Septic System Installation

Septic Installation & Replacement in Portland, OR

Septic replacements or installations can be complicated, but our team works to make the process as easy and efficient as possible. We offer comprehensive services that handle every aspect of your project.

From soil testing and system design through permitting, excavation and final inspection, Goodman Septic Services manages it all — so you get a system that's sized, sited and built correctly the first time.

  • Licensed & Insured
  • Serving the Portland area since 1948
  • Free Estimates on Request
  • 24/7 Emergency Pumping
  • 4.8★ Google Rating
Goodman Septic Services service truck and crew

What We Do

Septic Installation Services

New systems and replacements, from soil testing and permits through excavation and final inspection.

Design & Permitting

Soil testing, system design and DEQ permitting handled on your behalf before a shovel hits the ground.

Excavation & Installation

Our crews excavate, set the tank, run the lines and build the drainfield to code.

System Replacement

Failing or undersized systems replaced with minimal disruption to your property.

Conventional & Alternative Systems

Gravity, pressure, sand filter and ATT systems — matched to your soil, slope and household size.

Warning Signs

Signs Your System Needs Replacement

Repairs are usually the cheaper answer. These signs mean it may be time for a new system.

01

The System Is Decades Old

Tanks and fields have a service life. Older systems eventually stop treating effluent properly.

02

Repeated Failures and Backups

When repairs stop holding, you're spending replacement money one repair at a time.

03

A Failed Drainfield

Saturated, compacted or root-invaded fields often can't be revived and need to be rebuilt.

04

You're Adding Bedrooms

An addition or a remodel can push your household beyond the system's rated capacity.

05

Your System Isn't Up to Code

Undersized or non-permitted systems can block a sale and create real liability.

Not sure where you stand?

You don't have to guess — we'll check it for you.

Book a visit or call 971-328-7065
Goodman Septic Services septic technicians on the job

Why Choose Us

Clean, Reliable Septic Service Without the Guesswork.

When you need septic work, you want someone who will show up, explain the problem clearly, and do the job right the first time.

Goodman Septic Services was founded by Ernie Goodman in 1948 and has stayed in local hands ever since — Albert Mauck took over in 1958, his son Alex in 1995, and current owner Bruce Zielsdorf in 2021. Three quarters of a century later we are still pumping, cleaning, inspecting, repairing and installing septic systems across the Portland metro area.

You can count on clear communication, honest recommendations, tidy work around your yard, and service completed to code.

  • DEQ licensed and bonded, Contractors Board licensed
  • Member of the National Association of Waste Transporters
  • Angi Certified Contractor
  • An approved onsite wastewater recycling treatment facility
  • Residential and commercial septic service
  • Pumping, cleaning, inspections, repairs, installation and drainfields
1948

Established

75+

Years Serving Oregon

DEQ

Licensed & Bonded

24/7

Emergency Service

What To Expect

How an Installation Project Runs

Most installations take a few days to a couple of weeks once construction begins, with permitting beforehand.

1. Site & Soil Evaluation

We assess soil type, slope, setbacks and groundwater to determine what your property can support.

2. Design & Permits

A system is designed for your household and submitted for DEQ and county approval.

3. Excavation & Install

Tank set, lines run, drainfield built, and the site restored when the work is done.

4. Inspection & Handover

Final inspection is completed and you get the documentation and a maintenance schedule.

Goodman Septic Services technician at work

Your Options

Repair the System or Replace It?

We'll tell you honestly which way the math points before you spend anything.

Repair

The right call when the system is sound and one component failed.

  • Isolated component failure
  • System within its service life
  • Drainfield still absorbing

Replace

The better investment when failures keep repeating.

  • Field no longer absorbing
  • Tank structurally failing
  • System undersized for the home

Goodman Septic Services

Planning a Septic Installation?

Estimates for septic installations are free. Call and we'll walk you through the process for your property.

Honest work. Clear answers. Local since 1948.

Local Service

Septic Installation Across the Portland Metro

We install and replace septic systems throughout Multnomah, Clackamas and Washington counties. Decades of local work means we know the soil, the slope and the permitting requirements in the communities we serve. Neighborhoods we serve include Troutdale, Gresham, Fairview, Wood Village, Corbett, Boring, Damascus, Happy Valley and East Portland.

Planning a New Septic System in the Portland Area

When you need a new septic system

New construction, a failed system, a home addition that adds bedrooms, or an old steel tank at the end of its life all call for a new installation. Rural properties in Corbett, Boring and Damascus are especially likely to rely on septic for the long term.

Site evaluation, design and permits

Every install starts with the site: soil depth and type, slope, groundwater, setbacks from wells and property lines, and the number of bedrooms. Those details decide whether you need a standard gravity system, a pump system or a pressure distribution drainfield.

