Experts Reviews · 2026 Ratings

The Best Septic Tank Services

We graded 66 companies on seven things customers actually report: satisfaction, reliability, workmanship, value, momentum, track record and how owners handle complaints.

$429typical jobMedian of the bill customers reported in their Google review (Google asks reviewers for a price range; we use the middle of each range).
96%say the price was fairOf customers who rated the price, the share who chose “Great price” or “Reasonable” rather than “Overpriced”.
4.87★average ratingPlain average of every Google star rating we collected for these companies.
2.4%bad jobs (1–2★, 2 yrs)Share of 1–2★ reviews in the last 24 months — or the 20 newest reviews when the company had fewer than 20 in that time.

From 26,152 Google reviews of 66 top-rated septic tank services nationwide. Updated October 29, 2026.

Find the right company for your job

Pick the job — we re-rank companies by how customers rated that exact job.

Best septic tank services for water heater repair

Clear ✕
Typical priceMedian of the bill customers reported in their Google review (Google asks reviewers for a price range; we use the middle of each range).$274
Middle half paid25th to 75th percentile of reported prices: half of all customers paid inside this range.$124–$567
Said fair or greatOf customers who rated the price, the share who chose “Great price” or “Reasonable” rather than “Overpriced”.91%
Reviews of this jobNumber of Google reviews in this category tagged with the job.345
1EK Coggin Plumbing logoEK Coggin Plumbing★ 4.95 on this job63 jobs reviewedusually $1–100How Job match is calculatedBuilt only from reviews Google tagged “Water heater repair”:Stars on this job 55%4.95★Number of such jobs 25%63Overall Experts Score 20%95Job match= 92Stars are pulled toward the category average (4.87★) when a company has few tagged jobs, so 3 perfect reviews don’t beat 80 great ones. 4.3★ scores 0, 5.0★ scores full. Volume is compared with the busiest company for this job.92
2LEGACY PLUMBING & HEATING logoLEGACY PLUMBING & HEATING★ 5.00 on this job32 jobs reviewedusually $200–400How Job match is calculatedBuilt only from reviews Google tagged “Water heater repair”:Stars on this job 55%5.00★Number of such jobs 25%32Overall Experts Score 20%93Job match= 90Stars are pulled toward the category average (4.87★) when a company has few tagged jobs, so 3 perfect reviews don’t beat 80 great ones. 4.3★ scores 0, 5.0★ scores full. Volume is compared with the busiest company for this job.90
3Pristine Plumbing Inc logoPristine Plumbing Inc★ 4.91 on this job44 jobs reviewedusually $1–100How Job match is calculatedBuilt only from reviews Google tagged “Water heater repair”:Stars on this job 55%4.91★Number of such jobs 25%44Overall Experts Score 20%80Job match= 84Stars are pulled toward the category average (4.87★) when a company has few tagged jobs, so 3 perfect reviews don’t beat 80 great ones. 4.3★ scores 0, 5.0★ scores full. Volume is compared with the busiest company for this job.84
4Drain Mechanics Plumbing & Septic logoDrain Mechanics Plumbing & Septic★ 5.00 on this job16 jobs reviewedusually $200–400How Job match is calculatedBuilt only from reviews Google tagged “Water heater repair”:Stars on this job 55%5.00★Number of such jobs 25%16Overall Experts Score 20%87Job match= 84Stars are pulled toward the category average (4.87★) when a company has few tagged jobs, so 3 perfect reviews don’t beat 80 great ones. 4.3★ scores 0, 5.0★ scores full. Volume is compared with the busiest company for this job.84
5Barker and Sons Plumbing & Rooter logoBarker and Sons Plumbing & Rooter★ 4.82 on this job103 jobs reviewedusually $200–400How Job match is calculatedBuilt only from reviews Google tagged “Water heater repair”:Stars on this job 55%4.82★Number of such jobs 25%103Overall Experts Score 20%84Job match= 83Stars are pulled toward the category average (4.87★) when a company has few tagged jobs, so 3 perfect reviews don’t beat 80 great ones. 4.3★ scores 0, 5.0★ scores full. Volume is compared with the busiest company for this job.83
6Western Rooter & Plumbing logoWestern Rooter & Plumbing★ 5.00 on this job5 jobs reviewedusually $1,000–1,200How Job match is calculatedBuilt only from reviews Google tagged “Water heater repair”:Stars on this job 55%5.00★Number of such jobs 25%5Overall Experts Score 20%90Job match= 76Stars are pulled toward the category average (4.87★) when a company has few tagged jobs, so 3 perfect reviews don’t beat 80 great ones. 4.3★ scores 0, 5.0★ scores full. Volume is compared with the busiest company for this job.76
7Precision Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Dirtworks logoPrecision Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Dirtworks★ 5.00 on this job6 jobs reviewedusually $200–400How Job match is calculatedBuilt only from reviews Google tagged “Water heater repair”:Stars on this job 55%5.00★Number of such jobs 25%6Overall Experts Score 20%76Job match= 75Stars are pulled toward the category average (4.87★) when a company has few tagged jobs, so 3 perfect reviews don’t beat 80 great ones. 4.3★ scores 0, 5.0★ scores full. Volume is compared with the busiest company for this job.75
8Avalon Services logoAvalon Services★ 5.00 on this job3 jobs reviewedusually $700–800How Job match is calculatedBuilt only from reviews Google tagged “Water heater repair”:Stars on this job 55%5.00★Number of such jobs 25%3Overall Experts Score 20%99Job match= 75Stars are pulled toward the category average (4.87★) when a company has few tagged jobs, so 3 perfect reviews don’t beat 80 great ones. 4.3★ scores 0, 5.0★ scores full. Volume is compared with the busiest company for this job.75

