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Septic tanks are underground tanks used to treat wastewater from a home, dissolving and consuming waste. To keep a septic tank up and running correctly, it’s essential to pump and empty it at least once every 3 to 5 years and have regular septic tank cleanings so the waste can adequately degrade.
However, homeowners must find reliable septic tank services that clean their septic tanks thoroughly and efficiently. We evaluated the top septic tanks cleaning services by considering factors such as scheduling and availability, estimates and pricing, inspection and repairs, licensing, certifications, and insurance. Here are our choices for the best septic tank cleaning services on the market.
- BEST OVERALL: Mr. Rooter
- RUNNER-UP: Roto-Rooter
- ECO-FRIENDLY PICK: Wind River Environmental
What to Consider When Choosing One of the Best Septic Tank Cleaning Services
When choosing septic tank cleaners, homeowners should consider multiple factors, like availability, pricing, and licensing. When vetting potential services, keep the following in mind to make an informed decision.
Service Area
Homeowners must choose a septic tank cleaning service in their area to ensure convenience. Many services only operate within a given area, so a homeowner shouldn’t waste their time vetting the company’s services unless they know that their home is in a company’s service area.
Scheduling and Availability
There’s no sense in pursuing a service that doesn’t have the availability you need or is difficult to schedule. Before choosing a septic system service, a homeowner should check to see if the company can schedule a cleaning in a reasonable amount of time and not have to wait months for an appointment. Of course, a booked calendar might mean the service is reliable; however, putting off cleaning septic tanks can lead to negative consequences for a home’s plumbing system.
Additionally, scheduling should be a simple process, meaning a homeowner can call or go online and conveniently set up an appointment for cleaning. If it’s too difficult to get in touch with the company, they’re likely not a good option to pursue.
Estimates and Pricing
Homeowners should take the time to review and compare estimates and pricing with regards to the services each company provides. For instance, if one septic tank cleaning service is more affordable than another, make sure they don’t compromise in some other area of their business.
Homeowners should be sure to get an estimate from every company they’re vetting to make an informed and financially sound decision. Having a set budget when starting the vetting process can also be a great way to weed out expensive contenders. Keep in mind that some companies require scheduling an in-home estimate before completing a septic tank cleaning. Pricing structures also vary by company and may be flat-rate or hourly.
Commercial vs. Residential Services
Some septic tank cleaning services are strictly commercial, while others offer residential services. Depending on your needs, you’ll want to make sure you hire the right service. For instance, a business owner might need a septic tank cleaning at their office building, while a homeowner, of course, would want to hire a residential cleaning service. Before spending time vetting potential contractors, be sure to know precisely what services they offer and the types of clients they serve.
Inspection and Repairs
Homeowners looking for septic tank cleaning may also want to schedule an inspection or may require repairs to their system. Often, septic tank cleaning services will offer these additional services to help homeowners keep up with septic tank maintenance to prevent premature wear-out. A service company should provide a service report that notes the repairs they complete as well as an assessment of the tank’s condition.
If a company cannot complete all necessary repairs on its own, it might recommend additional services or hiring a supplementary repair person as soon as possible.
Licensing, Certification, and Insurance
When hiring a septic tank cleaning service, it’s important to consider the credibility of the company and the professionals. For instance, homeowners should check for the proper licensing and certifications, which may vary by state. Failure to work with an experienced and qualified service provider can cost homeowners in the long run, damaging their septic tank and causing premature wear-out, as mentioned earlier. Additionally, homeowners should make sure the professionals they hire are covered by liability insurance.
Customer Support
Customer support is important in any business, especially for companies that offer vital services like septic tank cleaning. Having good customer support will ease clients’ minds when they’re experiencing issues, have questions or concerns that need to be addressed, or need to schedule a quick appointment.
A lack of customer support can ruin a homeowner’s experience, no matter how good the service itself might be. Homeowners should be sure they’re working with a company that’s reliable and easy to reach when necessary and in case of an emergency.
