locator     510 S Stepney Road | Aberdeen, MD 21001

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About Us

Septic Pumping & Septic Services in Harford, Cecil & Baltimore Counties

A Proud Family Legacy Since 1969

For more than 56 years, John’s Septic Service, Inc. has been a trusted name in the septic service industry, including septic tank pumping, septic repair, septic installations, and grease trap cleaning across Harford County, Baltimore County, and Cecil County. Founded in 1969 by elder John Call, our family-owned and operated company has proudly served generations of homeowners and businesses. We’ve built our reputation the old-fashioned way —through honesty, hard work, and treating every customer like family. That’s why we have had loyal, repeat customers since 1969! Our commitment has kept people coming back for decades, and it’s why we’ve been featured in Pumper Magazine as a company that’s always “Answering the Call.” As proud members of the Chamber of Commerce, a fully insured septic provider, and a Maryland state-certified septic service company, you can count on us for reliable work and the peace of mind that comes with hiring a trustworthy team proudly known by the nickname, ‘Honest Johns.’ Johns Septic team

Contact Honest John’s Today

Built on Generations of Trust: Our Mission, Values, and Commitment to Service

Our mission is to continue our proud family-owned company for another 56 years and beyond. At John’s Septic Service, Inc., our core values are deeply rooted in family and community: There’s a reason our customers stay with us. Our business was built on a solid reputation and name that we built for ourselves that developed because we do the job right, every single time.

Meet the Team

John's Septic Service Owner John Call
Owner & Operator
Fleet Manager
56+ Years of Experience

John Call grew up in this industry. He worked alongside his father, Elder John Call, through high school, and after serving in the Air Force, bought the company in 1984. To make that dream happen, he even sold his first Harley Davidson to put down the deposit. Customers often remind him how highly they thought of his father, and John has dedicated his career to living up to that standard and reputation.

Today, John oversees all daily operations, including scheduling, customer calls, and maintaining constant contact with employees while they are on the road. He continues to train and work with his team the same way he was trained by his father. John is thankful for every customer and for the many years of continued service, where families continue to entrust him and his family with their septic needs.

John Call’s Legacy of Leadership and Hands-On Experience John is proud that his family is still carrying on the tradition his father started, keeping the “Honest Johns” name alive.
 
Gloria Call
Co-Owner
Office Operations Manager
56+ Years of Experience

Gloria Call has been a cornerstone of John’s Septic Service for more than five decades. Married to John Call out of high school, she has worked alongside “Honest John” throughout her career. When John and Gloria took over the business, she built the office operations from the ground up—starting with no records, a broken truck, and only a phone number.

Today, Gloria oversees all daily office and financial operations, handling customer calls, scheduling, payroll, taxes, bookkeeping, and reporting. With formal training in computerized business systems and extensive experience using QuickBooks, she plays a key role in maintaining the honesty, reliability, and family values customers have trusted for generations.

Outside of the office, Gloria enjoys staying active, country line dancing, and spending time with her family, including her grandchildren and great-grandchildren—some of whom are proud to be part of the family business legacy.

Gloria Call’s Experience & Role


John Call II
Service Technician
28 Years of Experience

John Call II brings 28 years of experience to the family business. People still ask him, “Do you have to smell that all day?” and his answer is always the same: “I’ve been smelling it my whole life.” He was born into this work. His grandfather started the company in 1969, and his parents became the owners in 1984.

When John was still in single digits (under 10 years old), he rode along with Honest John and learned what real service looked like from the passenger seat. In high school at Harford Tech, he majored in plumbing and joined the work-study program, then chose to come on board full time in 1997, and he’s been here ever since.

Today he spends his days pumping septic and grease tanks, educating customers about their systems, reporting issues, and keeping everything well maintained. With the company serving the community for 56 years, John has made many friends and is proud of the repeat customers who keep calling year after year and enjoys getting to know their customers. He remembers their homes, where each system is located, and even their hobbies, and he always enjoys striking up a conversation while he works.

