River City Environmental, Inc. has provided environmental services, starting in the Portland metropolitan area and now throughout the Northwest, for over 20 years. Since 1995, we've grown to one of the largest and most experienced full-service environmental, sewer, septic and stormwater management companies in the Northwest. Based in Portland, we’re Working Together for a Clean Environment. 3 employees. No subs. Cost determined by the job. No travel charges. Additional DBAs - Affordable Septic Service, Jerrys Septic Tank Pumping. See website for additional services. Additional e-mail - [email protected].
Description of Work: Pumped out & inspected septic tank. Arrived on time. I had mostly dug it out so the worker did not charge an excavation fee. Service performed promptly and efficiently.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$200
Lyn R.
05/2011
5.0
drain cleaning, septic tank
+ 0 more
I called Russ on Wednesday and he came out around 10am on Thursday with everything he needed to complete the job (including bobcat). The work was completed by 3pm, including backfilling and leveling. He and Oscar did a fabulous job of only disturbing the areas they needed to. They removed the old piping and replaced it with new plastic pipe making sure all the joints were very carefully sealed (unlike the original pipes!). They also improved the level/slope of the pipe to improve the flow to the septic tank and straightened out the path of the pipe to remove some strange bends. This is the second time I've had Russ come out -- the first time to diagnose a problem with my septic tank (it needed draining) and jet the pipe to the house. He also did a camera inspection of the pipe at that time and let me know the pipe was not in great shape (no funds to do the work at that time) . I cannot recommend him highly enough for the quality of his work. This was the first time I've met Oscar and I will be delighted to have him come back too!
Description of Work: Problem with drain blockage to septic tank. Water from bathroom and laundry was backing up then drain very slowly over the course of several hours. Needed to inspect and replace main pipe to septic tank.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$2,000
B J B.
04/2011
5.0
septic tank
+ -1 more
The man who came out knew what he was doing and did not mess up our yard in the process. He finished efficiently and was extremely professional. We would use this company again. AND, they were willing to come out on a Saturday (when we were home and did not have to take time off from work). Most of the other companies I called would not work on a Saturday.
Description of Work: Septic inspection and the tank needed to be pumped this time. The man who came out knew what he was doing and did not mess up our yard in the process. He finished efficiently and was extremely professional. We would use this company again. AND, they were willing to come out on a Saturday (when we were home and did not have to take time off from work). Most of the other companies I called would not work on a Saturday.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
4.0
value
4.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$538
Diane L.
02/2011
4.0
drain cleaning, plumbing
+ 0 more
They were fine. When the water goes out from dish washing in the restaurant, there is a trap that catches grease so that it doesn?t go into the sewer. There will be a stinky grease trap that has to be emptied every once in a while because they don?t want that grease going into the sewer. They did a fine job. There are not many people who get this kind of work done because it?s for restaurants and so homeowners wouldn?t do it that much. The price didn?t seem like it was that much. It was kind of an emergency. So there was an extra charge, but it didn?t upset me. I think it must have been reasonable. They came in the evening and I was there when they came. They came, opened up the grease trap, cleaned it out and left.
Description of Work: I had used the services of River City Environmental probably three years ago for cleaning a grease trap at a restaurant.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
4.0
responsiveness
4.0
punctuality
4.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
HEIDI C.
12/2010
5.0
drain cleaning, septic tank, sewer cleaning
+ 1 more
Excellent. Crew arrived late in afternoon, worked through until dark. Always gave us a heads up as to what was going on. They have superior equiptment for diagnosing and fixing blocked lines, and their employee's are outstanding. River City Environmental is the ONLY business we would consider using.
Description of Work: We have had problems with poor exterior drainage on one side of our house. Became so bad that we had standing water against the foundation and pooling in our yard. Called Roto Router who claimed they cleared the line, but within 1 week the problem recurred. River City promptly responded, and cleared not just the line, but the whole system. Problem Solved! We have also had them clean our septic line when the alarm went off. Again with prompt and professional service.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$175
Lyn R.
10/2010
5.0
septic tank
+ -1 more
Russ was excellent. Very knowledgeable and able to suggest options for drainage issues. Mike did the septic pump and was efficient and thorough.
Description of Work: Pumped out septic tank, diagnosed drains (including using camera), gave quote for repair and additional work
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$300
Victoria P.
