available. Aubrey fees and rates Mandatory connection rules

Permits and rules you should know

Inside Aubrey city limits

Aubrey regulates sewer connections, connection fees, and monthly billing through its code. If a public sewer line is available at your property, you may be required to connect under local ordinance. Check the municipal code for fee schedules and any mandatory hookup requirements, and confirm current amounts with the City Utilities office. Aubrey fees and rates Mandatory connection rules

Unincorporated Denton County

If a property is outside city limits and not served by sewer, Denton County Environmental Health administers permits and inspections for on-site sewage facilities. New installations, replacements, and many repairs need county approval. You can verify permit status and records with the county. Denton County Environmental Health

What it can cost

Connecting to city sewer

Aubrey publishes tap and connection fees in its municipal code, which cover the city’s portion of the connection. Private costs, such as trenching your lateral from the home to the main, decommissioning an old tank, and possible pumps, are additional. Nationally, many residential conversions range roughly 6,000 to 18,000 dollars, depending on distance to the main, site conditions, and restoration. Get a local estimate for accuracy. Cost to connect overview Aubrey fees and rates

Installing or replacing septic

System type and soils drive price. National references often show about 5,000 to 20,000 plus, with simple gravity systems on the lower end and aerobic or complex designs on the higher end. Local soil testing and permit fees are extra. Septic system cost ranges

Ongoing costs and maintenance

• Septic: Plan for pumping every 3 to 5 years on average, plus inspections and occasional repairs. Typical pumping visits often run a few hundred dollars, and annual routine costs can vary. Proper maintenance helps avoid costly failures. Septic care guidance
• Public sewer: Expect a monthly sewer bill based on use and any fixed city charges. Rates and tiers are published by the city. Aubrey fees and rates

What to check during a sale

For buyers

• Ask for the Texas Seller’s Disclosure Notice and any septic documents such as permits, pumping receipts, and maintenance records. Seller disclosure rules
• Confirm with City of Aubrey Utilities if the address is on city sewer and whether any connection fees or rules apply. City of Aubrey Utilities
• If septic is present, pull OSSF records with Denton County Environmental Health to verify permits and inspections. Denton County Environmental Health
• Order a professional septic inspection and get a written report. Add quotes for any repairs, replacement, or conversion to sewer to your contingency planning. Cost to connect overview

For sellers

• Complete the Seller’s Disclosure Notice fully, and share any septic paperwork or aerobic maintenance contracts you have. Seller disclosure rules
• If public sewer is nearby, contact the City to confirm connection requirements and current tap fees so you can present accurate info to buyers. Aubrey fees and rates
• Consider a current septic inspection or recent pumping receipt. Buyers value documentation and it helps minimize surprises during option periods. Septic care guidance

Common pitfalls to avoid

• Assuming a property has city sewer because the area is growing. Always confirm service with the City or utility provider.
• Discovering septic late in the process. Verify disclosure and county records early to avoid delays and renegotiations.
• Overlooking mandatory connection rules. If a main becomes available, you may be required to connect within a set time frame. Mandatory connection rules
• Underestimating site factors. Long lateral runs, hardscaping, and pumps can raise connection costs.

Who to call locally

• City of Aubrey Utilities for sewer service and billing questions. City of Aubrey Utilities
• Denton County Environmental Health for septic permits and records. Denton County Environmental Health
• Mustang Special Utility District for regional service questions in nearby areas. Mustang SUD overview

Ready to make a move?

Whether you are comparing septic and sewer costs or preparing to list, you do not have to figure it out alone. For calm, clear guidance tailored to Aubrey and the northern suburbs, connect with Asha Rani.

FAQs

How do I quickly tell if a home in Aubrey is on septic or city sewer?

• Check the Texas Seller’s Disclosure Notice, then confirm with City of Aubrey Utilities and, if needed, Denton County Environmental Health for septic records.

Who regulates septic systems around Aubrey and in Denton County?

• Denton County Environmental Health permits and inspects on-site systems in unincorporated areas under state rules, and the City regulates sewer connections inside city limits.

What are typical costs to connect from septic to public sewer near Aubrey?

• Nationally many projects fall around 6,000 to 18,000 dollars plus any city tap fees, based on distance, site conditions, and restoration needs.

How often should a septic tank be pumped for homes near Aubrey?

• Many households pump every 3 to 5 years on average, with timing based on tank size and usage, plus routine inspections to prevent failures.

Can Aubrey require me to connect to the sewer if a main becomes available?

• Yes, local ordinances can require connection when service is accessible, and you should check the city code and confirm details with City Utilities.