How to Choose a Septic Tank Maintenance Company
Problems affecting with your septic system can make your home unlivable in just a few minutes. If your system gets backed up, it could cause water and sewage to overflow from your toilets and drains. To maintain your system in good functional condition, you must hire a well-reputed septic service provider experienced in installing and maintaining septic tanks. Picking an inexperienced company or one that depends on convenient shortcuts can be catastrophic and can even decrease the market value of your property.
Ask for referrals.
The best way to look for a skilled contractor is to seek personal recommendations from people you know and trust. You can check rating and review websites for local contractors too. Your local authority or health department can hand you a list of names of companies in your locality.
Do your homework.
As soon as you have narrowed your search down to a few contenders, do a little research on each of them. Know whether the company is licensed and registered with the state you’re in, and if they have liability as well as workman’s compensation insurance. Go to their website to learn about their background, including the types of septic systems they normally work with. You also have to know if they use advanced methods, practices, and equipment. If you have any doubts or questions about your prospective company’s credentials, give them a call and get their license number so you can directly ask your state’s licensing authority about them.
Know what exact services they offer.
If you need a new system installation, ask them about any aftercare they provide. Septic tanks should be emptied regularly – every three to five years, depending on how many people are in the household. Also requiring regular inspection and maintenance are the tank and drainage field. Ask your prospect whether aftercare is already part of the installation price, and how much you have to pay for emergency calls. Know what guarantees they offer on their work and how fast they can send a technician over during these emergencies.
Check for hidden charges.
If your septic tank is buried underground, some companies may bill you an additional fee for digging. If the contractor has to pump the tank over a substantial distance – for example, if your home is on a slope or far from the road where their truck can park – you may also have to pay an additional fee for that.
Compare quotes from different contractors.
Request a quote not only from a single contractor but from several, and then compare. Don’t choose the cheapest contractor though as you will probably get what you pay for. It’s important to make comparisons, if only to know what exactly you’re getting from every contractor you may be considering.