Should I put yogurt in my septic tank?

• <div><p>You can put yogurt in your septic tank, but it will not increase the bacteria in your septic tank. In other words, it won't harm your tank, but it won't <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/what-causes-septic-tank-odor.htm">get rid of a septic smell</a> or boost the performance of your septic system. While yogurt contains helpful bacteria, you would need to buy an extraordinary amount of yogurt to make any difference. Adding yogurt is not a helpful or cost-effective strategy.</p></div>

Best septic tank pros near Genesee, ID

Q: Who should I call for a septic smell in the house?

• <div><p>If you notice a septic smell in the house, you can either call a septic system repair company or a plumber. These professionals have the proper licenses and equipment to investigate the pipes and septic tank while keeping your family safe from sewage gas exposure and raw sewage leaks. They will be able to find the problem as soon as possible and get it fixed so that your home can get back to smelling fresh again.</p></div>

Q: How far from the bottom of the well should a submersible pump be?

• <div><p>A submersible pump should be at least 10 feet from the bottom of the well to minimize the risk of the pump drawing debris into the well water. Submersible pumps work best for wells that are 25 feet deep or less. If you have a deeper well, choose a jet pump instead of a submersible model.</p></div>

Q: How deep should a trench be?

• <div><p>Trenches are typically 12 to 24 inches deep and 8 inches wide. However, the required depth depends on the specific project and local ordinances. For example, a French drain may need to be 18 inches deep, while a water pipe might require a depth of 24 inches and a drainage pipe 36 inches. Your city or county may have specific regulations, so it's wise to consult with an excavation professional to determine the correct depth for your project.</p></div>

Q: Can you provide details about which septic system lasts the longest?

• <div><p>The efficacy of a drain field depends on a wide variety of factors, though a well-maintained one can last as long as 40 or 50 years. Of the different types of septic tanks on the market, concrete and plastic tanks tend to last the longest&mdash;upwards of 40 years if they&rsquo;re pumped regularly&mdash;while steel tanks have a tendency to rust over time and may need to be replaced after 15 or 20 years.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Septic Tank Service pros in Genesee, ID

*The Angi rating for Septic Tank Service companies in Genesee, ID 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 Genesee, ID 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 May 06, 2026

Reviewed in May 2026
I needed a roof vent replaced. Lance did an amazing job! His communication with me was excellent and prompt! His price for my job was very reasonable. He was very respectful when entering my house. and around my property. Would highly recommend him!
Handy Fix And Finish
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Reviewed in April 2026
Steve and then Kevin have helped me so much over the years! From coming at a moment's notice to haul things away after my mom died (Steve's kindness had to be experienced to be believed), to moving my sister in and out when she was ill, taking such care not to damage anything, to hauling stuff...
ME & MY TRUCK
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Reviewed in December 2025
Joe Brachear was extremely professional, personable, and exceptionally communicative from our very first interaction through the completion of the project. He also took the time to help us understand the ins and outs of the rebates available to us, which we greatly appreciated. Joe’s crew—Jesse...
Rock Solid Electric LLC
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Reviewed in March 2025
John and his crew were prompt and skilled. He addressed the issues an older home was having with drainage and offered suggestions. The work was professionally done. He also stood by this work.
John's Continuous Gutter, LLC
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Reviewed in April 2023
The installers Anthony White and Sheldon Teasley did a 10 out of 10 job. They were friendly professionals that were detailed and careful to keep our house clean. I give them extra kudos for finishing the last exterior trim in a North Idaho springtime blizzard. Well done.
Renewal by Andersen of Washington
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Reviewed in December 2022
Sam and the DG Contractor team are incredible. I have never worked with a contractor of any kind that took such care and ownership over a project. We used them to replace our roof and gutters and when we found water damage under a broken gutter they went above and beyond to repair it and help us...
D G Contracting, LLC
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Reviewed in June 2022
Very professional, trimming and cleanup was amazing, such prideful workmanship. I will use them again for sure.
Hells Canyon Tree Surgeon, LLC
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Reviewed in March 2022
Greg was professional, timely, and flexible with my schedule. Easy to communicate with, knowledgeable of water treatment systems and easy to work with. We are very happy with how the water softener and the reverse osmosis system install went. The plumbing is nice and neat and a clean finish. ...
Shisler's Water Treatment
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Reviewed in September 2021
Tyson was very professional, respectful of our wishes and definitely a hard worker. We were impressed with his attention to small details such as damage to walls or carpet. He listens.
Junk Be Gone
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Reviewed in July 2021
Danai was incredibly helpful, and showed a bit of resourcefulness in getting us scheduled for an emergency assessment/remediation of some pretty ugly wiring in our home. It's the busiest time of year, and she was able to get us in in a pinch, and the technicians that performed the...
Cheetah Electric
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Top-Rated Septic tank pros in Genesee - Updated Nov 2026

Three Bear Contracting, LLC

5.0(

)

Septic System - RepairSeptic System - Install or ReplaceSeptic System - Install or Replace - For Business+1 more

Serving Genesee, ID and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2021

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

We are 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

9 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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

Serving Genesee, ID 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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American Home Shield – Home Warranty

3.5(

5,689

)

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

Serving Genesee, ID 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

Septic System - Install or ReplaceSeptic System - Repair

Serving Genesee, ID and surrounding areas

In business since 2023

Free estimates

We take great pride in 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. In order to understand the needs and expectations of our customers, we take great care to work and communicate with every customer in a professional manner. Our reputation is based on service, safety, and quality, regardless of how large or small the job.

Response time2 days

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Septic System - Install or Replace

Serving Genesee, ID and surrounding areas

In business since 2021

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

We take great pride in 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 start to completion of a project. In order to understand the needs and expectations of our customers, we take great care to work and communicate with every customer in a professional manner. Our reputation is based on service, safety, and quality, regardless of how large or small the job.

Response time2 days

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Request Quote

Septic Tanks FAQs, answered by experts

If you notice a septic smell in the house, you can either call a septic system repair company or a plumber. These professionals have the proper licenses and equipment to investigate the pipes and septic tank while keeping your family safe from sewage gas exposure and raw sewage leaks. They will be able to find the problem as soon as possible and get it fixed so that your home can get back to smelling fresh again.

A submersible pump should be at least 10 feet from the bottom of the well to minimize the risk of the pump drawing debris into the well water. Submersible pumps work best for wells that are 25 feet deep or less. If you have a deeper well, choose a jet pump instead of a submersible model.

You can put yogurt in your septic tank, but it will not increase the bacteria in your septic tank. In other words, it won't harm your tank, but it won't get rid of a septic smell or boost the performance of your septic system. While yogurt contains helpful bacteria, you would need to buy an extraordinary amount of yogurt to make any difference. Adding yogurt is not a helpful or cost-effective strategy.

Trenches are typically 12 to 24 inches deep and 8 inches wide. However, the required depth depends on the specific project and local ordinances. For example, a French drain may need to be 18 inches deep, while a water pipe might require a depth of 24 inches and a drainage pipe 36 inches. Your city or county may have specific regulations, so it's wise to consult with an excavation professional to determine the correct depth for your project.

The efficacy of a drain field depends on a wide variety of factors, though a well-maintained one can last as long as 40 or 50 years. Of the different types of septic tanks on the market, concrete and plastic tanks tend to last the longest—upwards of 40 years if they’re pumped regularly—while steel tanks have a tendency to rust over time and may need to be replaced after 15 or 20 years.

The Genesee, ID homeowners’ guide to septic tank services

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

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