How to Determine the Cost of Installing or Replacing a Septic System in Bella Vista, AR

Installing or Replacing a Septic System

Making informed judgments and creating a budget that works in Bella Vista, Arkansas, requires having a solid understanding of the variables that affect the price of building or repairing a septic system. This blog post will cover these variables to give you confidence as you proceed through the procedure.

Type of Septic System: 

Choosing a septic system can significantly impact the overall cost of installation or replacement. Different systems include conventional, aerobic, and mound systems, each with advantages, drawbacks, and price points. Researching and comparing these options is crucial for determining your property’s most suitable and cost-effective solution.

Size of the Septic Tank: 

The size of the septic tank, determined by the number of bedrooms in your home and water usage, affects the cost of installation or replacement. Larger tanks require more materials and labor, resulting in higher costs. Carefully assess your needs to select the appropriate tank size for your household.

Soil and Site Conditions: 

The intricacy of the installation or replacement procedure can be influenced by the kind of soil, the terrain, and the depth of the groundwater, which in turn affects cost. A soil test and site study are required to choose the best septic system for your property while considering these aspects.

Permits and Local Regulations: 

Installation or replacement in Bella Vista, Arkansas, must consider local laws and particular permits. The project’s overall cost may increase as a result of these restrictions. To avoid unpleasant surprises during the procedure, familiarize yourself with local laws and permit fees.

Labor and Installation Costs: 

Hiring professionals to install or replace a septic system in Bella Vista, AR, comes with associated costs. However, the value of working with experienced professionals cannot be overstated, as they ensure a well-functioning and long-lasting system. Factor in these costs when budgeting for your project.

Drain Field Preparation: 

The preparation of the drain field, including excavation and the installation of gravel or other materials, contributes to the project’s overall cost. Proper drain field preparation is essential for the septic system’s longevity, so it’s crucial not to cut corners in this area.

Additional Components and Accessories: 

Additional components or accessories, such as pumps, alarms, or risers, may be required for your septic system. These components can add to the overall cost of installation or replacement, so be sure to account for them when determining your budget.

Long-term Maintenance Costs: 

Don’t forget to factor in long-term maintenance costs when determining the overall cost of a septic system. Investing in regular maintenance ensures your system remains efficient and 

helps avoid costly repairs in the future.

Obtaining Quotes from Professionals in Bella Vista, AR: 

To obtain accurate quotes from septic system professionals in Bella Vista, AR, consider factors such as licensing, experience, customer reviews, and services offered. BBB Septic Solutions is a reputable company known for its expertise and commitment to customer satisfaction.

Understanding the various factors influencing the cost of installing or replacing a septic system in Bella Vista, AR, is crucial for making informed decisions and appropriately budgeting. By carefully considering these factors, you’ll be well-prepared to invest in a septic system that meets your needs and budget.

If you enjoyed this article, check out this other article too:

Why Professional Septic Installation Matters for Siloam Springs, AR Homeowners

A Guide to Professional Septic Tank Replacements in Lowell, AR

How to Determine the Cost of Installing or Replacing a Septic System

Replacing your septic tank when necessary is crucial to maintaining a healthy and functional home environment. Professional septic tank replacements offer numerous benefits, including adherence to local regulations and environmental protection, ensuring the longevity and efficiency of your system.

Importance of Timely Septic Tank Replacement: 

It’s essential to replace your septic tank when it reaches the end of its lifespan or becomes damaged. Timely replacement protects the environment from potential contamination, complies with local regulations, and maintains the system’s overall performance. Neglecting septic tank replacement can lead to costly repairs, health hazards, and environmental issues.

Lowell, AR: A Thriving City with a Focus on Sustainability: 

Lowell, AR, is a growing city committed to sustainability and development. Proper waste management plays a significant role in preserving the city’s ecological balance and quality of life. Residents are encouraged to proactively address septic tank issues, ensuring a cleaner and healthier community.

Signs That Your Septic Tank Needs Replacement: 

Common indicators that your septic tank requires replacement include persistent odors, slow drainage, and unusually green or soggy patches in your yard. Addressing these issues promptly can help prevent further complications, such as damage to your property or environmental hazards.

The Risks of DIY Septic Tank Replacements: 

Attempting to replace a septic tank without professional assistance can be risky. DIY septic tank replacements may damage the tank or drain field, have inadequate installation, or be non-compliance with local regulations. These hazards can lead to costly repairs and potential legal penalties.

