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subsidiary-company Our subsidiary company

35 years strong of leadership in Stanislaus & San Joaquin Counties

Full-Service Septic & Excavation Experts: From Design to Final Permit

5.0
based on 106 reviews
logo logo
Google + Yelp reviews combined
CA Contractor's License
1020305

Septic Overflows or
Foul Odor?

Request a Service

Is Your Drain Field
Soggy or Failing?

Schedule Urgent Repair

Need Trenching for
Utilities (Gas/Water)?

Discuss Your Excavation Needs

Time for Routine
Maintenance?

Schedule Routine Pumping

Our services

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Septic Tank Installation

Guaranteed Code Compliance. We handle all design, installation, and permitting from start to finish. Your new system is fully warranted and built to last.

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Septic Tank Repair

Fast Fix, Lasting Results. Quick diagnosis and expert repair of your drain fields and components. We restore your system's function to prevent expensive failures.

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Septic Tank Pumping

Protect Your System & Property. Essential routine and emergency pumping to prevent backups and odors. Extend the life of your septic tank effortlessly.

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Grading & Excavating

Flawless Site Foundation. Professional clearing and leveling for construction. We ensure stability and perfect drainage before your build begins.

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Underground Utility Trenching

Safe, Precise Utility Hookup. Accurate trenching for all lines (sewer, water, gas, electric). Reliable, code-compliant connection

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Why Homeowners & Contractors Choose Us

We are a vertically integrated company handling everything from pumping and inspections to full system design and installation with a single call

Dedicated In-House Crews

Our teams and equipment are in-house, which allows us to control the schedule and ensure excellent workmanship on every project

Transparent Pricing

You get a clear, itemized estimate with no hidden fees or surprises. We believe in honest pricing for honest work

Local Code Compliant

All our work is guaranteed to meet or exceed local and state codes. We also assist with the permitting and inspection process

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Over 30 Years of Local Expertise

Our company has been serving Stanislaus and San Joaquin counties since 1990. We know the local soil and codes

Expert Septic Tank Services, Grading & Excavating in Modesto, Oakdale, Escalon & Surrounding Areas

For the best septic tank installation and repair, septic tank pumping, utility trenching, and grading/excavation services in Merced County, Stanislaus County, and San Joaquin County, choose A-1 Septic and AAA Backhoe Service. For over 30 years, we've been the preferred septic tank company and excavator for thousands of general contractors, builders, commercial businesses, property managers, city agencies, homeowners, and real estate agents. They trust us because we consistently deliver high quality workmanship and personalized customer service at very competitive prices.

Whether you need septic tank repair in Modesto, leach line additions in Ceres, or utility trenching in Salida, we have the skills, knowledge, and expertise to get the job done according to the highest industry standards.

AAA Backhoe Service holds a Class A General Engineering Contractors License from the California State License Board, and has earned an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.

Experienced, Trusted Contractor Specializing in Septic Installs, Repairs, Replacement & Pumping, Utility Trenching, and Grading/Excavation

We provide the following excavation and septic system services to Modesto, Oakdale, Escalon, Ceres, Salida, Riverbank, and surrounding areas:

  • Septic tank installations
  • Septic tank repairs
  • Septic tank locating
  • Septic tank riser and lid installations
  • Septic tank pumping
  • Septic tank cleaning and maintenance
  • Leach field installations
  • Leach line additions
  • Septic tank inspections and certifications
  • Underground utility trenching
  • Grading and excavation
  • Demolition and hauling services

We also sell BioFORCE, a highly effective natural bacteria septic tank cleaner to help maintain a healthy and balanced septic system.

star 5/5 based on 106 reviews
Will never use another company after dealing with A1 today. Our tech Phillip was AMAZING. He went above and beyond and was extremely polite and professional. They are lucky to have a worker like Phillip. I will recommend them to everybody. They definitely have mine and my families business from now on!
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Elizabeth Kelly
Modesto CA.
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Was cleaning septic tank. Got call to get at home before appointment time we loved it. Give sometips how to keep tank clean. Reasonable price. Very friendly and help person to get tank empty and everything clean no mess left.
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Mandhir Singh
Modesto CA.
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Max, Alex, and Phillip were great! They used their mini excavator to dig up my old redwood septic tank and pump it out. They were very careful not to harm it. They were happy to answer questions. The tank was under my lawn Max was careful to dig up the lawn so as they could replant the grass like you would sod. They were friendly and worked together like a team.
I am very satisfied with their work and would gladly use them again.
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Phil Fluty
Modesto CA.
stars
Phil was very helpful. He tried to help out with our problem. I would have gave a tip but wasn't sure if it was aloud. I was also wondering if Phil was single. I know that's not very business like. But I found him to be very attractive. I loved his attitude. Very nice. He saw me at my worst but was hoping he could see me in a better light.
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Elizabeth Kelly
Modesto CA.
stars
Was cleaning septic tank. Got call to get at home before appointment time we loved it. Give sometips how to keep tank clean. Reasonable price. Very friendly and help person to get tank empty and everything clean no mess left.
author
Elizabeth Kelly
Modesto CA.
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Septic System Design, Installation and Repair For Custom Homes, Industrial Facilities, Agricultural Buildings, Restaurants, County Buildings, and Office Buildings

Our owner has been designing, installing and repairing septic systems since 1985. He is extremely well-qualified to provide recommendations on the best septic system design and layout for properties of all kinds throughout Stanislaus County, Merced County, and San Joaquin County.

