Top-rated septic tank pros.

Get matched with top septic tank pros in Ames, IA

Enter your zip and get matched with up to 5 pros

Need a pro for your septic tank service project in Ames, IA?

Select your specific project to find the pro for you.

Find Septic tank pros in Ames

"Very quick service, lucked out with same day Service, on water heater replacement. Very professional a neat and tidy installation. Great communication and a friendly, knowledgeable service man. I Would use again and recommend Jason Young Plumbing to friends!"

rhonda g on July 2025

Owner operated. Uses subs occasionally. Cost is determined by the job. No travel charges.

"Very quick service, lucked out with same day Service, on water heater replacement. Very professional a neat and tidy installation. Great communication and a friendly, knowledgeable service man. I Would use again and recommend Jason Young Plumbing to friends!"

rhonda g on July 2025


Avatar for Environmental Testing & Research Laboratories, Inc

Environmental Testing & Research Laboratories, Inc

4.85(
347
)

Environmental Testing & Research Laboratories, Inc

4.85(
347
)
Customers say: True professional
Recommended by 93% of Angi customers
Recommended by 93% of HomeAdvisor customers

ETR Laboratories in an analytic laboratory with a broad range of commercial, industrial and individual clients. We provide analytic services using a wide variety of scientific methods including GC/MS, IC/MS, GIR, NMR and SEM equipment. We can do particle analysis, organic and inorganic chemical analysis and micro analysis on biological and other materials. Private water analysis is our specialty. Award winning. Additional DBA - Environmental Testing & Research Laboratories Inc, ETR Labs, ETR Laboratories.

"as advertised"

Nancy C on July 2018

ETR Laboratories in an analytic laboratory with a broad range of commercial, industrial and individual clients. We provide analytic services using a wide variety of scientific methods including GC/MS, IC/MS, GIR, NMR and SEM equipment. We can do particle analysis, organic and inorganic chemical analysis and micro analysis on biological and other materials. Private water analysis is our specialty. Award winning. Additional DBA - Environmental Testing & Research Laboratories Inc, ETR Labs, ETR Laboratories.

"as advertised"

Nancy C on July 2018


Avatar for DDS PLUMBING

DDS PLUMBING

4.94(
276
)

DDS PLUMBING

4.94(
276
)
Customers say: True professional
Recommended by 98% of Angi customers
Recommended by 98% of HomeAdvisor customers

▪️DDS Plumbing serves Desmoines & Surrounding areas. ▪️HIGHLY Recommended as the Expertise, Quality, Attention to Detail, Friendliness & Fairness are Unmatched!! We Often Fix what some of the "Larger Companies" (the ones with Name Recognition) "Fix", Unnecessarily Charge &/or Overcharge for or Sometimes Leave Incomplete. As a sml Family Built Business, we are committed Only to Provide the Service & the Respect that we'd want ourselves????‍???‍????? Give Us That Chance... TODAY!!

"I’ve used DDS plumbing over the past several years for repairs & assistance with a remodel. DDS exceeds expectations every time. They are thorough, efficient, honest, dependable & complete high-quality work."

Stephanie F on May 2024

▪️DDS Plumbing serves Desmoines & Surrounding areas. ▪️HIGHLY Recommended as the Expertise, Quality, Attention to Detail, Friendliness & Fairness are Unmatched!! We Often Fix what some of the "Larger Companies" (the ones with Name Recognition) "Fix", Unnecessarily Charge &/or Overcharge for or Sometimes Leave Incomplete. As a sml Family Built Business, we are committed Only to Provide the Service & the Respect that we'd want ourselves????‍???‍????? Give Us That Chance... TODAY!!

"I’ve used DDS plumbing over the past several years for repairs & assistance with a remodel. DDS exceeds expectations every time. They are thorough, efficient, honest, dependable & complete high-quality work."

