How to Choose the Best Septic System Provider
If you have a septic system for your home or small business, then you probably already know that you need professional assistance with its care, maintenance, and repairs.
What you may not know, is how to choose a trustworthy, reputable, and reliable septic system provider when there are so many companies to choose from.
That’s why we’ve put together this helpful guide that will walk you through the process of vetting septic system companies, what to consider when reviewing septic system maintenance contracts, and why it is so crucial to trust the guidance of septic system professionals.
For general information about septic systems, consider reading our guides:
Key Points About Septic System Providers
- When vetting septic system providers, make sure to select companies that are experienced, licensed and insured, offer the services you need, and have stellar customer reviews.
- Transparency is key when choosing the best septic system provider, so it’s important to understand their handling and disposal of waste, reporting, and pricing.
- Septic system maintenance contracts can be a good option for consistent service and peace of mind, offering additional clarity about the scope of work, frequency of service, and additional costs.
- Trusting septic system professionals to handle, inspect, clean, and repair your septic system is non-negotiable for both your personal safety and long term septic system performance.
How to Choose a Reputable Septic System Provider
Choosing a septic system provider can seem difficult, but it doesn’t have to be. Instead, by verifying key information, you can find a trustworthy company that you can rely on for all of your septic system needs.
Important Note: The following are recommendations for finding the best septic system providers. We understand that many properties with septic systems are in remote locations, which may limit your choice of service providers dramatically. Selecting a provider may not be a luxury that is available in your area.
Some important things to consider include:
1. Experience
Look for companies with a proven track record of septic system work, including installation, cleaning, pumping, and repairing. While you may not need all of these services right away, finding a highly experienced company will guarantee that the professionals working on your septic system can handle anything that you need.
2. Licensing & Insurance
Prior to selecting a septic system provider, it is critical to verify that the company is both licensed and insured, not just in general, but in your county. This is important to confirm so that all of the work done on your septic system, and any waste that is disposed of, is handled properly and in accordance with local regulations.
3. Services Offered
The best septic system providers should be able to offer a range of services that are needed for long term septic tank maintenance and care. Some companies offer a wide range of services, while others offer maintenance and repairs, pumping, or inspection only.
Some reputable companies offer all-in-one services including routine maintenance, inspections, pumping, leach field repairs, emergency support, and plumbing services – offering comprehensive care. Be mindful of companies that promise too much, as some companies offer a huge range of services, but may not be well-equipped to handle all of them.
You can also look for companies that specialize in particular services, for example, using one company that offers maintenance and repairs, while relying on another company for pumping. The benefit of choosing companies that are focused on particular services is that they tend to be well-trained in the nuances of their specific area of expertise, providing you with the highest quality of work.
Companies that take a specialized approach should also have the ability to refer you to other trustworthy service providers that handle the other aspects of septic system care.
Knowing that your go-to providers are ready and able to handle your needs as they arise is a real game-changer.
If you’re vetting septic system companies but aren’t sure how often services should be provided, review our guide: How Often Should a Septic Tank Be Pumped?
4. Waste Disposal Process
While this might not seem important, it’s a good idea to ask any potential septic system provider about their waste disposal process.
We recommend checking local regulations about waste disposal practices prior to contacting a service provider, so that you become familiar with what your municipality requires. Knowing this information ahead of time can help you accurately vet your options, and choose a company with compliant practices.
Reputable companies will be open to sharing each step of the process, and can explain how their method follows local regulations. It’s generally considered a red flag if a company is unwilling to share their practices with you, so always look for a company that is clear and forthright.
5. Reporting
Before hiring a septic system company, ask about how they report your septic system’s status to you and to local authorities. This can help you understand how much information the company is willing to provide, and can help you determine if they provide the Department of Health and Department of Environmental Protection with all of the necessary information.
Typically, local authorities will require septic system professionals to provide reports for septic system inspection, system failures, new system installations, and maintenance and repairs. Be mindful that some septic system companies will actually leave reporting to the homeowner, leaving you with the extra paperwork and responsibility.
