What causes a septic tank to collapse?

• <div><p>There are a lot of issues that can cause a septic tank to collapse. Those include failing to regularly pump or service it every three to five years, placing too much weight atop the system—by parking your car on top of it or because of a heavy snow buildup for instance—or because of structural damage done by overgrown tree roots. </p></div>

Is well water hard water?

• <div><p>Well water is often assumed to be hard because of its high mineral content. Hard water can lead to mineral build-up in your pipes and appliances. You can <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-deal-hard-water-and-high-pressure.htm">manage hard water</a> by installing a whole-house filter system. These systems can help extend the life of your water-reliant appliances like your hot water tank and dishwasher. </p></div>

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Q: How do I set my well tank’s pressure?

• <div><p><a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-to-set-well-pressure-tank.htm">How do you set your well&rsquo;s pressure tank?</a> All you need to do is first drain the tank of water and find the pressure switch. Remove the switch cover and adjust the switch with a wrench&mdash;clockwise to increase water pressure, and counter-clockwise to reduce it. Each complete turn of the nut on the switch should equal 2.5 psi. Once this is done, replace the switch cover. All that&rsquo;s left is to adjust the pressure of the tank itself using an air compressor and a tire gauge to support the new setting.</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 far above ground should a septic tank riser be?

• <div><p>A septic tank riser should extend to just above the ground level or slightly above it. The exact height can vary depending on local regulations and personal preferences, but a common guideline is to have the riser's top flush with or no more than a few inches above the surrounding ground. This height allows for easy access to the septic tank without creating a tripping hazard or obstructing mowing and landscaping activities. It's essential to ensure that the riser lid is easily visible and accessible for regular maintenance and inspection while being mindful of safety and aesthetics.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Septic Tank Service pros in Raphine, VA

*The Angi rating for Septic Tank Service companies in Raphine, VA 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 Raphine, VA 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 June 11, 2026

Reviewed in June 2026
Peter arrived at agreed on time, went over the three areas (remove brushy weeds, weedeat, clean weeds from around propane tank and clean up residue.) It took 3 hours on a hot humid day using cuutters for thumb thick brush and a tarp to collect cuttings. He did it well and even picked up trash...
Peter Thacker
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Reviewed in August 2025
Fantastic Service! Dakota was professional and friendly and explained everything that was happening with the plumbing. He arrived quickly and worked efficiently and resolved the problem perfectly! Thank you so much!
Valley Air, LLC
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Reviewed in December 2024
They responded immediately to an urgent situation where my sump pump had quit working. They were courteous, efficient and knowledgeable. I highly recommend them.
E & E Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning
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Reviewed in August 2024
Fravel Excavation was excellent to work with. He gave excellent recommendations for grading and driveway work, his quality of work and attention to detail was superb, he was timely and reasonably priced. I definitely recommend Fravel Excavation!
Fravel Excavation LLC
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Reviewed in November 2023
I highly recommend Integrity Air! They do excellent work! They are very easy to work with and were able to get us scheduled at a convenient time; plus they reliably showed up. Integrity Air is professional and knowledgeable. They don’t try to nickel and dime you but offer only solutions you...
Integrity Air Solutions
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Reviewed in March 2023
When I found my water heater leaking in the garage on a Sat. night, I called a plumbing service that advertises 24/7 service, mainly to find out if this was something that could wait until Mon, or if it was an emergency, as it was a slow leak and I still had hot water. They never called me back....
Prestige Plumbing LLC
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Reviewed in March 2023
I called him on a Mon morning after discovering on Sat my water heater was leaking, not knowing if this was an emergency or not, as I still had hot water. The 24/7 plumbing company I called on Sat never answered or called back, so I found the excellent reviews on Prestige Plumbing and called...
Prestige Plumbing, LLC
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Reviewed in December 2021
Bernard delivered, shoveled, spread, and tamped 3 tons of gravel in an area I had prepared for the base of a greenhouse. He arrived on time, was courteous, communicative, and quick. He was able to finish the job in one day, and I’ll definitely be calling him back for future projects.
Bernard Moyer Masonry
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Reviewed in November 2020
The work was completed when they said it would be done. James Monell and Kenny Tanks showed up right on time and performed excellent work. They were able to lift concrete to allow drainage away from the house and align the sidewalk with the stoop which was nearly 3” out of level. Highly...
JES Foundation Repair
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Reviewed in January 2015
<p>We called Brian late on a Thursday. He was on the phone with us Friday morning early. He came to the farm, scoped the job, and went for parts. By 6:30 that night, a new water heater had been installed and new hot and cold water faucets had been installed in the barn aisle. The installations...
Brian Gilliam - Sure-Flow Plumbing
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Find Septic tank pros in Raphine

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

Serving Raphine, VA 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 Raphine, VA 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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John Dooley Excavating

1.3(

)

Septic System - Install or ReplaceSeptic System - Repair

Serving Raphine, VA and surrounding areas

In business since 1995

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

John Dooley Excavating is your local excavation contractor. We also specialize in septic tank systems cleaning, inspection, and installation. We provide all kinds of excavation projects including land cleaning, grading and much more. Each project is unique and custom tailored to your specific needs.

Response time2 hrs

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Good Groundworks

New to Angi

Septic System - Install or Replace

Serving Raphine, VA and surrounding areas

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

Credit card accepted

We specialize in providing professional excavation services that are reliable, efficient, and tailored to meet your project needs. With a commitment to quality and safety, Good Groundworks is your trusted partner in Lynchburg and surrounding areas.

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Septic Tanks questions, answered by experts

How do you set your well’s pressure tank? All you need to do is first drain the tank of water and find the pressure switch. Remove the switch cover and adjust the switch with a wrench—clockwise to increase water pressure, and counter-clockwise to reduce it. Each complete turn of the nut on the switch should equal 2.5 psi. Once this is done, replace the switch cover. All that’s left is to adjust the pressure of the tank itself using an air compressor and a tire gauge to support the new setting.

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.

There are a lot of issues that can cause a septic tank to collapse. Those include failing to regularly pump or service it every three to five years, placing too much weight atop the system—by parking your car on top of it or because of a heavy snow buildup for instance—or because of structural damage done by overgrown tree roots.

A septic tank riser should extend to just above the ground level or slightly above it. The exact height can vary depending on local regulations and personal preferences, but a common guideline is to have the riser's top flush with or no more than a few inches above the surrounding ground. This height allows for easy access to the septic tank without creating a tripping hazard or obstructing mowing and landscaping activities. It's essential to ensure that the riser lid is easily visible and accessible for regular maintenance and inspection while being mindful of safety and aesthetics.

Well water is often assumed to be hard because of its high mineral content. Hard water can lead to mineral build-up in your pipes and appliances. You can manage hard water by installing a whole-house filter system. These systems can help extend the life of your water-reliant appliances like your hot water tank and dishwasher.

The Raphine, VA homeowners’ guide to septic tank services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

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