The Value of Professional Expertise in Septic Tank Replacements: 

Hiring professional septic tank replacement services in Lowell, AR, offers numerous advantages. Professionals possess knowledge of local regulations and permits, ensuring compliance with the law. Additionally, they can help you select the appropriate tank size and type for your property, ensuring optimal performance.

Ensuring Environmental Safety During Septic Tank Replacement: 

Professional septic tank replacement services prioritize environmental safety. They follow all necessary steps to adhere to environmental regulations and safeguard groundwater quality, including properly handling waste material and minimizing the risk of contamination during the replacement process.

Prolonging the Life of Your New Septic System: 

Professional septic tank replacement contributes to the longevity of your new septic system. Proper tank positioning, adequate drain field preparation, and the use of high-quality materials all play a role in ensuring a long-lasting, efficient septic system.

The Benefits of Regular Maintenance After Septic Tank Replacement: 

Regular maintenance is vital in keeping your new septic system functional and efficient. Professional septic tank replacement services in Lowell, AR, can guide appropriate maintenance schedules and practices, helping you prevent costly repairs and prolong the life of your system.

Choosing the Right Septic Tank Replacement Service in Lowell, AR: 

When selecting a professional septic tank replacement service in Lowell, AR, consider factors such as licensing, experience, customer reviews, and services offered. BBB Septic Solutions is a reputable company known for its expertise and commitment to customer satisfaction.

Investing in professional septic tank replacements in Lowell, AR, ensures your system’s health, safety, and longevity. By choosing a reputable service provider and adhering to proper maintenance practices, you can enjoy a well-functioning and long-lasting septic system, contributing to a sustainable and healthy community.

If you enjoyed this article, check out this other article too:

How to Determine the Cost of Installing or Replacing a Septic System in Bella Vista, AR

The Benefits of Professional Septic Tank Installations in Bentonville, AR

A Guide to Professional Septic Tank Replacements

Installations of septic tanks are essential for maintaining a safe and useful living space. A septic system that has been professionally installed ensures durability and effectiveness while also safeguarding the environment and abiding by local laws. We’ll talk about the value of expert installation in Bentonville, AR, in this blog.

Importance of Proper Septic Tank Installation

Having a properly installed septic tank is essential for several reasons. First, local regulations and codes must be followed to ensure the system is legal and safe. Second, proper installation protects the environment by preventing sewage leaks and groundwater contamination. Lastly, a well-installed septic system performs optimally, ensuring efficient waste processing and a long lifespan.

Bentonville, AR: A Growing City with Rich History

Bentonville, AR, is a city with a rich history and rapid growth. As the city develops, proper waste management is essential to maintaining progress and ecological balance. Professional septic tank installations contribute to Bentonville’s commitment to environmental protection while supporting the city’s ongoing expansion.

The Risks of DIY Septic Tank Installations: 

DIY septic tank installations can lead to numerous hazards. Improper placement, incorrect sizing, or damage to the tank or drain field can result in costly repairs and even legal penalties. These issues could also lead to environmental contamination and negatively impact your property’s value.

The Value of Professional Expertise

Professional septic tank installers in Bentonville, AR, offer invaluable expertise. They are knowledgeable about local regulations and permits, ensuring your system is compliant. Additionally, they can select the appropriate tank size and type for your property, optimizing system performance and longevity.

Ensuring Environmental Safety

Environmental protection is a top priority for qualified septic tank installers. To comply with environmental regulations and safeguard the quality of the groundwater, they adhere to strict guidelines during the installation process. This protects not only your property but also the surrounding neighborhood and ecosystem.

Prolonging the Life of Your Septic System

Professional installation contributes to a longer-lasting septic system. Proper tank positioning, adequate drain field preparation, and the use of high-quality materials all play a role in ensuring your system’s durability and performance over time.

The Benefits of Regular Maintenance

Regular maintenance is essential for keeping your septic system functional and efficient. Professional septic tank installers in Bentonville, AR, can provide guidance on appropriate maintenance schedules and practices, helping you protect your investment and avoid costly repairs.

Choosing the Right Septic Tank Installer in Bentonville, AR: Selecting a professional septic tank installer in Bentonville, AR, involves considering factors such as licensing, experience, customer reviews, and services offered. BBB Septic Solutions is a trusted provider that meets these criteria, offering expertise and dedication to customer satisfaction.

Contact BBB Septic Today

In Bentonville, AR, professional septic tank installations are essential for the health, safety, and longevity of your system. Investing in professional services ensures a well-functioning, long-lasting, and environmentally responsible septic system. Protect your property and the environment by choosing a professional septic tank installer like BBB Septic Solutions.

