How to Start a Sewer Cleaning Business
A septic tank is used to dispose of sewage when a public system isn't available. To avoid backup and prevent the spread of harmful bacteria, septic tanks should be inspected every three to four years and pumped or cleaned, if necessary. A sewer cleaning business may clean septic tanks and provide additional plumbing services for the kitchen and bathroom.
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Things You'll Need
- Liability insurance
- Business license
- Certification or training
- Tank
- Equipment
- Safety gear
- Bonding coverage
Instructions
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Identify a need and determine what services you will offer. In addition to cleaning drains and sewers, many sewer cleaning companies repair faucets, excavate sewers and replace pipes, break asphalt to get to pipes, unclog drains and offer plumbing and kitchen repair. You may consider offering all of these services, as clients could count on you to take care of their entire plumbing work.
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Get certified. Contact your state licensing board, your department of health or your state's environmental services department for information on obtaining your certification. Ensure that you obtain all certifications necessary for the services you will provide. For example, your state may have more than one category of license for different levels of work; ensure that you have the highest certification needed. If you are only working on septic tanks, your state may not require you to be certified; however, it will require that you adhere to the inspection process and have proper training. Read literature on how to inspect and test septic tanks.
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Get bonded, licensed and insured. Unless you intend to operate solo, incorporate your business or form a limited liability company at your county clerk's office. Then obtain a federal tax identification number. Contact your insurance company or bank about connecting you to a bonding coverage representative and business liability insurance provider. If you cannot procure a bond, contact your state's employment department for information on procuring a fidelity bond through the state.
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Get proper equipment. Procure a truck and tank for disposing of sewage that meets your state's regulations. Your tank must meet weight requirements and have your business name, license and tank capacity listed on the side. Additionally, your vehicle will be subject to annual inspections. Purchase pumps, video camera inspection tools, gloves, goggles, respirators, boots, plumbers' snakes, septic treatment chemicals, power rodders, cleaning jets, uniforms, a shovel, a digger and a water sampler.
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Hire trained or certified employees. Create checklists and company reports for your employees to fill out for each job prior to issuing septic certifications.
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Contact a sewage treatment facility to dump your sewage.
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Tips & Warnings
Many customers are wary of contractors. Always be honest with them. Word of mouth will go a long way.
Instruct homeowners or property managers on how to maintain the septic tank.
Implement a pricing system based on what others in your area are charging.
Get listed on your state's health department website as a certified septic cleaner.
