When you’re building or maintaining property in the fast-growing communities of Bozeman and Belgrade, having a reliable septic system isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. Whether you’re breaking ground on a new home or struggling with an aging system that needs immediate repair, Schaefer Excavating is your trusted local partner for everything septic-related in Gallatin County.
Our skilled crew offers full-service septic tank installation, drain field excavation, mound systems, and emergency repair, all backed by years of hands-on experience and compliance with Montana DEQ (Department of Environmental Quality) regulations.
🏡 Why Septic Systems Matter in Bozeman & Belgrade
Most homes outside city sewer limits in Montana—especially in rural and suburban developments around Bozeman, Belgrade, and Four Corners—depend on on-site septic systems. These systems manage your household wastewater, and when properly installed and maintained, they can last for decades.
But mistakes during installation or neglect during ownership can result in:
Groundwater contamination
Property damage and backups
Failed home inspections
Expensive emergency repairs
DEQ fines or system replacement
Whether you’re a homeowner, developer, builder, or realtor, ensuring the proper design, installation, and maintenance of your septic system is crucial to protecting your investment—and your health.
🛠️ Septic System Installation in Bozeman, MT
At Schaefer Excavating, we approach every septic tank install as a custom project. Soil types, water tables, property slopes, and usage volume all influence the type of system required. We work closely with DEQ-approved engineers, county officials, and homeowners to deliver worry-free solutions.
Our installation services include:
âś… Septic Tank Installation
Poly, concrete, or fiberglass options
Proper tank sizing for home occupancy
Backfill and compaction to prevent settling
âś… Drain Field Installation
Conventional trench systems
Chamber-style leach fields
Pressure-dosed systems for challenging terrain
âś… Mound Systems & Eliminate Systems
For high water tables, shallow soils, or space-limited lots
Designed for efficient absorption and environmental safety
âś… Level 2 Treatment Systems
Advanced wastewater treatment for sensitive areas
Required in many modern subdivisions
âś… Full Site Prep & Trenching
Utility trenching (water, power, propane)
Grading for drainage and erosion control
Driveway excavation and gravel delivery if needed
From the perc test to permit sign-off, we handle the full install lifecycle—ensuring your septic system performs year-round, even during Montana’s coldest months.
⚠️ Septic Repairs in Bozeman: Don’t Wait Until It’s an Emergency
Septic issues can go from minor inconvenience to full-blown disaster fast. If you notice any of the following signs, call Schaefer Excavating for an evaluation:
Wet spots or pooling in the yard
Foul odors near your tank or drain field
Backed-up toilets or slow drains
Gurgling sounds in pipes
Septic alarms or flooded tanks
We specialize in:
🔧 Tank Replacements — Cracked or failing tanks
🔧 Leach Field Repair — Failing soil absorption, root intrusions
🔧 Line Jetting & Snaking — Clearing blockages in lines and filters
🔧 Frozen Line Remediation — A major issue in Gallatin winters
🔧 Regrading & Drainage Solutions — Prevent water pooling and frozen pipes
We’re known for diagnosing the issue quickly, communicating clearly, and completing repairs with minimal disruption. Whether it’s a legacy property with a failing system or a new build with a design flaw—we’ll fix it fast, affordably, and up to code.
đźšś What Sets Schaefer Excavating Apart?
There are dozens of septic contractors in Montana—but few bring the combination of experience, reliability, and full excavation services that we do.
Here’s why homeowners and builders in Bozeman trust us:
âś… Local & Licensed
We’re based in Montana, know the terrain, and understand Gallatin County requirements inside and out.
âś… DEQ Compliant
We install systems that pass inspection the first time—and we know how to troubleshoot designs that won’t.
âś… Total Excavation Solutions
We don’t just dig holes—we offer full-site prep, utility trenching, culverts, and foundation work.
âś… Clear Communication & Honest Quotes
No surprise fees. No skipped steps. Just dependable work, done right.
âś… We Own Our Equipment
Which means no scheduling delays or sub-contractor juggling—just efficient, on-time work.
đź§± Related Services We Provide in Bozeman
Most septic system installations require multiple types of excavation. That’s where we shine. We offer bundled services to help you get everything done at once:
Gravel Driveway Installation
Culvert Installation & Ditch Work
Land Clearing for Homes, Shops & Cabins
Foundation Digging & Concrete Prep
Backfill, Grading & Topsoil Delivery
Utility Line Trenches (Electric, Water, Internet)
Need to add a garage pad or barn site while we’re there? No problem. Our crew can coordinate full prep for your build.
📍 Service Areas
Though based near Bozeman, we proudly service all surrounding towns and rural properties, including:
Belgrade
Four Corners
Gallatin Gateway
Three Forks
Livingston
Butte
Helena
If your property doesn’t have city sewer, give us a call—we’ve likely worked near you before.
🛑 Don’t Risk a Failed Septic System
A failed or non-compliant septic system can stall real estate deals, prevent financing, and create thousands in damages. Many property owners in Bozeman discover too late that their outdated system no longer meets DEQ standards or can’t be repaired cost-effectively.
We offer pre-inspection consultations, design upgrades, and system replacements that help homeowners stay ahead of these issues.
🗓️ Now Booking
Call today to get on the schedule for:
New Construction Installs
Repairs or Upgrades
Foundation & Drainage Excavation




