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Residential
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Do you service RV’s or portable toilets?Unfortunately, most individual RV’s have a small tank a small hose hook-up. Our trucks are better suited for large tanks, so we don’t usually do RV’s. We aren’t able to support portable toilets, either.
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Do you service boats?While we don’t own many yachts ourselves (we wish!) we are occasionally able to service boats if they’re docked with good hose access. Let us take a look and we can see!
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What areas do you service?Our fleet is pretty extensive, so we probably cover your area. Check out our coverage map to be sure.
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What are your hours?All day, every day, baby! Seriously — we know septic system issues can happen at the worst times, so you can talk to a customer service representative 24/7 (even on holidays!).
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Why is my toilet flushing slowly?Unless it’s just feeling particularly lazy, a slow flushing toilet probably means you need septic pumping service. It also might indicate a clog.
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Why would I have odors inside my house?Your EarthCare technician can help you figure out what’s smelling funky, usually by asking a few questions like, “Has it been more than a year since your last pumping service? Where are the odors originating from? Is there an unused drain in your house?”
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How long down the line can your cable go?Well, if you must know, our cables have 50-foot baskets, so we send them out in 50-foot intervals. Theoretically, we can link them together and go as far down as we need to.
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Does someone need to be present at the time of my Drain Cleaning service?‘Fraid so. We’ll need to get inside, so we need someone to let us in!
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How long is an inspection good for?A septic inspection is not a warranty, and the operating condition of that system is made based on the findings at the time of the inspection and does not guarantee the future life or longevity of the system being inspected.
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When do I get my inspection report?You will know immediately after the inspection if the system is found to be working properly or if repairs or a replacement is recommended. The physical report will usually take two days to be issued. We ask that you provide all contact information at the time of service so that reports can be expedited to the appropriate parties.
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How much digging is involved?The amount of digging will vary depending on the type and age of the septic system being inspected. Systems installed prior to 1999 will usually have lids that are buried below ground and they will require digging. Tank depths can range from 6 inches to several feet below grade. Systems constructed after 1999 will usually have a riser installed bringing the cover to grade.
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How long does the inspection usually last?There are many different types of septic systems out there and the estimated time required to perform a proper inspection will depend on the type of system you have but on average it will take about two hours.
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During the septic inspection will I have to have septic pumping service?The septic tank will need to be pumped if the drainage area is found to be in satisfactory condition. We schedule the inspection to include a pumping and if issues are found the pumping is postponed until the issues can be resolved.
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Commercial
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Can you clean grease and sludge build-up on floats and transducers?We certainly can. We clean lift stations of all sizes and configurations and handle line clearing for any float or transducer. Bypasses can be performed if needed, and all of our technicians are C.S.E trained to perform tasks needed to keep your lift stations ship-shape.
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Can you handle large weather events?Of course! We have a state-of-the-art fleet of Hy-Vac trucks, pump trailers and support equipment with highly-trained technicians to respond to all your emergency needs.
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What size lines can the Hy Vac accommodate?Glad you asked. Our Vactors can jet up to a 30-inch main line standard and we also have specialized cleaning capability for main lines up to five feet.
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How often should I clean a Storm Drain?Storm Drains should be cleaned yearly. Generally, try cleaning before winter to avoid any issues with ice in the drains.
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Do you provide Hy Vac services?We sure do. Give our customer service center a call to set up an appointment.
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Can you empty catch basin with debris?Most catch basins with debris should be no problem. To be certain, though, give our customer service team a call.
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Can you jet inside the store? How messy will this be?You bet. We’ll do this after your normal business hours, though, and make sure your business is spotless before you open up.
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Snaking vs. Jetting: What’s the difference and how do I decide?Jetting is usually good for soft blockages (grease, paper, etc.). A snake, on the other hand, can help clear harder blockages like hair or roots. We’ll determine the best method depending on where the cleanup access is, the length of the line, and if you’re scared of snakes or not (just kidding!).
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Can you video inspect any line? What are the limitations?Barring super heavy blockage or heavy cloud liquid that would block our camera, we should be able to get video inspections of any lines you have.
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What is not good to pour down the drain?Any thick or sugary liquids (sorry, molasses) are usually bad things to put down your drain. When in doubt, throw it out— No food particles should go down your drain, so make sure to scrape plates into the trash.
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What can I do to prevent floor drain backups?Screens on floor drains help keep out debris. Of course, making sure to keep mop strings, gloves, and food away from drains and avoiding dumping grease in the lines is your best line of defense!
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Can you send multiple trucks at the same time?Sometimes one truck won’t do the trick. If needed, we’ll send as many trucks as it takes.
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How many gallons does your truck hold?Our fleet varies, but our biggest trucks hold a walloping 9000 gallons! The standard size for services, though, is a 4800-gallon pump truck.
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Do you have special pricing for contractors?We have service contracts available for frequent commercial customers. Please talk to our Commercial Sales Team for specifics!
