Need septic pumping in Taft? Call (661) 320-8662 and we'll connect you with a local septic provider serving Taft and the west side communities of Kern County. Homes on the outskirts and in the small surrounding communities are the most likely to be on septic.
Septic systems in Taft
Taft is on the west side of Kern County, southwest of Bakersfield, in the heart of the historic oil fields. The city itself has sewer service, but homes in the outskirts and in nearby west side communities such as Maricopa, Fellows and Derby Acres, along with rural parcels in the area, often rely on septic systems.
West side properties are spread out, and some sit on hilly or uneven ground near the oil fields. Many homes are older, with tanks that may have been in place for decades.
Local conditions that affect your system
The west side is one of the driest parts of the county, with hot summers and sparse rain. That dry climate means a drain field usually has dry soil to work with, but when the occasional heavy storm does arrive, runoff from bare hillsides can move quickly and pool in low areas. If your drain field sits in a low spot, watch it after storms.
Ground on the west side varies from sandy to hard and rocky. Hard, dry soil can make it slow to dig to a buried lid, which is a good reason to consider a riser.
Tips for Taft-area homeowners
- Plan routine pumping, since the west side is a longer drive for many providers.
- Describe road conditions and access, especially for properties off paved roads.
- Keep storm runoff directed away from the drain field.
- Consider a riser if the lid is buried in hard ground.
- For properties outside city limits, Kern County Environmental Health is the agency to check with for records and current requirements.
See how to find your septic tank lid and what affects pumping cost.
Oil town history and older homes
Taft grew up with the west side oil fields in the early 1900s, and many of its neighborhoods date back decades. The city is surrounded by small communities that grew up the same way, including Ford City to the north, South Taft just south of town, and Taft Heights to the west-southwest. Older homes in this area may have older systems: concrete tanks, buried lids, and baffles that have been in service a long time. If you own an older home on septic in or around Taft, ask about the baffles at each pumping, since a missing outlet baffle lets solids escape into the drain field.
City and county lines
Inside the city of Taft, sewer and permit questions go to the city. Just outside, in places like Ford City, South Taft and Taft Heights, the communities are unincorporated, and Kern County handles septic records. If you are buying a home in the Taft area, find out which side of the line it is on and how it is served before you close.
Hills, washes and storms
The hills around Taft are mostly bare, and when heavy rain does fall, water moves fast. Homes below slopes or near washes can see runoff cross the yard. Keep the drain field clear of runoff paths and watch for wet spots below it after storms. See septic after heavy rain.
Planning for summer
Taft summers are hot. If your tank is near the end of its pumping interval, schedule service in spring, before peak water use.
Neighbor communities
We have separate pages for Ford City, South Taft, Taft Heights, Maricopa, Fellows, Valley Acres and Dustin Acres.
How it works when you call from Taft
Call (661) 320-8662 with your address in 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 Bakersfield, Frazier Park, Rosedale. See all service locations, our septic articles and the septic FAQ.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are homes in Taft on septic?
The city has sewer service. Homes on the outskirts and in nearby west side communities often use septic.
Do providers serve Maricopa and the west side?
Call and we'll connect you with a provider who serves your area; availability varies.
Does a storm affect septic systems on the west side?
Heavy runoff can saturate low-lying drain fields. Reduce water use until the ground dries.
Who do I call about septic records in Taft?
Inside the city of Taft, start with the city. For unincorporated areas around it, such as Ford City, South Taft and Taft Heights, contact Kern County Environmental Health.