Additional Services
A septic tank pumping service will likely offer other services, like maintenance and repairs. Along with septic tank cleaning, plumbing is an especially attractive additional service many companies include. Using one company for all plumbing needs is ideal for most homeowners, as it kills two birds with one stone—and typically at a lower price.
Homeowners should always be on the lookout for two-in-one (or even three- or four-in-one) offerings to get the most bang for their buck. Trusting one company with multiple related services almost guarantees a thorough and convenient experience that covers all bases at one time.
Our Top Picks
The best septic tank cleaning services have expanded service areas, emergency service availability, multiple avenues of customer support, and additional services.
Best Overall
Mr. Rooter
- Service area: Nationwide
- Scheduling: Online, phone
- Emergency services: Yes
- Customer support: Email, phone
- Additional Services: Residential and commercial plumbing
Pros
- Up-front, flat-rate pricing
- 90-day labor guarantee
- No upcharge for weekend, holiday, or after-hours service
- Advantage Plan allows for priority scheduling and preferential pricing
Cons
- Some locations may not offer septic tank cleaning
Why It Made the Cut: Mr. Rooter’s flat-rate, consistent pricing and its 90-day labor guarantee moved it straight to the top of the pack. Mr. Rooter boasts easy, convenient scheduling (both online and over the phone) and offers up-front, flat-rate pricing (opposed to hourly service, which can rack up a bill if technicians aren’t efficient). The company offers both residential and commercial plumbing services, in addition to its septic tank cleaning services. While the company offers services nationwide, some locations may not provide septic tank cleaning. Mr. Rooter provides a 90-day labor guarantee, and there’s no upcharge for weekend, holiday, or after-hours service. The company also offers an Advantage Plan, which allows for priority scheduling and preferential pricing, and technicians are available for emergency services. Customer support can be reached over the phone or via email—whichever is more convenient for the customer.
Runner-Up
Roto-Rooter
- Service area: Nationwide
- Scheduling: Online, phone
- Emergency services: Yes
- Customer support: Email, phone
- Additional services: Residential and commercial plumbing
Pros
- Convenient, easy-to-use online scheduling system
- Educational information available on website for homeowners to better understand their plumbing system and needs
- Emergency technicians arrive within 2 hours
Cons
- Some locations may not offer septic tank cleaning
Why It Made the Cut: Roto-Rooter offers nationwide and quick emergency services. Roto-Rooter, a nationwide plumbing and water cleanup service, offers residential and commercial plumbing services, in addition to its septic tank cleaning services. However, septic tank cleaning is not available at all locations. The company also provides educational information on its website to help homeowners better understand their plumbing systems and needs. Its scheduling system is exceptionally user-friendly, but customers can still schedule appointments over the phone if they prefer. Roto-Rooter’s emergency response is especially reliable, with a technician arriving within 2 hours. Customer support is available over the phone or via email whenever needed.
Eco-Friendly Pick
Wind River Environmental
- Service area: East Coast
- Scheduling: Online, phone
- Emergency services: Yes
- Customer support: Email, phone
- Additional services: Residential, commercial, and municipal plumbing
Pros
- Focus on recycling waste to minimize environmental impact
- Septic tank installation, modifications, and upgrade services available
- Online account and mobile app make booking and managing services easy
Cons
- Locations limited to the East Coast
- Homeowners must create an account to schedule an appointment
Why It Made the Cut: Wind River Environmental focuses on recycling waste to minimize environmental impact. Wind River Environmental offers septic tank cleaning services along the East Coast with a mission to better the environment. In addition to its cleaning services, the company also provides septic tank installation, modifications, and upgrade services, as well as residential, commercial, and municipal plumbing. Scheduling can be done both over the phone or online (however, homeowners must create an account to schedule an appointment), and customer support is available via email or phone call. What sets Wind River Environmental apart from other septic tank cleaning services on the market is its focus on recycling waste to minimize environmental impact.
