How does a septic tank work?

• <div><p>Unlike an urban sewer system that runs wastewater into a central drainage system, septic tanks are a house-by-house system. They are the ultimate destination for all your house’s wastewater—from bathtubs, showers, sinks, toilets, and washing machines. Wastewater flows into a tank buried in the ground outside your home, and then water runs from the tank to a drainage field using sloped pipes.</p></div>

Get matched with top septic tank pros in Hall, MT

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: Can you have a septic tank without a leach field?

• <div><p>While a traditional septic tank requires a leach field for wastewater disposal, it is possible to have a septic system without one. Some alternative systems, which are often used when there isn't enough space for a full-size leach field, include mound systems or sand filtration systems. In a conventional setup, the leach field is essential because it's where the wastewater goes after leaving the tank.</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: What determines the location of a septic tank?

• <div><p>According to the <a href="https://www.epa.gov/septic/frequent-questions-septic-systems">Environmental Protection Agency</a> (EPA), septic tanks must be located a decent distance from places subject to flooding or surface ponding. Additionally, septic tanks should be installed on level ground so that the waste can properly settle in the tank. Most tanks are located 10 to 20 feet away from the home. More specific requirements vary by location, so call a local septic pro or your local health department for more information. </p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Septic Tank Service pros in Hall, MT

*The Angi rating for Septic Tank Service companies in Hall, MT 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 Hall, MT 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 August 10, 2025

Reviewed in August 2025
Dan was absolutely the best. Worked 10 days straight. Set rock for our waterfall, retaining wall, tree planting, finish grading for lawn areas. Rock work included 70 tons of rock. Excellent equipment operator, careful, very courteous and attentive to our wishes. I have more for Dan to do in the...
Digger Dan Excavation and Landscaping, LLC
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Reviewed in April 2024
Our company C21 has worked with Bandy Appraisal for many years and have always had very prompt and professional service Very much recommend them.
Bandy Appraisal
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Reviewed in December 2023
Mark did a great job with project with good communication along the way. They picked up my new wood stove and delivered to my home and got it installed on schedule and without issue. I would recommend Orca to anyone looking for an install or help with a wood stove issue.
Orca Fireplace, LLC
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Reviewed in September 2022
Working with Tim and Tall Tines Contracting was an all around great experience. He was professional, polite and prompt. I would highly recommend Tim for any job!
Tall Tines Contracting
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Reviewed in June 2022
Jeremy Caira is amazing! This process was so painless and by the time Jeremy left our home we had every question and concern answered and eased. He walked us through every part of the process and is even helping us secure financing to replace a roof that will soon fail. Thank you Jeremy! We are...
DaBella - Missoula (Roofing)
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Reviewed in March 2022
He also installed a bathroom fan. Good job and affordable! I will use him again!
The North Pole Handyman
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Reviewed in December 2021
Job was completed ahead of schedule, looks good and performs well. Couldn't be happier, I highly recommend.
Lewistown Sprayfoam and Insulation
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Reviewed in July 2021
She was very good and I am very happy with her work. My only concern is she should have someone to help her to the job. The house is big for 1 person to the cleaning. I paid the service and I need to mop my kitchen floor because she can't do it alone.
HomeAdvisor
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Reviewed in September 2020
Service was great, from start to end. Workers are great. More next year.
Renewal by Andersen of Montana
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Reviewed in July 2020
Sean responded promptly, kept me informed and reported results in a timely manner
Montucky Home Inspections, LLC
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Find Septic tank pros in Hall

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

Serving Hall, MT 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 Hall, MT 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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JW Excavation & Septic, LLC

New to Angi

Septic System - Install or ReplaceSeptic System - Repair

Serving Hall, MT and surrounding areas

In business since 2023

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

Welcome to JW Excavation & Septic, LLC! In business since 2023, we are a full service excavating company who takes great pride in the quality of our work and guarantees customer satisfaction. We specialize in our services for all residential properties, and no job is too big or too small. Serving Pinesdale and its surrounding areas, be sure to give us a call today! We offer free estimates.

Response time1 hour

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KMD Construction LLC

New to Angi

Septic System - Install or ReplaceSeptic System - Repair

Serving Hall, MT and surrounding areas

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Small jobs welcome

We are an excavation/concrete company we do septic tanks, sidewalks, driveways, landscaping, demolition, and fencing. We are here for all your needs. Give us a call at 406-465-7954 for a free quote

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Scenic Excavation

New to Angi

Septic System - Repair

Serving Hall, MT and surrounding areas

In business since 2019

Free estimates

Scenic Excavation takes great pride in our experience, expertise, quality and customer service. It is our mission to provide excellent workmanship, and complete customer satisfaction, from start to completion of a project. In order to understand the needs and expectations of our customers, we take great care to work and communicate with every customer in a professional manner. Our reputation is based on service, safety, and quality, regardless of how large, or small the job.

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Septic Tanks questions, 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.

While a traditional septic tank requires a leach field for wastewater disposal, it is possible to have a septic system without one. Some alternative systems, which are often used when there isn't enough space for a full-size leach field, include mound systems or sand filtration systems. In a conventional setup, the leach field is essential because it's where the wastewater goes after leaving the tank.

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.

Unlike an urban sewer system that runs wastewater into a central drainage system, septic tanks are a house-by-house system. They are the ultimate destination for all your house’s wastewater—from bathtubs, showers, sinks, toilets, and washing machines. Wastewater flows into a tank buried in the ground outside your home, and then water runs from the tank to a drainage field using sloped pipes.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), septic tanks must be located a decent distance from places subject to flooding or surface ponding. Additionally, septic tanks should be installed on level ground so that the waste can properly settle in the tank. Most tanks are located 10 to 20 feet away from the home. More specific requirements vary by location, so call a local septic pro or your local health department for more information.

The Hall, MT 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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•
Mar 18, 2026Mar 18, 2026
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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.
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Are Septic Tanks Bad? Pros and Cons to Consider Before Moving Into a House With a Septic System
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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.