It was a Saturday morning (of course!) just before Mother's Day and my septic backed up. I could not get anyone to come out, and most never even responded even though their websites claimed 7 day a week emergency service. Not only did John at North County respond, but he also spent a bunch of time on the phone with me trying to troubleshoot my problem and sharing his expert knowledge. After coming out, he quickly dug in, found the problem (a root lifted the outlet line as seen in the photo), fixed it, and charged a fair price. While he was here, I had him put in some manhole covers and an observation port to make servicing easier in the future. All that in about 1/2 a day. Very happy with my experience with John saving the day! read more

See all

I had a septic system failure with my leach lines not flowing at all. I had a plumber and septic company come by but both didn't want to tackle this job since the rock and tree roots add to the possible problems. Was recommended to call John at North County Backhoe. Absolutely thrilled that I did. He came out right away and gave me a very reasonable quote. John told me not worry that he would get it fixed. John and his family started work the very next day and finished at 1:30pm the 2nd day. Now my system is flowing like new. I highly recommend John and his family. When he finished, everything was buried and leveled off and cleaned. Quality work at great value and took the stress off my back. Thank you John. Steve read more

Spilled a bunch of hydraulic oil on my property, then ghosted me. WARNING WARNING DO NOT USE THIS COMPANY! John came to my house to give a quote on installing a new septic leach field. We talked through the job for 20-30 minutes, then we both saw that one of the large five-gallon drums of hydraulic oil in the back of his pickup had tipped over and had been leaking out the back of his truck onto my driveway. Huge puddles of oil were pooling. John laughed and said, "I don't charge extra for the hydraulic oil!" He drove away while I stood there, shocked. I called him five minutes later to ask what to do about the oil he had spilled all over my property. He said to just use Dawn soap and some water and it would "come right up." It did not. I worked on those stains for several hours with Dawn, multiple attempts. No good. See attached photos. Now here's the thing. Accidents happen. Spills happen. I get it. But after that day, John utterly ignored my (quite polite) attempts to get back in touch with him. I called and texted, but never received any response. He just completely ghosted me, after spilling a hazardous waste material all over my property. I had to get the SD Department of Environmental Health & Quality involved. DO NOT USE THIS COMPANY! read more

See all

Quality work septic tank repair. I was closing escrow fast in 3 days. My septic tank needed to be repaired in order to certify for escrow to close. They were fast and reasonably price. They had it repaired, certified and all the documentation to my escrow on time! I had no delays! Thank you North County Backhoe Service! read more

I contacted NCBS when a part of our concrete septic tank roof was damaged. John, the owner, responded promptly and professionally. He inspected the issue the same day and had it fixed with his crew by the next day. It was reassuring that he is a local business, and he didn't exploit the urgency by overpricing. Supporting a local company in Fallbrook is significant to me. I genuinely appreciated the immediate service and expert advice directly from the owner. Thank you John and Crew! read more

We really appreciate John and his services! We moved to a property in north Escondido that had 2 septic tanks and no risers. John came out within a day of us contacting him to look at adding risers to the tanks, gave us a quote on the spot and was fair in his pricing. He and his crew came to install the risers within a few days and finished the job. Now both of our tanks are much easier to access and we can fill in a very large hill drop off! Thank you John! read more

See all

They came out within 24 hours right before a holiday. Extremely professional. Should something major go wrong with our system they would be my first call. read more

We were in a pinch with selling our Escondido home after the septic failed certification. John was highly responsive and was able to go out to the property the same day to take a look and give us an idea of what we might be in for. John was patient and willing to explain his thoughts about how best to fix the situation. John's price was reasonable and he was able to quickly get the project done and the septic certified. He truly saved the day for us (especially with us living in another state!) and we are so appreciative. We highly recommend John for your septic contractor needs. 10/10 experience =) read more

I would highly recommend this company. We had an emergency situation at our business and they came out the next day and took care of the job for us AND it was raining. Pricing was very fair also. They were kind and really went above and beyond to help us out. If you have any work to be done on your septic tanks, call this company and schedule the work. I have no complaints at all. Thank you for the excellent service and work. read more

Having suffered a complete septic failure, we can now highly recommend Nick, along with Dan and John Donaldson for their timely and highly professional work. They came to the rescue, acquired the permits, replaced the tank and were thoroughly a pleasure to work with. Five shining stars and our sincere thanks, Bob and Linda, Valley Center read more

