How can you tell if your well water is bad?

• <div><p>Some of the signs that could mean your water is contaminated, such as cloudiness or bubbliness, could also be non-problems that don’t affect your water’s potability. However, if your water smells or tastes strange, it’s a good idea to stop drinking it and test it immediately. If your well water is contaminated, the best way to discover that is to test it.</p></div>

Get matched with top septic tank pros in Sunland Park, NM

Q: What is the downside to a septic system?

• <div><p>While homeowners connected to a municipal sewer line still have to keep up with plumbing maintenance, the downside to a septic system is that all the maintenance falls on the homeowners. Not calling in a pro to pump the tank every few years or accidentally flushing or draining the wrong types of materials can quickly cause clogs, which can back up into drains around the home.</p></div>

Q: How far from the bottom of the well should a submersible pump be?

• <div><p>A submersible pump should be at least 10 feet from the bottom of the well to minimize the risk of the pump drawing debris into the well water. Submersible pumps work best for wells that are 25 feet deep or less. If you have a deeper well, choose a jet pump instead of a submersible model.</p></div>

Q: How can I add or replenish good bacteria in my septic tank?

• <div><p>Your septic tank naturally contains the good bacteria it needs, so you typically don't have to add more as the system produces them on its own. However, if you wish to replenish the bacteria, you can use natural methods. For example, you can add three rotten tomatoes to your garbage disposal or flush 1/4 ounce of active yeast down the toilet every three months. While store-bought septic enzymes and chemicals are available, many additives are unnecessary and may even harm your system. The most effective way to maintain a healthy bacterial balance is to avoid using chemical drain cleaners, which can kill the beneficial bacteria in your tank.</p></div>

Q: How much sludge should be in a septic tank?

• <div><p>There are three layers of wastewater in a septic tank: scum (solid waste that floats to the top of the wastewater), liquid (the relatively clean liquid wastewater in between the two other layers), and sludge (solid waste that falls to the bottom of the wastewater). The buildup of sludge is one of the main reasons septic tanks need to be pumped. If the tank is more than 1/3 of the way full with a combination of sludge and scum, it&rsquo;s time to call a pro for pumping.</p></div>

Enter your zip and get matched with up to 5 pros

Need a pro for your septic tank service project in Sunland Park, NM?

Select your specific project to find the pro for you.

Verified Reviews for Septic Tank Service pros in Sunland Park, NM

*The Angi rating for Septic Tank Service companies in Sunland Park, NM 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 Sunland Park, NM 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 March 05, 2026

Reviewed in March 2026
Septic inspection done, Large pump truck came, left Ruts in both sides of property trying to get to new tank. They were going to repair Ruts only after I contacted them. The timline for repairs was more than a week, I was also getting an appraisal on the property done, so the Ruts needed fixed...
JOHNNY'S SEPTIC TANK CO
Request a quote
Reviewed in July 2025
Mr Murphy checked a possible CO leak from my water heater. He replaced the tube that directs water from the tank to the outside because it had a fracture. The work was professionally done in an expeditious manner.
Mr. Rooter Plumbing of El Paso
Request a quote
Reviewed in January 2022
Service was awesome. On time, affordable. Very clean, Will hire them for my future plumbing needs
Liberty Plumbing
Request a quote
Reviewed in February 2021
Hello, my name is Carmelita Di Mery. I am writing a review on Ramos Drilling and Water Treatment owned by Dave Ramos out of El Paso, TX. Mr. Ramos was contacted by me after reading great reviews from the Angie's List website. I was looking for someone to come and assess the poor water quality at...
Ramos Drilling & Water Treatment Inc
Request a quote
Reviewed in February 2015
<p>In a 100 year old house, when things go wrong, they go really wrong! Recently, the drains in the back part of the house (bedrooms/laundry room) started backing up. It got to the point a 3-minute shower was all that was required to cause the back up. We called Plumbing Doctor and (since it...
Plumbing Doctor
Request a quote
Reviewed in October 2012
I was replacing the flush valve on a bathroom tank. While attepting to replace the tank I tightened a bolt too tight and damaged the toilet which required replacing. I contacted Gilbert's Plumbing on a Wednesday and he was able to come out on the following Friday. He and his son showed up when...
Gilbert's Plumbing
Request a quote
Reviewed in April 2012
i awoke to water on the bathroom floor, found a leak in the pipes supporting the commode. called monday morning at 7:30 and the repair was completed before lunch. jesse hadn't seen a fill valve like mine before but was able to accommodate the repair inside and outside the tank. while they...
Jeff's Westside Plumbing
Request a quote
Reviewed in June 2009
I called two other companies before calling Todd. The first told me that I had a freon leak but that it was under the foundation of the house and I would need a whole new ac unit moved to the roof! Guy #2 finds the leak in the pipe in the house but says it will take 5 hours to fix and quotes...
B & B Heating and Cooling
Request a quote
Reviewed in April 2007
I called SunQuest Plumbing at 9:00 a.m. 04/05/07 and their rep appeared at my door at almost immediately to survey the needs of the job. We agreed that I wanted the entire kit of two toilet tanks replaced. A half-hour later, two plumbers arrived. They were courteous, respectful, and efficient...
SunQuest Plumbing
Request a quote

