Septic tank pumping, sometimes called septic tank cleaning, is the most important thing you can do to protect your system. Done right and on schedule, it keeps your drain field healthy and your pipes clear. It can also lower repair bills. Wray's Septic has been pumping tanks across Allegan, Barry, Kalamazoo, and Van Buren Counties since 1968. We've seen what happens when people maintain their tanks, and what happens when they don't.
Most households need septic tank pumping and cleaning every 3-5 years. The real variables are how many people live in the home, how much water you use, and the ways certain medications and prescription drugs can affect the bacterial balance in the tank.
If you've pumped your tank with us before, we keep records by both address and homeowner, so we can look it up. If you can't remember the last time, call us. We'll help you figure it out.
You don't need to be home. Once we're there, we locate the tank, dig up the access lid if needed, and get to work. About 70% of our customers don't know where their tank is, so it's not a problem if you don't know.
The pumping process isn't just pulling liquid out of the tank. To do it right, we disrupt the scum layer at the top, then re-inject liquid into the bottom to break up the sludge layer before removing it. We scrape the bottom of the tank, a step some operators skip. Without this step, sludge stays behind and your tank needs pumping again before it should. When we're done, the lid goes back on the septic tank and your yard looks like we were never there.
One note for summertime jobs: when the ground gets hard and dry, we may ask you to water the grass around the tank access before we arrive.
We're licensed by the State of Michigan to haul waste, and we dispose of it only at licensed treatment facilities. You'll receive a bill within 2-3 days and have two weeks to pay.
Give us a call at (269) 673-4791 or complete the online form to request a service call.
When we open a tank, the condition tells a story pretty quickly. A thick, dense tank means it's been a while. We also check for backflow from the secondary chamber, which signals a problem with the drain field or, in the 40% of systems that have one, an effluent pump issue.
Every job includes a visual inspection. If something needs a closer look, we'll let you know.
Over the years we've found things in tanks that homeowners had no idea were there: raccoons, wedding rings, kids' toys. We've also found broken pipes, tree root intrusion, and systems that have simply reached the end of their life. If we spot a clog from tree roots, you'll probably need to hire a plumber for treatment.
If a full replacement is what's needed, we'll tell you clearly and walk you through the permit process. We'd rather you hear it from us than find out the hard way.
One thing that shortens system life more than most people realize: flushing wipes and tampons. Even products labeled "flushable" don't break down the way waste does. They accumulate and clog, and they accelerate the timeline to your next big repair.
If you're dealing with a backup, overflow, or strong odors inside or outside your home, don't wait. A septic tank backup is a sign the system needs immediate attention. Call us and we'll get someone out as quickly as we can.
Septic tank pumping cost varies depending on tank size, how easy it is to access, and your location within our service area. Call us for a quote.
What we can tell you is this: routine pumping is significantly cheaper than the alternative. If your system fails and you need a repair permit, you're typically looking at a much higher cost. Maintenance is cheaper than repair. Every time.
We serve residential and commercial customers: homeowners, trailer parks, ski resorts, and properties of all sizes across Southwest Michigan. Senior citizens and military personnel receive a $10 discount on tank pumping. We're a military family ourselves, and have been for generations.
The fastest way to reach us is by phone. You'll get an immediate response. You can also fill out our contact form if calling isn't convenient.
Call us at (269) 673-4791 or contact us online.
