There are several types of septic system professionals which provide different services at different stages of a septic system's lifetime. Once you have determined which type of professional you need, we recommend that you contact at least three of them, and ask them about their services.
Some local health agencies allow owners to perform certain inspection, repair, and installation work themselves. Check with your local health department to ensure you are in compliance with local requirements and to find lists of septic professionals in your area.
Types of Septic Professionals
Maintenance Service Providers
Maintenance Service Providers can inspect the whole system, including tanks, pumps, additional treatment devices (such as a sandfilter), and the drainfield. These professionals may be known as Operation and Maintenance (or O&M) Specialist, Inspectors, or Monitoring Specialists. These professionals should be hired for routine inspections and called first when there are issues with your system. Your local health department may or may not require these professional to be approved and certified.
Questions to ask Maintenance Service Providers:
- What are the estimated costs? Does this include health department fees?
- What will the inspection include and not include? (Examples: checking tanks and drainfield, cleaning filters, checking for leaks)
- Do you charge extra to dig up the lids to the system? What if I do the digging?
- Do you know how to service my type of system? (Examples: pumps, pressure distribution, sand filter, specific proprietary components)
Septic Pumpers
Sewage Pumpers can pump tanks and transport the sewage material to an approved treatment facility. Many can also inspect the tanks for cracks and leaks, as well as check the drainfield area and evaluate landscaping and proper drainage. Washington State regulation requires that Septic Pumpers are approved by the local health department.
Note: Having your tank(s) pumped is not a substitute for an inspection. In general, a Maintenance Service Provider (or owner, if allowed in your area) should inspect the system and determine if pumping is needed. If it has been five or more years since your last pumping, or if you are selling your home, you may need to have your tanks pumped regardless.
Questions to ask Sewage Pumpers:
- What are the estimated costs? Does this include health department fees?
- Do you pump both sides/chambers of the tank?
- Do you charge extra to dig up the lids to the system? What if I do the digging?
- Do you inspect the tank?
Designers and Engineers
Licensed Designers and Professional Engineers can design systems for new installations, alterations, and repairs. Many also evaluate system problems and perform inspections and maintenance. Designers and Professional Engineers are licensed through the Washington State Department of Licensing.
Questions to ask Designers and Engineers:
- What are the estimated costs for your project?
- What's included and not included? (Examples: site evaluation, design package, pressure test, as-built package, health department fees)
- Do you charge extra for inspections, extra visits, or the homeowner's manual?
Installers
Installers can install new systems, alter or expand existing systems, and repair failed systems. Some may also inspect and perform maintenance on systems. Washington State regulation requires that Installers are approved by the local health department.
Questions to ask Installers:
- What are the estimated costs?
- What's included and not included? (Examples: full installation, backfill, electrical work, health department fees)
- Do you contact the local health department or do I need to?
- Do you warranty your work? For how long? Ask them to explain their warranty.
- Do you charge extra for any services?