We had a great experience with North County Backhoe. John is professional, an excellent communicator and very patient. He explained what was going on and what needed to be done. He gave me an excellent education on septic tanks. That's what you get when you have many questions! We had a tank that needed general maintenance (roots, etc.) easy peasy. The other tank was a different matter. It was shut down and at one point we thought it might have to be replaced. John and crew are miracle workers; they repaired the tank and all is good. But for the freshly churned dirt around the tanks, you would never know they had been here. I highly recommend North County Backhoe, if I could give them more than 5 stars, I would. read more

Getting our septic pumped and certified, we ran into a problem and couldn't certify. Our septic company recommended we get North County Backhoe Services to figure out what the problem was. I gave them a call and Dan came out immediately, gave me estimates and sent Santiago out to start on the job. Lots of things can go wrong when you are trying to uncover a drainage problem and we did not have a blueprint to show where the drain field was. With minimal digging (they had to hand dig because of the location), they identified the problem. They worked in the pouring rain to fix the problem, too. They replaced a connection and repiped part of the drain field in less than a day. Then, they tested and tested and tested to make sure the system was in good working order. And they came in on budget. On time, on budget, quality work and salt-of-the-earth honest contractors in John and Dan. Doesn't get any better. BTW, I attached a picture of the job site after they finished. Immaculate. read more

North County Backhoe Service - Job site after they finished. - Septic Services Near Me

Excellent company ! They saved me $7500 in septic repairs . Another company quoted $15k . These guys sent out a backhoe , found a leach line that was new but never hooked up , and repaired my septic for half of what the other guys wanted . I'll be called them again. They were quick to respond and thorough ! I'm grateful ! read more

My new Go - To Septic vendor ! so happy I found this company . I almost went with another at 2x the price and so glad I decided to get another estimate and options from North County Backhoe . They salvaged my leach lines , repaired my septic and all under budget ! they responded quickly and cleaned up great . I couldn't be happier . Good job guys ! Call them . They're honest . read more

I highly recommend this company. We had our system back up on us. Called another company who came out and just didn't get things done. I called NC Backhoe and John answered came out to inspect within the hour. He then quoted a reasonable price for our situation. Came back the next day and completed the job!!! He, his equipment and team where FANTASTIC!! Thank you very much! If you need something done call this company because they will do it and you will be happy with them. Thanks a million!! read more

Great experience. I called around and the prices of others and the slow/ lack of responsive from other companies immediately discouraged me. John and his guys were fast, responsive and quoted me very reasonably. I would definitely recommend John and his team! read more

We were building an ADU on our property and needed to re-route the existing septic and add a new septic system for the new building. It was a complicated job since new leach lines had to be added in an area where we have a working vineyard. Other septic contractors said they'd have to rip out the vines, but North County Backhoe was able to work in-between the rows to minimize damage to the vines. They were friendly and easy to communicate with, and dealt with the challenges of the space and difficult terrain all within a very reasonable timeframe for the scope of the job. Everything is working great and the vineyard continues to thrive thanks to their careful and considerate work! I would definitely recommend them for any septic challenge! read more

North County Backhoe Service - Precise placement of leach lines between vines - Septic Services Near Me

I recommend this company with no reservations. Thank you North County Backhoe Service! You guys are the best! Professional, honest and full of integrity. I will call you for all of my future septic needs. read more

These 2 brothers were really nice in the beginning and went we agreed to have them do the job they said they knew what the problem was and what they needed to do to fix it. The cost of the job was $5200.00 we gave them $2000.00 and wanted to make sure it worked.About 4 days in we knew it didn't fix the problem! They ghosted us and we couldn't get ahold of them. Called about 15 times. They totally took the money and ran! Glad I didn't give them the whole amount. On top of all of that they left it so dirty that my husband had to clean it up and we had to call Cox to fix a wire they cut! Don't go with them they just wanted the money as after doing more research on what was really wrong with our problem had nothing to do with what they did. read more

John and Dan are SOLID! They not only serviced and repaired our septic tank... they found it!!! Super happy with the guys. Highly recommend North County Backhoe!!! read more

