Commercial Septic and Grease Services FAQ’s
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General | Grease Trap Services |Septic Pumping Services | Drain Cleaning | Plumbing Services | Other Services
General Questions
Do you provide automatic maintenance service?
Yes, at EarthCare we have many options for automatic services and can set you up with the proper frequency and you will not have to worry about remembering to call us to schedule your service.
What is recommended as preventative maintenance and how does one come to that conclusion?
We may recommend any variety of services to be set up as a preventative maintenance plan. For example, if you own a restaurant and experience clogs in your drain lines each year, we may recommend that you schedule a yearly jetting of your interior lines to prevent clogging.
Are you available 24/7 for emergency service?
Yes. EarthCare is always available with live customer service 24/7. You can always reach us when you need us. We have an extensive fleet and our managers and senior technicians are always available.
I have multiple locations. Will you be able to service all my locations?
Yes, our coverage area is extensive and we have the largest fleet of anyone in our business.
Do you do electronic invoicing?
Yes, our accounts receivable department is very experienced with using all types of electronic invoicing software and will comply with any invoice requirements you may need.
Do you provide services after normal business hours?
Yes, we know that the nature of our business doesn't always allow for us to schedule service during your normal business hours. We will be glad to schedule services before or after your primary business hours.
Do I have to fill out a credit application?
We do not usually require this before your first service. However, please check with our customer service department for more details.
Do you provide an estimated time of arrival on the day of service?
Yes, you can call our customer service center at any time and our customer service representatives will check with dispatch to get you an estimated time of arrival.
Will I have a dedicated sales or account manager who I can call with concerns on my account?
If you require a dedicated account manager we will be glad to assign a commercial account representative for you to contact at any time.
Grease Trap Service Questions
How often should I get my outside grease tank serviced?
Depending on your tank condition and business levels your frequency for grease servicing can vary. As a general rule the Board of Health usually requires quarterly grease tank servicing for most businesses.
Can you empty catch basin with debris?
We are able to service catch basins in certain areas – call our customer service team for more details!
Do you install inside grease traps?
Yes, we have licensed plumbers on staff that have all the qualifications necessary to install inside grease traps for you. Give us a call and we will set up a visit for a quote!
How much will a new grease trap cost?
Grease trap installation pricing can vary – for inside grease traps the pricing will depend on trap size and location. If the grease trap is in the floor there will be more labor associated to the job than an above ground trap. Please call us and we can get more detail to quote you properly!
What is Drain Master?
Drain Master is an enzyme that in most cases can help break down the grease to keep it free flowing through your system. Talk to your EarthCare service technician about the proper dosage of Drain Master for your system.
Why is my inside grease trap backing up if you just cleaned it recently?
Inside grease traps can back up because of a clog in the inlet or outlet line. If you were recently serviced then this issue is probably one for our Drain Cleaning team, so give us a call!
Why do I have odors in my kitchen?
Depending on where the odors are coming from there could be a variety of reasons that there are odors. If, for example, the odors are coming from your grease trap, you may be in need of a gasket, or cover replacement or seal. If the odors are coming from your floor drains you may be in need of some jetting work to clear floor drains. Give us a call and we can help you determine where the odors are coming from (we have snifters that can help pinpoint the odors) and get the right service technician out for you.
How do I keep foreign objects out of my grease traps?
Screens on the drains will be able to help keep foreign objects out of your grease lines. Ask your EarthCare drain technician to help get the proper screens for you.
Why does my inside grease trap back up or overflow?
The number one cause of an interior grease trap overflow is a clog in the line coming into or out of the trap.
Do you comply with Board of Health regulations requiring service logs?
Our service technicians are highly trained and know that the Board of Health has specific requirements. Our technicians are always consistent with updating all appropriate service logs.
What is a sugar snake and what can be done to control this?
Sugar snake is a congealed glob of sugar that can clog your drain pipes. This is caused by sugar residue being rinsed off dishes, trays, coffees etc… and draining down the drains that lead into the grease trap. Using Pro Clean which your EarthCare technician can install for you helps to break down the sugar so that it doesn't congeal as quickly. Pro Clean is a liquid enzyme installed in an automatic drip dispenser that will be programmed to drip a certain amount of the enzyme into your grease trap. Your EarthCare technician can personalize your drip frequency for your needs. More frequent inside grease trap pumping is also necessary where sugar snakes are a problem.
Can I add product to the trap to help keep it running smoothly?
EarthCare service technicians can help assess what products will be best suited for your needs. Drain Master in most cases can help break down the grease to keep it free flowing through your system. See your EarthCare technician for more details and product pricing.
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Septic Pumping Service Questions
Do you service boats?
We are occasionally able to service boats if they are docked and if there is access that our hoses can attach to. Give us a call and we will see if we can help!
Do you service RV's?
In most cases individual RV's have a small tank and a small hose hook up. Our trucks and hoses are better suited for larger septic tanks.
