Septic Tank Pumping in Munster & Northwest Indiana
Feikema Plumbing & Sanitation has pumped septic tanks for Northwest Indiana homeowners since 1956. We're a family-owned, residential septic pumping service — no well water work, no subcontractors, just decades of local know-how. Every job starts with locating your tank and digging down to the access lid, then pumping it out the same visit.
The Septic Tank Pumping Process, Step by Step
Septic tank pumping starts before the tank is ever opened. Most residential tanks in Northwest Indiana are buried anywhere from a few inches to several feet underground, and some sit under a deck, driveway, or years of landscaping. Locating your tank and digging down to expose the access lid is the first part of the job, and that labor is billed at $120 per hour since accessibility varies so much from property to property. Once the lid is open, we pump the tank completely, removing the accumulated solids and wastewater that build up over normal household use. Before closing everything back up, we do a visual check of the tank's condition, looking for cracks, a failing baffle, or signs the tank is wearing out, so you know about a bigger problem while we're already on site, rather than finding out the hard way later.
Signs Your Septic Tank Needs Pumping
Septic tanks don't usually fail without warning. Slow-draining sinks and tubs throughout the house, gurgling sounds in the plumbing, a sewage odor near the tank or drain field, and standing water or an unusually green, spongy patch of grass over the tank area are all common signs a tank has gone too long without pumping.
Waiting until a backup actually happens in the house is the most expensive way to find out, because at that point, you're usually dealing with cleanup on top of the pumping itself. If you're noticing any of these signs, or you simply don't know when your tank was last pumped, that's reason enough to call and get it checked.
Is Septic Tank Pumping Right for Your Property?
This service covers residential septic tank pumping only. If your property's water supply comes from a private well, that's a separate system from your septic tank, and well water service isn't something we offer. For homes on a standard residential septic system, regular pumping is one of the simplest ways to avoid a backup.
How Much Does Septic Tank Pumping Cost?
Every septic tank is different — some sit right at the surface, others are buried deep or under a deck, driveway, or landscaping. Locating and digging to the tank is billed at $120 per hour, and the pumping itself is quoted by the job based on how accessible your tank is — so we don't post a flat price list. Call (219) 838-5618 and tell us about your setup; we'll walk you through the cost before we start.
Why Regular Pumping Matters
A septic tank holds and separates solids from wastewater so only the liquid moves out to the drain field. When a tank goes too long without pumping, solids build up until they start moving into the drain field itself. Once that happens, the fix is a lot more involved (and expensive) than a routine pumping visit.
Staying ahead of the issue protects the drain field, which is the most expensive part of a septic system to replace, and it protects your yard, your basement, and your water supply from a backup nobody wants to deal with. Regular pumping is inexpensive insurance against a much bigger job down the road.
Pumping is just one part of a complete maintenance routine — read our
septic system maintenance guide for the full picture of keeping your system healthy between visits.
Why Northwest Indiana Homeowners Call Feikema
Feikema Plumbing & Sanitation was founded by Peter Feikema in 1956 and has stayed family-owned ever since. We serve
Munster,
Schererville,
Hammond,
Dyer,
Crown Point,
Griffith, and the surrounding area during normal business hours.
Related Services
Septic tank pumping is one part of keeping your whole system healthy. See our
full range of septic system services, or if backups are showing up near your sump, check our
sump pump repair page.
Frequently Asked Questions About Septic Tank Pumping
Does septic pumping include locating and digging up my tank?
Yes — locating your tank and digging down to the access lid is part of the service we perform. That labor is billed at $120 per hour, since accessibility varies from tank to tank.
Do you pump tanks that use well water?
Our septic tank pumping service is residential-only and does not include well water systems.
How much does septic tank pumping cost?
Locating and digging to your tank is billed at $120 per hour, and the pumping itself is quoted by the job based on accessibility. Call (219) 838-5618 for a straight number before we start.
What days/hours can I schedule a pumping visit?
Monday–Friday, 7:30 AM–4:30 PM, and Saturday 9:00 AM–12:00 PM.
Get Your Septic Tank Pumped
Ready to get your tank pumped, or just want a straight answer on cost? Call the Feikema office and we'll get you scheduled.
