35 years strong of leadership in Stanislaus & San Joaquin Counties
Full-Service Septic & Excavation Experts: From Design to Final Permit
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
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.
explore service
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.
explore service
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.
explore service
Grading & Excavating
Flawless Site Foundation. Professional clearing and leveling for construction. We ensure stability and perfect drainage before your build begins.
explore service
Underground Utility Trenching
Safe, Precise Utility Hookup. Accurate trenching for all lines (sewer, water, gas, electric). Reliable, code-compliant connection
explore serviceWhy Homeowners & Contractors Choose Us
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
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.
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
Request a QuoteInitial Contact & Discovery
We quickly gather your project details via phone or online request to understand your needs and get the process moving immediately
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
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
Permitting & Compliance
The job site is cleaned and finalized with a walk-through. We provide essential documentation and ongoing support after completion.
Scheduling & Execution
We schedule your job on a mutually convenient date. Our dedicated crew executes the work efficiently, providing photo updates for important milestones.
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.
For fastest response, please call us
Septic Service
Backhoe Service
Why Choose AAA Backhoe & A-1 Septic
Get a Free On-Site Project Assessment
Find Your Solution
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 ...
More recent projectsWe 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...
More recent projectsA-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.
More recent projectsWe Serve All of Stanislaus, San Joaquin & Merced County Including But Not Limited To:
