406 W 75th St Suite E, Kansas City, MO 64114

Mon-Fri : 7:00am : 6:00pm |  SAT: 9am : 4pm | SUN: Closed

Septic System Services

Septic System Services

At 100 Year Plumbing & Sewer, we maintain, diagnose and repair residential septic systems by evaluating how wastewater moves from the home into the septic tank and through the drain field. A properly functioning septic system depends on healthy tank levels, intact baffles, a clear inlet line, an unobstructed outlet tee and a drain field capable of absorbing effluent. When any part of this process slows or fails, the entire system can back up or release wastewater into the yard.

 

Septic problems often begin long before a homeowner notices visible water. Early symptoms may include slow drains throughout the home, persistent sewage odors outdoors, gurgling toilets, damp or spongy ground near the drain field, or sewage backing up into tubs and showers. These issues often point to an overloaded septic tank, a clogged inlet line, a failing effluent filter, broken baffles or drain field saturation where soil can no longer absorb wastewater properly.

 

Our technicians use diagnostic tools to measure tank levels, inspect structural components, evaluate drain field performance and determine whether the issue originates in the tank, the plumbing lines feeding it or the soil absorption system downstream. Our goal is to prevent backups, protect the drain field and keep the septic system functioning safely and efficiently.

Warning Signs of Septic System Failure

Septic issues reveal themselves through consistent household symptoms and visible changes in the yard. Identifying these signs early helps prevent major system damage.

Slow Drains Throughout the Home

When sinks, tubs and toilets drain slowly at the same time, the septic tank or inlet line may be overloaded rather than a fixture drain problem.

Sewage Odors Outdoors

A strong odor around the yard or near the tank lid suggests tank overloading, venting problems or effluent escaping improperly.

Wet or Spongy Ground Near the Drain Field

Soft soil, standing water or unusually lush grass over the drain field indicates hydraulic saturation or biomat buildup restricting absorption.

Gurgling Toilets or Bubbles in Drains

Air trapped behind wastewater points to restricted flow entering or exiting the septic tank.

Sewage Backups Indoors

Wastewater entering tubs, showers or floor drains means the system is failing and requires immediate service.

 

These symptoms should be evaluated quickly to prevent tank flooding, drain field damage or household contamination.

Septic System Cleaning vs Septic System Repair

Septic cleaning focuses on pumping the tank, removing sludge and clearing effluent filters to maintain proper flow. Septic repair addresses structural or mechanical failures such as broken baffles, damaged tees, cracked tank walls or collapsed drain field lines. Cleaning maintains the system. Repair restores components that are no longer functioning. Many homes require a combination of both to restore safe operation.

Septic System Methods and When We Use Them

Each septic issue requires a targeted approach. At 100 Year Plumbing & Sewer, we evaluate tank condition, soil saturation, drain field load and inlet line behavior before selecting the appropriate method.

Septic Tank Pumping and System Cleaning

Routine pumping removes accumulated sludge and scum that can overwhelm the tank and travel into the drain field. During pumping, we clean the tank, inspect the baffles, verify the effluent filter is clear and ensure wastewater can move from the home to the tank without obstruction. This process prevents solids from clogging the drain field and extends system life.

Septic System Repairs for Tanks, Inlet Lines and Baffles

When components inside the tank fail, we perform targeted repairs based on the exact failure point. Broken baffles, damaged or missing inlet and outlet tees, cracked tank walls or blocked inlet lines all restrict flow and cause backups. Repairing these components restores proper separation of solids and liquids inside the tank which protects the drain field from contamination.

Drain Field Diagnostics and Recovery

Drain field failure often appears as soggy soil, sewage smells outdoors or slow household drains. We determine whether the issue is caused by hydraulic overloading, soil saturation, root intrusion, broken distribution lines or biomat buildup. In many cases, restoring flow may require clearing the outlet filter, correcting distribution issues or repairing damaged lateral pipes that feed the drain field.

Septic System Inspection and Performance Testing

For pre-sale inspections, annual maintenance or diagnostic purposes, we evaluate tank levels, check the structure, trace line paths, inspect baffles, assess effluent filters and test wastewater movement. Performance testing verifies that the system is dispersing effluent properly and identifies issues that may impact long-term function.

Preventative Septic System Maintenance

Routine pumping and periodic inspections are essential to preventing septic failure. Most households require pumping every three to five years depending on tank size, water usage and household occupancy. Regular maintenance prevents solids from reaching the drain field and reduces the risk of expensive restoration or system replacement. Early detection of structural issues or distribution problems helps maintain a healthy and reliable septic system.

Emergency Septic System Services

When wastewater backs up into tubs or showers, when sewage surfaces in the yard or when the system stops accepting water entirely, immediate service is needed. Our emergency technicians respond quickly to diagnose the cause, relieve tank pressure, restore flow and prevent further contamination. We address tank overloads, clogged inlet lines, flooded drain fields and failing components with urgency and care.

Why Choose 100 Year Plumbing & Sewer for Septic System Services

  • Comprehensive diagnostics for tanks, inlet lines and drain fields
  • Licensed and insured septic specialists
  • Upfront pricing and clear communication
  • Long-term solutions that protect the drain field and prevent repeat failures
  • Reliable maintenance plans and scheduled pumping
  • Fast response for urgent septic issues
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FAQs

How often should I have my septic tank pumped?

Most homes require pumping every three to five years depending on tank size, household occupancy and water usage. Regular pumping prevents solids from reaching the drain field which reduces the risk of system failure.

Slow drains throughout the home, foul odors outdoors, wet or spongy ground near the drain field, gurgling toilets or sewage backups inside the home all indicate septic system failure and should be addressed immediately.

Some drain field issues can be corrected by fixing distribution problems, cleaning the outlet filter or repairing damaged lateral lines. Severe saturation or soil failure may require partial or full drain field restoration.

An inspection includes checking tank levels, evaluating baffles and tees, testing wastewater flow, examining the effluent filter and tracing the drain field lines. This identifies structural issues and verifies system performance.
Yes. We provide immediate service for sewage backups, tank overflows, flooded drain fields and any situation where wastewater is entering the home or surfacing in the yard.

Service Areas

100 Year Plumbing & Sewer proudly serves:
Fairway KS, Grandview MO, Kansas City KS, Kansas City MO, Leawood KS, Lees Summit MO, Lenexa KS, Merriam KS, Mission Hills KS, Mission KS, Olathe KS, Overland Park KS, Prairie Village KS, Roeland Park KS, Shawnee KS.

Our Service Guarantee 

At 100 Year Plumbing & Sewer, we’re committed to delivering dependable plumbing solutions. Our licensed technicians are trained to evaluate problems thoroughly, provide honest recommendations and complete every job with precision. We focus on quality workmanship, clear communication and long-term reliability, whether we’re supporting routine maintenance, resolving an urgent issue or upgrading part of your home’s plumbing system. Every service is backed by our dedication to professionalism and the respectful care of your property.

When you’re ready to move forward, we make it simple. Our scheduling team can answer questions, walk you through your options and set up service at a time that works for you. Reach out today to get started or request an estimate for your project.