Howdys Doody Service

Septic Company in Olympia, Washington

4.4(55 reviews)
(360) 584-9936620 93rd Ave SE, Olympia, WA 98501View on Yelp
Howdys Doody Service - septic in Olympia, WA

Customer Reviews

4.4
out of 5
55 reviews

Based on Yelp ratings

Read reviews on Yelp

About Howdys Doody Service

Howdy's Doody Service has been a recognizable name for septic work in Olympia and the surrounding Thurston County area, earning a 4.4-star rating from 55 customers. Olympia's position as Washington's state capital brings a mix of urban properties, older suburban neighborhoods, and rural acreage where private septic systems are common. Thurston County has specific environmental regulations around on-site sewage systems, particularly given the region's proximity to Puget Sound and sensitive shellfish growing areas. Working with a local provider who understands those regulatory requirements can save you real headaches.

Services

Septic Services

Services & Process

Howdy's Doody handles residential and commercial septic pumping, removing solids and scum layers from the tank before they can overflow into the drain field and cause damage. Routine inspections are a key part of their work, checking the tank structure, inlet and outlet baffles, and the condition of the distribution system. They also respond to emergency calls when systems back up or show signs of imminent failure. Grease trap cleaning for commercial kitchens and food service operations in the Olympia area rounds out their commercial service offerings.

Service Area

Howdy's Doody Service covers Olympia and Thurston County broadly, including Lacey, Tumwater, Yelm, and rural areas to the east toward Rainier. Properties along the South Sound shoreline and in the unincorporated county are regularly served.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Thurston County require a septic inspection when selling a home?
Thurston County has specific requirements for septic system inspections as part of real estate transactions, and both buyers and sellers benefit from knowing the system's condition before closing. The county's proximity to shellfish-sensitive waterways means regulations here are taken seriously. Getting a professional inspection done early in the selling process avoids last-minute surprises.
What is a grease trap and does my Olympia restaurant need one cleaned regularly?
A grease trap intercepts fats, oils, and grease from kitchen wastewater before they enter the sewer or septic system, where they can cause serious blockages. Most commercial kitchens in Washington are required to have them, and they need to be pumped regularly, typically every one to three months depending on volume. Neglecting grease trap maintenance leads to backups, odors, and potential regulatory fines.
How do Thurston County's environmental rules affect my septic system?
Thurston County has adopted regulations under Washington's STEP program that require functioning, properly maintained septic systems, especially near water bodies. If your system is failing or not up to current standards, you may be required to repair or replace it on a set timeline. Staying current with pumping and inspections helps you stay ahead of any compliance issues.
Can I use my septic system as normal after it's pumped?
Yes, your system returns to normal use immediately after pumping. The bacterial activity in the tank that breaks down waste will reestablish itself naturally through normal household use. You don't need to add any starter products, though continuing to avoid harsh chemicals and non-biodegradable materials keeps the system balanced.
What happens if I ignore a slow drain connected to my septic system?
Slow drains are often an early warning that your tank is nearing capacity or that there's a blockage in the system. Ignoring it gives solids time to work their way into the drain field, which can clog the soil and require expensive field replacement. Catching it early with a pump-out or inspection almost always costs far less than dealing with full system failure.
How does heavy rainfall affect my septic system in the Olympia area?
Western Washington's wet winters can saturate the soil around your drain field, reducing its ability to absorb effluent and increasing the risk of surface ponding or backup. Keeping gutters and downspouts directed away from the drain field area helps reduce groundwater intrusion. If your system struggles every winter, it may be a sign the field is aging or undersized.

Is this your business?

Claim your listing to update your info and connect with customers.

Claim This Listing

More Septic Companies