Frequently Asked Questions
About Septic Services
in Central Alabama
Meet the Team Behind Alabama Pumper
A Family-Owned Septic and Drain Service Company You Can Trust
Alabama Pumper LLC provides septic, hydro jetting, and excavation services across Central Alabama. Whether you're in a rural neighborhood outside Odenville or in a commercial zone near downtown Birmingham, we’re here to answer your most common questions and help you make informed decisions about your septic system.
FAQ's
How often should I pump my septic tank?
Most homeowners in areas like Hoover and Springville find that pumping every 3 to 5 years keeps their system running efficiently. However, larger households in places like McCalla or Pinson may need more frequent service depending on usage and tank size.
Our team is happy to help you determine the right schedule for your property — whether you're tucked away in the hills of Gardendale or along the main road in Pelham.
What are the signs of a full or failing septic tank?
If your drains are slow, your toilets are gurgling, or you smell sewage odors in your yard, your system might be overloaded. We’ve responded to septic issues just like these in homes across Alabaster, Fultondale, and Leeds. If the ground near your tank or drain field feels soggy, it’s time to give us a call before things back up — literally.
Do you offer emergency septic service?
Yes — our emergency response team is on-call for septic backups, clogged lines, and tank overflows throughout Central Alabama. We've helped families near Helena, businesses outside of Pinson, and homeowners throughout Jefferson and Shelby Counties when things couldn’t wait.
If you’re dealing with a mess and need same-day help, we’ll pump you so good, you’ll tell everybody.
What is hydro jetting and when should I consider it?
Hydro jetting blasts high-pressure water through your pipes to remove grease, tree roots, and blockages. We’ve used this service to clear everything from clogged sewer lines in Hoover to restaurant grease traps in Leeds. It’s a powerful solution that restores full flow, especially in older systems or those with recurring issues.
Can you perform septic inspections for real estate?
Absolutely. Whether you're buying your first home in Gardendale or listing a property near Alabaster, our certified septic inspections provide the documentation buyers and agents need. We work closely with realtors across Springville and Fultondale to ensure septic systems are up to code and ready for closing.
Do you service holding tanks and lift stations?
Yes — many homes and businesses outside Birmingham proper rely on lift stations or holding tanks, especially in rural zones. We’ve maintained these systems for property owners around Pelham and in hillside areas where gravity-fed systems aren’t practical.
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes. Alabama Pumper LLC is fully licensed and insured to perform septic and excavation services across all of Central Alabama. Homeowners from Leeds to McCalla trust our family-owned company to show up on time, do it right the first time, and stand behind our work.
What’s the difference between a holding tank and a septic tank?
A holding tank is used to store wastewater and must be pumped regularly — it doesn’t process or filter. A septic tank, by contrast, separates solids and allows wastewater to leach out into a drain field. We help property owners throughout Hoover and surrounding rural areas understand and maintain both types of systems.
How do I schedule service?
Schedule TodayBooking with us is easy. Homeowners in Helena, real estate agents in Pelham, and contractors near Birmingham reach us every day by calling 205-482-0640, messaging us on Facebook, or using our online form. We offer same-day service in many cases — especially when you’re dealing with urgent septic issues.


Paula and Jay Hancock are the husband-and-wife team driving Alabama Pumper—Central Alabama’s trusted name in septic tank pumping, sewer and drain cleaning, and grease trap services. With deep roots in the plumbing industry dating back to 2011, their journey began with Jay, a pickup truck, and a commitment to honest, high-quality work.
As demand for their services grew and their family life evolved, Paula stepped in to manage operations behind the scenes. Today, Alabama Pumper is a full-service septic and drain solutions provider known for dependable service, long-lasting results, and a personal touch you won’t find with large franchises.
The Hancocks' have established strong, longstanding relationships with the Jefferson County Sewer Department, the Jefferson County Health Department, and numerous local inspectors, ensuring their work consistently meets or exceeds code requirements and industry standards.
From clearing everyday kitchen sink clogs to designing and installing complex multi-stage commercial grease trap systems, Alabama Pumper has the experience and expertise to handle jobs of all sizes.
Their specialization in sewer line repairs, septic tank maintenance, and drain field protection has made them a go-to resource for homeowners and businesses across the Birmingham metro area and throughout Central Alabama.
What sets Jay and Paula apart is their hands-on, solution-driven approach. They believe in fixing problems the right way—doing the job once and doing it well.
Paula now manages business operations, secures financing, and carefully vets every team member to ensure only respectful, skilled professionals are sent to your home or business.
She still personally answers the phone 95% of the time—because understanding your issue before dispatching a technician is just part of the care they bring to every service call.
Meanwhile, Jay remains in the field every day—working alongside the crew, conducting diagnostics, and making sure every job runs smoothly from start to finish.
When you call Alabama Pumper, you're not just hiring a company—you're working with a local family who truly cares about keeping your plumbing, septic, and drainage systems running at their best.


We get it done
From septic tank pumping and cleaning to system inspections, grease trap services, and more—Alabama Pumper is your go-to provider for all your septic system needs.
Let us earn your business with our commitment to excellence, professionalism, and hometown values.
Still Have Questions?
If you’re unsure what service you need
— whether it’s in Pinson, McCalla, Odenville, or somewhere in between —
just reach out. Alabama Pumper LLC is Central Alabama’s most trusted septic company, and we’re here to make it simple.