How to find and vet a septic pumper
Where to look
- NOWRA's professional directory. EPA points homeowners to the directory of septic system professionals run by the National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association [1][2].
- Official state registries. See our licensed pumper directory for states that publish them.
- Your county or state health or environmental department. Septic rules and contractor licensing are usually handled by state or local agencies, and many publish lists of registered pumpers. Check your county health department's website.
- Your own records. The last service report often names the company and your tank size, which helps you compare quotes.
Questions to ask before you book
- Are you licensed or registered with the state or county?
- What's the price for my tank size, and does it include the disposal fee?
- Is there a charge for digging to the lid or for extra hose length? (Typical add-ons are listed in our cost guide.)
- Will you measure the sludge and scum and give me a written report?
- Do you pump through the main manhole rather than just the inspection port?
After the visit
EPA recommends keeping maintenance records of all work on your system, including the sludge and scum levels, repairs, and tank condition [1].
Septic Service Scout doesn't rank contractors and isn't paid by any of the organizations above.