What is good to put in a septic tank to break down solids?

• <div><p>The bacteria already present in your septic system should be enough to <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/what-to-put-in-septic-tank-for-solids.htm">break down solids</a> in a properly maintained septic tank. However, if you’re in a DIY mood, you can try adding (well-mashed) rotten tomatoes to help the good bacteria fulfill their duty. Just make sure you give them a couple hours to work after flushing them down.</p></div>

Best septic tank pros near Rantoul, IL

Q: How long do engineered septic systems last?

• <div><p>Many variables, such as home size, type of engineered system, the material used, soil conditions, and water usage, dictate how long your system will last. On average, most homeowners find that their system lasts 15 to 20 years, though it&rsquo;s not unheard of for them to last up to 40 years with annual and preventative septic maintenance.</p></div>

Q: Do I have to add air to a well pressure tank?

• <div><p>Bladder and diaphragm well pressure tanks are usually pre-charged at the factory. Even so, it&rsquo;s important to check the air pressure in the tank using a tire pressure gauge on the relief valve. The instruction manual usually calls for 28 psi. Use a hand pump to add more air or release some air from the tank to reach the desired number. Check the pressure periodically to see if you need to add more air to the tank. </p></div>

Q: How do you know when to pump your septic tank?

• <div><p>Needing to pump the tank as soon as it &ldquo;looks&rdquo; full is a common <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/5-common-myths-about-septic-systems.htm">myth about septic systems</a>, as wastewater will eventually drain into the leach field. Instead, it&rsquo;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.</p></div>

Q: How do I reset my septic pump alarm?

• <div><p>There should be a red button or an on/off switch on or in your box. Press the button or flip the switch, then turn it back on by doing the same action again. If this doesn&rsquo;t work, reset the breakers inside the box by flipping them off and back on again. After this, your alarm should stay off if there&rsquo;s nothing wrong with your system. However, if the alarm is still sounding and there&rsquo;s still a red light on, it&rsquo;s time to call a pro for a diagnosis.</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 September 02, 2016

Reviewed in September 2016
Fantastic! All right that is not the usual kind of thing you say about a sewer problem but Gulliford Septic Service was so wonderful it was a good experience. I found Gulliford through Angie's List because we had had bad luck with local plumbers in the past. Our first contact was with the...
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 November 2010
I would tell others that he was really quick. I called that evening because I had water spilling into my basement and the plumbing pipes to it were old and rusty. He came out close to 11 o’clock at night, but could not do anything then. He had the new pressure tank and everything for me the...
Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Champaign
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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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Top-Rated Septic tank pros in Rantoul - Updated Nov 2026

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

"He was able to quickly diagnose that the water leak from the water heater was a result of a ruptured tank, resulting in the need to replace the entire water heater."

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

"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."

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 FAQs, answered by experts

Many variables, such as home size, type of engineered system, the material used, soil conditions, and water usage, dictate how long your system will last. On average, most homeowners find that their system lasts 15 to 20 years, though it’s not unheard of for them to last up to 40 years with annual and preventative septic maintenance.

Bladder and diaphragm well pressure tanks are usually pre-charged at the factory. Even so, it’s important to check the air pressure in the tank using a tire pressure gauge on the relief valve. The instruction manual usually calls for 28 psi. Use a hand pump to add more air or release some air from the tank to reach the desired number. Check the pressure periodically to see if you need to add more air to the tank.

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.

There should be a red button or an on/off switch on or in your box. Press the button or flip the switch, then turn it back on by doing the same action again. If this doesn’t work, reset the breakers inside the box by flipping them off and back on again. After this, your alarm should stay off if there’s nothing wrong with your system. However, if the alarm is still sounding and there’s still a red light on, it’s time to call a pro for a diagnosis.

The bacteria already present in your septic system should be enough to break down solids in a properly maintained septic tank. However, if you’re in a DIY mood, you can try adding (well-mashed) rotten tomatoes to help the good bacteria fulfill their duty. Just make sure you give them a couple hours to work after flushing them down.

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.

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