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Avatar for Frank Farms and Excavating
Frank Farms and Excavating
5.0(
8
)
Septic System - RepairSeptic System - Install or ReplaceSeptic System - Install or Replace - For Business+1 more

Serving Ely, IA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2022

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

"I just wanted to say thank you for the great job you did replacing my septic system. It’s clear you take a lot of pride in your work. You handled everything from start to finish with professionalism and care, and the end result looks fantastic. It’s not easy finding someone who’s dependable, hardworking, and honest — but you checked every box. I really appreciated how you kept me informed throughout the process and made sure everything was done right. I’d highly recommend Frank Farms and Excavating to anyone who needs septic or excavation work. You did excellent work, and it shows."
Commercial Demo
Commercial Demo
Commercial Demo
Commercial Demo
New Septic Installation

+6

Response time1 day
Response rate100%
9 neighbors recently requested a quote
Avatar for Sedenka Excavating and Habitat
Sedenka Excavating and Habitat
4.9(
9
)
Septic System - Install or ReplaceSeptic System - Install or Replace - For BusinessSeptic System - Repair+1 more

Serving Ely, IA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2020

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

Sedenka Excavating and Habitat 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.

Response time2 days
2 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by100%of homeowners
Karr Septic Services
5.0(
1
)
Septic Tank - Clean or Pump OutSeptic Tank - Clean or Pump Out - For Business

Serving Ely, 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 Ely, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 1971

Credit card accepted

"The technician emptied the freezer, which was in the basement, to work on the part that needed repair. Then he neglected to put anything back into the freezer, including a turkey I had bought for Christmas and a rack of ribs. Two days after he left, I went out of town for two weeks. The turkey actually exploded and spewed its liquid all over everything, which had to be discarded. I let AHS know and they couldn't even bother to call me or follow up on this. I'm considering not renewing my contract with them because of the quality (or lack thereof) of many of the providers they send."
Additional Photos
Additional Photos
Additional Photos
Additional Photos
Additional Photos

+2

Recommended by65%of homeowners
Avatar for Hawkeye Home Works, LLC
Hawkeye Home Works, LLC
5.0(
2
)
Septic System - Install or ReplaceSeptic Tank - Clean or Pump Out

Serving Ely, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 2018

Free estimates

Hawkeye Homeworks & Septic is family owned and operated. With over 30 years experience offering a variety of services for the greater Cedar Rapids area. \nSpecializing in septic service and maintenance, transfer inspections, installation and repair. \nHawkeye Homeworks also offer's quality light commercial and residential home improvement work. No job is too big or too small for us.

Patio Preparation
Rock Delivery
Unloading Rock
Small Landscape
Small Landscape

+21

Response time1 day
Recommended by100%of homeowners
Septic Tanks questions, answered by experts

A septic system's lifespan typically ranges from 15 to 40 years, with a common average of 20 to 30 years. The longevity heavily depends on the tank's material, maintenance diligence, and usage habits. With proper care, lifespans can reach the upper end of this range.

Lifespan by Tank Material:

  • Concrete: 20 to 40 years

  • Plastic or Fiberglass: 30 to 40 years

  • Steel: 15 to 20 years

To maximize your system's lifespan, follow these maintenance best practices:

  • Regular Pumping and Inspections: Have the tank pumped every three to five years and schedule professional inspections regularly.

  • Mindful Usage: Only flush human waste and toilet paper. Avoid putting items like cat litter, paper towels, cigarette butts, fats, grease, oils, or coffee grounds down your drains.

  • Avoid Chemicals: Do not pour harsh chemicals into the system.

  • Water Conservation: Reduce the amount of wastewater your system has to process.

  • Protect the Drain Field: Avoid driving or building heavy structures over the drain field area.

Needing to pump the tank as soon as it “looks” full is a common myth about septic systems, as wastewater will eventually drain into the leach field. Instead, it’s better to determine how many solids have accumulated. A septic maintenance technician near you can test this to find out whether pumping is necessary.

The water refills in a well through gravity that draws water from the water table to fill the vertical hole. The pump brings the fresh water through a pressure tank and to the pipes in your house. The well continues to refill indefinitely as long as you don’t use more water than the well is producing.

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.

The disadvantages of having a well include more maintenance, like annual testing and inspections, and high up-front costs to drill a well. Well water is also vulnerable to contamination, which is why keeping up with testing is important if you own a well. When it comes to well water versus city water, well water does offer more independence and is a reliable water source.

The Ely, IA homeowners’ guide to septic tank services

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