Septic Tank Pumping in Wilmington, NC
- Family owned and operated
- Over 20 years of experience
- Fully licensed and insured
- Free, No-Obligation Estimates
Septic Tank Pumping for Wilmington Homes and Businesses
Coastal Septic Solutions pumps residential and commercial septic tanks in Wilmington and across New Hanover County. We are family owned, we have over 20 years in the septic business, and emergency pumping is available 24/7 when a tank backs up.
To book a pump-out, call 910.271.2008, or request a free estimate online. Tell us when the tank was last pumped and how many people use it, and we can say whether to schedule now or wait.
What Is Different About Septic Systems in Wilmington
Wilmington is an incorporated city, one of the four municipalities in New Hanover County. Its public sewer comes from the Cape Fear Public Utility Authority rather than the city, as the City of Wilmington notes. CFPUA describes a service area covering the City of Wilmington, the Town of Wrightsville Beach and much of unincorporated New Hanover County.
Not every address is on those mains. A property the lines do not reach treats its wastewater on its own lot, under New Hanover County Environmental Health.
The USDA Web Soil Survey maps the soils under any parcel in the county, and the coastal pattern NC State's Department of Crop and Soil Sciences describes is quick-draining sandy soil and, in many places, a perennially high water table. NC State Extension says the best drain field sites are thick, permeable soils over a deep water table. In Wilmington, the survey's main soils are Leon, Baymeade, Seagate and Murville sands: Baymeade is well drained, Seagate sits in between, and Leon and Murville are poorly to very poorly drained, with Murville's water table within a foot of the surface from November to May.
That is why the pumping schedule matters here. NC Sea Grant reports rising groundwater in inland parts of the coastal plain and says rainfall can saturate the soil and stress the system. NC State Extension adds that solids left in the tank overflow into the drain field and clog the soil, and pumping will not undo that.
How Often a Septic Tank Should Be Pumped in New Hanover County
Three to five years is the state's answer for a typical home. The Division of Public Health says to have the solids pumped out by a state-permitted pumper every three to five years, or as the permit requires, and to make sure both compartments are pumped.
Household size moves that number. State rules give a home with four or fewer bedrooms at least a 1,000 gallon tank, and NC State Extension's table puts that tank at roughly six years for two people, three for four and two for six. A garbage disposal usually doubles the solids.
The rule that settles it is 15A NCAC 18E .1303: when the settled and floating solids together exceed one third of the liquid depth in any compartment, every compartment must be emptied. We measure both layers before we pump.
The Division of Public Health says to ask the local health department for a copy of your septic permit and system layout. In New Hanover County that is Environmental Health at 230 Government Center Drive, Suite 140, Wilmington, which encourages sending septic records requests by email to programsupport@nhcgov.com. The phone is 910-798-6667.
Signs Your Septic Tank Needs Pumping
Call us if you notice:
- Soggy, smelly ground over the tank or drain field, or sewage on the surface.
- Drains that slow down during or after rain.
- Gurgling or bubbling in the plumbing.
- A red light or alarm on the septic control panel, if the system has a pump.
- Grass over the system that is greener and spongier than the rest of the yard in dry weather.
- Odd smells in the bathroom closest to the tank.
- Sewage backing up into toilets, tubs or sinks.
The Division of Public Health says to act fast.
Request a Free Estimate
Tell us what you need and we will respond quickly with a free estimate.
Check out what our customers have to say
Angela Bartlett
Google review
Had an unknown emergency with our septic tank during Hurricane Debby. Tracy quickly confirmed it was an emergency, had the crew out within 1.5 hours. When they got there, they were efficient, informative, professional, & honest. Thank you Tracy, Ej & Josh. I highly recommend.
Candice Thomas
Google review
Coastal Septic Solutions was contracted to fix an issue caused by another company. They were super professional and polite and extremely helpful anytime I needed to call to find out the process and when I would expect or could expect the repairs to take place. The day they arrived everybody was in and out very quickly and took into account that I work from home and managed to keep the noise to a minimum and most of the time I forgot they were even outside my house. Definitely recommend their services.
