Need septic pumping in Ford City? Call (661) 320-8662 and we'll connect you with a local septic provider who serves Ford City and the Taft area. Ford City is the largest of Taft's neighboring communities, and older homes and lots here can have long septic histories.
Ford City at a glance
Ford City is a census-designated place in Kern County, about 1 mile north of Taft, at an elevation of about 892 feet. The 2020 census counted 4,348 residents, up from 4,278 in 2010. It lies immediately north of Taft, between the huge Midway-Sunset Oil Field to the southwest and the nearly exhausted Buena Vista Oil Field to the northeast. State Route 119 passes east of town from its junction with State Route 33 to the south.
A sizable community next door to Taft
With more than 4,000 residents, Ford City is a real neighborhood rather than a crossroads. It is unincorporated, while Taft next door is a city. That difference matters for septic: services and records in unincorporated areas are handled through Kern County, and how a given home is served can vary. Some homes may connect to a sewer system and others may be on septic. The quickest way to know is to check your property tax bill for a sewer charge, look for a septic lid or cleanout in the yard, or ask Kern County Environmental Health about permit records for your address.
Older homes and buried tanks
Ford City grew up alongside the oil fields, and many homes have been there for decades. Older septic tanks often have lids buried under soil, sometimes under later landscaping, patios or sheds. If you bought an older home and nobody can tell you where the tank is, that is common. Steps that help:
- Look for a cleanout pipe where the sewer line leaves the house.
- Check escrow paperwork or old receipts for a sketch.
- Ask long-time neighbors, who may have similar layouts.
- Ask the provider to locate the tank and add a riser for next time.
See how to find your septic tank lid for details.
Between two oil fields
Ford City's position between the Midway-Sunset and Buena Vista fields means the area has a long industrial history. For homeowners, that mostly means being careful about digging. Call 811 before any digging so buried lines can be marked, and never assume the ground is clear.
Ground and weather
The Taft area is one of the driest parts of Kern County. Most of the year, a drain field has dry soil to work with. When the occasional heavy storm comes, runoff from surrounding higher ground can pool in low spots. If your drain field is in a low corner of the lot, watch it after storms and reduce water use until the ground dries. Our guide to septic after heavy rain explains why.
Summers are hot, and household water use goes up. Spread laundry over the week and fix leaks to avoid overloading the tank.
Renting or selling in Ford City
Ford City has a mix of owner-occupied and rental homes. If you are a landlord, a pumping schedule and a short note to tenants about what not to flush can prevent costly calls. If you are selling, buyers or lenders may ask about the septic system; an inspection, often done with a pumping, gives everyone clear information. See septic pumping vs. inspection.
Signs you need service
Slow drains throughout the house, gurgling pipes, sewage odors, toilets backing up, or a wet, unusually green patch over the drain field in dry weather all point to a problem worth checking. If sewage backs up into the home, stop using water and call right away.
How it works when you call from Ford City
Call (661) 320-8662 with your address in Ford City, 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 Taft, Valley Acres, South Taft. See all service locations, our septic articles and the septic FAQ.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ford City part of Taft?
No. Ford City is an unincorporated community immediately north of Taft, so county agencies handle septic records there.
Are Ford City homes on sewer or septic?
It varies by property. Check your tax bill, look for a septic lid, or ask Kern County Environmental Health.
Should landlords in Ford City pump on a schedule?
Yes. A regular schedule and clear tenant guidance help prevent backups.