Free Resource
Septic Installer Vetting Guide & Warranty Survival Checklist
Print this checklist and take it to every septic installation consultation. Eight questions that separate a company that will be there when you need them from one that won't.
Why This Checklist Exists
A septic installer quoting only $2,000 over cost — less than a 10% margin — is mathematically unsustainable. They're cutting corners somewhere, and when they eventually go out of business, their warranty dies with them. This guide gives you the questions to ask before you sign, so you don't become a warranty orphan. Read the full guide on cheap installations →
8 Questions to Ask Before You Sign
1. What is the warranty period, and what exactly does it cover?
Why ask: You need to know if it covers materials, labor, or both — and what's excluded. A 'warranty' that only covers the tank manufacturer's defect is not the same as one covering workmanship.
Red flag: Vague answers like 'we stand behind our work' without a written warranty document.
2. If your company closes, who backs the warranty?
Why ask: Thin-margin installers go out of business — it's mathematically inevitable. Manufacturer warranties on tanks and pumps are separate from the installer's workmanship warranty. Get both in writing.
Red flag: No answer, or 'don't worry about that.'
3. Can I see the perc test or soil evaluation results?
Why ask: A proper drainfield is sized based on actual soil absorption data. If they didn't do a perc test — or are using someone else's old data — your drainfield is sized on a guess.
Red flag: They skip soil testing entirely, or refuse to show you the results.
4. What is the drainfield sized for — current bedrooms or potential future bedrooms?
Why ask: If you ever add a bedroom or ADU, an undersized drainfield won't keep up. County code may require sizing for future capacity.
Red flag: They size for the minimum possible to save on materials.
5. What brand and model of tank, pump, and components are specified in the quote?
Why ask: A quote that says 'septic tank' without manufacturer, model, and capacity is hiding something. You should be able to look up every component and compare quality.
Red flag: Generic descriptions with no brand names or model numbers.
6. Is geotextile fabric included in the quote?
Why ask: Geotextile fabric prevents soil from migrating into the drainfield aggregate, significantly extending system life. It's inexpensive but easy to skip on a thin-margin job.
Red flag: It's not mentioned, or they say 'you don't need it.'
7. How many installations have you completed in my county in the last 12 months?
Why ask: County-specific code knowledge matters. An installer who rarely works in your county may miss local requirements, setback rules, or health department processes.
Red flag: Few or no recent jobs in your county.
8. Can I see the permit and as-built drawing before final payment?
Why ask: The as-built drawing documents exactly what was installed and where — essential for future maintenance, repairs, and property sales. A reputable installer provides this as standard.
Red flag: They want full payment before providing documentation.
10 Red Flags That Say "Walk Away"
Pressure to decide immediately — 'the price is only good today'
Quote comes in dramatically lower than competitors (less than 10% margin)
No written warranty document
Vague component descriptions with no brand names
Refusal to show perc test or soil evaluation results
No mention of geotextile fabric or proper compaction
Installer has no track record in your county
No as-built drawing provided after installation
Reluctance to answer questions or provide references
Demand for full payment before work is complete and documented
The Blackwater Guarantee
We answer every question on this checklist — in writing — before you sign anything. Our quotes specify exact component brands and models. Our warranties are documented. Our perc tests are real. And we'll be here in year five, year ten, and year twenty-five when you need us.
We're not the cheapest installer. We don't try to be. We're the company you call when the cheap installer is gone and your drainfield is backing up — and we'd rather you call us before that happens.