Job match = this company’s ★ on reviews Google tagged “Water heater repair” (shrunk toward the category average when there are few), how many such jobs it has done, and its overall Experts Score.

What customers said about water heater repair

Andy5 reviewsTotal 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 days ago★★★★★
Barker and Sons Plumbing & Rooter logoBarker and Sons Plumbing & Rooter

I needed some maintenance done on my old water heater and called Barker and Sons. Corey arrived the same day to do the service and he was extremely knowledgeable and personable. He answered all my questions and flushed the heater and also installed a new emergency valve that needed to be replaced. Water heater works…

Reasonable priceWater heater repair
KellyLocal Guide · 14 reviewsTotal 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. · 2 weeks ago★★★★★
Drain Mechanics Plumbing & Septic logoDrain Mechanics Plumbing & Septic

Called Drain Mechanics to diagnose a water heater leak. They quickly identified an issue with the bladder tank and got to work to replace it. They also replaced the pva for copper to ensure the tank was secure and stable. They were friendly, prompt and efficient. Will definitely call them again when I have plumbing needs.

Paid $200–400Great pricePlumbing leak detectionPlumbing pipe repairWater heater repair
Jim2 reviewsTotal 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 weeks ago★★★★★
EK Coggin Plumbing logoEK Coggin Plumbing

Technician was here for about two hours diagnosed and fixed the problem. Clean. Neat. Professional.

Paid $200–400Reasonable priceWater heater repair
lobzi12 reviewsTotal 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. · 2 months ago★★★★★
Avalon Services logoAvalon Services

Very helpful and tried hard to fix my problems Was unsuccessful but still working to replace my on-demand water heater

Water heater repair
SherryLocal Guide · 16 reviewsTotal 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. · 2 months ago★★★★★
Western Rooter & Plumbing logoWestern Rooter & Plumbing

Western Rooter was really well priced for their estimate given by Carlos and he also came out for the install. His team worked super fast and he was very professional and gave good advise for my Water purification and hot water instillations. He was very knowledgeable and I couldn’t have asked for better help. I…

