When a septic system crisis strikes, you must act quickly to limit the damage and restore your home’s security. Unfortunately, struggling with an emergency makes it easy to miss the warning signs of bad service. You may want to go with the company that offers the least expensive quote or can solve the problem immediately. However, choosing an inexperienced or unlicensed septic contractor could leave you with a system in worse shape than before. Here are a few tips to help you choose the best septic system team for the job.
Check for Proof of License and Insurance
You should never trust your home’s septic system to a professional who isn’t licensed and insured. State septic licensing requirements guarantee that local licensed contractors have the skills and experience to complete all forms of septic work. Without this license, your plumber is likely underqualified or inexperienced. You should also confirm that they’re fully insured to make sure you’re not saddled with extra costs. Without this insurance, you could be liable for any injuries that occur on your property. It’s safer to work with licensed and insured professionals who have the skills to repair your septic system correctly. Hiring under-the-table plumbers comes with a host of home safety risks as well as an increased chance of more costs in the future.
Search Online for Reviews
A high-quality septic contractor will typically have a robust selection of online reviews. While you can find some on their home website, it’s often better to go through a third party like Google. This guarantees you’ll see both positive and negative experiences rather than those curated toward potential customers. Past reviews help you determine the experiences of previous clients and how the company is viewed by the community. Online social proof will let you see their reputation in terms of pricing, professionalism, and the quality of their service results.
Always Request a Quote
After confirming your contractor’s credentials, you’ll want to request a complete service quote. This often involves the professional coming to your home to inspect the issue. Since your septic system is such an important part of your property, it’s recommended to get several quotes before agreeing to service. The more complex the job, the more quotes you should gather to ensure you’re working with the ideal expert. This will help you determine the average price point for the job. You’ll also be able to compare hourly labor rates and part costs between local companies. Collecting complete quotes can save you from dealing with hidden fees and potential upselling.
Watch for High-Pressure Tactics
High-pressure tactics can include everything from a once-in-a-lifetime offer to insisting on a limited bundle service. These tactics strive to get you to sign the agreement quickly without reading the fine print. You may also be encouraged to upgrade the job from a simple tank repair to a full replacement.
Qualified plumbers know that investing in septic service is a serious and costly undertaking. A certified professional will never try to push you toward a decision before you’ve considered the various pros and cons. They also won’t attempt to upsell or flood you with confusing and expensive service options. You can trust an experienced expert to provide one or two personalized septic solutions based on your budget, unique property, and family’s needs.
Avoid Investing in Additives
One of the most frequently employed septic scams is offering you helpful septic service additives. Your contractor may suggest adding a chemical or bacteria product to boost how quickly waste breaks down in your system’s tank. In reality, these solutions aren’t proven to increase efficiency or lengthen the lifespan of the system. Septic tanks already contain the bacteria they need to function properly. These unnecessary additives will only boost the cost of the service. In most cases, you can find these same chemicals for a much cheaper price at your local home improvement store. Ideally, you’ll only need to use them sparingly to protect your drains from blockages.
Confirm They’re Using the Right Parts
Don’t trust your professional if they suggest using a cheaper alternative system or service method. Low-quality installations and repairs always tend to do more harm than good. For example, a sump pump is not equivalent to a septic pump. While sump pumps are relatively less expensive, they won’t prove effective when installed inside your septic system. Your home deserves top-notch products and materials that can last the test of time. Unfortunately, since these cheaper systems won’t often break immediately, you’ll often find it’s too late to get a refund by the time they malfunction.
To save yourself the hassle of a poorly done septic job, ask your professional for an itemized bill in writing. Before installation or service, double-check that the products they’re using correspond with what’s listed on your bill.
Don’t Sign an Incomplete Agreement
Agreeing to an incomplete service contract will only put your comfort and budget at risk. You may face surprise extra charges or a completion date that keeps getting pushed back. Without an upfront agreement, your contractor may even back out of the service and try to keep your deposit. Avoid working with teams that insist on hefty advance payments. The best course of action is to determine the complete project price as well as your payment plan before they begin. You’ll also want your agreement to include any potential perks they may provide like labor or part guarantees or customer satisfaction promises.
Don’t Fall for Clean-Up Scams
Septic service jobs are often messy and can involve digging up your yard or parts of your basement. In addition to the potential for biohazards, your expert may also need to dispose of leftover pipes or repair materials. Most septic professionals promise complete cleanliness at the end of the service. They’ll treat your home respectfully, wearing protective foot coverings and putting down tarps when necessary. However, there is a popular scam that involves one of the team members approaching you after they’re done to ask for a cleaning fee. Unfortunately, if it’s not clarified in your estimate or agreement, you’ll likely have to pay unless you want to clean it up yourself. Confirming that clean up is included upfront will save you from extra costs and the inconvenience of a significant plumbing mess.
Nampa Septic Tank Care
Since Express Septic & Drain Cleaning started in 2006, we’ve focused on expertly meeting our customers’ septic needs in Nampa, ID. We’re a locally owned septic business with an A+ Better Business Bureau rating. All of our staff members receive drug and background tests as well as regular industry training about new technology. We always arrive on time and ready to leave your home as pristine as we found it. Depend on our qualified team to pump, repair, or test your septic system. We offer premier enzyme treatments and drain field rejuvenation services. You can also trust us to deliver preventative maintenance and thorough drain cleanings. Don’t forget to inquire about our service specials and coupons. Call Express Septic & Drain Cleaning today to schedule your septic service appointment in Nampa.
