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Find Septic system installers and replacers in San Francisco

Avatar for J Drains Rooter Service
J Drains Rooter Service
4.8(
13
)

Serving San Francisco, CA and surrounding areas

In business since 2007

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"The sewer line backed up at 8PM on a Sunday night. Called J Drains because they could come out right away. We've had problems with tree roots in the past, so figured that was the issue. They showed up around 10PM and stayed until 12AM, but were unable to clear the blockage. The person came back the next day and eventually cleared the blockage, or so I thought. One week later it was clogged again. Ended up calling another company who replaced a 12 ft section of the main sewer line between the house clean out and the city clean out (all under the yard, not the patio, thankfully).
I give J Drains credit for showing up late at night and trying to fix the issue. However, in retrospect, the guy that showed up did not really know what he was doing. The house clean out (a two way clean out) was holding water, which means that the clog was downstream. The city clean out 12 ft away was dry, so clearly the clog was in between those two. However, time after time, he put the cable down the clean out and fed out nearly 60 ft of line. Obviously that was running into the house, and he could have damaged the plumbing in the house. Then he tried to tell me that the clog was upstream of the house clean out that was holding water. How is that possible?! There was talk of busting up the courtyard patio, etc. He even took the cable up on the roof and went through a bathroom vent trying to clear the blockage. Eventually, he got lucky, and the cable went the correct direction through the house clean out, punching through the clog. Too bad the sewer line was so damaged, that a week later, it had to be replaced. This time, by a company who could correctly locate the position of the blockage, and recommend a logical plan of attack.
The last thing that bothered me about J Drains was the bill. While the cost was reasonable, the guy who came out told me that his boss wanted him to charge me over $1000 for a list of things. He proceeded to tell me that he was going to waive all those fees and only charge me $400 total (for the previous night plus that day). At the time, I thought I was getting a deal, but the more I thought about it, the more it annoyed me. It felt like they were jacking their prices up, so they could then discount it, making me feel better about what I was paying. If he was really invoicing people for less than half what he should, he'd be out of a job. So clearly, this is a company practice to make people think they're getting a deal. Not professional at all.
"
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+4

Recommended by91%of homeowners
Avatar for Resendiz Handyman & Plumbing
Resendiz Handyman & Plumbing
5.0(
6
)

Serving San Francisco, CA and surrounding areas

Free estimates

"The plumbing was installed professionally and prompt. He worked off the drawing dimensions and there was no re-work needed. What i liked was that he recommended i purchase quality rough valves and drains because of the parts proven longevity and limited failure rates, no one wants to redo a bathroom. We passed the rough plumbing on schedule thanks to the quality of work."
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+21

Recommended by100%of homeowners
CLM Excavating, Inc.
4.6(
7
)

Serving San Francisco, CA and surrounding areas

In business since 2020

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

"Home Advisor does not have the specific category for the work that was performed of replacement of graded retaining wall up my driveway and around a structure. The work utilized excavation, concrete, wood & construction. Cristian, the owner, was the epitomy of professionalism as with every crew member. Firstly, he did not try to sell me on something I did not want, much appreciated. The job was meticulously executed in record time at the price I could pay. This job has been on my bucket list for years... finally completed with a job well done!"
Basement
Basement
Basement
Basement
Electrical conduit

+28

Response time1 day
Recommended by100%of homeowners
Avatar for Plumbing 24/7
Plumbing 24/7
4.4(
9
)

Serving San Francisco, CA and surrounding areas

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"It went extremely well. The Plumber Uriel, was on time, and explained everything to me. He immediately diagnosed the problem and corrected it. He also made me aware of corrective measures I can take in the future. I highly recommend him! He is honest and fair!"
Plumbing Project
Plumbing Project
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+23

Recommended by88%of homeowners
Avatar for American Home Shield – Home Warranty
American Home Shield – Home Warranty
3.5(
5,688
)

Serving San Francisco, CA and surrounding areas

In business since 1971

Credit card accepted

"AHS is ok. They cover repairs of most everything under the roof of your house. The companies that contract with them are not always the best. You call AHS with the issue, they send a fax to the repair company and give you the contact info. If they don't contact you within 24 hours, you call them. Sometimes they answer, sometimes they don't. When they arrive (usually three days or so later), they service the item. if it has issues within the 90 days, you call AHS again, they are sent out with no charge. If the serviceman decides the unit is unrepairable, AHS will allow you to choose a replacement from their listing (usually not as good as what you have) they will install and remove your old item, or give you wholesale amount to buy and install your own. Prices vary on what you want covered and what you want the copay to be, plus where you live. For me it is 49.99 per month with a 75.00 time of service order. You can have more than one item serviced at the same time under the same fee. If you have a SEAR product the repair guys are great. Not that wild about the other ones they send out. But it is a big savings compared to calling someone on your own. The cost of service is only the 75.00 copay."
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+2

Recommended by65%of homeowners
CT Allmon Development
4.3(
6
)

Serving San Francisco, CA and surrounding areas

In business since 2000

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"I had a problem at my vacation rental. John contacted me quickly when I posted my problem for quotes online. I had a failing septic. It was no longer draining. John came out and accessed the the situation and based on faulty drawings I supplied, he gave me an estimate for repair. I agreed to the figure. When he discovered that the drawings were wrong and he only had to dig up 5 feet (not 14) between the septic tank and the seep box he lowered his estimate. You can't ask for more honesty and fairness. He and his worker completed the job in less than 2 days. Hire him!"
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Recommended by100%of homeowners
Avatar for Con's Backhoe
Con's Backhoe
5.0(
2
)

Serving San Francisco, CA and surrounding areas

In business since 1960

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

Con's Backhoe has been in the industry for over 45 years! We pride ourselves on our industry knowledge and top quality work. Please call to discuss your septic and excavation needs!

Response time7 hrs
Recommended by100%of homeowners
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FAQs for septic system installation and replacement projects in San Francisco, CA

Most septic system replacements require several days to complete, not including permitting and preparation time. The process begins with site assessment and testing, followed by excavation, component installation, and final inspection. Weather conditions, property accessibility, and inspection schedules can all affect your project timeline. Your contractor can provide a more specific estimate based on your property's unique characteristics.

Standard homeowners' insurance policies don't cover septic system replacement due to age or normal deterioration. Coverage may apply if damage results from specific covered events, but routine maintenance and eventual replacement are generally considered homeowner responsibilities. Review your policy details or speak with your insurance agent to understand your specific coverage limitations.

Look for multiple indicators such as slow-draining fixtures, unusual gurgling sounds in plumbing, sewage odors inside or outside your home, or wet spots in your yard. Unusually lush grass over the drain field area, frequent backups, or recurring repair needs might signal system failure. Addressing these warning signs promptly can prevent property damage and health hazards.

DIY septic installation is not recommended and may violate local regulations. Professional installation ensures compliance with health codes, proper design for your specific site conditions, and appropriate safety measures. The specialized equipment, technical knowledge, and permitting requirements make this a job best left to licensed professionals who can guarantee the system's safety and effectiveness.

With proper maintenance, including regular pumping, a drain field lasts 20 years. Various factors influence system longevity, including household size, water usage patterns, and soil conditions. Regular professional inspections can help determine when replacement becomes necessary. If your system requires increasingly frequent repairs, replacement might be more economical than continuing to address individual problems.

The San Francisco, CA homeowners’ guide to septic system installations and replacements

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.