Septic Tank Pumping & Cleaning in Raleigh, Durham & Surrounding Areas
4.9 stars on Google
Your local septic business for over 30 years.
Septic tank pumping and cleaning in Raleigh, Durham and surrounding areas. Call for same-day availability or 24/7 emergency septic service.
- 30+ years in business
- Licensed and insured
- Locally owned and operated
- Book routine pumping online
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Sewage backing up, or it’s after hours? Call us. Emergencies are phone only, so please call instead of booking online.
Request a quote
Four quick questions. We’ll call you back to go over the job and get you on the schedule.
Rather pick a time? Book online. Rather talk? Call (919) 872-2202.
What customers say
I needed my Septic Tank pumped today and A-1-Septic Tank Cleaning, came out today and did an excellent job. I loved that they were able to give same day service and they came when they said they would come. They were professional, proficient and great to work with. The prices were reasonable. I would highly recommend them.Leslie P. · Google review
Keith and Travis were both very knowledgeable and honest. They didn’t try to sell me any service or anything else I didn’t need. They went over and above explaining things to me about the system. I will definitely refer them to anyone needing septic services. Very happy customer!Lisa M. · Google review
Keith and his gang did us right and did a great job pumping the tanks, cleaning the filter, and putting new lids on the two tanks because they had been knocked loose and were too high above the grout. A1 Septic was a pleasant and very professional company to work with. BravoMichael P. · Google review
How it works
- Call, book online, or request a quote. Tell us your tank size or number of bedrooms, when it was last pumped, and if the lid is buried.
- Pick a time. We set a time that works for you, and you’ll get a heads-up at least 45 minutes before we arrive.
- We price it and pump it. We check your tank and give you the price before we start. Most pump-outs take 30 to 60 minutes.
What goes into your price
Every property is different, so pumping isn’t a flat-rate job. Four things set your price, and we’ll walk you through each one before we start.
1. How big your tank is
The bigger the tank, the more there is to pump out and haul away. Tank size usually goes by the number of bedrooms in the house.
Tell us the tank size or how many bedrooms you have when you call, so we come ready.
2. How easy the lid is to reach
Digging down a few inches to the lid is part of the job. A lid that’s buried deep, sits under a deck or patio, or can’t be found takes extra digging.
We’ll tell you before we dig. Add a riser and you won’t pay for digging again.
3. How long it’s been
A tank pumped on schedule empties fast. After years of waiting, the sludge on the bottom packs down hard and takes longer to break up and pump out.
The sooner you call, the simpler the visit.
4. Where the truck can park
Most homes are a short hose run from the driveway. Long runs, steep yards and tight gates add setup time.
Mention it when you call so we can plan for it.
Every pump-out includes
- Finding the tank and opening the lid
- Hauling to a licensed disposal site
- A note of your tank size, lid location and next due date
We go over your price with you on site before we do any work.
How often should you pump?
A rough guide by household and tank size. Not sure what size tank you have? Tell us how many bedrooms the house has.
| People in the home | 1,000 gal | 1,250 gal | 1,500 gal |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 5½ yrs | 7½ yrs | 9 yrs |
| 3 | 3½ yrs | 4½ yrs | 5½ yrs |
| 4 | 2½ yrs | 3 yrs | 4 yrs |
| 5 | 2 yrs | 2½ yrs | 3 yrs |
| 6 | 1½ yrs | 2 yrs | 2½ yrs |
A garbage disposal means sooner. Whatever your number, the EPA recommends having the system checked by a professional at least every 3 years.
Why pumping on schedule matters
When to call
Signs your tank needs pumping
- Slow drains in more than one room
- Toilets that gurgle or bubble
- A sewage smell near the tank or the drains
- A soggy patch, or bright green grass, over the tank or field
- Sewage backing up into the lowest drain
Time to pump if…
- You don’t know when it was last pumped
- You just bought the house
- More people live in the house than before
- It’s been 3 years or more
Where we pump septic tanks
We’re a local business pumping septic tanks in Raleigh, Durham and surrounding areas, including:
- Angier
- Apex
- Bunn
- Cary
- Clayton
- Creedmoor
- Dunn
- Durham
- Franklinton
- Fuquay-Varina
- Garner
- Holly Springs
- Knightdale
- Louisburg
- Morrisville
- Oxford
- Raleigh
- Wake Forest
- Wendell
- Willow Spring
- Youngsville
- Zebulon
Not on the list? Call anyway. If we can get a truck to you, we will.
Quick answers
How much does pumping cost, and does waiting longer cost more?
It depends on your tank size, how easy the lid is to reach, how long it’s been since the last pumping, and how far the truck has to park. That’s why we price each job on site instead of posting a number that won’t match. Waiting does cost more: packed-down sludge takes longer to pump, and solids that wash out of the tank can ruin a drain field, which costs far more to replace than a pumping.
Is septic pumping the same as septic cleaning?
We use both terms for routine septic tank pumping. If you have a backup or other symptoms, tell us when you call so we can discuss the right service.
How do I schedule and prepare for my visit?
For routine pumping, book online and pick a time, or call to check same-day availability. For emergency septic service, call us 24/7. We’ll send you a heads-up at least 45 minutes before we arrive. Please make sure we can reach the tank and any gate is unlocked. If sewage is backing up, don’t book online. Call (919) 872-2202.
What should I do if sewage is backing up right now?
Stop using water. No laundry, no dishwasher, no showers, and don’t flush. Keep kids and pets away from it, don’t pour drain cleaner or anything else down the drains, and call us, even after hours. Don’t book online.
How often should a septic tank be pumped?
Most homes need it every 3 to 5 years, the EPA’s rule of thumb. For a 1,000-gallon tank, plan on about every 2½ years for a family of four and every 1½ to 2 years for five or more. The chart above breaks it down by household and tank size. Smaller households can often go longer, and a garbage disposal means sooner.
How can I keep my system healthy between pumpings?
Keep wipes, grease and harsh chemicals out of the drains. They kill the bacteria that break down waste in the tank. Triangle clay drains slowly, so after heavy rain, spread out laundry and go easy on water for a day or two. If you notice slow drains or a sewage smell, call before it turns into a backup.
Should I pump before buying or selling a house?
It’s a good idea. If you’re buying, ask for the tank to be pumped before closing so you know what shape it’s in and when it was last emptied. If you’re selling, a recent pump-out answers the buyer’s first question.
It was just pumped and it’s still backing up. Why?
Then the tank probably isn’t the problem. The usual causes are a clogged outlet filter, a soaked or failing drain field, or a blocked line between the house and the tank. Bright green or soggy grass over the drain field is another sign the problem is past the tank. We can take a look while we’re there and tell you what you’re dealing with.
Get on the schedule with a local business
Call, book online, or send the form. All we need is your tank size, when it was last pumped, and whether the lid is buried.