Need septic pumping in South Taft? Call (661) 320-8662 and we'll connect you with a local septic provider who serves South Taft, Taft and the surrounding west side communities. Older homes and sloping ground at the edge of the oil field are the two things to plan around.
South Taft at a glance
South Taft is a census-designated place in Kern County, about half a mile south of Taft, at an elevation of about 1,017 feet. The 2020 census counted 2,100 residents, down from 2,169 in 2010. It sits just outside the city of Taft, on rising ground toward the hills and oil fields that surround the Taft area.
Just outside the city line
Because South Taft is unincorporated, it is not part of the city of Taft even though it sits right next to it. For homeowners, that means septic oversight and records run through Kern County rather than the city. Whether a particular home is on a sewer connection or a septic system depends on the property, so confirm before you assume. Check your tax bill for a sewer charge, look for a septic lid or cleanout, or contact Kern County Environmental Health.
Higher, sloping ground
At around 1,000 feet, South Taft sits noticeably higher than the valley floor near Bakersfield. Ground rises toward the hills to the south and west. On sloping lots, water moves downhill, and a septic system can be affected in two ways:
- Runoff from uphill can soak the drain field during storms.
- Effluent that is not absorbed may surface downhill of the field instead of directly over it.
Look for wet spots or lush patches below the field, especially during dry months. Keep gutters and driveway runoff directed away from the system.
Older neighborhoods, older systems
Much of the housing around Taft dates back decades, tied to the area's oil history. In older homes, tanks may be concrete with buried lids, and baffles may be worn. A worn or missing outlet baffle lets solids slip into the drain field, which shortens its life. When the tank is pumped, ask the provider to look at the baffles and tell you what they see.
Dry climate, hard soil
The west side of Kern County is dry most of the year, and soil can bake hard by late summer. That makes digging to a buried lid slower. If your lid is buried, consider a riser. It brings the lid to ground level so future service is faster and does not require digging up the yard every few years.
Day-to-day habits that help
- Flush only toilet paper and human waste.
- Keep grease and coffee grounds out of the sink.
- Spread laundry across the week.
- Fix running toilets right away.
- Keep cars and trailers off the tank and drain field.
More tips are in what not to flush on a septic system.
Buying or selling
If you are buying a home in South Taft, ask the seller when the tank was last pumped and whether there are records. Consider an inspection. If you are selling, plan the septic inspection early so there is time to address anything that comes up. See pumping before selling a home.
When to call
Call if you notice slow drains in several fixtures, gurgling, odors outside, or wet ground near the field. If sewage backs up into the house, stop using water and call right away.
Before you dig
Call 811 before any digging, including fence posts and garden beds, and keep a sketch of your tank and drain field location.
How it works when you call from South Taft
Call (661) 320-8662 with your address in South Taft, 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, Taft Heights, Maricopa. See all service locations, our septic articles and the septic FAQ.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is South Taft part of the city of Taft?
No. South Taft is an unincorporated community just south of the city, so county agencies handle septic records there.
How does sloping ground affect my septic?
Runoff from uphill can saturate the field, and unabsorbed water may surface downhill of it.
Should I add a riser in South Taft?
Many homeowners find it worthwhile because hard, dry soil makes digging slow.
Do older South Taft homes need a septic inspection before sale?
Buyers and lenders often ask for one. Check with your agent and lender, and schedule early so there is time to address anything found.