Matthew Merrill
Service Technician
8 Years of Experience

With 8 years of experience, Matthew Merrill has grown up in the family business. As a child, he rode along with his uncle, John Call II, and his grandfather, “Honest John,” watching them work and dreaming of the day he could drive one of the big tanker trucks himself. That day finally came, and today he is proud to carry on the same tradition he admired as a kid.

After graduating from Harford Tech, Matthew joined John’s Septic Service part-time. With his grandparents’ guidance, he earned his CDL and was taught every aspect of the service side of the business. His daily work includes pumping septic and grease tanks, maintaining systems, and talking and connecting with customers while on the job.

One of the highlights of his career has been learning the trade directly from his family and becoming part of the next generation to move the company forward. Outside of work, Matthew enjoys driving and restoring cars, a hobby that reflects his love of hands-on work and attention to detail.

Why Our Customers Keep Coming Back — Generation After Generation

At John’s Septic Service, Inc., we don’t just service septic systems, we also build lasting relationships. When you call us, you’re calling a family that has been keeping homes and businesses running smoothly for over half a century.

Schedule Your Septic Service

What Our Customers Say After Decades of Trust and Service

“We have used John’s Septic service for twenty plus years. We find them professional, respectful to our property, courtesy, and on time. Their prices compared to other septic companies are the best. Their trucks are always clean and shiny. l highly recommend John’s Septic service. YOU WONT BE DISAPPOINTED!!!!” Ruth W. Verified Yelp Review

 

“We have been using John’s Septic Tank Service since the mid-90s.  Since it’s just two adults in our household, we get our septic pumped every 2 years; John always sends a courtesy reminder!  They are courteous and have always responded/scheduled septic service promptly.  Our septic sits over a hundred feet from our driveway and they always have enough hose on the truck so as to not damage the yard or have any “spills”.  Thank you, John, and to your driver!” Judy P. Verified Yelp Review

 

“They are very dependable, have great prices and are very friendly!! If you want a reliable company, then John’s Septic is the place to go! We’ve used others before but we LOVE John’s Septic and will continue to use them!” Mickie Thornton Verified Facebook Review

 

John’s Septic FAQs

How often should I have my septic tank pumped?
Most households need their septic tank pumped every 2–3 years, depending on the size of the tank and the number of people in the home. Regular maintenance helps prevent costly repairs, backups, and odors from an overfilled tank.  It also keeps your system running smoothly.

What areas do you service?
We serve Harford, Cecil, and Baltimore Counties. Our team has been helping families and businesses in these communities since 1969.

Are you licensed and insured?
Yes. John’s Septic Service, Inc. is fully insured and Maryland state certified. As a family-operated company, our technicians are highly trained and follow all standards set by the Maryland Department of the Environment.

What services do you provide?
We specialize in septic tank pumping, septic system repairs, septic installations, and grease trap cleaning. Whether it’s routine maintenance or an emergency, our family is here to help keep your system in top shape.

Why do so many families choose John’s Septic Service?
For more than 56 years, our customers have trusted us because we do the job right every time. We’re family-owned and operated, known in the community as “Honest Johns,” and proud to serve generations of repeat customers who rely on us for friendly, honest, reliable service.

How do I find out more information about the State of Maryland guidelines and regulations?
You can visit the Maryland.gov site for Septic related links.

Call Honest John’s Today

Need reliable septic pumping, septic installation, septic repair, or grease trap cleaning? Contact the “Honest Johns” who have been “Answering the Call” for over 56 years. Request a free quote today. 📞 410-272-2317 📍 Serving Harford, Cecil & Baltimore Counties  For Septic Care guidelines, please visit the epa.gov website for additional Septic System information. You can also visit the Maryland.gov site for Septic related links.

This page has been carefully reviewed and verified by John Call, owner of John’s Septic Service. With over 56 years of hands-on experience in the septic industry, John brings a lifetime of knowledge and leadership to ensure the accuracy, reliability, and compliance of the information provided here. Our commitment to transparency, professionalism, and customer trust is reflected throughout this content, which upholds the highest standards of expertise, authority, and credibility (EEAT). Click here to view our Privacy Policy and Terms. — Last updated January 2026.