Aerobic systems use surface spray heads (sprinklers) to distribute treated wastewater. Over time, property changes, landscaping, drainage issues, or updated regulations may require those spray heads to be relocated or rerouted.

Van Delden specializes in aerobic spray head relocation, sprinkler rerouting, and distribution system modifications—all completed in compliance with TCEQ regulations and local setback requirements.

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Why Spray Head Relocation Is Needed

Important Compliance Note

Anytime a spray head is capped, removed, or relocated, the aerobic system’s distribution design may no longer match its original approval. In these situations, spray head relocation, rerouting, or redesign is often required to comply with TCEQ regulations and prevent uneven distribution, overspray, or system violations.

Common Reasons for Spray Head Relocation

Reason	Description
Property Additions	Home additions, patios, pools, or garages interfere with spray coverage.
Setback Violations	Existing spray heads no longer meet current TCEQ setback requirements.
Drainage or Ponding Issues	Sprinklers oversaturating areas or creating runoff.
Landscaping Changes	Fencing or grading blocking proper spray dispersal.
Overspray Concerns	Wastewater spray reaching driveways, sidewalks, or neighboring properties.
Capped Spray Heads	Anytime a spray head is capped or removed, the system must be evaluated and often rerouted to remain compliant.
Moved Spray Heads	Anytime a spray head is moved, the distribution layout must meet current setback and spacing requirements.
System Upgrades or Repairs	Rerouting required due to system repairs or redesign.

What Spray Head Relocation Involves

It often requires design review, regulatory compliance, and permitting—especially when spray heads are capped, moved, or removed. Van Delden handles the entire process from evaluation through final testing, ensuring your system is both working and compliant.

Typical Scope of Work

Service Component	What We Do
Site & System Evaluation	Evaluate the property, existing aerobic system layout, spray areas, and setback requirements.
System Design Review or Redesign	Design or redesign the spray distribution layout to meet current TCEQ regulations.
Permitting	Prepare and submit required permitting or documentation for system modifications.
Spray Head Relocation	Relocate spray heads to approved, compliant locations.
Compliance Verification	Verify the final installation meets applicable TCEQ and local requirements.
System Testing & Verification	Test system operation and confirm proper function after relocation.

Spray Head Relocation Pricing

Service Type	Starting Investment
Aerobic Spray Head Relocation	$2,500 – $5,000+

Pricing depends on:

Number of spray heads
Distance and complexity of rerouting
Soil conditions and landscaping
Setback requirements
Accessibility of existing distribution lines

All pricing assumes work within our normal service area. Special conditions or extended travel may affect pricing.

When Spray Head Relocation Is Not Possible

In some cases, a property does not have enough usable space to relocate spray heads while still meeting required setback distances.

When This Happens:

Small lots or heavily developed properties
Tight setback limitations
Drainage or runoff restrictions

Required Solution

Situation	Required Action
Insufficient room for spray heads	Convert distribution method to drip irrigation
Setback compliance not achievable	System redesign per TCEQ regulations

Under TCEQ rules, converting from spray distribution to subsurface drip irrigation may be required to remain compliant and operational.

We will clearly explain when a drip conversion is required and provide pricing and options before any work begins.

Spray Distribution vs. Drip Distribution

Feature	Spray Head Distribution	Drip Irrigation Distribution
Visibility	Above ground sprinklers	Subsurface tubing
Space Needed	Larger open areas	Works in tighter spaces
Overspray Risk	Yes	No
Setback Flexibility	Limited	Greater flexibility
Regulatory Use	Common on larger lots	Often required on smaller or restricted lots

Working vs. Compliant: An Important Difference

An aerobic system can be working properly and still be out of compliance.

When an aerobic system is serviced under a maintenance contract, the scope of that visit is typically limited to operational checks. This usually means a maintenance technician confirms that the system components—such as the aerator, pumps, alarms, and spray heads—are functioning and spraying. What this does NOT always include is a compliance review.

Spray Heads Checks: Maintenance vs. Compliance Evaluation

Item	Maintenance Provider	Compliance Evaluation
Verify system is running	✔	✔
Confirm spray heads activate	✔	✔
Evaluate setback distances	✖	✔
Verify spray head placement	✖	✔
Confirm system meets current TCEQ rules	✖	✔
Redesign or reroute distribution	✖	✔
Sign off on regulatory compliance	✖	✔

Why This Matters

Maintenance technicians are typically not licensed installers, site evaluators, or engineers, and their role is not to redesign or certify compliance of the spray field.

If spray heads have been:

capped
removed
moved
blocked
affected by property change

…the system may still operate, but the distribution layout may no longer meet TCEQ requirements.

Typically, only a licensed installer, site evaluator, or engineer can properly evaluate:

whether spray head locations are compliant
whether rerouting is required
or whether conversion to drip irrigation is necessary

Who Should Not Relocate Aerobic Spray Heads

Relocating or rerouting aerobic system spray heads is a regulated activity in Texas. This work affects system design, wastewater distribution, and public health, and should not be performed by unlicensed parties.

Unless the individual or company is properly licensed by the TCEQ and has obtained the required permitting and inspections, the following should not relocate, cap, remove, or reroute aerobic spray heads:

Homeowners
Plumbers
Irrigation companies
Landscapers
Pool companies
Handymen or general contractors

Why This Is Important

Even if the system appears to be working:

Improper spray head relocation can create setback violations
Distribution may no longer match the approved system design
The system may be out of compliance with TCEQ regulations
Property owners—not contractors—are often held responsible for violations

Spray head relocation typically requires:

Design review or redesign
Proper permitting
Installation by a TCEQ-licensed installer
Required inspections after installation

Why Choose Van Delden for Your Spray Relocation

Our Advantage	What It Means for You
TCEQ Licensed	Work performed correctly and legally
Aerobic System Specialists	We service aerobic systems daily
Regulatory Expertise	We understand setback and compliance rules
Fully Equipped Crews	No shortcuts or partial fixes
Clear Communication	You’ll know your options before work begins
Long-Standing Reputation	Servicing aerobic systems longer than most competitors