I had The pleasure in meeting John, Dan, and Jacob. They went above and beyond in repairing my septic issue. They were very professional, clean, flexible, and very respectful. I'm a retired Police Officer, and it was a pleasure working with the Donaldson family. I highly recommend North County Backhoe Service . read more

These guys are the best! When our septic system backed up every other company just wanted to rip it out and charge us 20-30k!!!! These guys took the time to troubleshoot it properly and identify the real issues and where able to repair and update the system for a fraction of the other bids. Our system has been flawless for over a year since the repair. I will recommend these guys to anyone with a septic issue!! read more

I had an ongoing smell issue from my septic tank and call after call nobody was willing to come out. One call to this wonderful company and not only was my issue discovered but fixed shortly thereafter. Highly recommend!!! read more

I really can't say enough good things about these guys. I've used them twice at my property in Fallbrook and both times they've been prompt, kind, professional, and reasonably priced. Highly recommend! read more

WOW! I should have found this company first. I needed a septic inspection and cert. The first company to come out, opened the lid and left us with a mess-literally! The tank was not leaking, there were not any issues with the pressure test, etc. Then, they wanted to soak us for a commercial septic tank installation that wasn't necessary. Dan bid the job while the aforesaid company was also bidding the job. The other company said right on the spot that I would probably not hire them and would hire Dan. They were right! The very next day, my job is being finished and is being returned to the working condition the septic was in. read more

North County Backhoe did a great job investigating ground water issues and installing a valve on our septic system. They were knowledgeable, professional, and worked efficiently. They were also careful to do as little damage as possible to our landscaping, and even replanted the plants that had to be moved to access the septic tank outlet. They came highly recommended and we are very happy with the service they provided. Thank you! read more

We recommend this company for any SEPTIC TANK problems. We had called several companies and nobody could find the problem. One company said our septic was too old and we needed a new septic tank and leach lines. THANK GOD we called John, they were out immediately. John said our septic tank was cement they could repair it. They came right out and dig around the Septic Tank and fixed it and put higher risers on it, he said that tank was worth about $15,000 in todays market and the other company wanted to demolish it and put in a complete new system with a plastic septic tank and half of the leach lines we originally have. The clot was at the first leach line so he unplugged and our system is working again. We have been dealing with this since the first of March with two pump outs and no results. THANK YOU so much for your honestity, quick response and solving our problem. We are seniors and called plumbers and drain companies and until I saw a review from one of your customers we would have made a very expensive mistake. Then are no words to express our thanks for saving us cause we are on social security and couldn't afford a mistake like that, your cost was well worth it. Your company started in 1976 and our house was build in 1978 so you knew all about what type of system we have and your experience SAVED us the day. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED by us and thanks for being so nice and understanding we can't thank you enough. read more

North County Backhoe gave our very old septic tank in Fallbrook a new life! They were professional, responsive and thorough, repairing it for much less than a new tank would have cost, plus without all the disruption, excavation, demo and hauling away. I was very happy with their service. read more

I had a septic tank clog occur and the odor was so, so funky!! Through my very trusted plumber (Art at Roto Rooter in Escondido!), I was able to get a couple of septic experts to check out what was wrong and North County Backhoe had the time to squeeze me in when another job cancelled. HOORAY!!!! Dan and John were able to assess that the burrowing gophers caused dirt to fall into and clog a leachline. The team was able to re-route the block into a working leachline. They were there starting at 8:00 a.m. and were finished around 2:00 pm. Note that my situation was a difficult one because they could not fit a backhoe through my yard fence/gate and the inlet and outlet of the tank were in an unusual location, so they had to dig a little deeper than normal. So glad they came through and my septic tank is back to normal!!! Call them for when your pooper tank poops out! read more

I was very happy with the service these guys provided. They completed the job quickly and at a fair price. I highly recommend NCBS.

