Septic Tank Cleaning & Pumping Services

Schedule Your Septic Tank Cleaning

A clean septic system is a reliable one. A & R Wastewater Management delivers quick and easy septic tank cleaning and septic tank pumping services designed to extend the lifespan of your system and prevent costly backups. Whether it’s routine septic maintenance or an emergency septic pump call, we’re ready when you need us.

All Services Included

Complete Septic Tank Cleaning and pumping Services

Septic Tank Cleaning & Pumping

Complete tank emptying and rinse-out to keep your system flowing properly and reduce buildup.

Valve Switching

If your septic system uses alternating fields, we handle the valve changeover to balance flow.

Septic Tank Filter Cleaning

Cleaning internal septic filters helps prevent solids from entering your drain field and causing damage.

Drywell Liquid-Level Checks

We check liquid levels in drywells to monitor system health and detect early signs of overload.

Septic Tank Riser Lid Replacement & Repair

We repair or install riser lids to make future septic service faster, safer, and easier.

24/7 Emergency Septic Pumping Services

When the alarm sounds or the drains stop working, we respond immediately.

In Depth Look

What’s Included in Our Septic Tank Pumping and Cleaning Services

Regular pumping is one of the most important parts of septic system care. Our team handles it all—from emptying the tank and inspecting components to helping you set the right schedule for long-term health.

 

Septic Tank Cleaning & Pumping

We remove pump solids, scum, and sludge buildup from your tank and provide a full cleaning rinse to help extend the life of your septic system.

Our process includes:

  • Removing solids using a vacuum pump
  • Light rinsing of the tank interior
  • Basic component inspection

Septic Tank Filter Cleaning

Cleaning your septic filter helps protect your drain field by keeping solids where they belong. We remove, inspect, and rinse the filter to keep your septic flowing the way it should.

Filter cleaning includes:

  • Removing and rinsing the effluent filter
  • Checking for damage or clogs
  • Inspecting surrounding outlet components

Valve Switching

Some systems alternate between two fields. We handle valve switching on a regular cycle to reduce wear and improve efficiency.

Uses:

  • Balances drain field usage
  • Prevents oversaturation
  • Easy add-on during a routine visit

Septic Tank Riser Lid Replacement & Repair

We replace broken, buried, or hard-to-access lids with secure riser systems. This makes your septic tank easier to service and helps prevent safety hazards.

Drywell Liquid-Level Checks

We check the fluid levels in your drywell to catch signs of pooling, backup, or overuse. This helps determine if septic pumping or repairs are needed before bigger issues arise.

Septic Tank Cleaning vs. Pumping: What is the Difference?

Many providers use these terms interchangeably, but they are not the same. Understanding the difference can save you thousands in drain field repairs.

  • Septic Pumping (The Maintenance Standard): This involves removing the liquid (effluent) and some of the floating solids (scum) to lower the tank level. It is a necessary routine step, but it often leaves behind the hardened layer at the bottom.

  • Septic Tank Cleaning (The A & R Standard): Our cleaning service is a total system reset. We remove all liquid, floating scum, and the compacted bottom sludge. By eliminating the sludge layer, we prevent solids from migrating out of the tank and clogging your leach field—the #1 cause of total system failure.

Residential Septic Services for Homeowners

For homeowners, a failing septic system isn’t just an expense; it’s a health hazard. If you are noticing slow drains, gurgling toilets, or lush patches of grass over your drain field, your tank may be overdue for service.

Protect Your Home Investment Routine septic cleaning is the single most cost-effective way to protect your property value. We recommend a cleaning schedule of every 3 to 5 years, depending on your household size.

  • Prevent Backups: Remove the solids before they back up into your bathtub or sinks.

  • Protect the Drain Field: Once sludge clogs your soil absorption field, the cost of repair skyrockets. Cleaning prevents this migration.

  • Safe Disposal: We adhere to strict environmental standards, ensuring all waste is disposed of at certified treatment facilities.

