Get matched with top septic tank pros in Caruthers, CA

Q: How can I add or replenish good bacteria in my septic tank?

• <div><p>Your septic tank naturally contains the good bacteria it needs, so you typically don't have to add more as the system produces them on its own. However, if you wish to replenish the bacteria, you can use natural methods. For example, you can add three rotten tomatoes to your garbage disposal or flush 1/4 ounce of active yeast down the toilet every three months. While store-bought septic enzymes and chemicals are available, many additives are unnecessary and may even harm your system. The most effective way to maintain a healthy bacterial balance is to avoid using chemical drain cleaners, which can kill the beneficial bacteria in your tank.</p></div>

Q: Can you have a septic tank without a leach field?

• <div><p>While a traditional septic tank requires a leach field for wastewater disposal, it is possible to have a septic system without one. Some alternative systems, which are often used when there isn't enough space for a full-size leach field, include mound systems or sand filtration systems. In a conventional setup, the leach field is essential because it's where the wastewater goes after leaving the tank.</p></div>

Q: What is the best bacteria to add to a septic tank?

• <div><p>The best bacteria to add to a septic tank is anaerobic bacteria, which doesn't use oxygen to break down solid waste. Because there is less oxygen in a septic tank, anaerobic bacteria can decompose sludge in a sealed environment. On the other hand, aerobic bacteria need oxygen and are prevalent in the leach or drain field of a septic system.</p></div>

Q: Are septic tanks and cisterns interchangeable?

• <div><p>Cisterns can be used as septic tanks, but septic tanks can&rsquo;t be used as cisterns. This is because cisterns need to meet FDA standards for drinking water, but septic tanks aren&rsquo;t required to meet those standards since they are only used for wastewater.</p></div>

Q: Is septic smell harmful?

• <div><p>A septic smell may be harmful because <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/is-sewer-gas-dangerous.htm">sewer gas is dangerous</a> depending on the exposure amount and length of time. Sewer gas is made up of multiple gases, including hydrogen sulfide, methane, ammonia, and carbon dioxide. Some of these gases, like hydrogen sulfide and ammonia, are toxic to humans and can be fatal in high concentrations or long exposures.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Septic Tank Service pros in Caruthers, CA

*The Angi rating for Septic Tank Service companies in Caruthers, CA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Septic Tank Service needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Septic Tank Service companies in Caruthers, CA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Septic Tank Service needs.

Last update on April 09, 2025

Reviewed in April 2025
Service was great and he was very knowledgeable about how the water heater works. Would recommend this company to anyone. 10/10!
Kasner's Heating & Cooling
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Reviewed in July 2024
Chad and his crew did excellent work on install of new AC package unit. Highly recommended
POLAR AIR HEATING AND COOLING
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Reviewed in September 2023
They did an awesome job! They had great communication with us throughout the whole process and were quick and efficient. They installed a new sprinkler system and grass in my backyard. 10/10 would recommend
Signature Touch Landscaping
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Reviewed in May 2023
Had to replace well pump as well as had to have them go deeper for water access. When I called this business the owner answered on first attempt. He explained the process and he personally came out to our home to check out well. The following day he had his workers repair our problem and they...
Arsenal Well Drilling
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Reviewed in October 2022
Service tech knew what he was doing and cleared the clog 10ft into pipe and cleaned the work area after completed
Samountry Plumbing & Drain Service - Unlicensed Contractor
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Reviewed in July 2022
Quick response to replace a tankless water heater that went completely out and had to be replaced. The employees of Lees Plumbing were very professional. The only downside was the cost for replacement which ended up costing 5400.00
Lee's Air, Plumbing, & Heating
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Reviewed in September 2019
I thought the plumbing in my 2 toilet tanks needed to be replaced because they both continue to run. He only changed the flaps in both toilet tanks. Due to the fact that I have change these flaps before I thought the price was outrageous. I did not know you could charge a person that much money...
Lee's Air, Plumbing, & Heating
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Reviewed in July 2012
I live in the country with a septic tank for my sewer waste. Toilet and sinks backed up on a weekend when we had guests over for a party. Thankfully we have 2 systems, so we used the facilities in the back of the house. I called Sudden service on a Sunday. They returned my call quickly, Gave me...
Sudden Service
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Find Septic tank pros in Caruthers

