Roberts Septic & Grading: What They Do and When to Call

Roberts Septic & Grading handles septic system installation, repair, and land grading across South Carolina

Roberts Septic & Grading is a South Carolina-based contractor that works on septic systems and land preparation. They install new systems, repair existing ones, and perform grading work—the earth-moving that levels land or creates proper drainage slopes. If your property needs a septic tank installed, your current system is backing up or leaking, or you need land graded for construction or drainage, this is the type of company you would contact.

The company operates in residential and light commercial settings. Septic work requires state licensing and knowledge of local codes, which vary by county in South Carolina. Grading work requires equipment and experience with soil conditions and water flow. Roberts handles both, which means you may not need to hire two separate contractors for a project that involves both services.

Key Takeaways

• Roberts Septic & Grading installs new septic systems, repairs failing ones, and performs land grading work on South Carolina properties.
• Septic system work requires state licensing and must meet local health department codes that differ by county.
• Grading work prepares land for construction, improves drainage, or corrects slope problems that affect water flow.
• You should contact a septic contractor when your system backs up, drains slowly, has wet spots in the yard, or when you are building new and need a system installed.
• Getting multiple quotes from licensed contractors helps you understand pricing and scope before committing to the work.

When you need septic system installation

A new septic system is required when you build a home or add plumbing to a property that is not connected to municipal sewer. The system must be sized to your household's water use and designed to match your soil type and lot size. South Carolina's Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) sets statewide standards, but individual counties add their own requirements—some require larger drain fields, deeper tanks, or specific setback distances from wells and property lines.

Before installation, your property needs a soil evaluation and percolation test to determine how quickly water drains through your soil. This test tells the contractor what size system you need and where it can be placed. Roberts would handle this evaluation, design the system to meet your county's codes, and install the tank and drain field. The entire process typically takes several weeks from initial site evaluation to final inspection by the health department.

Septic system repair and maintenance

Existing systems fail for several reasons: the drain field becomes saturated and stops absorbing water, the tank cracks or corrodes, or pipes between the house and tank break. Signs of failure include slow drains inside the house, sewage backing up into toilets or showers, wet or spongy areas in the yard, or persistent odors near the tank or drain field.

Some repairs are straightforward—replacing a broken pipe or pumping out a full tank. Others require replacing the drain field or even the tank itself, which is more involved and expensive. A contractor like Roberts diagnoses the problem by inspecting the tank, testing water flow, and sometimes using cameras to look inside pipes. Once you know what is wrong, you can decide whether to repair the existing system or replace it.

Regular pumping extends system life. Most tanks need pumping every three to five years, depending on household size and water use. This removes the solid sludge that accumulates at the bottom and prevents it from clogging the drain field.

Grading and land preparation

Grading reshapes the land surface to control water flow, prepare a building site, or fix drainage problems. Poor grading causes water to pool near foundations, erode soil, or flow toward neighbors' properties. Proper grading slopes land away from buildings and toward drainage areas or storm drains.

Roberts uses heavy equipment—bulldozers, graders, and excavators—to move earth and create the correct slope. This work is often done before septic installation to ensure the drain field sits on properly prepared ground. Grading can also be a standalone project if your property has water pooling issues or you are preparing land for a new structure.

How to contact Roberts Septic & Grading

Roberts operates as a local contractor, so you would contact them directly by phone or through their business listing. When you call, have information ready: your address, what problem you are experiencing (or what you need built), and when you would like the work done. They will schedule a site visit to evaluate the situation and provide a quote.

For septic work, ask whether the quote includes the soil evaluation and percolation test, or whether those are separate. Ask what the timeline is and whether they handle the health department permit and inspection or whether you need to coordinate that yourself. For grading work, ask what equipment they will use and whether the quote includes hauling away excess soil or bringing in fill material.

Comparing contractors and getting quotes

Septic and grading work varies widely in cost depending on soil conditions, system size, and the extent of the project. Getting quotes from two or three licensed contractors helps you understand the range and what each one includes. A low quote is not always the best choice—a contractor who cuts corners on septic installation or grading can create problems that cost far more to fix later.

Ask each contractor for references from recent projects in your county. Ask whether they are licensed by South Carolina and whether they carry liability insurance. For septic work, confirm they understand your county's specific codes. For grading, ask about their experience with your soil type and whether they have done similar projects on properties like yours.

What to expect during and after the work

Septic installation typically takes one to three days, depending on system size and site conditions. The contractor will excavate the tank location, install the tank and pipes, create the drain field, and backfill. Once the physical work is done, the health department inspects the system before you can use it. This inspection usually happens within a week or two.

Grading work can take anywhere from a day to several weeks depending on how much earth needs to move and the size of the property. Heavy equipment will be on site, and there will be noise and dust. Ask the contractor when they expect to start and finish, and whether they will restore the surface (seed grass, spread topsoil) or leave it bare.

After septic installation, you receive a permit and inspection certificate. Keep these documents—you may need them if you sell the property or if a future problem arises. After grading, the land should drain properly and be ready for the next phase of your project.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a new septic system cost?

Cost varies by system size, soil conditions, and local codes. A basic residential system might range from several thousand dollars to significantly more for larger properties or difficult soil. Get quotes from local contractors to understand pricing in your area.

Can I use my septic system while waiting for the health department inspection?

No. The system must pass inspection before you can use it. The inspection confirms the tank is properly installed, pipes are connected correctly, and the drain field is at the right depth and size for your soil.

What should I avoid putting in my septic tank?

Avoid flushing anything besides human waste and toilet paper. Grease, coffee grounds, paper towels, feminine hygiene products, and medications can clog the system or harm the bacteria that break down waste. Harsh chemicals can also damage the system.

How do I know if my drain field is failing?

Signs include slow drains throughout the house, sewage backing up, wet or spongy ground over the drain field, or strong odors. A contractor can inspect the system and determine whether the drain field needs repair or replacement.

Do I need a permit for grading work?

Requirements vary by county and the scope of work. Some grading projects need permits, especially if they affect drainage or are near wetlands. Ask your contractor whether permits are needed for your project.