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Do you recommend bacteria and if so what is that actually doing, especially, if I pump monthly?Bacteria can actually be a helpful part of your system and actually improve the lifespan of your system. Household cleaners can kill bacteria, though, so we do recommend the use of bacterial additives. One exception — if you pump monthly, talk to us before using bacterial additives as they might not be needed.
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What is not good to flush down the toilet?Pretty much everything! Besides one-ply toilet paper and human waste, anything puts your system at risk. (Even goldfish!) Soaps and cleaners will end up in your septic tank, too, so remember to use green products that will keep your system happy.
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How often should I have septic pumping service?Usually, every one to two years. For older or higher volume systems more frequent pumping may be needed, and the frequency can also be affected by use levels and how much water you’re handling.
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What is a filter?We recommend filters as part of our 3-Step Maintenance plan for a healthy system. Filters are installed in your outlet tee and act as a strainer, keeping out hair, grit and grime from your tank and leach field lines.
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Why pump the whole tank, can’t you skim it?While skimming sounds like an easy fix, it actually misses the bigger part of the problem — sludge at the bottom of the tank. As your tank ages, a sludge layer that isn’t dealt with will put you at risk for a backup.
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What is Drain Master?Often confused with a sewer-dwelling superhero, Drain Master is actually an enzyme that helps break down grease and keep your system flowing well. Talk to your EarthCare technician about the right amount of Drain Master for you system.
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How often should I get my outside grease tank serviced?This one depends on your tank condition and how much grease your business produces. (If you run an 80’s style hair salon, you’re probably going to need more frequent service.) As a general rule, the Board of Health usually requires quarterly servicing.
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What is a sugar snake and what can be done to control this?One of the most fearsome beasts you’ll encounter in a kitchen, a sugar snake is a congealed glob of sugar residue that builds up over time and can clog your drain pipes. We recommend installing Pro Clean, an automatic dispenser of a liquid enzyme, to help break down the buildup. We can customize the dispenser frequency to your needs — just ask!
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Do you comply with State and Board of Health regulations, which require service logs?We don’t skimp on paperwork. Our service technicians are highly trained in your local and state logging requirements and will make sure to keep and submit all appropriate records.
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How do I keep foreign objects out of my grease traps?Much like with mosquitos, screens or strainers over your sink drains will do wonders. Proper screens are important — ask your EarthCare drain technician about the right choice for your business. It’s always a best practice to scrape food into trash cans.
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Why do I have odors in my kitchen?Assuming you’re not cooking a garlic and sauerkraut stew, odors in your kitchen probably point to needing a new gasket or some jetting work. One of our technicians can use a nifty tool called a “snifter” to pinpoint the exact location of the smell and figure out what service you need to get your kitchen smelling rosy again.
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Why is my inside grease trap backing up if you just cleaned it recently?Sounds like you’ve got a clog! If you were recently serviced then this is probably a call for our Drain Cleaning team. Give us a ring and we’ll be right over!
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Do you install inside grease traps, and how much do they cost?Installing inside grease traps usually requires a licensed plumber. Luckily, we’ve got a bunch on staff! Our plumbers have all the qualifications needed for an install. Give us a call for a free quote! Pricing is typically dependent trap size and location.
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How often should I get my inside grease trap serviced?This one depends on your trap condition and how much grease your business produces. As a general rule, the state of Massachusetts requires service every 90 days.
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Will I have a dedicated sales or account manager who I can call with concerns on my account?If you need an account manager just for you, not a problem — we’d be happy to assign you a commercial account rep that you can call up anytime.
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Do you provide an estimated time of arrival on the day of service?We know you don’t have time to wait around, so we make sure to provide estimated arrival times (and stick to them!) Feel free to call our customer service center at any time to get an estimate of when we’ll be there.
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Do I have to fill out a credit application?Nope — we usually don’t require a credit check before your first service. However, please check with our customer service department for more details.
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Do you do electronic invoicing?We consider having up-to-date technology in all parts of our business a priority, so electronic invoicing is certainly something we do. Our accounts department is quite experienced with all types of invoicing practices and can comply with any invoice requirements you have.
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Is a PO or formal agreement required in order to secure EarthCare services?While we’d certainly appreciate a PO or agreement, we understand that fixing an emergency in the moment is a higher priority than paperwork. We make sure to employ a team of administrators that can help sort things out with municipal purchasing departments after-the-fact.
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Is Holiday and Weekend service available?Please. Need you even ask? Flow backups/clogs, line breaks, and sewerage system failures don’t always happen at convenient times. With that in mind, yes — we’re available any time of day or night, holiday or not.
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I have multiple locations — can you service all of them?We’d be happy to! With the largest fleet in the business, many of our clients use us in all their locations throughout the region.
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Are you available 24/7 for emergency service?You bet. You can call us up and talk to a real person 24/7 (take that, cable companies!) and we always have an extensive fleet of managers and senior technicians ready to come service your business at a moment’s notice.