ALF Plumbing

5.0(

)

Septic Tank - Clean or Pump OutSeptic System - Install or ReplaceSeptic System - Repair

Serving Caruthers, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2023

Credit card accepted

Offers commercial services

ALF PLUMBING is a locally owned and operated company that values honesty and integrity in all aspects of our business. Our dedicated team of professionals have years of hands-on experience, to provide innovative ideas and suggestions tailored to your projects. Our services are customized to your individual needs, paying close attention to the details of each project that we are involved with. Please feel free to contact us today!\n

1 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by80%of homeowners

Septic System - RepairSeptic System - Repair - For BusinessSeptic Tank - Clean or Pump Out - For Business

Serving Caruthers, CA and surrounding areas

In business since 2023

Emergency services offered

Warranties offered

+44

Response time3 hrs

Response rate99%

Recommended by57%of homeowners

Septic System - Install or ReplaceSeptic System - Install or Replace - For BusinessSeptic System - Repair+3 more

Serving Caruthers, CA and surrounding areas

In business since 2012

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Great work they took care of my plumbing issue in no time and at a fair price ."

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Septic System - Install or ReplaceSeptic System - Repair

Serving Caruthers, CA and surrounding areas

In business since 2025

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Jose Zuniga Plumbing is committed to excellence in every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty, and personal responsibility. Our distinction is the quality of service we bring to our customers. Accurate knowledge of our trade combined with ability is what makes us true professionals. Above all, we are watchful of our customers interests and make their concerns the basis of our business.\n

+29

Response time2 hrs

Response rate100%

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Doug Parks & Son Plumbing

4.2(

)

Septic System - Install or ReplaceSeptic System - Install or Replace - For BusinessSeptic System - Repair+3 more

Serving Caruthers, CA and surrounding areas

In business since 2010

Emergency services offered

Credit card accepted

I am a owner-operated plumbing business that does all phases of plumbing services and installation.

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Septic System - Install or ReplaceSeptic System - Install or Replace - For BusinessSeptic System - Repair+3 more

Serving Caruthers, CA and surrounding areas

In business since 2008

Emergency services offered

Credit card accepted

"Well. Only problem was delay in response time after claim was filed online. Water tank started leaking Thanksgiving morning and no reply until I called the Regional Manager."

Recommended by81%of homeowners

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Wilber Construction, Inc.

5.0(

)

Septic System - Install or ReplaceSeptic System - Install or Replace - For Business

Serving Caruthers, CA and surrounding areas

In business since 2003

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

Proudly based in Paso Robles, CA, Wilber Construction is a general engineering contractor offering a comprehensive range of services for both residential and commercial projects. Our core competencies include: Excavation, Earthwork, Underground, Utilties, Drainage and Concrete Construction. \nWilber Construction, Inc. is committed to excellence in every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty, and personal responsibility. Our distinction is the quality of service we bring to our customers. Accurate knowledge of our trade combined with ability is what makes us true professionals. Above all, we are watchful of our customers' interests, and make their concerns the basis of our business.\n

Response time2 days

Recommended by33%of homeowners

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American Home Shield – Home Warranty

3.5(

5,688

)

Septic System - Install or ReplaceSeptic System - Install or Replace - For BusinessSeptic System - Repair+3 more

Serving Caruthers, CA and surrounding areas

In business since 1971

Credit card accepted

"Takes for ever to get a return a call. Also took a week to get someone out for repairs. They said they would reimburse me for septic repairs and it took over 3 months for that to happen."

Recommended by65%of homeowners

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JVH Well & Septic, Inc.