6. Pricing
Choose a septic system company that clearly outlines the pricing for each of their services. Being upfront about pricing allows you to budget appropriately, and ensures that you won’t be surprised by hidden costs and a higher final bill.
Additionally, as with any home improvement project, it is always recommended to get at least three quotes for any work you’d like to have completed, if possible. That being said, choosing the lowest price option is not always recommended, instead, it is best to find the best option by weighing price in conjunction with the company’s qualifications for best results.
For a deep dive into the costs associated with septic systems, we recommend reading:
- How Much Does it Cost to Pump a Septic Tank?
- How Much is a Septic Tank: Septic System Installation Costs
- How Much is a Septic Tank: Septic System Upgrade & Replacement Costs
7. Customer Reviews
Prior to hiring a septic system company, take time to analyze their customer reviews. Make sure to go beyond the reviews that may be readily available on their website, and check websites like Angie’s List, Yelp, and Google to see what real customers have to say about the company.
While not all customer reviews are accurate, look for trends about the quality of their work and customer service to make sure they’re highly recommended.
It’s important to note that some of the most trusted septic system companies may have simple, or old-school websites, but that may have little impact on their expertise and quality of service. Don’t be fooled by flashy websites or overly-promotional claims, and instead focus on the facts about each company you’re considering.
8. Availability & Flexibility
Lastly, when choosing a septic system provider make sure to ask about their overall availability and flexibility. This can help you determine how easy it is to schedule inspections, maintenance, or pumping with the company.
It can also let you know if the company is available to respond to emergencies quickly and if there is an adjusted rate for emergency services. This can help prepare you in case the costs are higher for emergency services, and let you know if you’ll be waiting extended periods of time to get the help you need.
Do You Need a Septic System Maintenance Contract?
Septic system maintenance contracts are not always mandatory, but they can be a very wise investment for homeowners.
Septic system maintenance contracts are excellent for the following reasons:
- Peace of Mind: These contracts can help prevent problems, ensure compliance with local regulations, and allow homeowners to rest easy knowing their septic system is under the care of licensed professionals.
- Cost Savings: Routine inspections and maintenance can identify problems in advance, helping you to save money and prevent more costly repairs or replacements.
- Build Trust: Lastly, septic system maintenance contracts can help build trust with a specific provider, providing you with the comfort of knowing who is caring for your septic system long term.
- Keeping Record: Having a paper trail of the work done on the system is beneficial for both you, and for any service provider that works on your septic system. This documentation can help if you opt to switch companies, or if you plan to sell your home.
If you are considering a septic system maintenance contract, make sure that you read and understand all of the details before signing. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, and to do some research before you commit to 1 to 5 years of service. No one wants to be locked into a subpar contract, so doing research ahead of time is highly recommended.
Ins & Outs of Septic System Maintenance Contracts
Septic system maintenance contracts can be helpful if you’re interested in high-quality and consistent care of your septic system over multiple years. Most septic system maintenance contracts provide all the details you need to know about the services the company will provide, and can provide you with someone to rely on for maintenance and when emergencies arise.
Next we’ll take a look at some of the details that are included in most septic system maintenance contracts.
Scope of Work
In a septic system maintenance contract there should be full details about the scope of work. This section of the contract should identify the services included, set a regular inspection and pumping schedule, outline preventative maintenance and cleaning, and provide guidelines about emergency repairs.
The scope of work should also include a section regarding items that are not covered in the contract, typically major leach field repairs, full system replacements, or damage caused by improper use.
Frequency of Services
This section of a septic system maintenance contract provides you with the details about how often your septic system will be serviced. It should include details about annual inspections, frequency of pumping based on your household’s needs, and expected turnaround times for on-demand emergency services.
