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 Ellsinore, MO

Q: What breaks down sludge in a septic tank?

• <div><p>Septic tanks naturally have bacteria that break down some of the solid waste in the septic tank. However, sludge buildup is just part of owning a septic system. While liquid wastewater can be filtered and treated through the system, a septic tank company has to pump the septic tank out at least every few years.</p></div>

Q: How do I know if my septic drain field is bad?

• <div><p>There are a few signs that you might notice if your drain field is bad. For starters, if you see standing water or soggy grass above your drain field, it could mean that it isn&rsquo;t working correctly. Or, if your yard smells like sewage, it could also indicate that there&rsquo;s a problem with your drain field. <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-new-drain-fields-foot.htm">Repairing a drain field</a> costs an average of <b>$2,000 to $15,000</b>.</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: Is it better to use a drain snake or drain cleaner in homes with a septic tank?

• <div><p>For homes with a septic tank, harsh chemicals like those found in drain cleaner or bleach aren&rsquo;t recommended. Some chemical drain cleaners can disrupt the balance of bacteria in the septic tank or damage your pipes. For homes with a septic tank, you can choose drain cleaners specifically formulated for use with septic tanks or go with a drain snake. When in doubt, make sure you know <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/who-to-call-for-clogged-drain.htm">who to call for a clogged drain</a>. </p></div>

Enter your zip and get matched with up to 5 pros

Need a pro for your septic tank service project in Ellsinore, MO?

Select your specific project to find the pro for you.

Verified Reviews for Septic Tank Service pros in Ellsinore, MO

*The Angi rating for Septic Tank Service companies in Ellsinore, MO 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 Ellsinore, MO 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 January 13, 2025

Reviewed in January 2025
They did a great job. They were hindered by some cold weather moving in but they roughed it out and got the job done right.
Infinite Repair
Request a quote
Reviewed in December 2024
Great job. Left no mess behind.
SirVent STL
Request a quote
Reviewed in November 2023
Samuel was very thorough and did a great job! I didn’t get a good report but I would definitely hire him again. I talked with him today and he was so kind as he was Saturday. Great young man!
Sam's Home and Commercial Inspectors
Request a quote
Reviewed in November 2023
I was very iffy with hiring someone to clean my home due to my pickiness but I gave them a chance and I can honestly say I’d definitely hire them again my house smelt so good and fresh and clean I was amazed! Very professional but easy and understandable easy to communicate with and was on time...
J & Bs heavenly cleaning services
Request a quote
Reviewed in August 2023
The technician (Hunter) was very professional and find the problem right away. He had it up and running very quickly. I'm very thankful.
Aire Solutions
Request a quote
Reviewed in September 2022
It was a good job, took some time but he finished it properly
Bnb handyman services
Request a quote
Reviewed in September 2022
They were efficient and accomplished work in a timely manner. They were very polite and very professional. I would highly recommend them and will hire them again if needed.
JB's Welding Service
Request a quote
Reviewed in September 2022
On time, efficient and a tremendous eye for detail! Also, had them do additional fall maintenance as well.
Edgy Services
Request a quote
Reviewed in October 2021
Mr. Dixon is truly unbelievable. There just aren't words to express how impressed we are by his service, generosity, skills, and knowledge. Evwrything was just so quick and easy. He drastically exceeded our expectations in every way, and we weren't even there to tell him what we wanted....
Dixon Concrete and Construction
Request a quote
Reviewed in September 2021
Outstanding experience from beginning to end and beyond. Couldn't ask fore more considerate empathetic genuine desire to make my life more comfortable! Bernie's A++ in our lives. Perfect customer service skills and knowledge of his field. Thank GOD there are people like him to keep the hopes of...
Belking
Request a quote

Find Septic tank pros in Ellsinore

Roth Dirt Worx

4.9(

)

Septic System - Install or ReplaceSeptic System - Install or Replace - For Business

Serving Ellsinore, MO and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2023

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

We pride our company on reliability, great communication, integrity, and quality work. We are experts in our trade and will do our best to keep you as educated as we can on your particular task or project. We look forward to earning your business! Book with us online or feel free to give us a call today!

+13

Response time1 day

Response rate98%

10 neighbors recently requested a quote

Request Quote

Rymer Dozer & Backhoe Service, Inc.

