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>

How do I know if my well was dug or drilled?

• <div><p>Drilled wells have a pipe sticking up that’s covered in a plastic or metal casing. On the other hand, a dug well will look like a big hole in the ground and is more similar to what you’d see in a fantasy or Western movie. If you want to be sure, contact the city for documentation on your property’s construction and excavation history. </p></div>

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Q: What foods are good for septic tanks?

• <div><p>Certain foods are easier on your septic tank than others. Septic-safe foods include yogurt, fruit, cooked veggies, and bread because these items all break down relatively easily and can pass through your system safely. Rotten tomatoes, specifically, are actually good for your septic tank because they can increase the amount of good bacteria in the system. </p></div>

Q: Can I make my leach field larger?

• <div><p>You may want to increase the size of your leach field, for instance, if you add on to your home or install more bathrooms in your house. You can make your leach field larger by installing more pipes or expanding the area of the field itself. Improving the soil quality in the drain field can also make it more effective without increasing the area. </p></div>

Q: Is well water safe to drink?

• <div><p>With regular testing, treatment, and maintenance, water from a community well should be safe to drink. Unfortunately, the EPA does not regulate private wells, and contamination can happen. </p><p>If you have doubts about the quality and safety of your drinking water, you have options for testing. You can pick up kits from your local home supply store or harvest samples and send them to a local testing facility. To get the most complete water quality testing and system diagnosis, seek a local well professional. They know what to test for and can recommend and implement a longer-lasting solution.</p></div>

Q: How do I know if my well was dug or drilled?

• <div><p>Drilled wells have a pipe sticking up that&rsquo;s covered in a plastic or metal casing. On the other hand, a dug well will look like a big hole in the ground and is more similar to what you&rsquo;d see in a fantasy or Western movie. If you want to be sure, contact the city for documentation on your property&rsquo;s construction and excavation history. </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 December 05, 2024

Reviewed in December 2024
They were on time and removed all debris . once they were done they cleaned up the yard and filled in any ruts in yard. I would recommend them .
Kaskaskia Outdoor Specialties LLC
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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 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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Find Septic tank pros in Sidney

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(

5,688

)

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 questions, answered by experts

Certain foods are easier on your septic tank than others. Septic-safe foods include yogurt, fruit, cooked veggies, and bread because these items all break down relatively easily and can pass through your system safely. Rotten tomatoes, specifically, are actually good for your septic tank because they can increase the amount of good bacteria in the system.

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.

You may want to increase the size of your leach field, for instance, if you add on to your home or install more bathrooms in your house. You can make your leach field larger by installing more pipes or expanding the area of the field itself. Improving the soil quality in the drain field can also make it more effective without increasing the area.

With regular testing, treatment, and maintenance, water from a community well should be safe to drink. Unfortunately, the EPA does not regulate private wells, and contamination can happen.

If you have doubts about the quality and safety of your drinking water, you have options for testing. You can pick up kits from your local home supply store or harvest samples and send them to a local testing facility. To get the most complete water quality testing and system diagnosis, seek a local well professional. They know what to test for and can recommend and implement a longer-lasting solution.

Drilled wells have a pipe sticking up that’s covered in a plastic or metal casing. On the other hand, a dug well will look like a big hole in the ground and is more similar to what you’d see in a fantasy or Western movie. If you want to be sure, contact the city for documentation on your property’s construction and excavation history.

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.

See all articles

Melissa Graham
•
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•
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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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•
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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.
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•
Jul 8, 2026Jul 8, 2026
How Deep Is a Septic Tank and Why Is It Buried in the First Place?
How deep is a septic tank, and why is it buried? Learn where to place your own septic system as well as how to maintain it and how much it costs.