Septic system service · Salem, VA · reviewed since 2025
iHow the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 55%89+48.5Reliability 24%87+21.1Value 14%97+13.7Replies to reviews 7%98+6.9Experts Score= 90Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.90SCORE
AGradeiLetter from the Experts Score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = under 20.
#31 of 66 septic tank servicesiPosition by Experts Score among all companies we track in this category. · better than 54%
4.9★★★★★55 Google reviews · 24 photos
95%five-star reviews
4.89★last 12 monthsiAverage stars on reviews from the last 12 months only.
1.8%1–2★ in 2 yearsiShare of 1–2★ reviews in the last 24 months — or the 20 newest reviews when the company had fewer than 20 in that time.
98%reviews answered by the owner
$542typical billiMedian bill customers of this company reported in their reviews (needs 3+ priced reviews).
Google reviewers rate Trent's Septic & Outdoors 4.9 out of 5 based on 55 reviews, frequently citing prompt scheduling, clear communication, and transparent pricing for services like tank pumping, installation, and leak repair. Customers often note the team's professionalism and willingness to assist beyond standard job scopes, such as moving property items or diagnosing complex issues without charging. One low-star review highlights a delayed response and brief on-site visit for a difficult location, contrasting with the general praise for quick turnaround.
Google rating: 4.9 out of 5 from 55 reviews (95% five-star).
Reviews on this page: 55 Google reviews (48 with written comments, 1 with photos).
Owner responses: the business replied to 98% of reviews.
Most recent review: September 17, 2026.
Service: Septic Tank Service serving Salem, Virginia.
Data from Google, last updated October 27, 2026.
Score profile vs other septic tank services
Score per factor (100 = best)iEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (star average, share of 1–2★ reviews, price verdicts…); standing within the category can only raise it, never lower it.. Strongest: momentum and replies to reviews; weakest: reliability.
Trent's Septic & OutdoorsSeptic Tank Services median0 = centre, 100 = best
SatisfactioniSatisfaction · 54% of the scoreRecency-weighted star average (2-year half-life), shrunk toward the category mean by review volume; the company’s own lifetime average as the prior; absolute: 4.0★ = 0, 5★ = 100.Trent's Septic & Outdoors: 89/100 on this factor. Category median: 91.A
89
ReliabilityiReliability · 24% of the scoreHow rarely jobs go badly: share of 1–2★ reviews — 60% the last 24 months (or the 20 newest if fewer), 40% all-time; 0% = 100, 15%+ = 0; the category percentile can only raise it.Trent's Septic & Outdoors: 87/100 on this factor. Category median: 87.A
87
Craft & serviceiCraft & service · penalty only, up to −10 pointsGoogle review highlights: Quality, Professionalism, Responsiveness, Punctuality — how rarely reviewers flag them as a negative, per review since highlights began; 0% = 100, 5%+ = 0. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in — clean highlights are the norm, not a bonus.Not enough reviews for this factor yet. Category median: 95.–
–
ValueiValue · 14% of the scoreCustomers’ own price verdicts (Great / Reasonable vs Overpriced) and Value highlights; 65% absolute (all “reasonable” ≈ 80, “great” = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Trent's Septic & Outdoors: 97/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.A
97
MomentumiMomentum · penalty only, up to −10 pointsPenalises only a real slide: last-12-month average below lifetime (−0.5★ = 0). Still 4.8★+ over the last year, or steady/improving = 100. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in.Trent's Septic & Outdoors: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.A
100
Replies to reviewsiReplies to reviews · 7% of the scoreHow often the owner publicly replies to reviews under 5★ (1–4★). Needs 3+ such reviews, otherwise not counted; 65% absolute (80%+ replied = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Trent's Septic & Outdoors: 98/100 on this factor. Category median: 72.A
98
Bar = this company · dark tick = category median.
Star ratings
55 Google reviews we collected
4.9of 5
5 stars5295%
4 stars24%
3 stars00%
2 stars00%
1 star12%
Praise vs complaints
Phrases our text analysis found in 48 written reviews
98%praise
Praise11798%
Complaints33%
PriceiGoogle asks reviewers whether the price was great, reasonable or overpriced; these are their answers.
Price verdicts customers left with their Google review
100%fair
Great price440%
Reasonable440%
Overpriced00%
Not sure220%
$542+26% vs typical septic tank services
Middle half of what 7 customers paid ($375–$712) · gold mark = category median.
Topic share
How often each topic comes up in the written reviews
7topics
Would recommend2622%
Staff & attitude2319%
Speed & response2319%
Quality & results1714%
Price & value119%
Communication108%
Honesty & trust108%
What customers talk about
We read 48 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.
“Will definitely recommend them to anyone in the future.”
“Quick response and the guys that came out were both friendly and helpful.”
“Super quick response and scheduled an appointment right away.”
“Service is top notch, and they are great at communicating!”
“We had water backing up in our system on a Saturday and were preparing for the worst.”
“Called around and Trent's was the only one who would come out first thing Monday and do so at a reasonable rate.”
“They were very friendly easy to work with and did a really good job.”
“Very professional and helpful, upfront about what could be.”
praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.
Recent priced reviews
EricLocal Guide · 42 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a month ago★★★★★
Quick response and the guys that came out were both friendly and helpful. They even helped move a trailer out of the way and made sure to find a spot that wouldn't damage my fence. Will definitely be using them again.
Paid $600–800Reasonable price
Logan1 reviewiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 3 months ago★★★★★
Very professional and helpful, upfront about what could be. I would recommend Trent’s septic
Quick response and the guys that came out were both friendly and helpful. They even helped move a trailer out of the way and made sure to find a spot that wouldn't damage my fence. Will definitely be using them again.
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Price: $600–800
Gloria Hall1 reviewiTotal number of Google reviews Gloria has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
We couldn’t be happier with the treatment system installation completed by Trent’s Septic & Outdoors! Darren provided excellent communication throughout the entire process, keeping us informed and answering every question along the way. His team was professional, knowledgeable, respectful of our property, and clearly took pride in completing the job correctly. From beginning to end, the entire experience was smooth and well organized. We highly recommend Darren and the Trent’s Septic & Outdoors team to anyone needing septic system installation or service!
Response from the owner · a month ago
Thank you so much for your kind words! Our team is thrilled to hear you had a smooth experience. We appreciate your recommendation!
Alan Sowder1 reviewiTotal number of Google reviews Alan has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
So far looks okay. Hoping to get a time frame when project. Can be done.
Price assessment: Not sure
Price: $2,000+
Response from the owner · a month ago
Thank you for your feedback. Our team will provide you with an update on the project timeline shortly. We are currently awaiting the necessary permit to establish a start date. We will keep you informed throughout the process and strive to earn your fifth star. We appreciate your patience.
Paul Craighead4 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Paul has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
They came out promptly. Did a great job cleaning out my septic tank. Found and cleared a clog in my sewer line. Very professional and hard working. I highly recommend their services.
Response from the owner · 3 months ago
Thanks so much for your kind words! Our team is glad we could help and appreciate your recommendation!
Jonathan SweatLocal Guide · 16 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Jonathan has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.