Need septic pumping in Fellows? Call (661) 320-8662 and we'll connect you with a local septic provider who serves the west side oil communities around Taft. Fellows is tiny and surrounded by oil field, so planning service ahead makes everything easier.
Fellows at a glance
Fellows is a census-designated place in western Kern County, about 5 miles west-northwest of Taft, at an elevation of about 1,316 feet. It is one of the smallest communities in the county: the 2020 census counted 52 residents, down from 106 in 2010. Fellows is surrounded on all sides by the Midway-Sunset Oil Field, which Wikipedia describes as the third-largest oil field in the United States, and the oil and gas industry accounts for much of the area's economic activity.
What a tiny oil-field community means for septic
With only a few dozen residents and no large town center, homes in and around Fellows commonly rely on on-site systems. When a community is this small, there is little margin for a surprise: the nearest service yard is a long drive, and a weekend backup can be hard to get handled quickly. The single best thing a Fellows homeowner can do is pump on a schedule and keep good records.
A simple record should include:
- The date of each pumping and who did it.
- The tank size and number of compartments, if known.
- A sketch of where the tank and drain field are, measured from the corners of the house.
- Any notes on the baffles, lid or filter.
Foothill terrain and oil field ground
Fellows sits at more than 1,300 feet, in foothill country on the west side of the valley. Ground here can be sloped, rocky and hard, especially by late summer. That affects septic in a few ways:
- Digging to a buried lid can take time. A riser can save that effort on every future visit.
- Runoff from slopes can flow toward a drain field during storms. Keep it directed around the system.
- Wet spots may show up downhill of the field rather than right over it.
Before any digging, call 811. In an area surrounded by oil field infrastructure, knowing where buried lines are matters.
Vehicles, equipment and lids
In an oil field community, work trucks and equipment are everywhere. On your own lot, keep vehicles off the tank and drain lines. Older concrete lids can crack under weight, and a damaged lid is a hazard. If you see a crack, sinkage or a loose lid, keep people and pets away and mention it when you call.
Dry climate, careful water use
The west side of Kern County is very dry. Dry soil generally helps a drain field absorb water, but the tank still needs time to let solids settle. Big surges of water, like many loads of laundry in a row, can push solids out toward the field. Spread out water use and fix running toilets. For the reasoning behind this, see how often to pump a septic tank.
If something goes wrong
Signs that need attention include slow drains throughout the house, gurgling, sewage odors and soggy ground over the field. Stop heavy water use and call. Do not pour harsh drain cleaners into a septic system, and never open the tank yourself because septic tanks can contain dangerous gases. More detail is in signs your septic tank is full.
Records and requirements
For unincorporated communities like Fellows, Kern County Environmental Health is the agency to contact about septic permit records and current requirements for repairs or replacements.
How it works when you call from Fellows
Call (661) 320-8662 with your address in Fellows, what is going on, and anything you know about the tank. We pass your request to an independent local septic provider who serves your area. The provider confirms timing, explains what the visit includes, and gives you a quote before any work begins. We are a referral line, not a septic company, and providers set their own prices and schedules. Providers commonly handle septic pumping, locating buried lids, inspections for home sales, and repairs such as baffles, lids and drain field problems.
Nearby areas
We also take calls from Derby Acres, Taft Heights, Taft. See all service locations, our septic articles and the septic FAQ.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fellows on a sewer system?
Fellows is a very small unincorporated community; homes there commonly rely on on-site systems. Check your property records or Kern County Environmental Health to confirm.
Why should I keep septic records in Fellows?
Because the community is small and remote, good records make each service visit faster and help you plan pumping before problems start.
Can I dig to find my tank myself?
Call 811 before any digging so buried lines can be marked, and never open the tank yourself.
How big is Fellows?
The 2020 census counted 52 residents, making it one of the smallest communities in Kern County.