08/2010
5.0
septic tank
+ -1 more
Affordable Septic Service came today when they said they would. They inspected my tank, the area around my distribution box, and the area where my drain lines are located for any soggy areas. They were fast, professional, and billed me in the amount they said it would be. They take VISA on the spot, so that makes it pretty handy. Next, they will file my paperwork with the County and I should be set for another couple of years.
Description of Work: Clark County sent me a postcard saying my septic tank required an inspection. I called Affordable Septic Service and made an appointment for them to come out and inspect my tank.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$107.7
BOB P.
04/2010
5.0
septic tank
+ -1 more
Since I know nothing about septic systems aside from what we all know- the end result [wink wink]. It would have been easy for Affordable Septic to recommend repairs (they didn't) or pump the tank when it didn't need it (it didn't and they said so). But, they gave it a clean (maybe a poor choice of words) bill of health, informed us it did not need pumping, and even submitted the report required to the county. That's excellence in service! I may make small jokes about it, but one thing I cannot deny- they have integrity.
Description of Work: Every so many years (can't remember how many) we have to have our septic system inspected. That inspection report is provided to the county. In addition, it is recommended to have the septic tank pumped every 5 years. We called Affordable Septic to both inspect and pump.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$100
Ted B.
11/2009
5.0
septic tank
+ -1 more
They did a very good job. They found and repaired a problem that was actually created by someone who had done the job several years earlier. The previous workers had broken a pipe and hadn?t bothered to fix it. As a result our septic tank wasn?t working properly. The pump literally burned out because the pipe wasn?t working. The fixed everything and cleaned out the septic field and emptied the septic tank. Everything is working fine now.
Description of Work: We used River City Environmental to replace a thumb pump and repair a damaged pipe leading to our septic field.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$2,500
Richard H.
08/2009
5.0
septic tank
+ -1 more
Everything went great. This was the first time I had to do this since buying my 1920's house so I was not sure where the tank was and how big of a hole we would have to dig. I called in the morning and had them at my house by 11:30 the same day. They stayed until we got the job done and he left about 3:15.
Description of Work: They helped me locate and dig up my septic tank lid, which took 2 + hours because of the 5 foot lid and hard soil (with my help). They used a sensor that they flushed down the toilet to help them locate the tank. We had to dig about 2 feet down and 6 foot diameter hole in order to remove the lid. Then he pumped my tank and gave me good advice for my septic tank. I am very satisfied with their service and pricing. I did not pay to have them cover it back up...I will do that to save the additional expense.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$465
LAWRENCE W B.
07/2009
5.0
septic tank
+ -1 more
They an excellent job in locating, cleaning, digging and cleaning up after themselves. It was a 6 hour job. They did a terrific job. The rep they sent was Jonathon.
Description of Work: They had to locate, dig, inspect, and clean up. They had to check the septic tank and it passed the inspection so they didn't have to replace it.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$616
JACKIE L.
07/2009
5.0
septic tank
+ -1 more
went fine. He took the time to explain how we could take care of it ourselves if it happens again, and suggestions for dealing with a weirdness. somehow someone managed to get a sign (for a computer business of all things) into the tank, who knows how (before we bought this place in 91) or why. it is floating around, and might have gotten in the way of the float. getting it out of there might be a trick, but it's obviously been there for a long time so... there it will probably remain unless it becomes a problem!
Description of Work: our alarm on the septic went off over the weekend. He came out first thing Monday am, and found the problem right away (stuck float) and unstuck it.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$90
JACKIE L.
05/2009
5.0
septic tank
+ -1 more
I called in the morning and they said they could come out in the afternoon, which is good because the pump was dead (was causing the circuit breaker to go). They came out, found the problem was the old pump (which wasn't all that old, just a couple years) had seized. Very professional, I'd recommend these people again. THe company that had installed the failed pump (skeets) no longer does pump work and didn't have much in the way of ability to refer. Given how prompt and capable Affordable Septic was, I'll call them for maintenance and inspections going forward.
Description of Work: Replaced septic pump that had failed. Justin explained what was wrong and had a pump with him to replace the broken one.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$559.99
Lisa M.
