The process of hiring a contractor is the most import part of the installation. With a right contractor, the process should be seamless and straightforward. Here are some questions to ask yourself when searching for a contractor for your system.
For how long has the contractor been in business?
The longer a contractor has been in business, the better the company is. However, this is no guarantee of quality workmanship. We’ve seen contractors who’ve been doing this for 20 years or more with a lack of understanding from the get-go. If you don’t learn from mistakes, there won’t be quality work no matter how long you’ve been doing it. Size doesn’t matter either. There’s a huge Oklahoman company that suggests their customers rebuild their aerator every year. This is a complete scam and I feel for those misinformed people.
In addition to installation, does the contractor provide repair services?
Companies that both repair and install are better at installing because they are familiar with the longevity of specific components. This is a characteristic of a well-rounded contractor that not only learns from their mistakes but also the error of others. In the business of waste treatment, one should always keep learning.
How long is the waitlist?
If your contractor has a short waiting list, that isn’t necessarily a good thing. Waiting times as short as a few days indicate that business is slow, new, or otherwise not in demand. It is also an indication that there may be some circumventing of the permit process. Good contractors will usually have a long wait list.
Ask the community who they would recommend.
It is always a good idea to hear local opinions on how good a contractor is. With how necessary a septic system can be for a home, asking on social media, around your neighborhood, or even in the grocery line is a great way to scout out potential installers.
What is the brand name of the system or name of the manufacturer?
Some manufacturers have strict guidelines on who they allow to represent them upon installation. If you are unfamiliar with the different brands or manufacturers, you can consult our overview on aerobic septic manufacturers.
Consult your local permitting agency.
Every contractor requires a permit to install a system, so try asking the permitting agency about who receives the most complaints or which company purchases the most licenses. To avoid showing favoritism or preferential treatment, they might not be able to make a specific recommendation, but they can answer questions that will help you make an informed decision.
Note: Familiarizing yourself with the permitting process enables you to tell if your contractor is compliant with the process and can assist in putting together the paperwork needed for the permit.
Hopefully, this information helps you make a quality decision when it comes to your next septic aerator installation. If you have any further questions, feel free to check out more on our site or ask us a question directly!