They fix part of my septic tank lines. I met John and his brother. They are honest and know what they are doing. The most important thing is that they will give you a fair price for the job, you can trust this guys they are not just trying to talk you into some high priced service. Ladies you can decided without your husband approval. read more

John saved me thousands of dollars! Other septic companies advised me to replace my worn-out leach field. John came out and diagnosed it as a simple underground broken pipe to my diverter box. And he committed to charge me ONLY if he fixed the problem! He and Santiago came out the next day, fixed the problem and saved me thousands of dollars! Additionally he insisted on guaranteeing his work telling me to call anytime if I have a problem. He and his staff are very friendly. He operates under the old fashioned business model of honesty, integrity and a good hand shake! Probably one of the business best experiences I've ever had. I would recommend him unquestionably. read more

If your looking for septic work stop searching! I spent a lot of hours I mean ALOT interviewing about a dozen companies. My house was in escrow and I was scrambling to get my septic system to pass a water test. While the drainage around my property was excellent, most of the companies I spoke with tried to up sell me on an advanced septic system. Ranging from $25,000 -$35,000. Having me drill a 25 ft. deep water hole to check the water level under my property. Then telling me they have to knock down a 15 ft section of fence to get a new tank in and the lawn would be ruined as well. While I would like to name the names of the companies that tried to rip me off. I'm just not going to bother. North County Backhoe came in for a fraction of the price. They found a 7 ft long root ball, simple as that. They ended up replacing my tightline and called it a day. They also followed up with a 30 minute water test and it passed with flying colors. Thank you North County Backhoe!!! read more

I dealt with this vendor about three years ago and I'm glad I did. The problem my septic tank was backing up on a rental property I have in El Cajon. I got all kind of estimates from different vendors but I went with North County because a plumber I talked to said he always recommends North County Backhoe because he nevery gets call back on their work. North County came through fixed my leach lines in one day and it was definately worth the money. Would use them again. Jason read more

John came out on a holiday Sunday morning within a half hour of talking to him. Our septic tank had overflowed. He gave us some ideas on where our problem could be and and talked with us about potential outcomes. My husband decided he would try what we had talked about so John left but told us to keep in touch and if needed he could have his guys here on Tuesday morning. Fortunately my husband was able to dig and replace some of the pipe so we did not need Johns services but I definitely would use him in the future if needed. read more

They did respond quickly but Dan gave an estimate of $2,800 without knowing the extent or even knowing what the problem was. They came out the next day and worked about 3 hours, said it was fixed. I did pay them but regret that totally. I went out the next day and found that there was a broken water line in the septic area that was the original problem. I would not recommend this company at all and consider this being taken advantage of, not knowing septic systems. read more

John made an appointment that he didn't keep nor did he call to advise of needing a schedule adjustment. Professional courtesy would have been appreciated. read more

John and Nick were wonderful! Clients of mine had a very bad experience with another septic company that put them in a bind. I contacted NC Backhoe Service because they were highly recommended as being able to fix the issues we were facing. John and Nick were honest, punctual, professional, knowledgeable, and efficient. They saved my clients $1000's and were able to finish the job quickly and painlessly. I am so grateful I found them! read more

A requirement for selling your house in California with a septic tank requires that the septic system be pumped and pass a 20+ minute water test. During the test we found that the leach lines weren't draining fast enough. The pumping vendor recommended North County Backhoe to inspect and possibly repair the leach lines. John and Dan from NCB arrived at the time they said they would and performed the inspection. NCB recommended that we install new tight lines to resolve the issue and scheduled the service for the following day. The work was performed as agreed and Dan made sure that I understood exactly what they were doing and why. At the conclusion of the work, we performed the tests again and everything worked great. NCB did the work as agreed at the price we discussed. I'm grateful for the work which was done and feel good that the buyer of the house will not have issues. A previous reviewer made the comment that these guys were honest, reliable, and did excellent work. I echo their remarks. The price they charged was reasonable. read more

Don't overlook their septic system services like I almost did! These guys are great, fair, and reasonably priced. I almost overlooked them when I was looking for someone to give me help and advice on my septic tank and system. However I read their reviews and decided to call (my wife called to ask questions). Brothers Dan and John did a great job...John answered all her questions and advised us NOT to dig up our lids until they had a chance to visit and check things out. Dan came out, surveyed and analyzed our issues...slow drainage and blockage from time to time. He accurately diagnosed the problem and laid out a solution that was going to save us $ and time. He and John came out the next day w Nick, they tackled the problem efficiently and correctly at a very reasonable price! I would recommend these guys in a heartbeat for all my septic AND landscaping needs where I need their services. I won't go anywhere else. Before you do anything (1) check out their website and (2) call them and give them a shot...you will be glad you did! read more