Need septic pumping in Taft Heights? Call (661) 320-8662 and we'll connect you with a local septic provider who serves Taft Heights and the Taft area. As the name suggests, Taft Heights sits above town, and hillside lots change how septic systems behave.
Taft Heights at a glance
Taft Heights is a census-designated place in Kern County, about 1 mile west-southwest of Taft, at an elevation of about 1,178 feet. The 2020 census counted 1,999 residents, up from 1,949 in 2010. It sits on higher ground above the city of Taft, toward the oil fields and hills on the west side of the county.
Hillside living and septic
Taft Heights is higher than both Taft and South Taft. Homes on hillside lots deal with slope, and slope matters a lot for septic systems. A drain field relies on soil to absorb and filter wastewater evenly. On a slope:
- Water from uphill can run onto the field during storms and saturate it.
- Effluent that is not absorbed can travel downhill and surface below the field.
- Cutting into the slope for a patio, driveway or retaining wall near the field can expose or damage lines.
If you are planning yard work on a sloped lot, know exactly where the tank and field are first, and call 811 before digging.
Unincorporated, with its own records
Taft Heights is unincorporated, so it is outside the city of Taft. Septic records and requirements for repairs and replacements run through Kern County Environmental Health. If you are not sure whether your home is on septic, check your tax bill for a sewer charge, look for a septic lid or cleanout, or ask the county about records for your address.
Older homes and buried lids
Like much of the Taft area, Taft Heights has many homes that have been around for decades. Older septic tanks often have buried lids and no risers, and records may be lost. Digging in hard, dry hillside soil is slow work, which is why many homeowners choose to add a riser once the tank is found. See how to find your septic tank lid.
Access for the pump truck
Hillside streets and steep driveways can make access harder. When you call, describe the slope, the width of the driveway, and where a truck could park. A long hose run may be needed if the tank is uphill or downhill from the street. Access is one of the factors that can affect a quote; see what affects septic pumping cost.
Weather on the west side
The Taft area is dry for most of the year. When it does rain hard, runoff from bare ground can move quickly. After a big storm, cut back on water use and let the drain field dry out. If you see slow drains right after heavy rain, the field may simply be saturated. If problems continue after the ground dries, have the system checked.
Simple habits for a healthy system
- Pump on a schedule; most households pump every three to five years.
- Spread out laundry and fix leaks.
- Keep wipes, grease and chemicals out of drains.
- Keep vehicles off the tank and field.
- Plant only grass over the field; avoid trees with aggressive roots.
When to call right away
If sewage backs up into the home, stop using water and call. Sewage odors outside, gurgling, slow drains throughout the house, or wet spots below the field are all signs to call soon. See signs your septic tank is full.
Retaining walls and terraces
On terraced hillside lots, retaining walls and drainage pipes can redirect water. Make sure drain outlets do not discharge onto the drain field.
How it works when you call from Taft Heights
Call (661) 320-8662 with your address in Taft Heights, 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, South Taft, Fellows. See all service locations, our septic articles and the septic FAQ.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Taft Heights in the city of Taft?
No. Taft Heights is an unincorporated community west-southwest of Taft.
Do hillside lots need special septic care?
Yes. Keep runoff away from the field, watch for wet spots downhill, and avoid digging near the system without knowing where it is.
Can a pump truck reach a steep driveway?
Often, with a longer hose. Describe your access when you call.
Can tree roots on a hillside lot reach my septic lines?
Yes. Roots seek out water and can grow into older pipes. On a hillside, they may follow lines downhill. Keep trees and large shrubs away from the tank and drain field.