Other Septic Professionals Do you need a good septic system installer, tank pumper or septic maintenance/repair technician? We know someone you can call! System Inspections Tank Pumpers Septic Installers System Inspections As you may know, the Health Department requires all septic systems to be professionally inspected at regular intervals. In order to get the best value for your dollar, EGSD highly recommends hiring an independent inspector who is not involved in the pumping business. Septic inspectors who show up in a pump truck are often motivated to pump your tank whether it needs it or not. Afterall, they just drove a large truck to your house which only gets 5 mpg. If they don’t pump your tank after showing up in the truck, they’re likely losing money. Contrary to popular belief, your tank doesn’t necessarily need to be pumped every 4 years! PLEASE NOTE: EGSD is not implying that all septic pumpers/inspectors are crooks. There are many reputable companies out there. However, EGSD feels strongly that septic inspectors should be licensed separately from pumpers to increase the professionalism in the business. Clark County is currently considering EGSD's recommendation and may be changing their policies. These required inspections have several objectives: • Check the sludge and scum layers in the tank to determine if the tank needs to be pumped. • Check the inlet and outlet baffles and filter • Check for proper float and pump functions (if so equipped) • Check pre-treatment device for proper function and treatment (if so equipped) • Check all effluent distribution plumbing for signs of plugging – pressure jet if necessary. • Check timer settings (if system so equipped) • Check for signs of groundwater intrusion and hydraulic overload. YOU DO NOT NECESSAIRLY NEED TO PUMP YOUR SEPTIC TANK EVERY INSPECTION CYCLE ΔTOP Tank Pumpers Clark County has many tank pumpers who are licensed to pump septic tanks. Many pumpers will also inspect your system, but EGSD doesn’t typically recommend you hire a pump truck to come inspect your system. System inspections should occur first and pumping should be done only if required. If you want to see a whole list of County approved pumpers, please visit : http://www.co.clark.wa.us/health/environmental/documents/pumper.pdf If you’ve already had a professional, unbiased insepction and know your tanks needs to be pumped, any of the pumpers on the list can do this work. Be careful however… here’s a few documented “tricks” some pumpers play to increase their profitability: • Over estimating the size of your tank and charging for it • Selling “septic additives” to “help” your system (EGSD does not recommend ANY tank additives…some can actually hurt your system!) • Only pumping part of the tank in order to “start” the system again • Not inspecting all the critical components of your system • Telling you the tank is full so it needs to be pumped. (The tank should always be almost full. If it’s not almost full, there’s a problem!) • Digging a hole where there isn’t even a tank…and pretending to pump the tank. PLEASE NOTE: EGSD is not implying that all septic pumpers are crooks. There are many reputable companies out there. The above “tricks” are common however and homeowners need to be aware. ΔTOP Septic Installers: There a MANY licensed septic installers in Clark County to choose from. If you want to see a complete list, please visit the Health Department’s website at: http://www.co.clark.wa.us/health/environmental/documents/installers.pdf With the increasing complexity of septic systems today, it is important to choose a contractor who understands the technology required for your project. Many contractors are good excavators, but don’t necessarily have the expertise or specialized equipment needed to successfully install advanced treatment systems. For highly advanced treatment systems (AdvanTex filters and Glendon Biofilters), the installer must also be trained and pre-qualified by the product manufacture. EGSD recommends hiring contractors who are members of the Washington On-Site Sewage Association (WOSSA). WOSSA is a state-wide association dedicated to the education and professionalism of the septic industry. EGSD has worked with many good installation contractors in Clark County. To discuss the needs of your project, or for an installation referral please free to contact us. ΔTOP