Do you have portable Toilets?
We do not supply portable toilets.
Why pump the whole tank, can't you skim it?
Skimming the tank will not get the sludge out from the bottom of the tank. As your tank ages and that sludge layer builds it will take up more room in the tank therefore putting you at risk for a backup.
What is a filter?
We recommend filters as part of our 3 Step Maintenance plan for a healthy septic system. Filters keep the hair, grit and grime from getting out into and clogging your leach field lines. A filter would be installed in your outlet tee of your septic tank and acts as a strainer, keeping all solid large particles in the tank and therefore OUT of your leach field lines.
How often should I have septic pumping service?
You should have septic pumping service every 1 to 2 years. More frequent pumping service may be needed depending on the age of your septic system, how much water your system is handling on a regular basis, how many people live in the home, and the condition of your septic system.
What is not good to flush down the toilet?
You should not flush anything down the toilet aside from one ply toilet paper and human waste. We use other products throughout our daily lives that end up in the septic tank – cleaners, soaps, etc., so please remember that green products are better for your septic system.
Do you have special pricing for contractors?
We have service contracts available for frequent commercial customers including contractors. Please talk to our Commercial Sales Team for specifics!
How many gallons does your truck hold?
Our fleet is extensive – we have many different sized trucks ranging from 3600 gallons to 9000 gallon trucks and tankers. The standard size for our residential services is a 4800 gallon pump truck.
Can you send multiple trucks at the same time?
Yes, if you need to have multiple trucks at one site let us know what the situation is and we will be able to accommodate your needs!
Do you provide stand by services?
Yes, if you need us to be there for a period of time we will be able to provide that for you, please talk to our customer service center about the details of the job and we will be able to prepare for your needs.
Do you recommend bacteria and if so what is that actually doing, especially, if I pump monthly?
If you pump monthly, the use of bacteria may not be right for your particular system. However, in general, we do recommend the use of bacterial additives. Our products help to replace the bacteria needed in your tank that you kill by using everyday products for cleaning etc. Live bacteria in your tank and out in your leach field will help to keep your system running for years to come, keeping sludge levels at a minimum and combating the biological materials that are built up in your field so that it continues to leach as it should.
Drain Cleaning Questions
What can I do to prevent floor drain backups?
Screens on the floor drains can help to keep debris from entering your floor drain line. Keeping mop strings, gloves, food etc… out of the lines is your best defense against floor drain back-ups, along with making sure to avoid dumping grease into the lines. With our preventative maintenance program, you can stay one step ahead of these costly back-ups.
What is not good to pour down the drain?
Grease, paint, vegetable/cooking oil any thick or sugary liquid are all things to avoid pouring down the drain.
Can you video inspect any line? What are the limitations?
We will be able to video inspect any line as long as there is no blockage or heavy cloudy liquid in the line that will prevent us from seeing the image on the camera.
Snaking vs. Jetting - what's the difference and how do we decide?
Jetting is generally used for soft blockages (e.g. grease, paper, etc.). A Snake is used to help clear hard blockages in the line (e.g. hair, roots etc.). We will determine the best method to use depending on where the cleanout access is, how long the line is, and if it’s inside or outside.
Can you jet inside the store? How messy will this be?
Yes. We can jet inside the store. Generally, this is done before or after your normal business hours. EarthCare technicians are clean and professional and will make sure that your business is spotless before we leave.
What is a sugar snake and what can be done to control this?
Sugar snake is a congealed glob of sugar that can clog your drain pipes. This is caused by sugar residue being rinsed off dishes, trays, coffees etc… and draining down the drains that lead into the grease trap. Using Pro Clean which your EarthCare technician can install for you helps to break down the sugar so that it doesn't congeal as quickly. Pro Clean is a liquid enzyme installed in an automatic drip dispenser that will be programmed to drip a certain amount of the enzyme into your grease trap. Your EarthCare technician can personalize your drip frequency for your needs. More frequent inside grease trap pumping is also necessary where sugar snakes are a problem.
Plumbing Services Questions
Do you do sample testing for the Narragansett Bay Commission?
Yes, contact our customer service center and we will set up an appointment for you!
Other Services Questions
Do you provide vactor services?
Yes we do, give our customer service center a call for an appointment.
What is a catch basin?
A catch basin (or storm drain) helps to drain excess water from parking lots and roadways. The catch basin has a sump area that allows dirt to settle on the bottom and water to drain out of the basin. The dirt accumulates overtime and needs to be removed to prevent flooding and keep the catch basin working properly.
What recommendations do you make for Storm Drains? And, how often should they be cleaned?
Storm Drains should be cleaned yearly – usually before winter is a good time to avoid any issues with ice in the drains.
What size lines can the Vactor accommodate?
Our Vactors can jet up to a 30 inch main line standard and we also have specialized cleaning capability for up to a 5 foot main line.
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