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October 1, 2007
Contractor Septic Worries
Q: Ed, I'm a young contractor, and I just built my first home for a client with a septic system. Usually my homes have sewers, so I don't worry about drainage failures since the town sewer main is very reliable. However, I now find myself worrying about a septic system failure once I move on. How do I address this topic to let my clients know I did everything to code, but now it's their system and they need to be responsible for maintaining it? I want to keep good relations, but I also don't want to keep worrying about something I can't control. Bruce (Indiana)
A: Hi, Bruce. In most areas, the plans for a septic system are drawn up by local engineers and installed according to local codes with all the necessary permits by licensed septic contractors. Then the entire system is inspected by the proper authorities and "green tagged," which simply means approved for use.
You said you did everything by the book, which means you should have a paper trail that you can put together for the homeowner and share that information with them. While I cannot comment on what your local warranties or responsibilities are for new installations, I can suggest that you sit down and educate your clients on the limitations of a septic system over sewer systems and recommend a regular maintenance schedule for the pumping, additives and inspections that they will be responsible for after they move in and for the future. Your septic subcontractor should be happy to help you with all this, since I'm sure he'll want the new customer.
You sound like a contractor who really cares for the people you work for. Keep that passion, and you'll have people waiting in line for your services!
Posted by Ed Del Grande at October 1, 2007 12:09 AM