Cristina horrell
Google review
I contacted Coastal about coming out to take a look at my septic tank lines. I had a issue with roots growing into the lines causing them not to drain properly. When I contacted them they were very understanding and came right out to look at the issues. They corrected the problem and even put out grass seed where they had to dig up the lines!
M
Marysusan Rice
Google review
Our septic tank wasn't draining properly and Jonathan came and assessed the situation quickly that we needed a new drain field. He obtained the necessary permit, all the materials needed were delivered the next day, and he and his crew came the next day. They laid a 55ft drain field, cleaned up the yard and were done by mid afternoon. He and his crew work well together and do a beautiful job!!! They are all very personable and we highly recommend Coastal Septic Solutions for any septic problems. Charles and Marysusan Rice.
D
deb woody
Google review
This company stepped in and installation was perfect. The yard was left in beautiful shape, ready for finishing touches. They were honest, hard-working and great to work with. Strongly recommend coastal septic solutions.
D
Darin Boswell
Google review
Sam and Josh showed up on time and were very polite and knowledgeable with my overload of questions about how the system functions and ways to better maintain our system. They found our tank, inspected the system, cleaned the system out, and cleaned up the area with ease and speed. I highly recommend these guys for your next service. I was able to learn alot also. Thanks and be safe.
What Happens on Pumping Day
We start by finding the tank, with your permit or as-built drawing if you have one. NC State Extension suggests recording the distance from the house to the access port for next time.
Next come the lids. Tanks built to current state rules have two compartments with an access opening over each, and a riser when the tank top sits more than six inches below grade. If there is no riser, we dig to the lids. A cracked lid can be replaced on the spot.
Before pumping, we measure. The EPA says a tank is due when the settled and floating solids together exceed 25 percent of the liquid depth. We record the numbers.
Then we pump every compartment, and the pump tank if there is one, as the Division of Public Health says to. While the tank is open we clear roots and rinse the effluent filter, which state rules require so solids do not back up into the house or clog the system. Under G.S. 130A-291.1, a state-permitted firm hauls the septage to a wastewater system or site the state has approved.
We close the lids and leave the yard tidy. The tank refills over the following days, which is normal. The EPA describes the tank's job as holding wastewater long enough for solids to settle while the liquid exits to the drain field.
What Pumping Does Not Fix
A pump-out empties the tank; it cannot open up clogged soil. NC State Extension is blunt: pumping after the drain field has completely clogged will not rejuvenate the system, and buys only a few days before the tank is full again. The state rule agrees: a system whose tank must be emptied more than once a month to keep sewage from surfacing or backing up is malfunctioning, and the owner must contact New Hanover County Environmental Health.
We will tell you which problem you have. If the trouble is downstream of the tank, the choices are line jetting, a distribution box repair, or a county repair permit for a drain field that is finished. We do not push a repair unless it is necessary.
Pumping Systems With Pumps, Filters and Lift Stations
Lots with a high water table often get more than a gravity system. The EPA's fact sheet on low-pressure pipe systems says the design was developed as an alternative to conventional trenches for problem sites such as those with a high water table, and warns that poor septic tank maintenance lets solids clog its small orifices.
- Pump tanks and lift stations. We pump the pump tank on the same visit, as the Division of Public Health advises, and we service lift station pumps. A red light or beeping panel, says NC State Extension, means the pump is not working properly or the pump tank is too full.
- Effluent filters. NC State Extension says they need servicing about every two to three years. We clean the filter during the pump-out.
- Grease traps. State rules require grease traps and grease tanks to be pumped at least yearly, with records kept on site. We pump commercial septic tanks and grease traps.
