For the average household of four, we recommend septic tank pumping and cleaning every 3 to 5 years. However, if you use a garbage disposal frequently or have a smaller tank, you may need service every 2 years. Commercial systems often require annual service.

Slow drains, gurgling pipes, odors, or water pooling near your tank or field are all signs it’s time to pump.

Signs You Need Emergency Service:

• Sewage Backup: Dark, foul-smelling water entering the home through lower drains (shower, basement floor drain).

• System Alarms: If your lift station or aerobic unit alarm is buzzing, the tank levels are critically high.

• Pooling Effluent: Standing water surfacing in the yard above the tank.

Our Promise: We maintain a dedicated emergency dispatch team. When you call A & R, you get a rapid response to stabilize your system and prevent further property damage.

Not always. If your tank is accessible and we have the details, we can complete the job without you being present.

Yes. We offer septic pumping and inspection services for realtors and property sales, providing clear documentation for transactions.

Common signs include gurgling sounds in the plumbing, slow-draining sinks and showers, unpleasant odors near the tank or inside the home, and unusually green or spongey grass over the drain field. If you see any of these, schedule septic cleaning immediately.

Yes. A & R provides year-round service. While frozen ground can make locating the lid more difficult, our technicians are equipped to access and service your tank in winter conditions. If you suspect an issue, do not wait for the thaw—delays can cause pipes to freeze and burst.

No. While biological additives can help maintain healthy bacteria, they do not eliminate the inorganic solids and hardened sludge that accumulate over time. There is no “magic pour” that replaces the physical removal of waste. Relying solely on additives can lead to system failure.

Septic pumping removes waste from the tank itself. Hydro-jetting is a separate service used to clear clogs in the pipes leading to or from the tank. If your tank is empty but drains are still slow, you may need jetting to clear a blockage in the line.