Need septic pumping in McKittrick? Call (661) 320-8662 and we'll connect you with a local septic provider who serves the far west side of Kern County, about 14 miles northwest of Taft. In a small, remote oil-field community, planning ahead is the key to easy septic service.
McKittrick at a glance
McKittrick is a small unincorporated community in western Kern County, about 14 miles northwest of Taft, at an elevation of about 1,056 feet. The 2020 census counted 102 residents, down from 115 in 2010. The U.S. Census Bureau treats it as a census-designated place. It sits on the edge of the oil fields on the west side of the county, with Derby Acres about five miles to the southeast along State Route 33.
Remote living and septic
In a community this small and this far from larger towns, homes commonly rely on on-site systems such as septic tanks. If you live in or near McKittrick, your septic tank is part of the home's basic infrastructure, just like your water supply. Because it is a long way to most service yards, waiting for a backup before calling can mean a long and uncomfortable wait. A planned pumping, done while everything is working, is the easier path.
To confirm how your property is served and whether permit records exist, contact Kern County Environmental Health directly.
Hillside ground and storm runoff
The land around McKittrick is at the western edge of the valley, where the ground starts to rise toward the hills. The west side of Kern County is one of the driest parts of the county, so for most of the year the soil is dry. When the occasional heavy storm does come through, water can run off bare hillsides quickly and collect in low spots. If your drain field sits downhill or in a low area, it may be the first place water collects.
Practical steps:
- Direct roof gutters and downspouts away from the tank and drain field.
- Avoid grading or driveway changes that send runoff toward the field.
- After a storm, cut back on water use until the ground dries out.
Our article on septic systems after heavy rain explains why a soaked drain field can look like a full tank.
Hard ground and buried lids
Dry, rocky or compacted soil is common in this part of the county. It can make digging to a buried tank lid slow work, especially in summer. If your lid is buried, ask the provider about a riser so future visits can skip the digging. Keep a photo and a measured sketch of the lid location with your home records.
Oil field traffic and heavy vehicles
Being near active oil fields means trucks and equipment are a normal part of life. On your own property, keep heavy vehicles, trailers and equipment off the tank and drain lines. Old concrete lids can crack and pipes can be crushed. If you rent out a property or have workers staying on site, make sure everyone knows where the system is.
Water use in a small household or a full house
Some homes in remote areas host extra people for stretches of time, such as family members or workers. More people means more solids in the tank and a shorter time between pumpings than the general three to five year guideline. Keep track of how many people are living in the home and adjust. See how often to pump a septic tank.
Before you call
- Note the nearest road or landmark and any gate codes.
- Describe where the truck can park and turn around.
- Share any history you know about the tank: last pumping, size, location.
- Mention any symptoms like slow drains, odors, or wet spots.
How it works when you call from McKittrick
Call (661) 320-8662 with your address in McKittrick, 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, Buttonwillow, Tupman. See all service locations, our septic articles and the septic FAQ.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is septic service available in McKittrick?
Call and we'll connect you with a provider who covers the west side of Kern County. Availability varies, so plan ahead when you can.
Why is a riser useful in McKittrick?
Hard, dry ground makes digging to a buried lid slow. A riser brings the lid to ground level for easier future service.
Does storm runoff affect septic out here?
It can. Runoff from higher ground may collect in low spots and saturate a drain field.