Should you have the septic tank and leach field pumped at the same time?

• <div><p>You only need to pump the septic tank. The leach field allows the liquid and waste to naturally seep into the ground, so there’s no need to pump the leach field. You should call a <a href="https://www.angi.com/nearme/septic-tank-cleaners/">local septic tank pumping service</a> to remove the materials from the tank every <b>three to five years</b>. Without pumping the septic tank occasionally, solids could flow into the leach field pipes and clog them.</p></div>

Get matched with top septic tank pros in Walnut, IL

Q: What is the best time of year to pump or empty a septic tank?

• <div><p>The best times of year to empty or pump a septic tank are spring and fall. Many professionals recommend spring because the ground has thawed, making the tank easier to access and the waste less likely to be frozen. Pumping before summer also helps avoid conflicts with vacations or outdoor gatherings. Fall is another great option, as contractors may be less busy, and servicing the tank can reduce the risk of overflow from winter and spring precipitation. While summer is also a suitable time, winter is generally not recommended due to frozen ground.</p></div>

Q: How big should a drain field be for my home’s septic system?

• <div><p>The size of your septic tank plays a role in determining the proper size of the drain or leach field. As a general rule, you should have 1 square foot of drain field size per gallon of septic tank capacity. However, you could install a leach field that&rsquo;s as much as 2.5 square feet per gallon of septic tank capacity. Most professionals determine the <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-big-is-septic-tank.htm">right septic tank size</a> and drain field size by the number of bedrooms in the house. A three-bedroom house needs a minimum 1,000-gallon septic tank, for example.</p></div>

Q: Which septic system lasts the longest?

• <div><p>With proper maintenance, most types of septic systems&mdash;including mound, evapotranspiration, and constructed wetland systems&mdash;can last up to 40 years. To keep your system running as long as possible, follow basic septic tank upkeep guidelines, like <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/clean-it-or-replace-it-why-septic-tank-pumping-crucial.htm">pumping your septic tank</a> every three to five years and only flushing human waste and toilet paper.</p></div>

Q: How do I maintain a well pump?

• <div><p>Schedule annual inspections, monitor water pressure, and address minor issues promptly to avoid major repairs.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Septic Tank Service pros in Walnut, IL

*The Angi rating for Septic Tank Service companies in Walnut, 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 Walnut, 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 25, 2025

Reviewed in October 2025
Great experience!! Maximus and his crew did a great job cleaning after a bat infestation. They were very efficient, we were very pleased with the results
Environmental Services Corp
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Reviewed in June 2025
The weather and trees in our yard filled the gutters and down spouts up quickly and I needed it cleaned asap with all the rain in the recent days. I was able to get service done quickly ,efficiently and on short notice . I highly recommend
T.E.D CONSTRUCTION
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Reviewed in May 2025
Elite team was very knowledgeable with recommendation, fair priced and showed up within a day of the quote. The crew Installed my Gutters and made an alteration to improve the look of the downspouts to go with the bends of my building. They took a couple hours longer to get the job done right....
Elite Seamless Gutters, Inc.
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Reviewed in March 2024
I am very please with the work that was done and I would highly recommend them!
The Electric Guys LLC
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Reviewed in September 2022
Great experience! Team did great in explaining what insulation I had in the attic, what they were blowing in, and how it'd help out in maintaining temps in the long run. Finished job in 1 day. Would highly recommend!
Illinois Valley Insulation
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Reviewed in March 2022
They were supposed to come back to finish the job but did not. They did not come prepared but they did a good job and I have to buy the materials and pay their gas.
AGG Construction Inc
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Reviewed in March 2022
They are great but they charge high.
KETTMAN HEATING & PLUMBING INC
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Reviewed in March 2022
They are professionals! The work was superb and the cleanup was exceptional! They were a pleasure to work with! Very courteous and comfortable to have on our property.
TC Construction
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Reviewed in October 2021
Advanced Moving and Storage movers were simply the best. They arrived on time with their packaging material and foreman explained me the paper work quickly then they are onto the work. All my items were treated with utmost care. They moved fragile and heavy items without any hassle. The price...
Advanced Moving & Storage, Inc.
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Reviewed in August 2021
Very polite crew, came when promised, did a great job at the quoted price. Would have them back again if needed. I highly recommend them. Thank you Joe and crew!
Unlimited Fencing, LLC
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Find Septic tank pros in Walnut

