Septic tanks are miniature wastewater plants for properties not connected to a sewer line. About 25 percent of people in the country use septic tanks for wastewater handling. Most of these systems aren’t up to modern standards and risk contaminating surface waters.
At some point, your septic system will need professional septic tank service. Dealing with wastewater issues without this help can be a nightmare. Improper treatment of compounds like nitrogen from septic tanks can result in algae blooms.
It’s unfortunate how most property owners fail to recognize their septic tanks as part of their plumbing system. They don’t know that a defective tank can leak into the yard and ruin a building’s structural integrity. Here’s how to choose a septic installer/cleaner to prevent these issues:
Review Their Installer Certification or Licensing
Most states mandate septic repair/installation technicians to have a license and certification. Others even have septic system-related certifications to foster the technicians’ skills. The installer may need a separate license for other services.
A license will prove that the technician has met state requirements on the service they are providing. You’ll get peace of mind that you are working with a professional.
The septic service company may need a business license and bonding, depending on the state. The business license ensures that they can offer various services in a particular jurisdiction. An insurance policy will help them take liability if anything goes wrong on your property.
Find more information on the company’s licensing from their company website. If you’re looking for a trusted and licensed septic service, click for more information about Goebel Septic Service.
Turn to Reviews and Client Testimonials
Reviews and customer testimonials can help you separate a reputable septic service technician from a bad one. Search online for the company’s name for reviews on their service delivery and customer support. Check their ratings on review sites like Yelp and BBB to get an idea of their reputation.
If a septic technician is trusted by their previous customers, they’ll have more positive reviews and higher ratings. You’ll also notice the previous clients giving a detailed account of their satisfaction from the work.
Beware of biased reviews online since they may not reflect the company’s level of professionalism. Source the reviews and testimonials from different sites to weed out the biased ones.
See how the technician interacts with clients on social media and other online interactive platforms. Check if they quickly respond to complaints to learn about their customer support efforts.
Get an Estimate for the Costs
Find out from the septic service company whether their charges include health department fees. It will cost you an average of $295 to $610 to have your septic tank cleaned and pumped. The costs may shoot to $895 for 1,250-gallons septic and drop to $250 for a small 750-gallon tank.
A filter replacement will cost you around $230, while repairs involving lids, risers, pipes, and fittings cost about $100 and below. For a defective septic pump, expect to spend $500 to replace it.
The technician may suggest a soil blast, which involves blasting up to 300 pounds of air from the ground. This approach will help clean the drain field lines and fracture the soil. It costs about $1,500 to undertake the exercise successfully.
If the septic tank cleaning service company suggests a new system, expect to spend $3,250 for a three-bedroom house. A fully engineered septic tank will cost you about $15,000.
Ask If They Can Service Your Type of Septic System
The sizes and designs of septic systems can vary with your neighborhood, plot size, and slope. Other factors that influence the design include local regulations. soil type, household size, and proximity to water sources. You may have a mound system or aerobic treatment unit as your septic options.
Septic service companies perform different kinds of services to different types of clients. Thus, it’s important to check with the company whether they have the resources to work on your septic tank.
Schedule an initial meeting with them and find out about their experience levels. Ask them about their success rates working on septic systems like yours. The company should be willing to give you pictorial evidence of their previous work.
Inquire About Septic Inspections
It’s advisable to schedule septic inspections every three years to keep the system up and running. Regular inspections are cheaper than replacing or repairing the tank.
Septic inspections may either involve visual inspections or full inspections. The technician will check for standing water and cesspools during a visual inspection to determine if the tank is safe. They will also ask questions about your property and inspection calendar.
A full inspection will involve detailed work. The technicians will bring specialized equipment to test if everything is working fine in the septic tank.
Ask About the Products and Tools in the Septic System
Septic technicians use additives in the maintenance work to disinfect septic systems. Some of these products pose health and environmental risks.
Acids and bases may disturb the tank’s biological activity and result in sludge bulking. Enzymes may be used as additives in low amounts since they can kill beneficial bacteria. The technician may also suggest root killer products and yeast to boost the tank’s performance.
Only hire a company that’s reputable for using industry-approved septic tank cleaning tools. Substandard cleaning equipment may put your household at risk of contamination. Examples of these cleaning tools include a much-rake, Wayne ball, wrecking bar, and power rodding.
Find a Septic Tank Service Today
A septic tank service will help keep wastewater from your household and improve hygiene. Choose a service company based on the tips discussed in this septic tank guide for great value on money. Remember to stick to their recommendations on maintaining the tank.
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