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What do you recommended as preventative maintenance, and how do I know what’s right for me?Short answer is: totally depends. If you’re a restaurant that experiences yearly drain line clogs, for example, you’re probably best off with a yearly jetting service of your interior lines. Give us a call and we can give you some advice specific to your business, free of charge.
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Do you provide automatic recurring maintenance service?Yep! We have all types of options for automatic services and would be happy to set you up with routine visits at the proper frequency so you can take “Remember to schedule service” off your to-do list. Contact Us for more information.
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Municipal
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What pipeline maintenance services does EarthCare provide?Pipeline installation, re-lining, and crawler cameras (up to 72” pipes) all feature prominently in our service line. Give us a call for more info!
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Can you facilitate a pipeline repair?Whether it’s providing main line camera service to plan infrastructure maintenance or assisting with any and all types of repairs, we’re here to keep your infrastructure operating in top gear.
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Is Alum sludge hauling available?Yes, we’re very accustomed to the compliant disposal of Alum material.
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Does EarthCare have equipment specific to lagoon cleaning?WRE has pumps and related equipment specifically engineered for lagoon service work. Our Tiger lagoon pumps, floating pumps, and boxes are effective in properly removing material (and for defeating lagoon monsters).
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What method does EarthCare use to service digesters?Intergalactic Plasma Blasters! No, just kidding. We implement pumping and hauling services as well as GEO tubes to clean digesters.
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Is this digester cleaning service available?Sure thing – our hydraulic pumps easily handle this heavy material.
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Does EarthCare service leachate collection lines?Our primary service is jetting, but we do realize that keeping these open is critical in managing methane collection.
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Is there a volume consideration for your company?EarthCare regularly provides this service and we’re always on alert following heavy precipitation. We have a fleet of pump trailers on hand, and we’re ready to handle requests for removals of over 200,000 gallons in one day.
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Can you provide us with portable storage tanks?Yep, we regularly spot tanks on municipal sites. Our FRAC tanks range up to 21,000 gallons in size (not that we’re bragging).
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Are EarthCare technicians confined space trained and compliant?All of our WRE technicians are trained on several OSHA compliant programs including CSE, LOTO, MSHA, Fall Protection and many others. Our Safety director can assist you with all of our training programs and certifications. (He’s super friendly — give him a call!)
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What are EarthCare’s disposal options?WRE has several disposal facilities throughout the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic to handle all your non-hazardous waste. We also have an environmental department that can assist with all necessary permitting and reporting to dispose of your waste. The environment’s important, so we take disposal regulations seriously!
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Can you help with bypass pumping during maintenance or repair projects?Yes, we can handle bypass pumping on all size projects. We keep an inventory of portable bypass pumps readily available for this very purpose!
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Can you handle a high volume water treatment plant with hauling needs of large volume?We’re proud to say that WRE has a large fleet of trucks of all sizes that can assist you with all of your municipal sludge hauling, no matter what volume you need to have hauled. We’ll arrange for disposal at one of our own WWTP or other POTW, and we’re accustomed to handling dry cake (what could be less appetizing?) as well a liquid sludge waste (oh, that). We perform contract price hauling or emergency service — either works for us!
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Can you get rid of excessive odor in proximity to basin grates?No one likes odor issues, storm water system-related or not! We have several teams of technicians trained in operating high pressure water jetters; power washing the sludge buildup and scum should fix things right up.
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Can you catch basin cleaning remove excessive trash and debris from storm water flow?
Our fleet of Hy-Vac equipment can perform all types of services for your storm water infrastructure system, including:
- Large diameter culvert pipe cleaning.
- Removal of grit and debris from catch basins.
- Camera surveys (extra fee for selfies).
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Can you clean grease and sludge build-up on floats and transducers?We certainly can. We clean lift stations of all sizes and configurations and handle line clearing for any float or transducer. Bypasses can be performed if needed, and all of our technicians are C.S.E trained to perform tasks needed to keep your lift stations ship-shape.
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Can you handle large weather events?Of course! We have a state-of-the-art fleet of Hy-Vac trucks, pump trailers and support equipment with highly-trained technicians to respond to all your emergency needs.
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Is a PO or formal agreement required in order to secure EarthCare services?While we’d certainly appreciate a PO or agreement, we understand that fixing an emergency in the moment is a higher priority than paperwork. We make sure to employ a team of administrators that can help sort things out with municipal purchasing departments after-the-fact.
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Is Holiday and weekend service available?Please. Need you even ask? Flow back ups/clogs, line breaks, and sewerage system failures don’t always happen at convenient times. With that in mind, yes — we’re available any time of day or night, holiday or not.
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What emergency/after-hours capabilities does EarthCare have?EarthCare knows that servicing waste water, sewerage and water treatment is no 9 – 5 job. We’re avalable 24/7 and can usually be on-site within two hours or less after your call.
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