If you enjoyed this article, check out this other article too:

A Guide to Professional Septic Tank Replacements in Lowell, AR

Home Projects: 3 Things to Consider Before Hiring a Contractor

Home Projects: 3 Things to Consider Before Hiring a Contractor

Before you hire a contractor for a major home project (like installing a septic tank), there are lots of factors you should consider. 

In this blog, we’re going to talk about three of the most important: reviews, company history, and price. 

Major home projects aren’t cheap! So you want to make sure your money isn’t wasted or stolen. 

Also, these projects usually require some part of your home to be torn up on purpose to make space for your new things. You’ll want everything put back together nice and neat so you don’t have big, expensive problems later on.

If you consider reviews, company history, and price, this will help you choose a good contractor. So please keep reading to learn the details of these three factors!

Reviews

Before you choose a contractor, read a handful of reviews from at least 2 or 3 separate sources. We recommend checking out Google Customer Reviews, Angi (formerly known as Angie’s List) Yelp, and Yellow Pages. A not-so-obvious place to read reviews is the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website. You can also read formal complaints there and see your contractor’s BBB rating.

Company History

Many local service companies have been around for decades. This can be a sign that they’ve served their community well for a long time, making them trustworthy. 

But if they’ve been cheating people or providing bad service, then you’ll find years’ worth of bad reviews and word-of-mouth testimonials from your community. BBB Septic and Portable Toilets has provided septic system services to Northwest Arkansas for 36 years. Also, we started off small and have grown and grown in that time. We don’t say this to brag, but to demonstrate that quality companies typically grow and last.

Price

When people go used-car shopping, they know this principle… 

If you spend a good amount of money on a vehicle, it won’t give you problems. If you buy cheap, it’ll be expensive in the long run because it’ll give you lots of problems. 

This idea applies to major home projects too. Here’s what happens: many homeowners will get multiple bids or estimates from multiple contractors. They’ll compare the prices and then choose the cheapest one. 

There are a few issues with this method.

Contractors who do work for cheap usually do cheap work. In other words, cheap contractors usually deliver low-quality results. And the results of low-quality work break down quickly, meaning you’ll need to sign another check to fix their mistakes. 

And depending on how badly they mess things up, you’ll have to sign a few checks. 

Another issue: when you sign a contract with your contractor, legally speaking, they have to finish your project within a certain timeframe for a certain amount of money. 

But cheap contractors tend to request too many change orders. A change order is when your contractor requests to change your contract to include more time and money. So if you expected your home project to cost $1000 and be finished in 2 days, you’d end up spending $2,500, and they’ll finish in two weeks. 

Our advice, pay more upfront to avoid lots of expenses later. And read lots of reviews from good sources and consider how long the contractor has been in business. BBB Septic and Portable Toilets has provided high-quality septic system services to Northwest Arkansas for 36 years. So if you need septic system design, maintenance, repair, or installation, contact us today by clicking here.

BBB Septic’s Advanced Wastewater Treatment System

BBB Septic’s Advanced Wastewater Treatment System

At BBB Septic, we’re sometimes tasked with installing septic systems on difficult properties. 

By difficult, we mean properties that are too small for lateral lines (a common and important technology for dealing with wastewater). We also have customers who live on tricky properties like lakehouses, which require special solutions. And sometimes, we have customers who simply want a greener system. 

Our answer to these considerations is the innovative Singulair Green system from Norweco. It is one of the best wastewater treatment systems in the world and has provided us with many years of reliable performance. 

If you’re considering installing a new septic system or replacing your old one, then you should consider this system. 

To learn more about the Singulair Green, please keep reading!

Aerobic v. Anaerobic

Bacteria gets a bad rap. But in a septic system, it’s necessary to break down wastewater (or effluent), so it can be safely returned to nature. And it’s important to know that there are two types of bacteria: aerobic and anaerobic, which we’ll explain shortly. 

Many septic systems aren’t efficient at breaking down wastewater for two reasons. Firstly, their tanks (that hold wastewater) have no system to let in air. This lack of air produces anaerobic bacteria, which don’t break down wastewater efficiently. Secondly, their tanks are made of concrete, which doesn’t promote the growth of bacteria as much as plastic does. Again, this combo is inefficient. 

The Singulair Green system is very efficient for a couple of reasons. Firstly, its central tank has an electromechanical aerator, a device which brings outside air into the tank – this produces super bacteria! Secondly, its tank is made of polyethylene plastic which promotes the growth of bacteria.

