Family-owned septic service
Septic pumping, repair and installation in Lynchburg and Central Virginia.
Three generations of the Dunn family are in this business. We pump, repair, install and inspect septic systems, and we answer emergency calls.
- Family-owned
- Licensed and insured
- Emergency service available
Sewage backing up, an alarm sounding, or water pooling near the tank? Stop using water and call (434) 221-9885.
What to do while you waitStart here
What is your septic system doing?
Pick what you are seeing and we will point you to the right service and the right guide.
Pick a symptom
Choose the closest match on the left. If sewage is coming up into the house, skip this and call.
How it fits together
Where each part sits, and what we do to it
Wastewater leaves the house, settles in the tank, passes through the distribution box and spreads out through the drain field. Tap a part to see the service that goes with it.
Tap any part of the system to see the service that fixes it.
Sewer lineAlarmRiserTankDistribution boxDrain fieldWhat we do
Everything from a routine pump-out to a new drain field
Residential and commercial. Each service has its own page with what the work involves and what to ask before you book.
Pump and clean
Install and build
Septic tank installation
New and replacement tanks for homes and commercial properties.
Drain field installation
The part of the system where the soil finishes treating the water.
Distribution box installation
A new distribution box set properly between tank and field.
Riser installation
Bring the tank lid to ground level so pumping needs no digging.
Repair and restore
Drain field jetting
Clears clogged drain field lines with a high-pressure water jet.
Distribution box repair
Fix a damaged or leaking box so water splits evenly across the field.
Sewer line repair
Restore the flow between the house and the tank and stop the backups.
Sewer alarm repair
Repair the alarm that warns you before a tank or pump chamber overflows.
Find and inspect
Business and emergency
Built for the Piedmont
Most of the ground around Lynchburg is red clay
Red clay passes water slowly, so the design of the drain field matters as much as the tank. Our crews dig, set and connect these systems in it. Learn how drain field installation works here, or why the health department signs off first.
From the field
Photos from recent installs
Photos from Dunn Rite job sites. The soil around Lynchburg is mostly red clay.
The Dunn family
Who answers the phone
A.T. Dunn started the business at 21. His son Jeff has owned it since 2017, and Jeff’s son Jeffery joined in 2020 and is still studying the field. Jessica Dunn runs the office and inspects systems. Jayla Joyner installs and services them.
It is the same family you reach when you call, and the same family that answers when something goes wrong at night.
Pascat photo requestPhoto needed hereThe Dunn family or crew standing beside a pump truck, shot from the front at eye level in open daylight, faces and the truck door lettering both readable.
- FounderA.T. Dunn started Dunn Rite at 21.
- 2017Jeff Dunn became the owner.
- 2020Jeffery Dunn joined the business, the third generation.
Before you call
What to have ready when you call
You do not need the answers to all of them. Whatever you know saves a few minutes.
The address
Where the system is, and a landmark or gate code if the road is easy to miss.
What you see
Slow drains, a backup, a smell, a wet spot in the yard, or an alarm. Say where and since when.
The last pump-out
An approximate date is fine. Old receipts and permits help if you have them.
Where the tank is
If you do not know, say so. Locating it is part of what we do.
Where we work
Forty miles around Lynchburg. Installs up to 120.
Pumping, repairs and inspections cover the local area up to 40 miles out. Septic installations reach up to 120 miles. Pick your place to see what is local to it.
Towns near Lynchburg
Installs up to 120 miles
Reviews
What neighbors say
“They came out the same day.”
“Our toilets flushed better.”
“Crew was easy to work with and made sure everything worked before leaving.”
“What a great experience!”
“I so much appreciate their professionalism and integrity. Highly recommend!”
“I called this company at 9 pm, and they were at our house the next day!”
“These guys were courteous, professional, and were very reasonable!”
[CLIENT FACT: link to the Google Business Profile so these comments can be replaced by the live review feed]
Quick answers
How often should a septic tank be pumped?
Most tanks need pumping every 3 to 5 years. The right interval depends on household size, water use and tank size. See how often to pump.
What are the warning signs of a septic problem?
Slow drains, backups, odors, unusually lush grass over the drain field and gurgling pipes. Our warning signs guide explains each one.
Do septic additives help?
They are generally unnecessary and may harm the system. Regular pumping and careful use of water do more.
What should I do after a sewage backup?
Stop using water and call a professional. Call us at (434) 221-9885, or read about emergency septic service.
Can I build over my septic system?
Avoid it, and follow local rules for construction near the system. Protecting your drain field covers what to keep off it.
Where is my drain field?
It is typically downhill from the tank. If you cannot find either one, we can handle tank and drain field location.
Request service
Tell us what is going on.
Send the form and we will get back to you. For a backup or an overflow, do not wait on a reply. Call (434) 221-9885.