A lot of the High Desert runs on septic. Away from the busier parts of the Victor Valley, homes sit on large lots with long distances between neighbors, and many properties were never tied into a sewer line. In places like Phelan or Lucerne Valley, a septic tank in the yard is normal.
Valley Drilling Co is a family-owned, C-42 licensed septic contractor, in business since 1950. Call (909) 795-6164. A real person answers 7 days a week from 8 AM to 8 PM, and after-hours emergency calls are answered too.
Pumping in Hesperia, Apple Valley and Victorville
We locate the tank, uncover the lids, pump it out and check the sludge and scum layers. Then we tell you plainly what we saw and when to call again. If the lid is buried under sand or gravel, that's fine. Finding it is part of the visit.
On a big desert lot the tank can be a long way from the house, so it helps to tell us where the driveway and gates are and whether there's a clear path for the truck. If you know roughly where the tank sits, mark it. More on what a visit involves is on our septic tank pumping page.
High Desert Soils and What They Mean for Your System
Desert soils are often sandy and drain fast, but conditions change from lot to lot. Some ground takes water quickly. Some has hardpan or rock under the surface that slows things down. The only way to know what's under a particular lot is to test it, which is why PERC testing comes before any new system design.
Fast-draining soil doesn't mean you can skip maintenance. When a tank goes too long without pumping, solids wash out into the leach lines or seepage pit and clog them, whatever the soil is like. Pumping on schedule is the simplest way to protect it.
Escrow Certifications
Selling a desert property or buying one? Buyers and lenders often want a septic inspection before close of escrow. We pump the tank, check its condition and the disposal area, and report what we found. Read about our escrow inspections and certification.
Repairs and Replacements
Slow drains, odors or soggy ground over the leach field all point to a problem worth finding before it gets worse. We diagnose first and repair what can be repaired, from a broken line to a failing leach line or seepage pit. When a full replacement is the right answer, we plan it with you.
In unincorporated communities, septic permits go through San Bernardino County Environmental Health Services. Hesperia, Victorville, Apple Valley and Adelanto are incorporated, so there it's the city or county, depending on the property. We coordinate the design and the permits, and when the county requires stamped plans, an outside licensed engineer stamps them.
Adding a second unit on a desert lot? An ADU means checking whether the existing tank and disposal area can take the extra flow. Our ADU septic page covers it.
Areas We Cover
High Desert Septic Questions
Do you come up to the High Desert for septic work?
Yes. We pump, repair and replace septic systems in Hesperia, Victorville, Apple Valley and Adelanto, and out to Oak Hills, Phelan or Lucerne Valley. Call (909) 795-6164 to set up a visit.
Does sandy desert soil mean my leach field will last forever?
No. Fast-draining soil helps, but solids that escape an overdue tank can still clog a leach line or seepage pit. Regular pumping is what protects the disposal area, whatever the soil.
Who issues septic permits in the High Desert?
In unincorporated communities, San Bernardino County Environmental Health Services. In Hesperia, Victorville, Apple Valley and Adelanto, it's the city or county, depending on the property. We handle the permit paperwork when a repair or new system needs one.
Can you find my septic tank if I just bought the property?
Yes. Many tanks have buried lids, and locating and uncovering them is part of the job. An old permit drawing or a rough idea from the previous owner helps, but it isn't required.
Septic help in the High Desert?
Call (909) 795-6164. We answer 7 days, 8 AM–8 PM, and after-hours emergencies are answered too.
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Nearby
The High Desert is part of our wider San Bernardino County service area, which also takes in the mountain communities from Crestline to Big Bear. For specific services, see septic tank pumping, leach line repair, seepage pits, escrow inspections, PERC testing and septic for ADUs.
More answers on our Septic FAQ, or read about our company.