Need septic pumping in Valley Acres? Call (661) 320-8662 and we'll connect you with a local septic provider who serves Valley Acres and the communities north of Taft. Valley Acres sits down on the flatter ground below Taft, where water behaves differently than in the hills.
Valley Acres at a glance
Valley Acres is a census-designated place in Kern County, about 5.2 miles north-northeast of Taft, at an elevation of about 420 feet. The 2020 census counted 504 residents, down from 527 in 2010. The census area covers about 4.1 square miles, and Wikipedia notes the community was founded in 1937.
Spread-out lots on lower ground
Valley Acres covers a fairly large area for a community of about 500 people, which points to spread-out homes and larger lots. Large lots in small unincorporated communities commonly rely on on-site septic. To confirm how your home is served, check your tax bill, look for a septic lid or cleanout, or ask Kern County Environmental Health about permit records.
At about 420 feet, Valley Acres is much lower than Taft (around 950 feet) and the hillside communities around it. Lower, flatter ground drains more slowly. Water that comes off higher ground during storms can collect in low areas. For septic owners, that means paying close attention to the drain field after rain.
Flat ground and slow drainage
On flat ground, a drain field depends entirely on the soil to absorb water. If the soil is already wet from rain, irrigation, or a leaking hose bib, it absorbs less wastewater. Signs of an overloaded field include slow drains, gurgling and soggy ground. Practical steps:
- Keep sprinklers and hoses off the drain field.
- Direct roof gutters away from the field.
- Fix outdoor leaks.
- After a storm, cut back on indoor water use until the ground dries.
Homes from different eras
A community founded in the 1930s will have homes and systems from different decades. If you own an older home, the tank may be concrete with a buried lid, and records may be missing. If you own a newer home, you may have better records and perhaps a riser. Either way, knowing your tank size, location and last pumping date is the foundation of good septic care. See how to find your septic tank lid.
Animals, trailers and outdoor projects
Larger lots often mean animals, RVs, trailers and outdoor projects. Keep all of them off the tank and drain field. Weight compacts the soil and can crack an older lid. Do not build sheds, pens or patios over the system.
Planning service from Valley Acres
Valley Acres is closer to Highway 119 and the main roads than some west side communities, but it is still a drive from Bakersfield service yards. Routine pumping on a schedule is easier than an emergency call. When you call, give clear directions and describe where the truck can park.
Water habits for a healthy tank
- Spread laundry across the week.
- Fix running toilets.
- Use the garbage disposal sparingly.
- Keep wipes and grease out of the drains.
More detail is in what not to flush and how often to pump.
A note for new owners
If you have just moved to Valley Acres from a home on city sewer, a few habits matter more than they used to: flush only toilet paper, keep grease out of the sink, spread laundry through the week, and pump on a schedule. Find out where your tank is in your first month, before anything goes wrong.
Founded in 1937
Valley Acres was founded in 1937, so some homes and systems here are decades old. Ask about the baffles at each pumping.
How it works when you call from Valley Acres
Call (661) 320-8662 with your address in Valley Acres, 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 Dustin Acres, Ford City, Tupman. See all service locations, our septic articles and the septic FAQ.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Valley Acres?
About 5.2 miles north-northeast of Taft in western Kern County.
Does flat ground affect septic in Valley Acres?
Yes. Flat, low ground drains slowly, so keep extra water off the drain field.
Are homes in Valley Acres on septic?
Many homes on larger lots in small unincorporated communities use septic. Confirm with your records or Kern County Environmental Health.
How often should a Valley Acres household pump?
Most households pump every three to five years, but the right interval depends on tank size, how many people live in the home, and water habits. Ask the provider how full the tank was at each pumping and adjust from there.