Stephanie F on May 2024


"Comprehensive discussion of what will be done, included pictures, good discussion of the actual mechanism that removes the radon. Once scheduled the process was completed in about 3 hours - walked me through what was done. The final product looked just liked the pictures. Discussed maintenance before leaving. All went well and was pleased. Radon's now at healthy levels."

Joseph L on May 2019

Neighbors Heating and Cooling Additional phone numbers - 515-232-7777 or 515-832-2901

"Comprehensive discussion of what will be done, included pictures, good discussion of the actual mechanism that removes the radon. Once scheduled the process was completed in about 3 hours - walked me through what was done. The final product looked just liked the pictures. Discussed maintenance before leaving. All went well and was pleased. Radon's now at healthy levels."

Joseph L on May 2019


"He was very polite, looked over the situations and took care of my problem. I have been using this company since the mid-70s and they have not disappointed me once over those years with all the different properties I’ve owned."

Lorna J on June 2018

Bee-Line Drain & Sewer Cleaning is a company that specializes in all aspects of pipe cleaning, clogs and broken pipes.

"He was very polite, looked over the situations and took care of my problem. I have been using this company since the mid-70s and they have not disappointed me once over those years with all the different properties I’ve owned."

Lorna J on June 2018


Avatar for Acculevel Inc

Acculevel Inc

4.66(
181
)

Acculevel Inc

4.66(
181
)
Customers say: Super punctual
Recommended by 92% of Angi customers
Recommended by 92% of HomeAdvisor customers

Acculevel is your foundation repair expert, serving Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, and Ohio and been in business since 1996. Most of our repairs come with a life of the structure warranty. Acculevel begins by evaluating your entire foundation system, checking your property for the signs and causes of foundation failure. From foundation & crawlspace repair to waterproofing & encapsulation systems, Acculevel can help you protect your home-- possibly the most valuable investment you'll ever make. A dry home is a healthy home. Acculevel is committed to providing the most technologically advanced repairs to help keep your home dry and on a safe foundation. A strong foundation protects your home's structure, lowers utility bills and maintains the value of your property. Check our pictures for the signs & symptoms of foundation & water damage, and then call Acculevel for your free visual inspection. 1-866-669-3349

"STAY AWAY FROM THIS COMPANY. They took my 1st half deposit and then vanished. I have called multiple times. Spoke with someone once and they promised a call back. Never did. Emailed and no response. This was over 4 months ago. Nothing. They stole my money. Sales guy was John Mullikin. Here's their class-act response by chat. The best response I've had yet. "Conversation closed by Erika"."

Jeff N on September 2025

Acculevel is your foundation repair expert, serving Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, and Ohio and been in business since 1996. Most of our repairs come with a life of the structure warranty. Acculevel begins by evaluating your entire foundation system, checking your property for the signs and causes of foundation failure. From foundation & crawlspace repair to waterproofing & encapsulation systems, Acculevel can help you protect your home-- possibly the most valuable investment you'll ever make. A dry home is a healthy home. Acculevel is committed to providing the most technologically advanced repairs to help keep your home dry and on a safe foundation. A strong foundation protects your home's structure, lowers utility bills and maintains the value of your property. Check our pictures for the signs & symptoms of foundation & water damage, and then call Acculevel for your free visual inspection. 1-866-669-3349

"STAY AWAY FROM THIS COMPANY. They took my 1st half deposit and then vanished. I have called multiple times. Spoke with someone once and they promised a call back. Never did. Emailed and no response. This was over 4 months ago. Nothing. They stole my money. Sales guy was John Mullikin. Here's their class-act response by chat. The best response I've had yet. "Conversation closed by Erika"."

