NAICS 562991 Quarterly Industry Report
Septic Tank and Related Services
Comprehensive industry research for valuation professionals, business owners, buyers, and lenders
NAICS Code: 562991Sector: Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services (56)Updated: Q1 2026
About This Report
This industry profile for Septic Tank and Related Services (NAICS 562991) draws on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics[6], U.S. Census Bureau, and SBA size standards database[7]. Published by Fair Market Value and updated quarterly, it provides valuation professionals, sanitation industry analysts, and business brokers with current market data. The editorial analysis reflects the independent assessment of FairMarketValue.com's research team, with all quantitative claims sourced to publicly verifiable databases.
Industry Snapshot
Key metrics for the septic tank and related services industry.
Share of Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services
0.9%
By establishment count, 2022 Census[2]
NAICS Sector
56
Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services
Industry Definition & Overview
Septic Tank and Related Services (NAICS 562991) encompasses establishments primarily engaged in pumping and cleaning septic tanks and cesspools, and renting or servicing portable toilets per the U.S. Census Bureau[5]. This classification covers residential and commercial septic system maintenance, portable restroom delivery and servicing for construction sites and outdoor events, grease trap pumping for restaurants, and holding tank disposal for recreational vehicles and marine vessels.
About 3,748 establishments employ roughly 29,628 workers nationally per the Bureau of Labor Statistics[6]. The industry generated approximately $6.7 billion in total revenue, with portable toilet rental representing a fast-growing segment driven by construction activity and outdoor event demand. United Site Services, PolyJohn Enterprises, and Satellite Industries rank among the largest operators, though thousands of owner-operated firms serve local markets with vacuum truck fleets of one to five vehicles. The business model combines recurring residential pumping schedules with project-based portable toilet rental contracts.
Per the SBA Table of Size Standards[7], the size standard is $9.0 million in average annual receipts. State health departments regulate septic system maintenance intervals and portable toilet servicing standards, with requirements varying across jurisdictions. About 20 percent of U.S. households rely on septic systems rather than municipal sewer connections, creating a stable residential customer base. Construction site sanitation requirements under OSHA mandate portable toilet availability based on worker count, guaranteeing demand wherever building activity occurs. Septage disposal at municipal wastewater treatment plants or approved land application sites represents a regulated step in the service chain.
What's Included in This Industry
- Septic tank pumping and cleaning
- Cesspool pumping and maintenance
- Portable toilet rental and delivery
- Portable restroom servicing and cleaning
- Grease trap pumping for commercial kitchens
- Holding tank disposal services
- Septic system inspection and evaluation
- Event sanitation and restroom trailer rental
- RV and marine waste pump-out services
- Septage transport and disposal
NAICS Classification Hierarchy
| Level | Description | Code |
|---|---|---|
| Sector | Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services | 56 |
| Subsector | Waste Management and Remediation Services | 562 |
| Industry Group | Remediation and Other Waste Management Services | 5629 |
| NAICS Industry | All Other Waste Management Services | 56299 |
| National Industry | Septic Tank and Related Services | 562991 |
Related NAICS Codes
| Code | Description | Relationship |
|---|---|---|
| 562998 | All Other Miscellaneous Waste Management Services | All Other Miscellaneous Waste Management includes sewer and catch basin cleaning services that overlap with liquid waste handling, though septic services focus specifically on onsite wastewater systems |
| 562111 | Solid Waste Collection | Solid Waste Collection handles municipal garbage on scheduled routes while septic services manage liquid waste from onsite systems using vacuum trucks on appointment-based schedules |
| 562219 | Other Nonhazardous Waste Treatment and Disposal | Other Nonhazardous Waste Treatment processes organic waste through composting and digestion methods, with some facilities accepting septage as a feedstock for anaerobic treatment |
| 541620 | Environmental Consulting Services | Environmental Consulting Services perform septic system evaluations during real estate transactions and design replacement systems when existing onsite wastewater treatment fails inspection |
| 221320 | Sewage Treatment Facilities | Sewage Treatment Facilities accept septage for processing at municipal wastewater plants, representing the primary disposal destination for pumped septic tank contents |
Geographic Concentration
Top states by share of national establishments.
