Photo: Nonztp, “Septic tank 1”, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Resized and converted to WebP; shown cropped.
Septic & well: the basics
Septic tanks, leach fields, pumping, well pumps, pressure tanks, well water.
The full guide for this trade is being written. Until then, here is what we know for sure: the problems that belong here, who handles them, and how to check a contractor.
On this page4 sections: urgent, permits…
What people call about
- Septic backing up
- Septic pumping
- Well pump not running
- No water from the well
How soon to call
Act today
Septic backing up
Ask for: emergency pumping and inspection
Stop using water in the house until the tank is pumped.
No water from the well
Ask for: well pump and pressure switch service
Check that the well pump breaker is on and look at the pressure switch and gauge by the tank, but do not open the switch cover or the well cap. Call a well service if the breaker is on and the water stays off.
Call in the next day or two
Well cap is damaged
Ask for: well cap replacement and water test
Soggy smelly spot over the leach field
Ask for: leach field evaluation
Septic alarm going off
Ask for: septic pump service
Cut water use to a minimum until it is checked.
Septic smell outside
Ask for: septic inspection
Well pump turns on and off constantly
Ask for: pressure tank and switch service
Low pressure on well water
Ask for: well system diagnosis
Sand coming from the well
Ask for: well inspection
Well flooded after the storm
Ask for: well disinfection and testing
Do not drink the water until it is tested.
Schedule it
Septic pumping
Ask for: septic pumping
Septic inspection before buying
Ask for: septic inspection
Replace the septic system
Ask for: septic replacement
Find the septic tank lid
Ask for: locate and riser install
Drill a new well
Ask for: well drilling
General guidance, not a diagnosis. If anyone is in danger, call 911 first.
Permits and licensing
- This work usually needs a permit. The contractor should pull it; ask who will.
- Most states license this trade, so the finder can check the state's public license record.
Know what you're looking at
Risers bring the tank lids up near the surface for pumping and inspection. A tank with no riser means digging each time: ask how that is priced.
The drain (leach) field is where treated wastewater soaks into the soil. Heavy vehicles, tree roots and standing water above it can all signal trouble.
A pressure tank keeps a well pump from running constantly. A pump that switches on and off all the time can mean a waterlogged tank or a faulty switch.
Well drilling is priced by depth and conditions that are not known in advance. Ask how the contract handles a dry hole, and what the pump, casing and water test cost.
General information, not legal, tax, engineering or insurance advice. Rules and prices vary by place, so get three local quotes. Problem list updated 2026-10-04.