Whether you are a new homeowner or someone maintaining a system, it’s important to ask a few questions when you are looking for a company to service your system. Although cost is the most important question, you also want to get the most for your money.
Questions to ask are:
- Do you pump out the sewage at the bottom of the tank or just the water on the top? T love the line, “We leave the sludge to promote a healthy environment for your system.” No one is going to sanitize your system, so wouldn’t it stand to reason that there is enough bacteria left behind to do just that? It’s cheaper to haul/dispose of dirty water than it is to get rid of sludge! Look inside your septic tank when they are finished pumping to ensure a proper job is done.
- Do you have certified inspectors?
- Is there a fuel charge?
- What are your locating and uncovering fees?
- Are there any other fees I should be aware of?
With the rising costs of everything around us, the last thing anyone needs is a faulty septic system. Regardless of what “Uncle Ben” or your next-door neighbor may tell you, the solids at the bottom of your septic tank should be pumped out every two to four years to ensure a properly working system. Neglect of your septic system can and will cause it to fail.
Some of the warning signs are:
- Sewage back-ups into the home
- Slow drains and toilets
- Strong sewer odor
- Sewage/water surfacing over the leach field (particularly after rain storms)
- Green growth over the leach field.
Unfortunately, there are a limited number of liquid waste disposal sites in Arizona, none of which are in Yavapai County. The majority of septic/waste companies have to haul all waste collected from private homes and businesses to Surprise or Phoenix. With the rising costs of fuel, insurance and disposal rates, we have no choice but to raise our rates as well. And I can guarantee there isn’t a company out there who is happy about it.
So the question is: Do you want to pay to have a legitimate company to come out and take care of your septic system? Do you want a company who has trained and licensed inspectors to come out and inspect the system when you buy a home? Or do you want to trust “Aunt Sally” or your neighbor when they tell you it never needs to be done?
Your septic system is one of the most important functions of your home. It can also be one of the most expensive items to replace. Why pay thousands of dollars to put in a new septic system and leach field when it costs hundreds to maintain your system every few years? With proper maintenance, a septic system can and will last a very longtime.