Find Septic tank pros in Sunland Park

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

Serving Sunland Park, NM 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

Old West Septic Service

5.0(

)

Septic Tank - Clean or Pump OutSeptic Tank - Clean or Pump Out - For Business

Serving Sunland Park, NM and surrounding areas

In business since 2011

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

With over 10 years experience in the home maintenance industry, Old West Septic Service is your industry expert in Las Vegas. We pride ourselves on our extreme professionalism and attention to detail. Our customer satisfaction guarantee will assure you we will not leave your property until you are completely satisfied with our work. As a family owned and operated business you can trust that we will treat your home as we would treat our own. Give us a call today we look forward to working with you!\n\n

Response time10 mins

Recommended by100%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 Sunland Park, NM 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

Septic System - Install or ReplaceSeptic System - Repair

Serving Sunland Park, NM and surrounding areas

In business since 2009

Free estimates

APS, Inc., 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 customer's interests and make their concerns the basis of our business. Please give us a call today!

+54

Response time5 days

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Request Quote

Cano Plumbing & Remodeling

New to Angi

Septic Tank - Clean or Pump Out

Serving Sunland Park, NM and surrounding areas

In business since 2010

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

Cano Plumbing and Remodeling 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. \n

Request Quote

Ramos Plumbing

New to Angi

Septic System - Repair

Serving Sunland Park, NM and surrounding areas

In business since 1976

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

Ramos Plumbing 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\n\n

Request Quote

Septic Tanks questions, answered by experts

While homeowners connected to a municipal sewer line still have to keep up with plumbing maintenance, the downside to a septic system is that all the maintenance falls on the homeowners. Not calling in a pro to pump the tank every few years or accidentally flushing or draining the wrong types of materials can quickly cause clogs, which can back up into drains around the home.

A submersible pump should be at least 10 feet from the bottom of the well to minimize the risk of the pump drawing debris into the well water. Submersible pumps work best for wells that are 25 feet deep or less. If you have a deeper well, choose a jet pump instead of a submersible model.

Your septic tank naturally contains the good bacteria it needs, so you typically don't have to add more as the system produces them on its own. However, if you wish to replenish the bacteria, you can use natural methods. For example, you can add three rotten tomatoes to your garbage disposal or flush 1/4 ounce of active yeast down the toilet every three months. While store-bought septic enzymes and chemicals are available, many additives are unnecessary and may even harm your system. The most effective way to maintain a healthy bacterial balance is to avoid using chemical drain cleaners, which can kill the beneficial bacteria in your tank.

There are three layers of wastewater in a septic tank: scum (solid waste that floats to the top of the wastewater), liquid (the relatively clean liquid wastewater in between the two other layers), and sludge (solid waste that falls to the bottom of the wastewater). The buildup of sludge is one of the main reasons septic tanks need to be pumped. If the tank is more than 1/3 of the way full with a combination of sludge and scum, it’s time to call a pro for pumping.

Some of the signs that could mean your water is contaminated, such as cloudiness or bubbliness, could also be non-problems that don’t affect your water’s potability. However, if your water smells or tastes strange, it’s a good idea to stop drinking it and test it immediately. If your well water is contaminated, the best way to discover that is to test it.

The Sunland Park, NM 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.
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.
Jamie Cattanach
•
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.