A look inside the system. Wastewater flows from left to right, becoming cleaner as it goes along. Image source

3-in-1 Design

We mentioned at the beginning that the Singulair Green system doesn’t have lateral lines. Lateral lines come into play at the end of the septic system process to help distribute wastewater back to nature. Since it doesn’t have these lateral lines, it treats wastewater through a 3-step process, each step happening in one of its 3 chambers. 

The 3-step process: 

1. Pretreatment. The first chamber receives wastewater directly from your home, and then contaminants are removed/solids settle to the bottom. This chamber needs pumping every three to five years, equal to a standard septic tank.

2. Aeration. The wastewater moves to the second chamber, where it’s mixed with oxygen. This mixture produces aerobic bacteria that break down the wastewater. By the way, this process is used by most municipal wastewater treatment facilities. 3. Clarification and filtration. The wastewater flows into the third chamber as a clean, odorless liquid. But if contaminants remain, they are returned to the second chamber to be broken down. This ensures your land will be protected from contamination. Finally, the effluent goes up through a filter and then through the outlet to be absorbed safely by your soil.

The arch-shaped outer shell of the system. Arches for structural strength date back to the Romans. Image source

Features

Durable. The tank has great structural integrity because its main body is arch-shaped and is supported by ribs. 

Economic. Since the only electrical component in this system is the aerator, its operating cost is low. 

Safe. This system’s components and electrical cords get buried underground, so it doesn’t pose a risk to children or pets.

Powerful. It can process normal amounts of wastewater, so you don’t need to worry about overloading it. And during big surges of liquids and solids, the system will continue to process wastewater at a high rate of efficiency. 

Easy installation. Installing this system is relatively quick and easy: we dig a trench and wire it up. This means you won’t have to wait long for your system to be up and running. 

Easily diagnosed. Your aerator will come with a Service Pro Control Center, an alarm and monitoring system that tells you if your components need servicing, and more. This means technicians can easily identify any issues your system may have. If you’re interested in installing a Singulair Green septic system or need service for your current system, there’s no better choice than BBB Septic and Portable Toilets! Contact us by clicking here.

The Innovative Technology BBB Septic Uses To Build Superior Systems

The Innovative Technology BBB Septic Uses To Build Superior Systems

Not everybody knows the Nike swoosh is based on a Greek myth. And not everyone knows the “BBB” in BBB Septic stands for Busy Being the Best. We think it’s a fun name, but it’s more than that. 

It’s a promise to our customers that we’ll strive to provide them with the best service possible. 

One way we do this is by installing systems with the innovative Quick4® Equalizer 24 Chambers, or EQ24 Chambers for short. Over the decades, we’ve seen the MAJOR issues that other kinds of systems – installed by other companies – cause homeowners. So, we only provide you with the best products. 

To learn more about this great tech, read on! 

EQ24 Chambers vs Pipe and Gravel 

In a traditional septic system, liquid waste would leave your home and head to its final destination, your drain field. Drain fields are constructed by digging trenches, filling them with truckloads of gravel, running many feet of PVC pipes through them, then covering all that up with more gravel and earth. 

It’s important to note: the PVC pipes buried in your drain field have holes in them to allow liquid waste to seep out and return to nature. 

A drainfield with the EQ24 Chamber system is different. Just a handful of PVC pipes are needed because the EQ24 Chambers transports and disperses the liquid waste. And there’s no need for truckloads of gravel. All this reduces the material, equipment, time, and labor it takes to install a septic system. 

Not to mention, the EQ24 Chambers are light-weight and made from recycled materials. 

Greater Efficiency 

One of the greatest advantages of the EQ24 Chambers is that they can hold three times the amount of water of a normal pipe and gravel system. This means we can go above and beyond the specifications required by your local health department. 

Convenience

One of the issues with traditional pipe-and-gravel systems is that they’re vulnerable to clogging. When they clog up, it can be very difficult and time-consuming to repair. This puts you, the homeowner, in an uncomfortable position for longer. 

Whereas, if the EQ24 Chamber ever clogs up (which does not happen as often as it does for pipe and gravel), the fix is quicker and easier. This means you can go back to normal sooner rather than later! 

Flexibility 

Another advantage of the EQ24 Chambers is flexibility. They can be rotated 10 to 15 degrees, right or left, to avoid obstacles like important trees or buildings on your property. 

Strength 

For as light as the EQ24 Chambers are, they’re very durable. In low-traffic areas of your property, we can sometimes cover them with just 6 inches of earth. And with just 1 foot of earth covering them, they can support up to 16,000 lbs of “wheel loads”. 