01/2009
1.0
septic tank
+ -1 more
River City Environmental's written inspection report said the septic tank and drainfield were OK. The inspector reported he located and probed the drainfield, checking for excessive moisture or odor. Based on this problem-free report we purchased the property without requesting any price reduction for septic repair. After taking possession we found that in reality the septic tanks were crumbling and the drainfield was totally destroyed, and not in the location indicated in the report. Raw effluent was being discharged directly onto open ground. The entire system had to be replaced immediately, costing us many thousands of dollars. Despite our repeated attempts at negotiation, River City Environmental and its president Steve McInnis refused to accept responsibility for their error and/or negligence. MEMBER UPDATE: The CCB responded that they have no jurisdiction over septic system installations or inspections and referred us to DEQ, which referred us to Insco. Insco responded that ?Nothing in ORS Chapter 454, the applicable EQC rules, or the Bond covers a claim for inadequate septic system inspection?the claim you assert. Therefore, Developers must respectfully deny your claim on the grounds that it does not come within the legal scope of coverage of the Bond.? The BBB said ?"Satisfactorily addressed" means that the business has stated their response and their side of the story regarding this complaint. The business has supplied paperwork stating that they have done the items listed in your complaint, while you are claiming that the work done is fraudulent. As we are not an investigations agency, we have reported the complaint on the business' Reliability Report as: "BBB determined that despite the company's reasonable effort to address complaint issues, the consumer remained dissatisfied."
Description of Work: Pre-purchase septic system inspection. (Seller was an institution holding the property in trust and therefore exempt from seller's disclosure requirements. We had to rely on our own inspections to determine the property's condition and negotiate the purchase price accordingly.)
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
1.0
value
3.0
professionalism
1.0
responsiveness
1.0
punctuality
3.0
$85
Response from River City Environmental
River City Environmental, Inc. worked in good faith and responded to and worked with the attorney representing the members. The owner of River City Environmental, Inc., as well as one other representative from River City met on-site with the members and their attorney to review and respond to their complaint. As the members stated, we were not hired by them and never received any form of payment from them. In fact we went to the property in question on three occasions where we investigated, made recommendations and performed additional work unrelated to the original work hired to do; all done at no charge. To our knowledge, the members' attorney is no longer working on the case. The members have filed a claim with the following agencies: Construction Contractor's Board -Results: Closed case, (no action taken). Better Business Bureau -Results: Closed case, quote, "we believe that your company has made a good faith effort to resolve the matter and we have closed the case." Insco Insurance Services, Inc. for Developers Surety and Indemnity Co. -Response from legal department, Cable Huston Benedict Haagensen & Lloyd LLP, Attorneys -Results: quote, "Developers has completed its review and analysis of your claim and supporting materials. For the reasons detailed below, Developers respectfully denies your claim on the bond." Our position has not changed. We legitimately performed the services that Wells Fargo Real Estate hired us to do and the responses as listed above by each agency involved validates our position with their decision. We appreciate you giving us the opportunity to respond on our behalf. - Marla Melius, Executive Assistant
Shawn S.
11/2008
5.0
septic tank
+ -1 more
I was satisfied with the inspection.
Description of Work: Justin was a little late. But that's because the address was St not Ave. and he didn't have that information. I had the digging done before he arrived. This saved money. He inspected the tank. Unfortunately it has a leak. Told me how the system should work. Advised me on who to call to get it fixed.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$108
LEAH B.
10/2008
5.0
septic tank
+ -1 more
Justin was a very hard worker. There was problems with the baffel on the septic tank. Justin had very good suggestions and wasn't trying to sell us something we didn't need.
Description of Work: Pumped septic tank.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$350
BILL B.
11/2007
5.0
septic tank
+ -1 more
Excellent. Company rep Jason was on time, personable, and clearly explained the work as it was performed. No sales pressure to purchase products as with another company that did this work four years ago. No jumping to conclusion that pumping was necessary. Appears to be honest company that can be trusted.
Description of Work: Work was described as: inspect septic tanks with instructions to pump if needed. Inspection was needed per County requirement.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
4.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$108
CATHY P.
07/2007
4.0
septic tank
+ -1 more
Justin and his partner where efficient and, over all, quick and professional. Aside from some mechanical difficulties with their truck (brakes trouble and I live on a hill) everything went smoothly.
Description of Work: Contacted Affordable Septic for an inspection and pumping of my septic. Upon inspection, the out take baffle need to be replaced.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
4.0
punctuality
3.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$465
Ben K.
07/2007
5.0
septic tank
+ -1 more
Outstanding - guy did great job - dug hole by hand, pumped tank, and everything within 2 hours - after same day call for appointment.
