Thinking about building near Aynor where there is no public water or sewer? When your home will rely on a private well and a septic system, smart planning up front saves time, money, and stress. You want a smooth path from soil tests to final approvals so you can focus on your build. In this guide, you’ll learn who to call, which permits you need, what to expect for costs and timelines, and how to care for your systems after move‑in. Let’s dive in.
Start smart before you buy
If a lot might need a private well and septic, start with state guidance and local checks. South Carolina’s environmental authority, SCDES, outlines what to review in its homeowner resources, including “Before You Buy Land” tips and permit steps. See the SCDES overview for homeowners and builders in the onsite wastewater program to understand the process and requirements.
- Review SCDES’s homeowner resources for septic permits, site evaluations, and ePermitting steps. You can start with the SCDES homeowner resources page.
- Confirm water and sewer availability. If public sewer is feasible, your approach may change.
- Identify whether the parcel sits inside the Town of Aynor or unincorporated Horry County, since local building permits and inspections will differ.
- If the property is low lying or near ponds or swales, budget for engineered alternatives.
You will also need a private well plan if there is no public water. SCDES provides guidance on private wells, permitting considerations, and water quality testing on its page for private drinking water wells.
Site and soil basics around Aynor
Aynor sits in the Coastal Plain, where soils can shift quickly from well‑drained sands to wetter, lower pockets. Many parcels support conventional drainfields, but some require engineered alternatives. The official Horry County soil survey offers helpful context, yet SCDES still requires site‑specific soil pits.
Two factors drive design most: soil conditions and the seasonal high water table. South Carolina’s onsite wastewater rules require a minimum vertical separation between the drainfield bottom and the seasonal high water table or restrictive layers. The exact distances vary by system type, which is why your Professional Soil Classifier’s report and the state septic regulation R.61‑56 are so important.
Also check floodplains and wetlands. Lots in mapped flood zones or wetland areas face extra limits, and some locations may need elevation, grading, or engineered systems. Horry County enforces National Flood Insurance Program standards through local permitting, so floodplain rules and mapping context should be part of due diligence.
Permits and the right pros
For septic, SCDES issues your Permit to Construct and later the Approval to Operate after final inspection. Local building officials will not issue occupancy without that state Approval. You can review SCDES’s Approval to Operate instructions for timelines and submission details.
For wells, you will work with a licensed South Carolina well driller. You can verify credentials through the LLR Environmental Certification Board. SCDES’s private drinking water wells page explains permitting context and homeowner testing resources.
Who you will likely hire:
- Professional Soil Classifier for the soil and site evaluation
- Licensed septic system installer
- Licensed South Carolina well driller
- Registered Professional Engineer if an engineered septic design is required
Step‑by‑step timeline
- Preliminary checks, a few days to a week
- Review SCDES homeowner resources and local zoning. Confirm any public utility options.
- Soil and site evaluation, 1 to 4 weeks
- A PSC digs soil pits, identifies seasonal high water, and documents suitable areas for a drainfield.
- Septic permit application, several days to multiple weeks
- Submit the application with the soil report through SCDES ePermitting. Add time for engineered designs and SCDES workload.
- Well permitting and drilling, 1 to 3 weeks to schedule, a few days to complete
- Your licensed driller completes the well, installs the pump, and provides required reports.
- Installation and final inspection, days to a couple of weeks
- Install the septic system and request SCDES final inspection per Approval to Operate rules. Local building finals and occupancy follow state Approval.
The true “time to occupancy” is the longer of your local building cycle, the SCDES permit cycle, and contractor schedules.
Budget and cost drivers
Every site is different, but regional ranges can help you plan. For wells in the Grand Strand area, many homeowners see totals in the mid‑thousands, with depth and geology as the big swing factors. Review a regional explainer on the cost of drilling a water well for typical ranges and what drives them.
For septic systems, conventional installations often land in a wide band depending on tank type, drainfield size, and site prep. In tighter soils or wetter areas, engineered systems can cost significantly more. See local cost ranges for the Conway area for a ballpark view, then get written quotes for your parcel.
What most affects cost:
- Well depth to a reliable aquifer, pump and casing needs, and rig access
- Soil permeability, seasonal high water table, and whether an engineered system is required
- Permit fees, engineering, and any access or road improvements required by local codes
After installation: care and records
Septic systems need regular care to protect your home and water quality. The EPA recommends inspecting your tank every 1 to 3 years and pumping typical residential tanks every 3 to 5 years. You can follow the EPA septic system care guide for maintenance tips and what not to flush.
For private wells, plan to test your water at least once a year for bacteria and nitrates, and any time the well is serviced or flooded. SCDES’s private drinking water wells page outlines homeowner testing options and programs. Keep a binder with your permits, Approval to Operate, soil report, system diagram, and pumping and test records. These documents are valuable for future maintenance and when you sell.
Quick buyer checklist
- Pull SCDES homeowner resources and confirm the permit path
- Hire a PSC for a soil and site evaluation
- Confirm floodplain or wetland status and any local access standards
- Plan well and septic separation distances and layout with your pros
- Verify licenses for your well driller and septic installer
- Build a realistic timeline, including SCDES review and final inspection
- Set your budget with contingencies for engineered solutions
Ready to talk through a specific lot near Aynor or map out next steps with local pros and permits? Reach out to Larisa Esmat for neighborhood‑level guidance and a clear plan from due diligence to closing.
FAQs
Who approves my septic system in South Carolina?
- SCDES issues the septic Permit to Construct and the Approval to Operate after final inspection. Local building officials rely on that state approval before granting occupancy. You can review SCDES homeowner resources for the full process.
What are the key septic setbacks from wells in South Carolina?
- Minimum separation distances are set in state regulation and depend on the system type. Your soil evaluation and design will confirm what applies to your lot. See the state septic regulation R.61‑56 for details.
How do I verify my well driller is licensed in South Carolina?
- Search the LLR Environmental Certification Board to confirm active licensure and credentials before you hire.
How often should I test my private well near Aynor?
- Test at least once a year for bacteria and nitrates, and after flooding or well service. SCDES outlines homeowner testing resources on its private drinking water wells page.
What are common reasons a lot is not buildable on septic and well?
- Frequent issues include a shallow seasonal high water table in the drainfield area, inadequate separation distances, limited space for required buffers, mapped floodplain or wetland constraints, or local access standards that affect building permits. A PSC soil study and early code checks will flag these risks.