Jeff N on September 2025


Avatar for Holt Plumbing & Heating Inc

Holt Plumbing & Heating Inc

4.56(
171
)

Holt Plumbing & Heating Inc

4.56(
171
)
Customers say: Super punctual
79 years of experience

Super Service Award winning. At Holt Plumbing and Heating Inc, our passion is plumbing, heating, and cooling. We have been family owned & operated and we're here to serve you 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Our success has been your satisfaction! We are a full-service plumbing and HVAC contractor. Whether you're looking to remodel using the latest upgrades, or in need of some energy-efficient equipment or simply need emergency repairs, we can help. Call Holt Plumbing & Heating Inc and speak to a master plumber or licensed technician for free technical advice. We understand you have a busy schedule and need service at all hours of the day. That's why no matter what time you call us - day or night - you will always speak to a live customer service representative ready to assist with all your service needs!

"Rob & Cody even arrived early and did an excellent job. Pleasant to talk to and very professional."

James G C on January 2024

Super Service Award winning. At Holt Plumbing and Heating Inc, our passion is plumbing, heating, and cooling. We have been family owned & operated and we're here to serve you 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Our success has been your satisfaction! We are a full-service plumbing and HVAC contractor. Whether you're looking to remodel using the latest upgrades, or in need of some energy-efficient equipment or simply need emergency repairs, we can help. Call Holt Plumbing & Heating Inc and speak to a master plumber or licensed technician for free technical advice. We understand you have a busy schedule and need service at all hours of the day. That's why no matter what time you call us - day or night - you will always speak to a live customer service representative ready to assist with all your service needs!

"Rob & Cody even arrived early and did an excellent job. Pleasant to talk to and very professional."

James G C on January 2024


Avatar for C&K Heating, Cooling & Plumbing

C&K Heating, Cooling & Plumbing

4.63(
84
)

C&K Heating, Cooling & Plumbing

4.63(
84
)
Customers say: Super punctual
Recommended by 92% of Angi customers
Recommended by 92% of HomeAdvisor customers

C&K Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Gutters is your locally owned home comfort team right here in Ames, Iowa. We serve homeowners and light commercial properties across central Iowa. What sets us apart? Our high-value membership program, straightforward communication, and the real, long-term relationships we build with our customers. Thousands of 5-star reviews come from staying professional, educating people every step of the way, and giving homeowners real confidence—no high-pressure tactics or temporary band-aid fixes.

"On 5/24/2024 we called C& K (we will never call then again) because our over price sump pump we bought from c&k was not working correctly. We bought this sump pump 2 years ago. In Iowa we were in a 2 year drought. On May 24, 2024 our sump pump was only working about 1/3 of the time due to heavy rain. We called c&k to come out to look at the pump, they cut the seal around the top of the unit to raise the led. The problem was that the person that installed the pump did not screw down the ring that goes around the pump. WORKMENSHIP DEFECT SO TO COVER UP THERE ERRORS THEY DID NOT CHARGE FOR LABOR BUT CHARGED US FOR THE "SERVICE CALL" $$$$100 bucks TRIP CHARGE- HERE IS WHAT WAS ON THE INVOICE: "Found check valve came loose and sump pump not operating normally. "Check valve needs reconnected." no charge $100 bucks for there misstake (I am retired) Check this out this is how they will try and RIP YOU OFF I wanted to replace the THERMOSTAT s&k price over $700 bucks THE SAME THERMOSTAT AT LOWES IS $259 BUCKS C&K YOUR """"""FIRED"""""""""

karl s on February 2025

C&K Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Gutters is your locally owned home comfort team right here in Ames, Iowa. We serve homeowners and light commercial properties across central Iowa. What sets us apart? Our high-value membership program, straightforward communication, and the real, long-term relationships we build with our customers. Thousands of 5-star reviews come from staying professional, educating people every step of the way, and giving homeowners real confidence—no high-pressure tactics or temporary band-aid fixes.