We coordinate the site evaluation and county permits in Multnomah and Clackamas County so the system is approved and inspected correctly.

Installation and inspection

We excavate, set the tank with risers, install the distribution lines and drainfield, connect to the home, and pass final inspection. Then we restore the work area and walk you through how to care for your new system.

We're Local

60-Minute Response Time

Give us a call for service you can trust

Technicians available now. Live customer service standing by.

Real customers, real words

Hear it straight from
our customers.

4.8 on Google · 150 verified reviews · Troutdale, OR
D

Dave Proffitt

a year ago

"I had excellent service from Goodman on having my septic tank pumped. An old school company that believes in service. They showed up when they were supposed to, and the men that did the work were nice and easy to deal with. I would recommend Goodman to all my friends."

Septic Pumping
D

Debbie Layton

6 months ago

"For over 7 years we have been using Goodman to pump our septic systems. We have two on our property and the 500 gallon tank is pumped yearly. They come out when they say, do the work quickly, and are very cordial and professional. I highly recommend them."

Septic Pumping
M

Mary Lundy

a year ago

"From start to finish, they were PERFECT. The man who came to do the job was professional, courteous, friendly and ON TIME. The job was done right, right on time, and the folks who did it as well as the office staff were courteous and professional. I AM NOT EASILY IMPRESSED but for this job I certainly was."

Septic Cleaning
R

Ryan Dosher

5 months ago

"They were punctual and efficient when pumping out our septic tank. There were no hidden costs, and they were very friendly. My 5 year old told Kyle that he lost a toy car tire down the drain and asked him to find it — he did, and called us after finding it. We will use them again."

Septic Pumping
R

Reneta Peery

8 months ago

"Great company. Service was fabulous and it was right on the money as to what I expected to pay. They notified me before my appointment and were right on time for the time stated. I will continue to use them and recommend them."

Septic Repairs
L

Laurel Foster

4 weeks ago

"Awesome company, I highly recommend them! Tyler and Kyle did a fantastic job. Emma was extremely nice on the phone and very helpful with any questions I had. I will recommend Goodman to any friends and family needing any septic services."

Septic Service
D

Dallas H.

5 months ago

"We will be using Goodman for all our future septic services! We were having complications but thanks to their technician we were able to resolve our issues and get our pump system in order. They were super friendly and helped make it affordable."

Septic Installation
M

Melissa Kathrein

6 months ago

"Very pleased with the service provided. Adam and Kyle were very friendly and knowledgeable. They did a great job!! Highly recommend."

Septic Service
S

Steve Wilson

6 months ago

"We always have such great service from Goodman's employees. Their prices are excellent and they will help you as much as they can. I would recommend them to anyone that asks."

Septic Repairs
D

Dave Proffitt

a year ago

"I had excellent service from Goodman on having my septic tank pumped. An old school company that believes in service. They showed up when they were supposed to, and the men that did the work were nice and easy to deal with. I would recommend Goodman to all my friends."

Septic Pumping
D

Debbie Layton

6 months ago

"For over 7 years we have been using Goodman to pump our septic systems. We have two on our property and the 500 gallon tank is pumped yearly. They come out when they say, do the work quickly, and are very cordial and professional. I highly recommend them."

Septic Pumping
M

Mary Lundy

a year ago

"From start to finish, they were PERFECT. The man who came to do the job was professional, courteous, friendly and ON TIME. The job was done right, right on time, and the folks who did it as well as the office staff were courteous and professional. I AM NOT EASILY IMPRESSED but for this job I certainly was."

Septic Cleaning
R

Ryan Dosher

5 months ago

"They were punctual and efficient when pumping out our septic tank. There were no hidden costs, and they were very friendly. My 5 year old told Kyle that he lost a toy car tire down the drain and asked him to find it — he did, and called us after finding it. We will use them again."

Septic Pumping
R

Reneta Peery

8 months ago

"Great company. Service was fabulous and it was right on the money as to what I expected to pay. They notified me before my appointment and were right on time for the time stated. I will continue to use them and recommend them."

Septic Repairs
L

Laurel Foster

4 weeks ago

"Awesome company, I highly recommend them! Tyler and Kyle did a fantastic job. Emma was extremely nice on the phone and very helpful with any questions I had. I will recommend Goodman to any friends and family needing any septic services."

Septic Service
D

Dallas H.

5 months ago

"We will be using Goodman for all our future septic services! We were having complications but thanks to their technician we were able to resolve our issues and get our pump system in order. They were super friendly and helped make it affordable."

Septic Installation
M

Melissa Kathrein

6 months ago

"Very pleased with the service provided. Adam and Kyle were very friendly and knowledgeable. They did a great job!! Highly recommend."