Paid $1,000–1,200Great priceWater heater repairFaucet installationService not listed
Tristan6 reviewsTotal 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. · 4 months ago★★★★★
LEGACY PLUMBING & HEATING logoLEGACY PLUMBING & HEATING

Legacy since they opened have always treated our business extremely well. No matter the time or plumbing emergency we have in store for them they work quickly and try to limit the disruption for our guests. Spencer came in yesterday during one of our busy days and was able to get our drains for our soda machines…

Paid $200–400Great priceToilet repairDrain cleaningFaucet repair

Overall ratings

Experts Score 0–100Experts Score (0–100)Absolute quality first: recency-weighted star average (≈54%), share of 1–2★ reviews (≈24%), customers’ price verdicts (≈14%), owner replies to critical reviews (≈7%); minus up to 10 points each for complaints flagged in Google review highlights and for a real slide in recent ratings. Hover a company’s score on its page for the full breakdown. and a letter grade per factor (A = top 20% of septic tank services).

#CompanyScoreExperts Score (0–100)Absolute quality first: recency-weighted star average (≈54%), share of 1–2★ reviews (≈24%), customers’ price verdicts (≈14%), owner replies to critical reviews (≈7%); minus up to 10 points each for complaints flagged in Google review highlights and for a real slide in recent ratings. Hover a company’s score on its page for the full breakdown.FactorsFactor grades, in orderSatisfaction (54%): Recency-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.Reliability (24%): How 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.Craft & service (0%): Google 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.Value (14%): Customers’ own price verdicts (Great / Reasonable vs Overpriced) and Value highlights; 65% absolute (all “reasonable” ≈ 80, “great” = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Momentum (0%): Penalises 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.Replies to reviews (7%): How 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.One letter per factor score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = below 20.★Google star rating as shown on Google Maps.Typical billMedian bill customers of this company reported in their reviews (needs 3+ priced reviews).
1American Sanitation Inc logoAmerican Sanitation IncRichmond, CAA 99How 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 69%99+68.5Reliability 31%99+30.5Experts Score= 99Not enough data for value, replies to reviews; its weight is shared by the others.Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.AA––A–5.00—
2Avalon Services logoAvalon ServicesRichmond, CAA 99How 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%98+53.5Reliability 24%99+24Value 14%100+14.1Replies to reviews 7%100+7.1Craft & service penalty99−0.1Experts Score= 99Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.AAAAAA4.98$763
3El Sobrante Sewer Repair logoEl Sobrante Sewer RepairRichmond, CAA 99How 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 59%98+57.5Reliability 26%99+25.8Value 15%100+15.2Experts Score= 99Not enough data for replies to reviews; its weight is shared by the others.Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.AA–AA–4.99$1.1k
4Target Plumbers logoTarget PlumbersGarden Grove, CAA 98How 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 69%99+68.5Reliability 31%96+29.5Experts Score= 98Not enough data for value, replies to reviews; its weight is shared by the others.Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.AA––––5.00—
5R&S Septic LLC logoR&S Septic LLCRockledge, FLA 98How 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 59%98+57.5Reliability 26%95+24.8Value 15%100+15.2Experts Score= 98Not enough data for replies to reviews; its weight is shared by the others.Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.AA–AA–5.00$283
6Pauleys Plumbing logoPauleys PlumbingSalem, VAA 98How 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 59%99+58.1Reliability 26%96+25Value 15%100+15.2Craft & service penalty99−0.1Experts Score= 98Not enough data for replies to reviews; its weight is shared by the others.Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.AAAAA–5.00$449
7The Septic Detective logoThe Septic DetectiveMiddletown, NYA 98How 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 59%98+57.5Reliability 26%98+25.6Value 15%100+15.2Craft & service penalty99−0.1Experts Score= 98Not enough data for replies to reviews; its weight is shared by the others.Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.AAAAA–4.99$693
8Lifesaver Plumbing And Rooter logoLifesaver Plumbing And RooterRichmond, CAA 97How 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 59%100+58.7Reliability 26%99+25.8Value 15%85+12.9Experts Score= 97Not enough data for replies to reviews; its weight is shared by the others.Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.AA–AA–5.00$959
9General Rooter of Southern MN - Sewer & Drain Cleaning logoGeneral Rooter of Southern MN - Sewer & Drain CleaningMankato, MNA 97How 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 59%96+56.3Reliability 26%96+25Value 15%100+15.2Craft & service penalty99−0.1Experts Score= 97Not enough data for replies to reviews; its weight is shared by the others.Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.AAAAA–4.97—
10DrainLab Services logoDrainLab ServicesMankato, MNA 97How 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 59%96+56.3Reliability 26%97+25.3Value 15%100+15.2Experts Score= 97Not enough data for replies to reviews; its weight is shared by the others.Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.AA–AA–4.96$529
11Veteran Pumping and Septic LLC logoVeteran Pumping and Septic LLCOroville, WAA 97How 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 59%98+57.5Reliability 26%95+24.8Value 15%99+15.1Craft & service penalty97−0.3Experts Score= 97Not enough data for replies to reviews; its weight is shared by the others.Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.AAAAA–5.00$602
12Fanti Sewer & Drains logoFanti Sewer & DrainsGarden Grove, CAA 96How 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 59%98+57.5Reliability 26%97+25.3Value 15%88+13.4Craft & service penalty99−0.1Experts Score= 96Not enough data for replies to reviews; its weight is shared by the others.Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.AAAAA–4.97—

