What does a septic tank look like?

• <div><p>Septic tanks come in multiple shapes, sizes, and materials. However, they’re often round or rectangular in shape and made from concrete, fiberglass, or plastic. There’s a range of <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-big-is-septic-tank.htm">septic tank sizes</a>, with the average model measuring 30 to 40 square feet and holding 1,000 to 1,500 gallons of waste.</p></div>

Best septic tank pros near Sidney, IL

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 deep should a septic tank be buried?

• <div><p>How deep your septic system needs to be into the ground depends on several factors. In extremely cold environments, the tank needs to rest below the maximum frost line, which can be up to six or eight feet deep. The standard burying depth for most systems is between a few inches and four feet below ground level. Depth can also depend on the slope of the landscaping and other property variables. </p></div>

Q: Does a gurgling toilet mean a septic tank is full?

• <div><p>A gurgling toilet usually doesn&rsquo;t mean that your septic tank is full. If waste can&rsquo;t drain into a full septic tank, you&rsquo;ll see water and sewage backing up into your fixtures, but the air that causes gurgling is a result of poor venting. You are more likely to have a clog in your vent stack or a damaged air admittance valve.</p></div>

Q: What are the common signs of a failing septic system?

• <div><p>When your septic system is failing, you&rsquo;ll probably smell it. Common signs of a septic system failure include sewage odors in the home or around the yard, flooding in the yard above the septic tank or in the leach field, and wastewater or even raw sewage backing up into your home&rsquo;s drains. </p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Septic Tank Service pros in Sidney, IL

*The Angi rating for Septic Tank Service companies in Sidney, 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 Sidney, 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 October 26, 2026

Reviewed in October 2026
I had my refrigerator needed fixing and looked for a budget option and saw this new company with almost no reviews but I still trusted my work with them because of the quotation being cheaper. And they did a good job fixing the compressor and were very timely and professional in their service....
Property Guard
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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 September 2023
Daniel M. The crew that performed the conversion from tub to shower performed in very professional manner. the quality of workman ship was excellent and materials seemed of the highest quality. If they had a question they would ask. also they notified me of a major problem that was accruing...
Mad City Windows & Baths
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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 March 2021
Had Uden Concrete do a 20' X 18' custom patio for me. Workers were very professional and did a great job. Very happy with the work and wold highly recommend them to anyone looking to have Concrete work done. Joseph R.
Uden Concrete
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Reviewed in December 2017
I have used Pristine in the past and, as usual, they were prompt, professional, thorough and a great company to work with. They scheduled the septic inspection (they coordinate with another company for this) and there were some scheduling issues. Peggy went above and beyond to work with the...
Pristine Inspections & Testing, Inc.
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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 June 2013
Not good at all! Frank gave me measurements for the tub so that I alone would pick it out. Frank stayed here at the house, while I went shopping. I know NOTHING about what is good and what is bad, that's why i hired someone! He also did not advice me about a surround wall. He did p$ut in a...
FRED'S PLUMBING & HEATING
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Reviewed in May 2010
This small business is Super! They came to the house quickly, provided excellent service for a great price, were friendly and professional. I'd recommend them to anyone who has need of a sewer/septic service. I was concerned about the experience level of the franchise companies, these guys have...
D & S Sewer Service
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Top-Rated Septic tank pros in Sidney - Updated Nov 2026

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

Serving Sidney, 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 Sidney, 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 Sidney, 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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United Tree Services

New to Angi

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

Serving Sidney, 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

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.

How deep your septic system needs to be into the ground depends on several factors. In extremely cold environments, the tank needs to rest below the maximum frost line, which can be up to six or eight feet deep. The standard burying depth for most systems is between a few inches and four feet below ground level. Depth can also depend on the slope of the landscaping and other property variables.

A gurgling toilet usually doesn’t mean that your septic tank is full. If waste can’t drain into a full septic tank, you’ll see water and sewage backing up into your fixtures, but the air that causes gurgling is a result of poor venting. You are more likely to have a clog in your vent stack or a damaged air admittance valve.

Septic tanks come in multiple shapes, sizes, and materials. However, they’re often round or rectangular in shape and made from concrete, fiberglass, or plastic. There’s a range of septic tank sizes, with the average model measuring 30 to 40 square feet and holding 1,000 to 1,500 gallons of waste.

When your septic system is failing, you’ll probably smell it. Common signs of a septic system failure include sewage odors in the home or around the yard, flooding in the yard above the septic tank or in the leach field, and wastewater or even raw sewage backing up into your home’s drains.

The Sidney, 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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What Is a Septic Tank Riser? The Super Efficient, Easy-Access Gateway to Your Septic Tank
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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.