"On 5/24/2024 we called C& K (we will never call then again) because our over price sump pump we bought from c&k was not working correctly. We bought this sump pump 2 years ago. In Iowa we were in a 2 year drought. On May 24, 2024 our sump pump was only working about 1/3 of the time due to heavy rain. We called c&k to come out to look at the pump, they cut the seal around the top of the unit to raise the led. The problem was that the person that installed the pump did not screw down the ring that goes around the pump. WORKMENSHIP DEFECT SO TO COVER UP THERE ERRORS THEY DID NOT CHARGE FOR LABOR BUT CHARGED US FOR THE "SERVICE CALL" $$$$100 bucks TRIP CHARGE- HERE IS WHAT WAS ON THE INVOICE: "Found check valve came loose and sump pump not operating normally. "Check valve needs reconnected." no charge $100 bucks for there misstake (I am retired) Check this out this is how they will try and RIP YOU OFF I wanted to replace the THERMOSTAT s&k price over $700 bucks THE SAME THERMOSTAT AT LOWES IS $259 BUCKS C&K YOUR """"""FIRED"""""""""

karl s on February 2025


Pro Plumbing Company

5.00(
11
)

Pro Plumbing Company

5.00(
11
)
Customers say: Quality work
Recommended by 100% of Angi customers
Recommended by 100% of HomeAdvisor customers

Pro Plumbing Company is a small family owned business in Ankeny Iowa that performs all plumbing , heating and cooling installation and repairs

"Lee was very responsive to my questions about the job and quote beforehand. I could tell he had the experience I was looking for. I also like using local businesses. His work was clean and he was respectful to the area he was working in and cleaned up his work area when done. I also liked his payment options being on line. I would definitely use Lee again and be happy to refer him to anyone looking for a plumber hvac repairman."

Rick B on February 2019

Pro Plumbing Company is a small family owned business in Ankeny Iowa that performs all plumbing , heating and cooling installation and repairs

"Lee was very responsive to my questions about the job and quote beforehand. I could tell he had the experience I was looking for. I also like using local businesses. His work was clean and he was respectful to the area he was working in and cleaned up his work area when done. I also liked his payment options being on line. I would definitely use Lee again and be happy to refer him to anyone looking for a plumber hvac repairman."

Rick B on February 2019


Showing 1-10 of 39
Septic Tanks questions, answered by experts

A dry well can last 30 years if you keep up with maintenance. Maintenance can be tricky with dry wells, but be sure to inspect and deep clean the well at least once per year to keep it from getting clogged up with sediment and debris. To minimize buildup, clear out grass clippings, leaves, twigs, and other debris from the top of the dry well. 

If you DIY annual cleaning and inspections, you should still hire a pro to inspect the dry well at least once every two to three years.

Adding a thin layer of dirt over a septic drain field is fine, especially if soil erosion has occurred. However, adding too much dirt can compact the soil, reducing the drain field’s ability to absorb and filter wastewater properly. Avoid using heavy clay soil, as it can prevent proper drainage. Instead, use a light layer of topsoil and plant grass to help with soil stability.

Yes, states and municipalities require septic tank companies to be licensed, so an unlicensed  individual or company cannot complete a septic tank installation or alteration. Most municipalities also require licenses for septic tank pumping. You should always verify that the company you’re considering for your septic tank project is properly licensed, which you can do by using Angi’s licensing search tool. You should also verify that the company is fully insured to avoid legal issues should an employee be injured on your property.

A septic tank always has some amount of liquid in it—which should usually be 8 to 12 inches from the top of the tank. If the liquid level is higher than that or is overflowing the drainage pipe that leads out to the leach field, the tank may be too full and in need of pumping.

There is no standard depth, but typically, septic tanks are buried between 4 inches and 4 feet underneath the earth’s surface. There are a few factors that will determine your tank’s depth, including the height of your bedrock, the distance between your home and the tank, and the depth of your main sewer line.

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.

What do you need done? We’ll find top pros.
  • 🌱 "Mow a small front yard"
  • 🛠 "Fix a leaking pipe under the sink"
  • 🏠 "Repair shingles on an asphalt roof"