Description of Work: Company came out to pump residential septic tank after Propump Sanitation Solutions couldn't find tank lid.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
4.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$370
Wendy D.
09/2006
5.0
septic tank
+ -1 more
I was really dreading having this inspection done after a horrible experience four years ago with a different company (who sent me a couple of rude, dishonest lummoxes)...what a pleasant surprise! David, the tech who came out, arrived on time, was super polite and friendly, and very thorough in his inspection. He explained everything to me, including the fact that my system was nowhere near needing pumping, and answered my questions. Unlike the last company, he did not try to sell me a jug of overpriced, unnecessary "additives." I feel the price charged was very reasonable for the service I received. I did play a little phone tag with them in trying to set an appointment, but it was worth it. I highly recommend this company!
Description of Work: Inspected septic system as required every four years for county health department.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$75
RANDY M.
08/2006
5.0
septic tank
+ -1 more
David came out and found the tank and did all the digging by hand for a fee of $25. He is a very hard worker. He also did the inspection, pumping and installing the risers. David is a true worker and very trustworthy. We will be calling them in the future when we need the tank to be pumped.
Description of Work: Work included digging, inspection, pumping and installing 12 inch risers w/lids.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$814.63
J F.
03/2006
5.0
septic tank
+ -1 more
Call about 10am and we arranged a 3pm appt. Arrived a little early, got to work, knew what he was looking for and how to find it. Took about an hour to do. Put everything back. Nice gentleman.
Description of Work: Located tanks, pumped 1000 gal tanks and Inspected system. Filled out the county form for me.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
4.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$334
ANDREW F.
01/2006
5.0
septic tank
+ -1 more
The experience with this company was very positive, from the friendly initial conversation on the phone to the prompt arrival of the technician. There were no surprises with the price and they discussed in detail the problem and possible solutions
Description of Work: The initial problem was the overflow alarm went off on the septic system. They came out and diagnosed the problem and found that the pump the moves the "grey water" to the drain field was failing. They were able to replace the pump the next day.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$700
JONNI A.
09/2005
5.0
septic tank
+ -1 more
GREAT SERVICE. FRIENDLY. TOOK HIS TIME TO TALK TO ME ABOUT MY SYSTEM AND HOW THINGS WORK.
Description of Work: PUMPED TANKS AND GAVE ADVICE.
Rating Category
Rating out of 5
quality
5.0
value
5.0
professionalism
5.0
responsiveness
5.0
punctuality
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
$203
TINA M.
06/2005
5.0
septic tank
+ -1 more
SERVICE WAS ON TIME AND CAME THE SAME DAY. OTHER SERVICES DID NOT HAVE SAME DAY SERVICE. HE WAS VERY PLEASANT AND FRIENDLY. PRICE WAS LITTLE HIGH BUT WOULD USE THEM AGAIN.
Description of Work: AFFORDABLE SEPTIC SERVICE PUMPED SEPTIC TANK AND FIXED BAFFLE THAT WAS BROKEN.
All statements concerning insurance, licenses, and bonds are informational only, and are self-reported. Since insurance, licenses and bonds can expire and can be cancelled, homeowners should always check such information for themselves. To find more licensing information for your state, visit our State Contractor License Requirements page.
*Contact business to see additional licenses.
Service Categories
Septic Systems,
Plumbing,
Drain Cleaning,
Sewer Cleaning,
Biohazard Remediation,
Wells and Pumps,
Excavating,
Dumpster Service,
Snow Removal,
Pressure Washing,
Water Heaters,
Hauling
FAQ
River City Environmental is currently rated 4.8 overall out of 5.
Sunday: Open All Day
Monday: Open All Day
Tuesday: Open All Day
Wednesday: Open All Day
Thursday: Open All Day
Friday: Open All Day
Saturday: Open All Day
River City Environmental accepts the following forms of payment: American Express,Check,Discover,MasterCard,Visa
Yes, River City Environmental offers free project estimates.
No, River City Environmental does not offer eco-friendly accreditations.
No, River City Environmental does not offer a senior discount.
No, River City Environmental does not offer emergency services.
No, River City Environmental does not offer warranties.
River City Environmental offers the following services: Repair- Septic Tanks & Pumps. Inspection. Drain Field Cleaning & Jetting. Water Heater. Pipe Bursting. Plumbing. Sewer Lines. Parking Lot. Excavation. Snow Removal. Pressure Washing. Yard Debris. Construction.