Need septic pumping in Mettler? Call (661) 320-8662 and we'll connect you with a local septic provider who serves Mettler and the south end of the San Joaquin Valley near the base of the Grapevine. Mettler is tiny and spread out, so planned service is the way to go.
Mettler at a glance
Mettler, also called Mettler Station, is an unincorporated area and census-designated place in Kern County, about 25 miles south of Bakersfield, at an elevation of about 541 feet. The 2020 census counted 90 residents, down from 136 in 2010. It sits in the Wheeler Ridge area at the far southern end of the valley, near where Interstate 5 and State Route 99 come together before the climb up the Grapevine.
A place on the highway
Mettler has a small spot in highway history. On September 30, 1955, actor James Dean was stopped by a California Highway Patrol officer for speeding while driving north on U.S. 99, and the ticket listed Mettler Station as the location. He was killed in a crash later that same day. According to Wikipedia, the settlement was founded in the 1940s by the Mettler family in the Wheeler Ridge area.
Very small, very rural
With fewer than 100 residents, Mettler is one of the smallest communities in Kern County. In a place this small and rural, homes commonly rely on on-site septic. Contact Kern County Environmental Health to confirm the records for your property.
For a small community far from the larger towns, the most important septic habit is planning. A backup on a weekend is harder to get handled quickly when you are 25 miles from Bakersfield. Pumping on a schedule, while everything is working, is the easier path.
Farm country at the foot of the mountains
The land around Mettler is the flat, farmed southern end of the valley, rising toward the Tehachapi and San Emigdio mountains to the south. Farm irrigation nearby can raise soil moisture. Water coming off the mountains during heavy storms can cross low ground. Both can saturate a drain field, which absorbs less wastewater when wet. Keep yard water off the field and reduce indoor water use after storms.
Wind and dust
The south end of the valley, near the mouth of the Grapevine, can be windy. Blowing dust and debris can bury a tank lid or riser, and tumbleweeds and debris can hide the area. Keep the lid area clear and marked so it is easy to find.
Farm equipment and trucks
Heavy trucks and farm equipment are common around Mettler. Keep them off the tank and drain lines. An older concrete lid can crack under weight, and crushed pipes can cause backups. Mark the system so anyone working on the property knows where it is.
Getting service out to Mettler
When you call, describe your location relative to Interstate 5 or Highway 99 and the nearest road, mention any gates, and describe where a truck can park. Because Mettler is far from most service yards, travel can be one of the factors a provider uses in a quote; see what affects septic pumping cost.
Routine care
- Pump every few years based on household size and tank size. See how often to pump.
- Flush only toilet paper.
- Keep grease out of the sink.
- Keep a record of every pumping.
- Ask about a riser if the lid is buried.
Warning signs
Slow drains, gurgling, sewage odors outside, or soggy ground over the field in dry weather mean it is time to call. See signs your septic tank is full.
How it works when you call from Mettler
Call (661) 320-8662 with your address in Mettler, 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 Lebec, Greenfield, Arvin. See all service locations, our septic articles and the septic FAQ.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Mettler?
About 25 miles south of Bakersfield in the Wheeler Ridge area, near the base of the Grapevine.
Why plan septic service ahead in Mettler?
It is small and far from most service yards, so emergency service can take longer.
Can wind bury my tank lid?
Blowing dust and debris can cover a lid. Keep the area clear and marked.
Is Mettler near the Grapevine?
Yes. Mettler is in the Wheeler Ridge area at the far southern end of the valley, near where Interstate 5 and Highway 99 meet before the climb over Tejon Pass.