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Avatar for Vertex Construction Services
Vertex Construction Services
5.0(
11
)
Septic System - Install or ReplaceSeptic System - Install or Replace - For Business

Serving Ames, IA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2010

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

Locally owned and operated company right here in the state of Iowa. We do take care of any excavation or grading needs a homeowner might need. With 20 years of experience in the industry, we offer a fair and competitive price and we are always available to answer any questions.

Grading
Grading
Grading
Grading
Sidewalk backfill

+13

Response time12 hrs
Response rate100%
24 neighbors recently requested a quote
Stoakes Septic Service, LLC
5.0(
6
)
Septic System - Install or ReplaceSeptic System - Install or Replace - For BusinessSeptic System - Repair+1 more

Serving Ames, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 2020

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

"Jessy absolutely knows the septic business! My project was particularly difficult, but Jessy made all the right decisions and actually took some extra time to help me move. Heâ s a doer and did all the work himself!"
Response time4 hrs
Recommended by100%of homeowners
H&H DIESEL SERVICES OF IOWA L.L.C.
5.0(
5
)
Septic System - Install or ReplaceSeptic System - Install or Replace - For Business

Serving Ames, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 2018

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

We pride our company on reliability, great communication, integrity, and quality work. We are experts in our trade and will do our best to keep you as educated as we can on your particular task or project. We look forward to earning your business! Book with us online or feel free to give us a call today!

Response time10 hrs
Recommended by100%of homeowners
Avatar for Golden Rule Plumbing Heating & Cooling Inc
Golden Rule Plumbing Heating & Cooling Inc
3.9(
112
)
Septic System - Install or ReplaceSeptic System - Install or Replace - For BusinessSeptic System - Repair+3 more

Serving Ames, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 1999

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Ryan was very helpful setting up a Saturday appointment for me. Joe, the service plummer was there within an hour after my initial call. Joe was very professional and helpful. Joe went over all the costs up front. We initially thought we were able to unclog a toilet but later found that the object (deoderant container) was moved, but still lodged in the trap of the toilet. Joe came back on Monday morning and we had no choice but to replace the toilet. Joe went over the options and replaced it that morning. Again....he was very professional and did an amazing job."
Recommended by72%of homeowners
Avatar for American Plumbing and Excavating, LLC
American Plumbing and Excavating, LLC
5.0(
2
)
Septic System - Install or ReplaceSeptic System - Install or Replace - For BusinessSeptic System - Repair+1 more

Serving Ames, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 2022

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

We take great pride our experience, expertise, quality, and customer service that we provide to meet the consumer's needs. It is our mission to provide excellent workmanship and complete customer satisfaction, from the start to the completion of a project. order to understand the needs and expectations of our customers, we take great care to work and communicate with every customer a professional manner. Our reputation is based on service, safety, and quality, regardless of how large or small the job.

Response time1 day
Recommended by50%of homeowners
Karr Septic Services
5.0(
1
)
Septic Tank - Clean or Pump OutSeptic Tank - Clean or Pump Out - For Business

Serving Ames, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 2005

Credit card accepted

Karr Septic Services 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

Recommended by100%of homeowners
Avatar for American Home Shield – Home Warranty
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 Ames, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 1971

Credit card accepted

"I just pay $75 you never know who's going to come out. They do everything electrical. Just about everything is covered except the septic tank. I had an air conditioner replaced. It went great, all I had to do was pay for the freon. He didn't charge e more than what was needed."
Additional Photos
Additional Photos
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Additional Photos
Additional Photos

+2

Recommended by65%of homeowners
NC Contracting
5.0(
1
)
Septic System - Install or ReplaceSeptic System - Install or Replace - For BusinessSeptic System - Repair+1 more

Serving Ames, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 1989

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

Here at NC Contracting we are a fully licensed and insured contracting company working with residential and commercial properties. No job is too large or small for us and we pride ourselves on our professionalism and skillset. Call now for a free quote.

Recommended by100%of homeowners
American Plumbing and Excavating, LLC
New to Angi
Septic System - Install or ReplaceSeptic System - Install or Replace - For BusinessSeptic System - Repair

Serving Ames, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 2022

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

We take great pride our experience, expertise, quality, and customer service that we provide to meet the consumer's needs. It is our mission to provide excellent workmanship and complete customer satisfaction, from the start to the completion of a project. order to understand the needs and expectations of our customers, we take great care to work and communicate with every customer a professional manner. Our reputation is based on service, safety, and quality, regardless of how large or small the job.

Showing 1-10 of 11
Septic Tanks questions, answered by experts

Yes, shower water goes into the septic tank. Shower water is a type of greywater, and in fact, all water used in a home with a septic system—including water from sinks, toilets, the dishwasher, and the washing machine—drains into the tank. When shower water enters the tank, debris like soap and hair travels with it. The solid debris sinks to the bottom to become sludge, while soap residue joins the scum layer at the top. The remaining water is treated in the tank before moving to the drain field for further treatment and dispersal. It is important to avoid putting oil or harsh chemicals down any drain, as they can cause clogs or disrupt the beneficial bacteria required for proper wastewater management in the septic system.

The ideal depth of a septic drain field is 18 to 36 inches below the surface. The trenches must be deep enough to allow proper wastewater distribution and filtration while remaining shallow enough for oxygen to reach the soil, promoting bacterial activity that helps break down contaminants. In areas with high groundwater or poor drainage, shallower systems like mound drain fields may be required.

A properly installed and maintained septic drain field (also known as a leach field) can last up to 50 years, though the average is around 20 years. However, factors like poor soil conditions, heavy usage, or improper maintenance can significantly shorten its lifespan to 15-20 years.

To extend the life of your drain field:

  • Schedule Regular Inspections: Have the entire septic system, including the drain field, inspected every two to five years to catch problems early.

  • Protect the Area: Avoid driving heavy vehicles or placing heavy structures over the drain field. Plant only grass or other lightweight vegetation with shallow roots over the area.

  • Maintain the Septic Tank: Proper care of the septic tank, including regular pumping and avoiding harmful chemicals, prevents strain on the drain field.

Be aware of signs of failure, such as strange odors, standing water, or unusually lush grass over the field, which indicate your system may need professional attention.

Most shallow residential wells are somewhere between 25 and 50 feet deep. They are among the simplest well systems. Deeper wells usually involve drilling to a much greater depth. Water wells for household use are typically 100 to 500 feet deep, depending on local groundwater conditions. Some may be up to 1,000 feet deep or more. 

The main difference between a mound septic system and a conventional one is that the drain field in a mound system is built up into a mound composed of sand and gravel to increase the filtration time the wastewater sees before it is returned to the aquifer. There’s also a significant cost difference, with mound systems typically costing far more than standard septic systems.

The Ames, IA homeowners’ guide to septic tank services

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