A Story 

Brad, a resident of Northwest Florida and owner of the Piney Grove Homestead, is currently building a “dream homestead/mini farm to be filled with animals and joy”. He wanted a septic system installed on his property; however, he was worried that the layout of his house and workshop wouldn’t allow for an adequate drainfield. 

But official plans were drawn up to install a septic system with EQ24 Chambers. Again, he had some doubt it would work. He watched as the install crew put in the drain field and was pleasantly surprised by how well things worked in his difficult layout. Whether you need maintenance or repair or installation of a new septic system, there’s no wiser choice than BBB Septic and Portable Toilets. Truly! Contact us by clicking here

2 Overlooked Ways To Lower Your Bills In 2023

2 Overlooked Ways To Lower Your Bills In 2023

One of the most overlooked ways of saving cash is reducing water usage. If you’re wondering, “Does that mean I should shower less in 2023? Or take super quick showers?” No, no, no, that’s not what we’re saying! There are better ways. Better smelling ways. One of the best ways to reduce water usage and lower utility bills is to install low-flow fixtures.

To learn more, we invite you to keep reading!

Continue reading

8 Things You MUST Do For Your Septic System This Holiday

One of the best holiday traditions is packing up your car or boarding a flight to visit your family to celebrate. Or, if you’re the host, having your loved ones descend on your home in droves! It’s a lot of fun. However, it also means you must be extra careful with your septic system. 

Since it’s designed to be used by a set amount of people, having all those extra folks in your home can cause it to become overworked, leading to a breakdown. 

So below, we’ve put together a list of recommendations to help you avoid septic problems this Holiday! And you’ll notice a common theme with all our tips: it’s crucial you avoid overloading your septic system with water all at once! 

We recommend this to avoid backups and effluent clogging your drain field, among other issues. 

1. Avoid your garbage disposal. For now! 

With the holidays comes lots of cooking, which comes with tons of food scraps. To prevent clogs in your pipes from this excess, we recommend you put ALL scraps in the garbage. You can resume your normal routine once your loved ones head home! 

2. Fill up your dishwasher before you run it. 

It is inevitable: You’re going to deal with a mountain of dishes! So instead of running your dishwasher back to back, we recommend filling it all the way up before you press “wash”. We also recommend running it when no one’s in the shower. 

3. Say what can and cannot go in the toilet. 

There are a host of things that should never be flushed into a septic tank: tissues, disposable wipes, paper towels, tampons, floss, etc. Since you own a septic system, you about these things; however, your guests may not! 

If you don’t feel comfortable conversing with them about how to use the bathroom, which is totally understandable, you can place a sign with rules on it in your bathroom. Humorous and/or cheerful signs are great for communicating this awkward message!

4. Do your laundry on a schedule. 

While you’re hosting loved ones, we recommend doing your laundry at these times: 1. days before your guests arrive, 2. when no one’s showering or using your dishwasher, or 3. avoid running any loads until after everyone heads home! 

5. Shower on a schedule. 

We suggest having everyone choose a time they prefer to shower: A good rule of thumb is to have some folks shower in the morning and others at night! 

6. Rope off your drain field. 

We suggest roping off or telling your guests not to park on your drain field. Parking in this area can result in serious damage to your system and decrease the effectiveness of your drain field. 

7. Watch for bad signs. 

Before your guests arrive and while they’re with you, watch for shower or bathtub drains that are draining slowly. Watch for water that drains from one appliance into another. See if your drain field fills with stagnant or unmoving water. Listen for gurgling noises in your pipes. Watch for toilets and sinks that backup. And see if your yard begins to smell like sewage. 

If you observe any of the things above, have a septic technician come and repair your system! 

8. Schedule maintenance! 

If your system is older or hasn’t been looked at in a while, putting extra stress on it can aggravate some of its hidden problems. In other words, you could have a disaster waiting to happen and not know it. If you can, schedule your septic maintenance before Christmas; technicians tend to be very busy when it’s time for trees and lights to go up! Need maintenance or repair before all your guests arrive for joyous festivities? Then contact the company that NorthWest Arkansas relies on, BBB Septic and Portable Toilets! You get in touch with us by clicking here.

6 Crazy and Interesting Facts About Septic Systems

You probably don’t think much about your septic system because it’s underground and out of sight. These systems, however, are more than just a tank in the ground, so for your reading pleasure, we’ve compiled a list of facts about septic systems that we think you’ll find surprising and informative. Enjoy!

