What we do, and what we don’t.
Ryan's Pumping Service inspects and pumps septic systems for homes and businesses across five counties. We do not do repair work, so our inspections come with no conflict of interest. Estimates are free; call for a price on your job.
Inspections
Our specialty. Inspections for buyers, sellers and agents in escrow, for county environmental health permits, and for lenders. We look, we measure, we tell you what we found.
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Real estate septic inspection
For buyers, sellers and agents during escrow. We locate and open the tank, check its condition, levels, inlet and outlet, and walk you through what we found before anyone signs.
Free estimate. Call for a price
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Environmental health permit inspection
The inspection your county environmental health department asks for, done to their checklist so the paperwork moves.
Free estimate. Call for a price
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Refinance inspection
When a lender wants proof the septic system is sound before the loan closes.
Free estimate. Call for a price
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Water testing
Offered alongside septic inspections. Tell us what your lender or county is asking for when you call.
Free estimate. Call for a price
Pumping & maintenance
Routine pumping keeps solids out of the leach field, which is the expensive part. Residential and commercial, from a 4,200-gallon truck, done clean.
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Septic tank pumping
Routine maintenance pumping for homes. We locate and open the lids, pump the tank down, check the baffles while it is empty, and clean up before we leave.
Free estimate. Call for a price
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Commercial septic pumping
Pumping for businesses, ranches and other commercial properties on septic.
Free estimate. Call for a price
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Cesspools
Pumping and service for older cesspool systems, including brick-lined pits.
Free estimate. Call for a price
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Pump chambers
Pumping of pump chambers and lift tanks on systems that push effluent uphill to the field.
Free estimate. Call for a price
Emergencies
Drains backing up, a smell in the yard, water pooling over the tank. Call and tell us what you are seeing. Customers regularly get same-day or next-day service.
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Emergency pumping
Backups and overflows. Call (408) 763-0914 instead of emailing so we can get you on the schedule.
Free estimate. Call for a price
Septic care
A septic system that is looked after can last decades. Most of it comes down to what goes down the drain and pumping before the solids reach the field.
Do
- Know where your tank and lids are, and keep the lids reachable.
- Spread out laundry over the week instead of running five loads in a day.
- Fix running toilets and dripping faucets; extra water floods the tank.
- Keep cars, trucks and livestock off the tank and the leach field.
- Keep the pumping and inspection records with the house paperwork.
Don’t
- Don’t flush wipes (even “flushable” ones), paper towels or feminine products.
- Don’t pour grease, oil or coffee grounds down the drain.
- Don’t pour paint, solvents or harsh chemicals into the system.
- Don’t plant trees or shrubs with deep roots over the field.
- Don’t wait for a backup to schedule pumping.
How often to pump
The EPA’s general guidance is to have a household system inspected about every three years and pumped every three to five, depending on tank size and how many people live in the house. Ask us when you call; we can tell you more once we have seen your tank.
Diversion valves
Some properties have two leach fields and a diversion valve that sends effluent to one while the other rests. If you have one, it should be switched on a regular schedule. We can show you where yours is and how it turns when we are out.
Why maintenance matters
Solids that are not pumped out drift into the leach field and clog the soil. Pumping is routine and affordable; replacing a field is neither.