What jobs cost

What customers paid, from the price Google asks reviewers to report.

JobLow25th percentile: 1 in 4 customers paid less than this.TypicalMedian of the bill customers reported in their Google review (Google asks reviewers for a price range; we use the middle of each range).High75th percentile: 1 in 4 customers paid more than this.FairOf customers who rated the price, the share who chose “Great price” or “Reasonable” rather than “Overpriced”.
Drain cleaning$205$322$47897%
Plumbing pipe repair$305$466$1.1k96%
Toilet repair$209$340$60796%
Plumbing leak detection$54$209$49595%
Water heater installation$1.2k$1.9k$2.4k98%
Plumbing leak repair$248$414$1.2k96%
Faucet repair$271$399$65996%
Sewer cleaning$248$366$52998%
Faucet installation$292$486$78693%
Outdoor plumbing system repair$321$506$1.0k98%
Sewer repair$383$1.2k$2.1k98%
Shower repair$148$317$46999%

Septic Tank Services at a glance

How the 66 septic tank services we rated compare, and what customers praise most.

Experts Score grades

A = score 80+, F = below 20.

  • Grade A4974%
  • Grade B1015%
  • Grade C69%
  • Grade D12%
  • Grade F00%

Google ratings

Average stars per company.

  • 4.90★ and up3350%
  • 4.80–4.89★1421%
  • 4.60–4.79★1421%
  • Below 4.60★58%

What customers praise

Share of Google review highlights.

  • Quality5,05421%
  • Professionalism5,91724%
  • Responsiveness5,32922%
  • Punctuality4,79319%
  • Value3,55514%

Was the price fair?

All price verdicts left with reviews.

  • Great price1,22928%
  • Reasonable2,62560%
  • Overpriced1604%
  • Not sure3338%

Price verdicts by year

Share calling it great / reasonable / overpriced.

2025
2026

How we grade

Satisfaction (54%) — Recency-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.

Reliability (24%) — How 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.

Craft & service (penalty, up to −10) — Google 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.

Value (14%) — Customers’ own price verdicts (Great / Reasonable vs Overpriced) and Value highlights; 65% absolute (all “reasonable” ≈ 80, “great” = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.

Momentum (penalty, up to −10) — Penalises 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.

Replies to reviews (7%) — How 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.