5.0(

)

Septic System - Install or Replace

Serving Ellsinore, MO and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2004

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

We sustain our company on reliability, great communication, integrity, and quality work. We strongly believe in giving our absolute best in all of our projects. We are experts in our trade, and will always keep you educated on your particular task or project.

Response time6 hrs

Response rate98%

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Request Quote

Jamison Plumbing & Home Services LLC

4.8(

)

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

Serving Ellsinore, MO and surrounding areas

In business since 1997

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"We bought a house recently. The inspection report called for installation of an expansion tank and lengthened drip leg on the HW heater. Jamison Plumbing had installed the new HW tank several months before for the original home owner. Jason called the City of Liberty to determine the exact code requirements. He called back and agreed to the additional work at no charge. He was able to make the changes in a timely manner. His crew called to say they would be later than planned because of an unexpected delay at the preceding job site. We appreciated his willingness to finish the installation according to code and to cover the additional materials and time. It was a great way to be welcomed into a new community.
"

Recommended by92%of homeowners

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

Serving Ellsinore, MO 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

Request Quote

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 Ellsinore, MO 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

Request Quote

Gibborim Backhoe Services LLC

5.0(

)

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

Serving Ellsinore, MO and surrounding areas

In business since 2021

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

we pride our company on reliability, great communication, integrity, and quality work. We strongly believe in giving our absolute best in all the work we perform. We are experts and will always keep you educated about the work process. We look forward to earning your business.\n\n

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Request Quote

Municipal Environmental Services

New to Angi

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

Serving Ellsinore, MO and surrounding areas

In business since 2025

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

1 neighbors recently requested a quote

Request Quote

Mid Missouri Renovations

New to Angi

Septic System - Install or Replace

Serving Ellsinore, MO and surrounding areas

I've been in the construction trades for 15+ years in all aspects. From site prep and dirt work to building a turn key house. We specialize in remodeling and additions but can handle anything in the residential construction industry. I can also handle any electrical work in a residential setting from new construction to repairing existing issues. No 3 phase electric.

Request Quote

Handyman Services

New to Angi

Septic System - Install or Replace

Serving Ellsinore, MO and surrounding areas

In business since 2023

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

Todd is committed to excellence in every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty, and personal responsibility. Our distinction is the quality of service we bring to our customers. Accurate knowledge of our trade combined with ability is what makes us true professionals. Above all, we are watchful of our customers' interests, and make their concerns the basis of our business

Request Quote

Septic Tanks questions, answered by experts

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.

Septic tanks naturally have bacteria that break down some of the solid waste in the septic tank. However, sludge buildup is just part of owning a septic system. While liquid wastewater can be filtered and treated through the system, a septic tank company has to pump the septic tank out at least every few years.

There are a few signs that you might notice if your drain field is bad. For starters, if you see standing water or soggy grass above your drain field, it could mean that it isn’t working correctly. Or, if your yard smells like sewage, it could also indicate that there’s a problem with your drain field. Repairing a drain field costs an average of $2,000 to $15,000.

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.

For homes with a septic tank, harsh chemicals like those found in drain cleaner or bleach aren’t recommended. Some chemical drain cleaners can disrupt the balance of bacteria in the septic tank or damage your pipes. For homes with a septic tank, you can choose drain cleaners specifically formulated for use with septic tanks or go with a drain snake. When in doubt, make sure you know who to call for a clogged drain.

The Ellsinore, MO 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

Taylor Freitas
•
Mar 18, 2026Mar 18, 2026
How Much Does Septic Tank Repair Cost? [2026 Data]
A damaged septic system can leak odors and sewage, so repairs are urgent. Find out how much septic tank repair costs based on repair type, tank size, and more.
Melissa Graham
•
Aug 3, 2026Aug 3, 2026
How Much Does It Cost to Locate a Septic Tank? [2026 Data]
If it’s been there for a while, it can be hard to find the septic tank in your yard. Learn how much it costs to locate a septic tank with this guide.
D.P. Taylor
•
Jul 15, 2026Jul 15, 2026
Crank Up Your Understanding of Septic Tank Volume
It’s crucial to install a septic tank with the right volume to avoid wastewater backups. This guide will help you calculate the right septic tank volume.
Jamie Cattanach
•
Jul 10, 2026Jul 10, 2026
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.
Taylor Freitas
•
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.
Taylor Freitas
•
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.