Our Verdict
We recommend both Mr. Rooter and Roto-Rooter as our two top picks for the best septic tank cleaning services because of their nationwide availability, convenient scheduling, additional services, great pricing options, and credibility. Wind River Environmental is also a worthwhile choice for homeowners located on the East Coast who care about their environmental impact.
How We Chose the Best Septic Tank Cleaning Services
Septic tank cleaning services are essential for homeowners and other property owners looking to keep up with their septic system. Neglecting septic tank maintenance can lead to many issues and expenses in the long haul, and using a reliable service is crucial.
To help property owners find the best services, we considered features like brand reputation, customer service, eco-friendliness, availability, licensing, certifications, insurance, and additional services. This list was curated and developed from extensive research and narrowed down to three top picks based on their efficiency, convenience, credibility, and service locations.
Before You Hire One of the Best Septic Tank Cleaning Services
Before hiring one of the top picks for best septic tank cleaning services, homeowners need to check whether a particular company is suitable for their property. For instance, some companies only offer septic tank cleaning in specific locations of the country.
A homeowner will want to ask a company basic questions, including how long the company has been in business and if the technicians are covered by the company’s liability insurance. A homeowner will also want to check if the quoted cost includes finding the tanks, exposing the lids, and dumping fees.
Cost of Hiring One of the Best Septic Tank Cleaning Services
On average, septic tank cleaning costs $409. For most homeowners, septic tank cleaning services typically range from $287 to $542. However, the bigger the tank, the higher the cost, with some septic tanks costing more than $1,000 to pump and clean. Since most pumps require cleaning and pumping every 3 to 5 years and inspections every 1 to 3 years, these costs are not as overwhelming as a regular annual expense would be.
The Advantages of Using One of the Best Septic Tank Cleaning Services
Septic tank cleaning isn’t glamorous, but it’s a necessary home maintenance task that keeps an essential system running smoothly. It’s also a task that no homeowner would want to DIY—not only is septic waste unpleasant, but it’s also dangerous, and improper exposure to even a small amount can cause serious illness. Septic tank cleaning takes far more skill than most would initially assume, and professionals have the skills and equipment necessary to complete the job safely. Septic systems have many moving parts, and one mistake can cause a lot of trouble for a house and the surrounding area. Some additional benefits of using a septic tank cleaning service include:
- Less mess and hassle, thanks to professional equipment
- Advice and information on how to best maintain a septic system
- Protecting a home, as an overfull tank can leak and compromise the soil’s integrity
- Healthier environment with less potential for harmful septic waste to escape the tank
FAQs
Maintaining a septic tank is crucial to avoid expensive issues or unsanitary conditions, and investing in a reliable cleaning service will help prevent such concerns. Here’s a list of frequently asked questions for homeowners or property owners looking to invest in a good septic tank cleaning service.
Q. How do I know if my septic tank is full?
If drains take longer than usual or there’s a foul smell or standing water around a septic tank, it is likely full.
Q. Do septic tank cleaning services offer septic tank inspection?
Yes, most septic cleaning and septic pumping services also offer septic tank inspection.
Q. How often should I clean my septic tank?
Septic tanks should be cleaned at least once every 3 years.
Q. Can I clean my septic tank on my own?
Professionals do not recommend that property owners clean their own septic tanks, as it could damage the tank if not done properly.
Q. What is the difference between septic tank cleaning and septic tank pumping?
Septic tank pumping involves removing liquids and floating solids, while cleaning involves removing all water and sludge from the tank.
Q. How much does a septic cleaning service cost?
The average cost for a septic cleaning service is $409, but it can range between $287 and $542.
Q. How do I clean sludge out of a septic tank?
There are many ways to clean sludge from a septic tank,, but it’s always recommended that a professional take care of septic tank cleaning.
Q. How do I unclog a septic tank myself?
It is not recommended to unclog a septic tank without professional help. Instead, consider hiring one of the top picks for the best septic tank cleaning services.