McDonagh & Sons Plumbing & Sewer Inc

4.1(

)

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

Serving Walnut, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 2010

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"I walked into my basement on Saturday afternoon to discover a pool of water on the floor. Looking at the walls I traced it back to right above the window that sits below my kitchen sink. I popped the paneling off the top of the window box and immediately saw that the galvanized pipe leading from the sink drain to the stack had corroded and a hole had formed. Frantic because it was 4pm on a Saturday and I knew I couldn't use my kitchen sink or dishwasher until I got this fixed (no easy task with two toddlers to keep up with), I jumped onto Angie's List looking for a plumber with Saturday hours and a good rating.
I called McDonagh and was told they could have someone at my place in an hour. Todd showed up at 5:30 and immediately got to work. Patrick (the owner) showed up with his son Nolan shortly thereafter to take a look and get Todd some parts off of his truck. We gave Nolan a piece of the pizza my kids were having for dinner as an apology for interrupting his Saturday too. Patrick came back with a price estimate that seemed fair to me for emergency short-notice service on a Saturday night. Todd replaced the entire section of pipe from the sink drain to the stack and was finished and out the door by 7:30, leaving us with a fully functional kitchen again.
Huge thanks to Patrick and Todd (and Nolan) who really saved the day for us. These guys are absolute professionals and really saved us from some major inconvenience. Would absolutely recommend and use them again.
"

Recommended by96%of homeowners

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

Serving Walnut, 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 Walnut, 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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JONES SEPTIC SERVICE - Home Facebook

New to Angi

Septic System - Install or ReplaceSeptic System - Install or Replace - For BusinessSeptic Tank - Clean or Pump Out+1 more

Serving Walnut, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 1985

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

We offer only the best in quality workmanship and professional courtesy. We specialize in all phases of commercial and residential landscaping. We are committed quality work and outstanding results & are strongly involved in local community activities. We look forward to working with you!\n\n

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DePauw Septic Service - Pgina inicial Facebook

New to Angi

Septic System - Install or ReplaceSeptic System - Repair

Serving Walnut, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 2005

Free estimates

Here, at DePauw Septic Service, I treat each job like it is my very own! No job is too big or small when it comes to turning your vision into a reality. I take great effort into detail and make sure my clients are educated every step of the way so call today for a complimentary consultation.

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Septic Tanks questions, answered by experts

The best times of year to empty or pump a septic tank are spring and fall. Many professionals recommend spring because the ground has thawed, making the tank easier to access and the waste less likely to be frozen. Pumping before summer also helps avoid conflicts with vacations or outdoor gatherings. Fall is another great option, as contractors may be less busy, and servicing the tank can reduce the risk of overflow from winter and spring precipitation. While summer is also a suitable time, winter is generally not recommended due to frozen ground.

The size of your septic tank plays a role in determining the proper size of the drain or leach field. As a general rule, you should have 1 square foot of drain field size per gallon of septic tank capacity. However, you could install a leach field that’s as much as 2.5 square feet per gallon of septic tank capacity. Most professionals determine the right septic tank size and drain field size by the number of bedrooms in the house. A three-bedroom house needs a minimum 1,000-gallon septic tank, for example.

You only need to pump the septic tank. The leach field allows the liquid and waste to naturally seep into the ground, so there’s no need to pump the leach field. You should call a local septic tank pumping service to remove the materials from the tank every three to five years. Without pumping the septic tank occasionally, solids could flow into the leach field pipes and clog them.

With proper maintenance, most types of septic systems—including mound, evapotranspiration, and constructed wetland systems—can last up to 40 years. To keep your system running as long as possible, follow basic septic tank upkeep guidelines, like pumping your septic tank every three to five years and only flushing human waste and toilet paper.

Schedule annual inspections, monitor water pressure, and address minor issues promptly to avoid major repairs.

The Walnut, 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

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What Is a Septic Tank Riser? The Super Efficient, Easy-Access Gateway to Your Septic Tank
Septic tank risers make it easy to access your septic tank when it’s time for routine inspection, maintenance, and pumping, saving you precious time and labor costs.