When you live in an area that relies on a septic system, you will likely find a lot of small companies that pop up and attempt to take advantage of a large potential client base. After all, anyone with a septic tank is going to need septic services at some point, right? If you do not have a septic contractor you use on a regular basis, there are a few ways to narrow down the stream of septic contractors and find one you trust and want to use for years.
Whether you need septic system inspection or septic tank pumping, picking a reliable septic contractor is important. Allowing an individual to work on your septic system without the proper skills and experience can be disastrous, sometimes resulting in frustration and expensive repairs. To ensure you get the best possible service from a reliable septic company, here are several questions you should ask before signing a contract.
8 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Septic Tank Professional
- Are you licensed?
Septic contractors need to be licensed to work on septic systems due to their dangerous components and potential hazards. Without an actual license, you shouldn’t let a septic contractor work on your septic system. More than any other question, it is important that you ask whether the septic contractor is licensed. A license means that he or she is officially registered as a septic service provider at the local or state level. - How long have you been working in the area?
Every area is a little bit different, and it helps to know how certain areas of the state where you live react to septic systems, especially in the drain field, since soil composition can play a big role in how things are filtered out. Additionally, experience in the area can speak to their overall experience. - What does your service include?
Depending on the issue you are experiencing, you might need anything from basic septic tank pumping to a full excavation and replacement of your system. Before you hire a professional to work on your tank, ask them to come to your property and analyze the problem. After you know what is wrong, find out what the contractor’s service includes and how they proceed if they find new issues along the way. - How much do the services cost?
Always make sure that the cost of materials and labor is included in the estimate provided prior to agreeing to service. Knowing the grand total ahead of time will help you budget for your current needs as well as future projects. - How often do your final bills exceed your estimates?
While it is true that sometimes unexpected challenges come up once the work has started, a good septic contractor should be able to hand out accurate quotes on a high-percentage basis. - When is payment expected?
As a rule, it’s never a good idea to pay for services upfront. Contractors should never request full payment for services prior to their completion. It isn’t uncommon, however, for payment to be expected in installments as the project progresses. - Who will be doing the work?
Knowing who will complete your septic service and repair is important. Many companies have multiple workers. It’s always a good idea to speak with the individual who will specifically oversee your project. - Who is responsible for cleanup and possible damages?
Before signing a contract, ensure that your contractor is responsible for both cleaning up after the job is done and any possible damages to your home or property during the process. You don’t want to be stuck with a huge mess or additional bill for repairs you weren’t responsible for.
At West Coast Sanitation, we understand the amount of trust you put into your septic service provider. We also know that you don’t have time to deal with septic problems. If you think that your system has reached capacity, please give us a call at (951) 780-5922 right away. We have professionals ready to answer your questions and get your system working properly again.