Cesspool and septic tank get used interchangeably sometimes, but they’re not the same thing. A cesspool is essentially just a pit that holds wastewater with minimal treatment, a technology largely phased out and illegal to install new in most areas today. A conventional septic tank treats wastewater before sending it to a drain field for further filtering through soil. An aerobic septic system goes a step further, using an aerator to introduce oxygen that speeds up bacterial breakdown, producing cleaner effluent than a standard tank. Septic tank cleaning in Spartanburg from Rock Solid Septic ~ Excavation covers both conventional and aerobic systems, since properties with poor-draining soil in the Upstate often need the aerobic option specifically.
Knowing which system type a property has, or needs, matters when choosing a company, since not every septic contractor works on aerobic systems specifically. We compared licensing, aerobic system experience, pricing, and reviews across five companies serving Spartanburg County.
What We Looked At
- Experience with aerobic treatment units specifically, not just conventional tanks
- Active South Carolina DHEC licensing
- Understanding of when Spartanburg County soil requires an aerobic system over conventional
- Pricing shared before work begins
- Verified review consistency
- Familiarity with maintenance requirements specific to aerobic systems
1. Rock Solid Septic ~ Excavation
Rock Solid works on both conventional and aerobic septic systems, helping homeowners understand which type their property has and what maintenance each requires. Aerobic systems need more frequent servicing than conventional tanks due to the mechanical aerator component, and the crew explains that difference upfront.
Pricing is shared before any work starts, and new customers get a discount on their first service. The company is fully licensed for septic work in Spartanburg County and understands the soil conditions that often push a property toward an aerobic system rather than a conventional one. Documentation is provided for every service, useful for aerobic systems that may require regular reporting depending on the specific installation.
2. Upstate Septics
With 20 years of experience, Upstate Septics serves Spartanburg, Spartanburg County, and Cherokee County with tank repairs, installations, pumping, inspections, and riser installations. The company emphasizes strong communication throughout each project, from initial assessment to final inspection.
It’s worth confirming direct aerobic system experience specifically before booking, since some companies focus primarily on conventional gravity systems even when marketing covers septic work broadly.
3. Epic Septics
Epic Septics serves Spartanburg, Greenville, Cherokee, and Union counties with septic pumping, repair, and installation, positioning itself as a family-run operation with an efficient, prompt approach to service calls. Reviews consistently mention fast turnaround for pumping requests.
As a company whose reviews lean heavily toward pumping service, it’s worth asking directly about aerobic system installation and maintenance experience if that’s the specific system type involved.
4. Ivey Septic Services
Based in Union County and serving a wide swath of the Upstate including Spartanburg, Ivey Septic Services installs both conventional and aerobic-style septic systems alongside drain field repair and lift station work. That dual capability makes it a reasonable option for properties needing an aerobic system specifically.
Covering a broad multi-county service area means response time can vary depending on distance from the company’s Union County base. Confirming a realistic arrival window for a Spartanburg County address helps set accurate expectations.
5. Bragg Waste Services
Bragg Waste Services covers Greenville, Spartanburg, and the broader Upstate with septic system maintenance, service, and new system installation. The company recommends professional maintenance every two to five years, adjusted based on system type and household use.
As a company covering a broad service territory and range of septic needs, it’s worth confirming specific experience with aerobic treatment units before assuming that expertise matches conventional tank service.
Comparison at a Glance
| Company | Best For | Key Differentiator |
| Rock Solid Septic ~ Excavation | Both conventional and aerobic systems | Explains system type and maintenance differences upfront |
| Upstate Septics | Long-standing local reputation | 20 years serving Spartanburg and Cherokee counties |
| Epic Septics | Fast pumping turnaround | Family-run, prompt service |
| Ivey Septic Services | Dedicated aerobic system installation | Covers conventional and aerobic system types |
| Bragg Waste Services | Broad Upstate coverage | Maintenance scheduling based on system type |
Questions to Ask About Your Septic System Type
- Does my property have a conventional, aerobic, or another type of septic system?
- If it’s aerobic, how often does the mechanical aerator component need servicing?
- Does the company have direct experience installing and maintaining aerobic systems specifically?
- Why would a property need an aerobic system instead of a conventional one?
- Is there a service contract or reporting requirement specific to aerobic systems in this county?
- What’s the cost difference between maintaining a conventional versus an aerobic system?
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an aerobic septic system, and how does it work? An aerobic septic system uses a mechanical aerator to introduce oxygen into the treatment process, speeding up bacterial breakdown of waste and producing cleaner effluent than a conventional tank. This makes it a common choice for properties with poor-draining soil that can’t support a standard drain field.
What’s the difference between cesspool vs septic system technology? A cesspool is a pit that holds wastewater with minimal treatment, essentially letting solids settle while liquid seeps into surrounding soil with little filtration. A septic system, whether conventional or aerobic, treats wastewater in a tank before dispersing it through a properly designed drain field, and cesspools are largely illegal to install new in most jurisdictions today.
Why would a property need an aerobic septic system instead of conventional? Poor-draining or clay-heavy soil, a small lot size, or a high water table can all make a conventional gravity system impractical. Aerobic systems produce cleaner effluent, which allows them to work in some situations where a conventional system’s drain field wouldn’t perform adequately.
Do aerobic septic systems need more maintenance than conventional systems? Yes. The mechanical aerator component requires regular servicing, and many jurisdictions require a maintenance contract with periodic inspections for aerobic systems. Conventional tanks need less frequent attention, primarily routine pumping every three to five years.
How much more does an aerobic system cost compared to a conventional one? Aerobic systems typically cost more both to install and to maintain over time due to the mechanical components and required servicing schedule. The tradeoff is that they can work on lots where a conventional system’s drain field requirements can’t be met.
Can an old cesspool be converted to a modern septic system? In most cases, yes, though it typically requires a full replacement rather than a simple conversion, since cesspools don’t meet current design standards. A licensed contractor can evaluate the property and determine whether a conventional or aerobic system is the appropriate replacement.
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