Frequently Asked Questions

At Bobula Septic Service, we believe prevention is the best protection for your home. That’s why we recommend having your septic tank pumped every 5–7 years, depending on the size of your household and how much water you use.

• Smaller households may be fine closer to the 7-year mark.

• Larger families or homes with higher water usage may need service closer to every 5 years.

Regular pumping keeps your septic system healthy, prevents costly backups or repairs, and ensures everything flows smoothly. With over 40 years serving the Carson Valley and surrounding counties, we’ve seen firsthand how routine maintenance saves homeowners thousands in the long run.

When you schedule a septic pumping with us, you’re not just getting a service—you’re investing in the long-term health of your home and property.

A septic tank doesn’t come with a warning light, but there are clear signs it may be time to call Bobula Septic Service. If you notice any of these, your septic tank could be full or in need of maintenance:

• Slow drains and gurgling pipes – sinks, tubs, or toilets draining slower than usual.

• Bad odors – unpleasant smells inside or around your yard, especially near the drain field.

• Standing water – pooling water or overly green, soggy patches in your yard.

• Sewage backup – waste coming back up into toilets, sinks, or showers (a definite emergency).

Even if you don’t see these warning signs, we recommend regular pumping every 5–7 years based on household size to prevent problems before they start.

With over 40 years serving Carson Valley, Douglas County, Alpine County, Carson City, Lyon County, Storey County, and Mono County, our expert team knows exactly what to look for and how to keep your system healthy.

Don’t wait for an emergency—schedule a septic inspection or pumping today and protect your home, property, and peace of mind.

A septic tank riser is a durable, watertight extension that brings the opening of your septic tank up to ground level. Instead of having to dig every time your tank needs pumping, inspection, or maintenance, a riser gives easy, safe, and quick access to your system.

Installing risers on your septic tank is one of the smartest upgrades a homeowner can make because it:

• Saves time and money – no more costly digging to locate your tank.

• Improves safety – secure lids keep children, pets, and wildlife safe.

• Makes maintenance easier – allows for faster inspections and routine pumping.

• Protects your yard – no repeated digging or damaged landscaping.

At Bobula Septic Service, we’ve been helping Carson Valley homeowners for over 40 years keep their septic systems running smoothly. Adding a riser not only makes septic care more convenient, but also helps extend the life of your system by ensuring it gets the maintenance it needs—when it needs it.

Tree and shrub roots are one of the most common—and damaging—problems for septic systems. Roots naturally seek out water and nutrients, which makes your septic tank and pipes a perfect target. If left untreated, they can cause clogs, cracks, leaks, and costly damage to your system.

Signs that roots may be in your septic tank include:

• Frequent clogs or slow drains

• Gurgling sounds in your plumbing

• Sewage backups or pooling water in the yard

• Unpleasant odors near the tank or drain field

What to do if you suspect roots in your septic system:

1. Call a professional immediately – DIY solutions can make the problem worse.

2. Schedule a septic inspection – At Bobula Septic Service, we can locate the problem and determine the extent of root intrusion.

3. Remove the roots safely – We use proven methods to clear roots and repair damage without harming your system.

4. Prevent future issues – Installing barriers, using risers, or carefully choosing landscaping away from your septic tank can help keep roots out for good.

With over 40 years serving Carson Valley, Douglas County, Alpine County, Carson City, Lyon County, Storey County, and Mono County, Bobula Septic Service has the expertise to handle root intrusion before it becomes a major repair.

Don’t wait until small roots turn into big problems—call today for an inspection and keep your septic system protected.

The cost of septic tank pumping isn’t one-size-fits-all—it depends on two main factors:

1. The size of your tank – Larger tanks require more time, equipment, and disposal, which increases the cost compared to smaller tanks.

2. The condition of the waste inside – If your tank hasn’t been pumped in many years, the waste may be thicker, heavier, and harder to remove. This requires extra work and can raise the price of service.

At Bobula Septic Service, we believe in honest, upfront pricing. That’s why we always explain what you can expect before the job begins. Regular pumping every 5–7 years helps keep costs lower, prevents buildup, and avoids emergency repairs down the road.

With over 40 years of trusted service in Carson Valley, Douglas County, Alpine County, Carson City, Lyon County, Storey County, and Mono County, we’ve seen it all—and we know that keeping up with maintenance is the most affordable way to protect your septic system.

Tip: Routine care saves money in the long run. A well-maintained tank is quicker (and cheaper) to pump than one left too long.

Locating a septic tank isn’t always easy—especially if it’s been many years since the system was installed or pumped. At Bobula Septic Service, we often help homeowners track down hard-to-find tanks, and over the years we’ve learned a few helpful tricks.

Here are some tips for finding your septic tank:

• Check your yard for lids or cleanouts – Tanks are usually buried with concrete or plastic lids a few inches below the surface.

• Follow the sewer line – Starting at your home’s basement or crawl space, locate the main drainpipe and follow it straight out about 10–25 feet into your yard.

• Look for greener grass – Septic tanks and drain fields often cause patches of grass to grow faster or look greener than the rest of the yard.

• Check property records – County or installation permits sometimes include diagrams showing the original tank location.

• Avoid guessing with heavy equipment – Digging blindly can damage the tank or pipes.

If you can’t find your tank, don’t worry—our team has specialized equipment and decades of experience locating septic systems quickly and safely.

With over 40 years serving Carson Valley, Douglas County, Alpine County, Carson City, Lyon County, Storey County, and Mono County, Bobula Septic Service is the trusted choice for locating, pumping, and maintaining septic tanks of all sizes.

Item descripWhen it comes to protecting your septic system, the rule is simple: only flush human waste and toilet paper. Septic systems are designed to break down natural waste and septic-safe toilet paper—nothing more.

Items you should NEVER flush into a septic tank include:

• Baby wipes or “flushable” wipes

• Paper towels, tissues, or feminine products

• Diapers or cotton swabs

• Grease, oils, or harsh chemicals

These materials don’t break down properly and can cause clogs, backups, and costly damage to your septic system. Even products labeled as “flushable wipes” are a major source of septic problems because they don’t dissolve the way toilet paper does.

By sticking to just waste and toilet paper, you keep your system healthy, extend its lifespan, and avoid expensive repairs.

At Bobula Septic Service, we’ve been helping Carson Valley homeowners for over 40 years keep their systems flowing smoothly with proper care, maintenance, and pumping.tion