Whitt's Sewer Works and Septic Tanks: What They Do and How to Reach Them

What Whitt's Sewer Works and Septic Tanks Does

Whitt's Sewer Works and Septic Tanks is a septic service company operating in South Carolina that handles installation, maintenance, and repair of septic systems for residential and commercial properties. The company pumps out tanks, inspects systems for damage, replaces failing components, and installs new systems on properties without municipal sewer access. They work with both existing systems that need routine care and properties where the septic system has stopped working properly.

Septic systems are common in rural and suburban South Carolina, where homes sit too far from city sewer lines to connect. A failing or neglected system can back up into your home, contaminate groundwater, or require expensive replacement. Whitt's handles the maintenance that keeps systems running and the emergency repairs when they fail.

Key Takeaways

• Whitt's Sewer Works and Septic Tanks provides pumping, inspection, repair, and installation services for septic systems throughout South Carolina.
• Routine pumping every three to five years prevents backups and extends the life of your tank and drain field.
• You can contact Whitt's directly by phone or through their local office to schedule service or discuss system problems.
• Emergency service is often available for backups or system failures that need immediate attention.
• The cost of service varies by the job—pumping costs less than repairs, and new installations are the most expensive option.

When to Call Whitt's for Septic Service

Call Whitt's when your septic tank needs routine pumping, typically every three to five years depending on household size and water use. A family of four in an average home usually needs pumping every three to four years; smaller households may go five years between services. If you have never pumped your tank or do not know when it was last pumped, contact them for an inspection—a full tank backs up into your home and can damage the drain field.

You also need service if you notice slow drains throughout your house, sewage smell in the yard or near the tank, wet patches over the drain field, or raw sewage backing up into toilets or showers. These are signs the tank is full, the drain field is failing, or a line is broken. Whitt's can diagnose the problem and recommend whether you need pumping, repair, or replacement.

New construction or a property with a failed system that cannot be repaired will need a new installation. Whitt's handles the design, permitting, and installation of replacement systems, though you will also need approval from your county health department.

How to Contact Whitt's and Schedule Service

Reach Whitt's Sewer Works and Septic Tanks by phone to discuss your septic needs and schedule an appointment. Have your address, a description of the problem (if any), and information about your tank location ready when you call. The company serves multiple counties in South Carolina, so confirm they cover your area before scheduling.

For routine pumping, you can usually schedule several weeks in advance. For emergencies—a backed-up toilet or sewage in the yard—call and explain the urgency; many septic companies offer same-day or next-day service for active backups. If you cannot reach Whitt's immediately, you may need to contact another local septic service to prevent damage to your home.

What to Expect During a Service Visit

During a pumping visit, a Whitt's technician will locate your tank, open the access port, and pump out accumulated solids and liquids into a truck. The process usually takes one to two hours. The technician may also inspect the tank for cracks, check the drain field for saturation, and note whether the system is functioning normally. After pumping, the tank is ready to receive wastewater again.

If you are having a repair or replacement, the technician will first diagnose the problem—often by running a camera through the lines to spot breaks or blockages, or by digging to inspect the tank and drain field. They will explain what they found and what options you have. Repairs might mean replacing a section of pipe or fixing a crack; replacement means installing a new tank and drain field, which takes several days and requires excavation.

Cost and What Affects the Price

Septic service costs vary by the type of work. Routine pumping typically costs less than repairs, and new installations are the most expensive option. The final price depends on how full the tank is, how deep it sits, whether the technician needs to dig to access it, and the condition of the drain field. Some companies charge a flat rate for pumping; others charge by the number of gallons pumped.

Repairs cost more than pumping because they involve parts, labor, and sometimes excavation. A new system installation includes the tank, drain field, permits, and labor, and can run into thousands of dollars. Ask Whitt's for an estimate before they begin work so you know what to expect. Many septic companies offer payment plans for large jobs.

Maintaining Your Septic System Between Service Visits

Between pumping appointments, protect your system by not flushing anything except human waste and toilet paper. Paper towels, feminine hygiene products, wipes labeled "flushable," grease, and medications damage the tank and drain field. Do not pour cooking oil, paint, or chemicals down the drain. Limit water use—long showers, running the dishwasher and laundry on the same day, and leaky toilets overload the system and can saturate the drain field.

Keep heavy vehicles and equipment off the area above your tank and drain field; the weight can compact soil and crack pipes. Do not plant trees or large shrubs over the drain field—roots seek out moisture and can penetrate pipes. If you have a septic system, you also cannot use a garbage disposal, as it adds solids that fill the tank faster.

Permits and Health Department Requirements

South Carolina requires septic systems to be inspected and approved by the county health department before installation and sometimes before repair or replacement. Whitt's is familiar with local permitting and can guide you through the process, but you are responsible for obtaining the permit. The health department will inspect the site, review the system design, and approve the installation before work begins.

If you are buying a home with a septic system, many lenders require a septic inspection as part of the mortgage process. Whitt's can perform this inspection and provide a report on the system's condition. This protects you from inheriting a failing system and gives you information to negotiate repairs before closing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I have my septic tank pumped?

Most households need pumping every three to five years. Smaller households with fewer people may go longer; larger families or homes with heavy water use need more frequent pumping. Whitt's can inspect your tank and recommend a schedule based on your specific situation.

What should I do if my septic system backs up on a weekend?

Call Whitt's immediately—many septic companies offer emergency service outside regular business hours. If you cannot reach them, contact another local septic service. In the meantime, stop using water and avoid flushing toilets to prevent more sewage from entering your home.

Can I install a new septic system myself?

No. South Carolina law requires a licensed contractor to install septic systems, and the county health department must inspect and approve the work. Whitt's handles the installation and permitting process for you.

What is the difference between a septic tank and a drain field?

The septic tank holds wastewater and allows solids to settle. The drain field is underground pipes that release treated liquid back into the soil. Both parts must work together; if either fails, the system fails. Whitt's maintains and repairs both components.

How much does it cost to replace a septic system?

Replacement cost varies by tank size, drain field design, soil conditions, and local labor rates. Contact Whitt's for an estimate after they inspect your property. Many companies offer payment plans for large installations.