They Can Blow Up… Yep.

Methane forms when the waste in your septic tank gets broken down by bacteria. This gas is VERY flammable. If enough of it builds up in your septic tank (due to bad ventilation) and it gets exposed to some sort of flame: KABOOM. Your septic system could explode under these conditions, so it’s always a good idea to keep them properly maintained.

The Average Family In The U.S. Uses 300+ Gallons of Water A Day

The average family uses more than 300 gallons of water daily. Just flushing the toilet can use up to 7 gallons of water per flush, and that’s not even taking into account showers, dishes, and laundry. Here’s a little breakdown of how this water is used:

  • Flushing the toilet: 18 – 24 gallons 
  • Showering: 20 gallons 
  • Washing machine: 15 gallons
  • Dishwasher: 4 – 10 gallons
  • Hygiene: 2.5 gallons

The Size of A Tank Isn’t Based on The Size of A House

Instead, the size is based on the number of bedrooms you have. Check out the numbers below to get an idea of what size home should have what size tank.

  • 1 – 3 bedroom house: 1,000-gallon tank 
  • 4 bedroom house: 1,200-gallon tank
  • 5 bedroom home: 1,500-gallon tank
  • 6 bedroom home: 1,750-gallon tank

Septic Tanks Can Affect Groundwater 

145 million Americans drink groundwater via wells and pumps. Groundwater also leads into the water, where people swim, fish, etc. Sometimes, septic tanks are installed above places with groundwater. 
If a septic tank ever cracks or the drain field (where your liquids are dispersed) becomes overloaded, waste can leak into groundwater and contaminate it. 

The Stuff Inside Your Tank Can Give You Clues About Your Lifestyle

It’s strange to think about someone pumping out the contents in your septic tank and then knowing something about you. But, your technician can tell what kind of pet you have, the sort of toilet paper you favor, and even what you eat and drink. Like we said: strange. 

The Gas In Your Tank Is Deadly

Besides methane, the breakdown of waste in your tank also forms hydrogen sulfide (a colorless poisonous gas that smells like rotten eggs). It would cause asphyxiation (loss of oxygen) if someone breathed it in. This could lead to them becoming unconscious in minutes or dying instantly. So always call a pro if you think your tank needs looking at. 

With some of these facts, we hope you see that installing, maintaining, and repairing a septic system requires special knowledge and training. So if you notice signs that make you think you need professionals to come out and look over your system, contact BBB Septic and Portable Toilets. Get in touch with us by clicking here. 

The Septic Tank That Ruined A Dream

sceptic tank being installed

Inspired by True Events 

It was around 2008. Inspired and encouraged by an in-law, a couple and their 3 children dreamed of moving from their dying city to rural Iowa. They badly wanted a quiet, simple life. The in-law, who already lived in the country, constantly told them, “If you’re going to buy a house out here, do it now! With how the economy is going, it’s going to become too hard or impossible for ya’ll to do it later.” The couple felt a sense of urgency. 

For about 20 years, the in-law lived a mile or so down a dirt road from some friends, an old farmer, and his wife. It just so happened that the old farmer and his wife put up their home for sale; a beautiful white house on five acres with fruit trees, a large garden, a chicken coup, and a stream running through the back. A house perfect for a family with children. The in-law told the couple they should hurry, hurry, hurry and buy the old farmers’ place. 

So they did. 

The farmhouse needed some renovations. One of the first things the couple decided to do was install a septic tank before they moved in. They hired a local company, and the technicians started the work and desperately hoped to finish before the cold and snow arrived to stop them. They finished the project right before the start of winter. The first snow fell the day before the couple, and their children were going to arrive with their moving truck. 

While the family finished packing in the city (excited to move the next day), the cold was forcing their buried septic tank out of the ground. The long series of pipes that ran from their dream home to their tank were cracking and popping off their connections. 

That same day, the in-law came over and assessed the damage. He covered his mouth when he saw it. He explained what had gone wrong: the people they hired had forgotten to fill the tank with water, which would’ve kept it from popping out of the ground. They soon realized that all the work would have to be redone. But the winter had come. They would have to wait some months to have operating sinks, toilets, and washing machines. 

Their dream had turned into an anxious reality. 

We tell you this story to make a point: when you hire a company to do a major home improvement project, like installing a septic tank, make sure they have a good record of satisfied customers. Make sure they’re known for quality craftsmanship and are willing to fix any mistakes they might make because you don’t want a septic tank ruining your dreams!