Septic Service
S

Steve Wilson

6 months ago

"We always have such great service from Goodman's employees. Their prices are excellent and they will help you as much as they can. I would recommend them to anyone that asks."

Septic Repairs
S

Steve Wilson

6 months ago

"We always have such great service from Goodman's employees. Their prices are excellent and they will help you as much as they can. I would recommend them to anyone that asks."

Septic Repairs
M

Melissa Kathrein

6 months ago

"Very pleased with the service provided. Adam and Kyle were very friendly and knowledgeable. They did a great job!! Highly recommend."

Septic Service
D

Dallas H.

5 months ago

"We will be using Goodman for all our future septic services! We were having complications but thanks to their technician we were able to resolve our issues and get our pump system in order. They were super friendly and helped make it affordable."

Septic Installation
L

Laurel Foster

4 weeks ago

"Awesome company, I highly recommend them! Tyler and Kyle did a fantastic job. Emma was extremely nice on the phone and very helpful with any questions I had. I will recommend Goodman to any friends and family needing any septic services."

Septic Service
R

Reneta Peery

8 months ago

"Great company. Service was fabulous and it was right on the money as to what I expected to pay. They notified me before my appointment and were right on time for the time stated. I will continue to use them and recommend them."

Septic Repairs
R

Ryan Dosher

5 months ago

"They were punctual and efficient when pumping out our septic tank. There were no hidden costs, and they were very friendly. My 5 year old told Kyle that he lost a toy car tire down the drain and asked him to find it — he did, and called us after finding it. We will use them again."

Septic Pumping
M

Mary Lundy

a year ago

"From start to finish, they were PERFECT. The man who came to do the job was professional, courteous, friendly and ON TIME. The job was done right, right on time, and the folks who did it as well as the office staff were courteous and professional. I AM NOT EASILY IMPRESSED but for this job I certainly was."

Septic Cleaning
D

Debbie Layton

6 months ago

"For over 7 years we have been using Goodman to pump our septic systems. We have two on our property and the 500 gallon tank is pumped yearly. They come out when they say, do the work quickly, and are very cordial and professional. I highly recommend them."

Septic Pumping
D

Dave Proffitt

a year ago

"I had excellent service from Goodman on having my septic tank pumped. An old school company that believes in service. They showed up when they were supposed to, and the men that did the work were nice and easy to deal with. I would recommend Goodman to all my friends."

Septic Pumping
S

Steve Wilson

6 months ago

"We always have such great service from Goodman's employees. Their prices are excellent and they will help you as much as they can. I would recommend them to anyone that asks."

Septic Repairs
M

Melissa Kathrein

6 months ago

"Very pleased with the service provided. Adam and Kyle were very friendly and knowledgeable. They did a great job!! Highly recommend."

Septic Service
D

Dallas H.

5 months ago

"We will be using Goodman for all our future septic services! We were having complications but thanks to their technician we were able to resolve our issues and get our pump system in order. They were super friendly and helped make it affordable."

Septic Installation
L

Laurel Foster

4 weeks ago

"Awesome company, I highly recommend them! Tyler and Kyle did a fantastic job. Emma was extremely nice on the phone and very helpful with any questions I had. I will recommend Goodman to any friends and family needing any septic services."

Septic Service
R

Reneta Peery

8 months ago

"Great company. Service was fabulous and it was right on the money as to what I expected to pay. They notified me before my appointment and were right on time for the time stated. I will continue to use them and recommend them."

Septic Repairs
R

Ryan Dosher

5 months ago

"They were punctual and efficient when pumping out our septic tank. There were no hidden costs, and they were very friendly. My 5 year old told Kyle that he lost a toy car tire down the drain and asked him to find it — he did, and called us after finding it. We will use them again."

Septic Pumping
M

Mary Lundy

a year ago

"From start to finish, they were PERFECT. The man who came to do the job was professional, courteous, friendly and ON TIME. The job was done right, right on time, and the folks who did it as well as the office staff were courteous and professional. I AM NOT EASILY IMPRESSED but for this job I certainly was."

Septic Cleaning
D

Debbie Layton

6 months ago

"For over 7 years we have been using Goodman to pump our septic systems. We have two on our property and the 500 gallon tank is pumped yearly. They come out when they say, do the work quickly, and are very cordial and professional. I highly recommend them."

Septic Pumping
D

Dave Proffitt

a year ago

"I had excellent service from Goodman on having my septic tank pumped. An old school company that believes in service. They showed up when they were supposed to, and the men that did the work were nice and easy to deal with. I would recommend Goodman to all my friends."

Septic Pumping

Questions, Answered

Septic Installation FAQs

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Serving the Portland OR metro Since 1948 · DEQ Licensed & Bonded · 4.8★ on Google

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