Costs
Pricing should also be included in the septic system maintenance contract, confirming whether you’ll be paying a fixed-fee or if you will be subject to per-service fees. This information is important for budgeting purposes, and can also prevent you from being responsible for extra, and often unexpected, costs.
Other Provisions
Additional details that are usually included in septic system maintenance contracts include payment terms, warranty information, liability, terms for termination, and homeowner responsibilities for day-to-day use.
The contract may also detail how inspections and maintenance will be documented, in addition to permitting requirements.
Why Do You Need to Hire a Septic System Company?
While the internet provides us with more information than ever before, and the rise in DIY projects at home are on the rise, you might be wondering why you need to hire a septic system company at all.
Expertise
Septic system designs can be simple, but inspecting, maintaining, and repairing them can be very complex. Often, DIY repairs can be ineffective and risky. Professionals have the experience and knowledge needed to handle maintenance and repairs safely and effectively.
Legal Compliance
First and foremost, anyone handling or disposing of waste has to be licensed, permitted, and insured. Most homeowners aren’t authorized or prepared to get this designation, and do not have the proper tools, knowledge, and experience to maintain a septic system on their own.
In many areas DIY septic system maintenance and repairs are illegal for public safety and environmental concerns, requiring you to hire a professional.
Safety
Most importantly: Inspecting or maintaining a septic system can be dangerous.
We do not recommend inspecting or maintaining your own septic system. If you choose to inspect or maintain your septic system on your own, you do so at your own risk, and are personally responsible for your own safety.
Septic tank maintenance is dangerous for the following reasons:
- Exposure to Infectious Diseases: Raw sewage carries harmful viruses, bacteria, and parasites that can cause illness and infection, particularly in people with weakened immune systems, pregnant women, children, and the elderly.
- Hazardous Gases: Septic tanks can produce toxic gases like carbon dioxide, methane, ammonia, and sulfur dioxide. These gases can be dangerous if inhaled in high concentrations due to their potential to cause respiratory irritation, asphyxiation, and even loss of consciousness.
- Electrical Shock: Some septic systems include pumps or other electrical devices where loose or exposed wires can pose a threat, while digging around a septic tank without locating utility lines can lead to electrical shock.
Proper hygiene, protective clothing, and safe work practices can help reduce exposure to these risks, and it is important to take all necessary precautions in order to minimize the risks of illness or injury associated with the inspection and maintenance of a septic system.
Attempting to inspect or maintain your septic system can be extremely dangerous and potentially deadly. We recommend leaving it to the licensed professionals.
If you would like to understand more about the basics of a septic system, we suggest reading:
Proper Installation & Maintenance
Septic systems that are improperly installed can leak raw sewage into your yard and surrounding areas, posing health risks and contaminating water sources. Septic system providers can prevent these issues with proper installation.
Similarly, regular maintenance, pumping, cleaning, and inspections are essential for septic system longevity and functionality. Septic system professionals can offer the appropriate guidance about maintenance schedules and preventative repairs to avoid potential problems.
Septic System Questions? No Problem.
Do you have unanswered questions about your septic system or septic system company? Are you struggling with the day-to-day household practices that prevent septic tank issues?
If you’ve answered yes to any of these questions, then look no further than the knowledgeable and reliable Customer Service Team at GoodHaven. A team of experts is ready and willing to help you find accurate information amidst the chaos of the internet, and get the help and advice that you need today.
Flush Out the Best Septic System Pros with Confidence
Choosing an experienced, reliable, and transparent septic system provider is one of the most important things you can do as a homeowner.
Make sure to choose a company that is licensed and insured, up front about their methods and pricing, and follows all safety, environmental, and local regulations. You may want to consider a septic system maintenance contract, further verifying the long-term care of your septic system.
Taking the stress of wastewater management off your plate, and letting the professionals handle the inspection, maintenance, cleaning, and repair of your septic system ensures that you will experience fewer problems, and can enjoy a high-functioning septic system for years to come.
Best Practices: Home Septic Tank Safety: Expert Tips for the Whole Family