With a team of highly skilled staff, well-maintained equipment, and extensive hands-on experience, we are fully equipped to handle all the details of complete septic system installation from start to finish. This includes everything from leach field design and installation, to excavating and grading, utility trenching, and installation of plastic, fiberglass, and concrete septic tanks.

One-Stop Shop for Demolition, Foundation Trenching, Grading, and Excavation Services in Modesto, Oakdale, Riverbank, and Surrounding Areas

At AAA Backhoe, we are vertically integrated to handle construction jobs of all sizes, from utility trenching for sewer, gas, and telecommunication lines, to swimming pool removal, home demolition, clearing and grading of vacant lots, and trenching for foundations, footings, and retaining walls. Whether you need dirt compaction for a construction site in Salida, joint trenching for a new home site in Escalon, or backfill for a new foundation in Oakdale, we are the best choice for excellent workmanship at a cost-effective price.

Our 6-Step Process for a Flawless Project

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Initial Contact & Discovery

We quickly gather your project details via phone or online request to understand your needs and get the process moving immediately

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Free On-Site Assessment

An expert visits your property to perform a thorough evaluation, discuss the scope of work, and identify the best custom solution

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Transparent Fixed Quote

You receive a clear, detailed quote with a fixed price. You'll know exactly what you are paying, with no hidden fees or surprise costs

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Permitting & Compliance

The job site is cleaned and finalized with a walk-through. We provide essential documentation and ongoing support after completion.

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Scheduling & Execution

We schedule your job on a mutually convenient date. Our dedicated crew executes the work efficiently, providing photo updates for important milestones.

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Transparent Fixed Quote

We handle all necessary county permitting and paperwork, guaranteeing your project is fully compliant and hassle-free from start to finish

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

How would I know if my septic tank is full?

The easiest way to tell is if your drains are running slow, or you hear persistent gurgling sounds from your toilets. The clearest sign is a foul odor—like rotten eggs—in your yard, especially near the tank or drain field. If you see any standing water, that means you need to call us immediately.

What can I flush down my toilet?

Only two things should ever go down a septic toilet: human waste and toilet paper. Absolutely nothing else. Please don't trust products labeled 'flushable'—wipes, paper towels, feminine products, and dental floss all cause expensive clogs and system failure.

How will I know if my leach lines are failing?

The clearest sign is a soggy, muddy area or standing water right over your leach field, even when it hasn't rained recently. You might also notice the grass in that specific area looking unusually thick and bright green. This means the soil is saturated and can’t drain, and your system requires an expert assessment.

What can I do to keep my septic system healthy?

The best thing you can do is stick to a regular pumping schedule, typically every three to five years. Beyond that, minimize your water usage, and avoid pouring grease, heavy oils, or harsh chemicals (like excessive bleach) down your drains. We also recommend using high-quality bacterial additives.

How do I schedule a septic pumping appointment?

It’s easy! You can either call our local office directly at 209-577-1479 during business hours, or you can use our quick online scheduling form. We'll find a date and time that works best for your needs and get your service confirmed promptly.

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For fastest response, please call us

Septic Service

Backhoe Service

Why Choose AAA Backhoe & A-1 Septic

Locally Owned & Operated Since 1990
Thousands of Septic Tanks Installed
All Work Compliant with City & County Codes
On-Site Consultations and Competitive Prices
Quality Workmanship and Reliable Advice
Expert Septic System Design & Installation
Thorough Septic Tank Pumping & Cleaning
Complete Utility Trenching, Grading, & Excavation

Get a Free On-Site Project Assessment

Find Your Solution

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Septic Tank Instailation

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Grading & Excavating

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Septic Tank Pumping

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Septic Tank Repair

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Underground Utility Trenching

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Recent Projects

AAA Backhoe completed this trenching service for a leach line installation in Modesto, CA. Our septic system installation includes grading, excavating, & trenching to create the optimal layout for ...

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We installed these septic tank risers for a residential client in Modesto, CA. Our septic tank installations are always done to code and configured to give you the best layout for your property...

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A-1 Septic completed this septic tank pumping service in Oakdale, CA. We following the industry's best practices to ensure that your tank is thoroughly cleaned and well maintained.

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