3.5(

)

Septic System - Install or ReplaceSeptic System - RepairSeptic System - Repair - For Business

Serving Caruthers, CA and surrounding areas

In business since 2022

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

JVH Well & Septic, INC is committed to excellence in every aspect of our\nbusiness. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty,\nand personal responsibility. Our distinction is the quality of service\nwe bring to our customers. Accurate knowledge of\nour trade combined with ability is what makes us true professionals.\nAbove all, we are watchful of our customers' interests and make their\nconcerns the basis of our business.

Response time2 hrs

Response rate89%

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Septic System - Install or ReplaceSeptic System - Install or Replace - For Business

Serving Caruthers, CA and surrounding areas

In business since 1991

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"THE COMPANY PROVIDED PROFESSIONAL WORK AT A FAIR PRICE. WOULD HIGHLY RECOMMEND ANY SEPTIC AND BACHOE WORK."

Response time8 hrs

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Showing 1-10 of 19

Septic Tanks questions, answered by experts

Your septic tank naturally contains the good bacteria it needs, so you typically don't have to add more as the system produces them on its own. However, if you wish to replenish the bacteria, you can use natural methods. For example, you can add three rotten tomatoes to your garbage disposal or flush 1/4 ounce of active yeast down the toilet every three months. While store-bought septic enzymes and chemicals are available, many additives are unnecessary and may even harm your system. The most effective way to maintain a healthy bacterial balance is to avoid using chemical drain cleaners, which can kill the beneficial bacteria in your tank.

While a traditional septic tank requires a leach field for wastewater disposal, it is possible to have a septic system without one. Some alternative systems, which are often used when there isn't enough space for a full-size leach field, include mound systems or sand filtration systems. In a conventional setup, the leach field is essential because it's where the wastewater goes after leaving the tank.

The best bacteria to add to a septic tank is anaerobic bacteria, which doesn't use oxygen to break down solid waste. Because there is less oxygen in a septic tank, anaerobic bacteria can decompose sludge in a sealed environment. On the other hand, aerobic bacteria need oxygen and are prevalent in the leach or drain field of a septic system.

Cisterns can be used as septic tanks, but septic tanks can’t be used as cisterns. This is because cisterns need to meet FDA standards for drinking water, but septic tanks aren’t required to meet those standards since they are only used for wastewater.

A septic smell may be harmful because sewer gas is dangerous depending on the exposure amount and length of time. Sewer gas is made up of multiple gases, including hydrogen sulfide, methane, ammonia, and carbon dioxide. Some of these gases, like hydrogen sulfide and ammonia, are toxic to humans and can be fatal in high concentrations or long exposures.

The Caruthers, CA homeowners’ guide to septic tank services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

See all articles

Melissa Graham
•
Aug 3, 2026Aug 3, 2026
How Much Does It Cost to Locate a Septic Tank? [2026 Data]
If it’s been there for a while, it can be hard to find the septic tank in your yard. Learn how much it costs to locate a septic tank with this guide.
D.P. Taylor
•
Jul 15, 2026Jul 15, 2026
Crank Up Your Understanding of Septic Tank Volume
It’s crucial to install a septic tank with the right volume to avoid wastewater backups. This guide will help you calculate the right septic tank volume.
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•
Jul 10, 2026Jul 10, 2026
What’s the Right Septic Tank Size for Me?
Septic tank sizes vary depending on the size of your home, how many people live there, how much water you use, and more. Read on to learn how to determine the right size for you.
Taylor Freitas
•
Jul 9, 2026Jul 9, 2026
Are Septic Tanks Bad? Pros and Cons to Consider Before Moving Into a House With a Septic System
If you’ve never lived in a house with a septic system before, you might be wondering: Are septic tanks bad? Here are some of the pros and cons.
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•
Jul 9, 2026Jul 9, 2026
How to Build a Small Septic Tank for a Rural Property
Want to learn how to build a septic tank for your rural or off-grid property? First, check your local laws, then dive into these general guidelines.
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•
Jul 8, 2026Jul 8, 2026
How Deep Is a Septic Tank and Why Is It Buried in the First Place?
How deep is a septic tank, and why is it buried? Learn where to place your own septic system as well as how to maintain it and how much it costs.