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Turd Ferguson
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Ben and company came out today and did a few repairs on my septic as well as a pumping. They came in a $100 cheaper than originally estimated and made the repairs quickly. I would recommend them for either pumping or repairs.
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Norbert Reis
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Highly recommend A&R. Jacob is extremely knowledgable in the the different types of septic systems from standard to Sludgehammer to Eljen which was very helpful in determining the type of system needed for a septic repair.
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Cory Marlow
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These guys are incredibly knowledgeable and extremely efficient. Great problem solvers as well! 5 stars easily. Best in the biz!
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Erin Swary
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Jake and Ben at A&R Wastewater Management were amazing! We needed immediate assistance with our Sewage Pump/float and they were fast, efficient and kind. They saved us a lot of money, whereas another company was looking to get over on us. Ben answered all of our questions & couldn’t have been any nicer. We are very appreciative and will definitely use them for any of our future needs. We highly recommend them to anyone with Septic or wastewater problems. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!
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Colleen Johnston profile picture
Colleen Johnston
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A&R did a fantastic job! They answered all our questions and really knew their job inside and out.
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Ryan Christoph profile picture
Ryan Christoph
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We recently had to have our Septic system relocated in our yard - A&R Wastewater Management did a fantastic job and was very reasonably priced considering the size of our project. Jacob was great to work with; he was prompt and thorough with any questions we had, and they had the job completed in two days. Jacob also came back the next day to go over all the tasks that were done and to ensure we were 100% satisfied with the job performed. I highly recommend A&R Wastewater Management for any of your septic needs!
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Carl Fitz profile picture
Carl Fitz
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After several years of chemotherapy drugs being dumped into my septic system my septic field failed. Jacob designed and installed our new system. From the time Jacob started digging he had our system installed and back filled within 24 hours. Not only is Jacob the owner, but he did the installation too! I highly recommend A& R Waste Management for septic pumping or septic installation.
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Lynn Chiu
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First class service. Was able to get scheduled and serviced within 24 hours. Danell was very professional and did a great job fixing our issues. Appreciated A&R’s communication and flexibility. Will definitely recommend them to my friends.
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Ashton Applegate
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Did a fantastic job with our new septic! Filled in holes perfectly !
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Lilia Summers profile picture
Lilia Summers
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The team with A&R were amazingly professional and communication was always open. They delivered the equipment the day prior and the day of service it was quick, professional, and problems were communicated and dealt with efficiently. Very personable as well! Would recommend!

About Us

Trusted by customers for septic pumping for Decades

We’ve provided dependable septic cleaning, pumping, and septic system maintenance to homeowners and businesses for years. Our experienced crew arrives prepared, keeps things clean, and makes sure your system is handled right the first time.

Why Choose A & R Wastewater Management

Clean, Fast, and Thorough

One Call, Full Service

Scheduled Maintenance Options

Our Process

Our Septic tank Cleaning Process

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Locate and Inspect

We uncover the septic tank, inspect the lid and access points, and check fluid levels to understand the condition before pumping begins.

Pump and Clean

Our team pumps all solids and liquids from your septic using a vacuum truck, then cleans the interior, and filter to restore proper function.

Final Check and Report

We confirm everything is sealed properly and provide a quick status update or recommendation whether it's routine maintenance or a follow-up service.

Our Past Work

Septic Tank Pumping Done Right The First Time

Frequently Asked Questions

Septic Tank Pumping FAQ

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.

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Got questions or interested in our services?
Feel free to reach out to us. We’re here to help.

Contact info

We look forward to hearing from you!

Got questions or interested in our services? Feel free to reach out to us. We’re here to help.

Call Us

Toll Free (866) 674-5779 Main (574) 674-5779

Email Us

service@arwwm.com construction@arwwm.com

Office & Shop

3611 Cassopolis Street 55910 Currant Road Elkhart, IN 46514 Mishawaka, IN 46545

Emergency Service

Toll Free (866) 674-5779

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