Between Pumpings: Caring for Your Septic Tank
What goes down the drain decides how fast the tank fills:
- Treat the toilet as a toilet. The Division of Public Health says not to flush wipes, diapers, tampons, cat litter, cigarette butts or paper towels.
- Keep fats, oils and grease out of the sink. NC State Extension says grease hardens in the tank until it clogs the inlet or outlet.
- Go easy on the garbage disposal. The EPA says a tank on a disposal needs pumping more often.
- Fix leaks. The EPA counts one running toilet at as much as 200 gallons a day.
- Keep gutters, sump pumps and vehicles off the tank and drain field, per the Division of Public Health list of don'ts.
- Skip additives. NC State Extension reports research has not shown they reduce solids or the need for pumping.
- Keep records of every pump-out and its solids levels, as the EPA suggests.
- Add a septic tank riser. NC State Extension recommends one for access.
Why Hire Coastal Septic Solutions
- Over 20 years in the septic business, family owned and operated.
- Licensed and insured.
- 24/7 emergency pumping for backups.
- Measurements before the pump-out and honest advice after it; no repair recommended unless it is necessary.
- Roots cleared and cracked lids replaced at the time of service.
- Modern equipment, quick job, clean yard.
- Fast responses and free, no-obligation estimates.
Related Septic Services
- Line jetting. Clears buildup from the lines; we suggest it about every other pump-out.
- Septic tank risers and replacement septic lids. Warsaw-style and new-style lids, replaced at the time of service.
- D-box repair. Septic gases break down concrete boxes; we repair or replace them.
- Emergency services. Backups, clogged filters, failing drain lines and heavy-rain flooding, 24/7.
- Septic system installation in Wilmington. When a drain field cannot be repaired, we install the replacement.
Nearby Towns We Serve
Beyond Wilmington, we pump septic tanks in Leland, Myrtle Grove, Porters Neck, Rocky Point, Hampstead and Currie. Our service areas page lists the rest.
Coastal Septic Solutions' septic tank pumping service covers all of New Hanover and Pender counties and parts of Brunswick, Onslow, Duplin, Bladen, Columbus and Sampson counties.
Septic Pumping Questions From Wilmington Property Owners
How often should I pump my septic tank in Wilmington?
Every three to five years for a typical home, per the Division of Public Health. NC State Extension's table gives a 1,000 gallon tank about six years with two people and about three with four. A garbage disposal, a big household, or no record of the last pump-out all mean sooner.
Should I have my tank pumped before a hurricane?
Not all the way. The Division of Public Health says not to fully pump before a flood because an empty tank can float out of the ground, and the EPA says not to pump while the drain field is flooded or saturated. During the storm, use less water. Afterward, wait for the ground to dry, then have both compartments and any pump tank pumped and the filter cleaned.
Do I need to find the tank and dig up the lids before you come?
No. Locating the tank and uncovering the lids is part of every visit, so leave the shovel in the shed. A permit or as-built drawing helps; the EPA's homebuyer guide notes the as-built can be requested from the local health department's records, and New Hanover County Environmental Health encourages sending that request by email to programsupport@nhcgov.com.
Will pumping fix a backup or slow drains?
It depends. A tank that is simply full drains normally once pumped. A clogged drain field does not: NC State Extension says pumping gives only a few days of reprieve, and the state rule treats a tank that needs emptying more than once a month as a malfunctioning system. Our measurements show which case you have, and we tell you straight.
Should I pump the tank before selling my house?
It is a smart move. The EPA's homebuyer guide tells buyers to have the system inspected before purchase, including the pumping records, the solids levels, the tank and its pipes, and the distribution box. A pump-out before you list, with the levels recorded, answers those questions up front. Buyers can also request the permit on file from New Hanover County Environmental Health.
Get a Free Estimate for Your Wilmington Septic Tank Pumping
Call 910.271.2008 or contact us online to schedule a pump-out in Wilmington or ask for a free estimate. For an emergency, call. We answer 24/7.
