How do I keep my septic tank healthy?

• <div><p>To keep your septic tank healthy, be careful of what you flush and be conservative with water usage, as even flushing too much water down the drain can throw off the septic system’s delicate balance. Never flush anything but human waste and toilet paper down your toilet, and be sure to have the tank inspected and pumped every two to five years, depending on the size of your household and your water usage.</p></div>

Get matched with top septic tank pros in Rantoul, IL

Q: How deep are most residential wells?

• <div><p>Most shallow residential wells are somewhere between <b>25 and 50 feet deep</b>. They are among the simplest well systems. Deeper wells usually involve drilling to a much greater depth. Water wells for household use are typically <b>100 to 500 feet deep</b>, depending on local groundwater conditions. Some may be up to 1,000 feet deep or more. </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: Are there always two lids on a septic tank?

• <div><p>Modern septic tanks have two lids: one that covers the inlet where wastewater flows into the tank and one that covers the outlet where the treated water flows out to the drain field. However, older septic tanks installed before 1975 may have only one lid. Because <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-long-do-septic-tanks-last.htm">septic tanks last</a> 20 to 40 years, if yours only has one lid, it may be time for a replacement. </p></div>

Q: How far down is a septic tank lid?

• <div><p>A septic tank lid is often 1 foot underground, but it could be just 4 inches from the surface or 4 feet deep. For septic tank lids that are closer to the surface, you&rsquo;ll have an easier time locating them just by looking for signs in the yard or using a metal probe. But for septic tanks that are buried deeper underground, you&rsquo;ll need to hire a pro with specialized equipment to track down the lid without risk of damaging utility lines.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Septic Tank Service pros in Rantoul, IL

*The Angi rating for Septic Tank Service companies in Rantoul, IL 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 Rantoul, IL 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 March 19, 2025

Reviewed in March 2025
Paul DeBolt, from Chief/Bauer, did a great job on the maintenance of my water heater. When I asked if I could watch and have him explain the steps, Paul had no problems. He left my utility room completely spotless. Next time I have a plumbing issue, I'll definitely ask for Paul.
Chief/Bauer Service Experts
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Reviewed in August 2024
At this point, I’m not sure what the appointment was for, but we’ve used them several times before for our heating/air conditioning annual service and maintenance and most of the time they did a good job. Once, they had to return after some sewer line maintenance to tighten up a ‘cap’ they had...
ABC Heating & AC INC
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Reviewed in October 2022
If I could give 10 stars for this experience I would! Such timely, clear, and professional communication. Prices were reasonable and the team arrived on time and ready to work, got the job done and we couldn't be more grateful. Based on this experience, I would ABSOLUTELY recommend BB...
Environmental Services Corp
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Reviewed in July 2021
Amazing service! They cleaned our ducts and greatly improved not only the efficiency of our AC system but also the air quality
Bennett Furnace Cleaning
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Reviewed in November 2014
The office person was very pleasant and accurate in estimation of time, cost, etc. <br /> They were out extremely quickly and took care of the mess. Inspected the system and allayed our fears of the need of tank replacement or major repairs. Replaced collar and lid. Everything was explained...
GULLIFORD SEPTIC TANK SERVICE
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Reviewed in November 2013
Replaced water line connection to toilet water tank.
Clark Plumbing And Heating LLC
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Reviewed in November 2013
They came out the same day I called and checked our septic tanks to see if they were full since we were unable to flush any of our toilets and the tub wouldn't drain. They discovered that the pipe between the house and first tank had bowed and pulled loose from the house. Went ahead and pumped...
D & S Sewer Service
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Reviewed in May 2012
Whenever you tear into an older home (37 year old house) you are never quite sure what you will find. Plus, as the project took shape and we were no longer looking a a drawing, we changed our mind about a couple small things. The MJ crew was great to work with about making changes to ensure we...
MJ Construction
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Reviewed in July 2011
The over service was great, the guys were very professional, took the time to educate me on the importance of septic maintenance. <br />
Action Septic Pro LLC
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Reviewed in September 2008
This company was very unprofessional. Rather than save the carpet and discard the pad, they wanted to discard both the carpet and the pad. The insurance company said that they could not discard the carpet so they tried to suck up the water. They tried to suck up the water in the basement with...
Stabilize, Inc.
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Find Septic tank pros in Rantoul

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

Serving Rantoul, IL 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 Rantoul, IL 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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Jackson Excavating, Inc.

4.4(

)

Septic System - Install or ReplaceSeptic System - Install or Replace - For BusinessSeptic System - Repair+1 more

Serving Rantoul, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 2002

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

Jackson Excavating, Inc is here for all of your septic and excavating needs. With over 30 years experience, we can do it all. With all the equipment we have we will make sure your project gets done right, the first time. Call us today!

Response time1 day

Recommended by75%of homeowners

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May's Plumbing & Contracting

5.0(

)

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

Serving Rantoul, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 1998

Emergency services offered

Credit card accepted

We're May's Plumbing & Contracting, and we've been a premier plumbing company in Bellflower, IL, since 1998. We specialize in residential and commercial plumbing services and bathroom remodeling. We also offer drywall, kitchen remodeling, flooring, plumbing fixtures and repair, and more. We're licensed, bonded, and insured, and we offer a variety of brands, including Aerosmith, Delta, Elkay, Kohler, and more. We're looking forward to partnering with Champaign, DeWitt, and Ford counties to continue offering a premier plumbing experience. We'd like to personally invite you contact us for 24-hour emergency services today!

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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United Tree Services

New to Angi

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

Serving Rantoul, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 2021

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

At united tree services, we provide top quality tree removal. Brush clean up and Fence line cleaning as well.We offer free estimates in twenty four hour Emergency service\n

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Septic Tanks questions, answered by experts

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.

To keep your septic tank healthy, be careful of what you flush and be conservative with water usage, as even flushing too much water down the drain can throw off the septic system’s delicate balance. Never flush anything but human waste and toilet paper down your toilet, and be sure to have the tank inspected and pumped every two to five years, depending on the size of your household and your water usage.

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.

Modern septic tanks have two lids: one that covers the inlet where wastewater flows into the tank and one that covers the outlet where the treated water flows out to the drain field. However, older septic tanks installed before 1975 may have only one lid. Because septic tanks last 20 to 40 years, if yours only has one lid, it may be time for a replacement.

A septic tank lid is often 1 foot underground, but it could be just 4 inches from the surface or 4 feet deep. For septic tank lids that are closer to the surface, you’ll have an easier time locating them just by looking for signs in the yard or using a metal probe. But for septic tanks that are buried deeper underground, you’ll need to hire a pro with specialized equipment to track down the lid without risk of damaging utility lines.

The Rantoul, IL 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]
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•
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How Much Does It Cost to Pump a Septic Tank? [2026 Data]
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•
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Crank Up Your Understanding of Septic Tank Volume
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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.
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•
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.