| # | State | % Est. | Total Est. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Texas | 8.5% | 340 |
| 2 | California | 6.9% | 276 |
| 3 | Florida | 6.2% | 249 |
| 4 | New York | 4.8% | 194 |
| 5 | Pennsylvania | 4.1% | 165 |
| 6 | Wisconsin | 4.0% | 159 |
| 7 | North Carolina | 3.6% | 143 |
| 8 | Washington | 3.3% | 130 |
| 9 | Massachusetts | 3.0% | 119 |
| 10 | Georgia | 2.9% | 116 |
% Of Establishments
0%
9%
Source: County Business Patterns, U.S. Census Bureau[3]
SBA Lending Summary
528
Total SBA Loans
$194.4M
Total Loan Volume
$368K
Average Loan Size
10 yrs
Average Loan Term
9.94%
Average Interest Rate
3,168
Jobs Supported
Source: SBA 7(a) Program Data, U.S. Small Business Administration — FY 2025[4]
Key Insight: Per the SBA Table of Size Standards[7], Septic Tank and Related Services (NAICS 562991) has a size standard of $9.0 million in average annual receipts for federal contracting purposes. SBA 7(a) loans[8] support vacuum truck acquisition, portable toilet inventory, and working capital for qualifying firms. The combination of recurring residential pumping and project-based construction rental creates diverse revenue streams that support loan repayment capacity. Additionally, 504/CDC loans[9] provide long-term, fixed-rate financing for major fixed assets such as real estate and equipment.
Top SBA Lenders
| # | Lender | Loans | Volume | Avg Loan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Celtic Bank Corporation | 8 | $19.5M | $2.4M |
| 2 | 22nd State Bank, A Division of 22nd State Banking Company | 8 | $18.3M | $2.3M |
| 3 | PNC Bank, National Association | 8 | $12.6M | $1.6M |
| 4 | Newtek Bank, National Association | 32 | $12.0M | $375K |
| 5 | FWBank | 8 | $11.4M | $1.4M |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this industry.
What types of businesses provide septic tank services?
Firms range from single-truck owner-operators to national companies like United Site Services and Satellite Industries. About 3,748 establishments employ roughly 29,628 workers per the U.S. Census Bureau[5]. Business models combine residential septic pumping with commercial portable toilet rental.
How often do septic tanks need pumping?
Most residential septic tanks require pumping every three to five years depending on household size and tank capacity per the Bureau of Labor Statistics[6]. Commercial grease traps need more frequent service, often monthly or quarterly based on restaurant volume and local health department requirements.
What is the SBA size standard for Septic Tank Services?
Per the SBA Table of Size Standards[7], NAICS 562991 has a size standard of $9.0 million in average annual receipts. This determines eligibility for SBA loans, federal contracting set-asides, and small business programs.
What NAICS codes are related to septic tank services?
Related codes include NAICS 238910 (Site Preparation), NAICS 562998 (Other Waste Management), NAICS 562111 (Solid Waste Collection), NAICS 541620 (Environmental Consulting), and NAICS 221320 (Sewage Treatment) per the U.S. Census Bureau[5].
What drives demand for portable toilet rental?
Construction site OSHA requirements, outdoor concerts and festivals, sporting events, disaster response, and agricultural operations all create demand. Portable restroom rental grows alongside construction spending and the live events industry.
What activities are included in NAICS 562991?
Core activities include septic pumping, cesspool cleaning, portable toilet rental and servicing, grease trap pumping, holding tank disposal, septic inspection, event sanitation, RV pump-out, and septage transport per the U.S. Census Bureau[5].
Can septic tank businesses get SBA loans?
Yes, firms meeting the $9.0 million size standard qualify for SBA 7(a) loans[8] covering vacuum trucks, portable toilet inventory, and working capital. The recurring revenue from residential pumping schedules supports predictable loan repayment.
How is septage disposed of after pumping?
Vacuum trucks transport septage to municipal wastewater treatment plants or approved land application sites per the Bureau of Labor Statistics[6]. Disposal fees vary by treatment plant, and some facilities restrict acceptance during high-flow periods or charge premium rates for high-strength commercial septage.
Sources & References
Government datasets and editorial sources used in this report.
- [1]U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages bls.gov
- [2]U.S. Census Bureau, Economic Census census.gov
- [3]U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns census.gov
- [4]U.S. Small Business Administration, SBA 7(a) Loan Program Data data.sba.gov
- [5]U.S. Census Bureau census.gov
- [6]Bureau of Labor Statistics bls.gov
- [7]SBA Table of Size Standards sba.gov
- [8]SBA 7(a) loans sba.gov
- [9]504/CDC loans sba.gov
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