Ms. Stewart is not completely forthcoming nor transparent regarding the services we provided.
First, she was not present during ANY of the services to speak regarding our performance. She elected for her partner Greg to be onsite as an authorized representative and the person to make the decisions. Greg was the only person during both visits to speak with Justin regarding the severe broken septic system and recommendations.
Our initial service visit was on 7/7/22, the customer called regarding her concern over the septic tank functionality as she had several other septic pumping companies pump the tank within a short period of time. At the time of arrival Justin found the tank was already unearthed and exposed by Greg, we had no dealings with exposing the tank thus it was not our obligation to backfill, that was not what we were hired for. Our service was to help locate what was causing the sewer to not leach. We attempted to locate a possible broken line or at least the distribution box (D-box) by using our camera locator device. Unfortunately, due to the location of their deck and a above-ground pool in the same vicinity of their in-ground septic system caused interference with our equipment. We were able to drop the camera approximately 15 feet into the line before it stopped and would not proceed further and due to the the ground on her property being excessively dry, compacted and full of rocks, it prevented us from using our probe to assist in the line location. Justin explained to Greg that the nearby structures caused such an interruption with the equipment along with the inability to pierce the ground that we could not pin the exact location of lines and/or D-box(s). Justin showed Greg a 3 foot radius, the area that had the strongest ping, along with disclosing that they could have: a broken line, collapsed line, that the camera settled inside a D-box, there were multiple scenarios. We were not able to verify as the camera was under water when it abruptly stopped and we could not probe. We offered to return to continue services at additional charges that would incorporate using a jack hammer and possible heavy equipment to excavate. Greg declined stating that since he doesn't have a job that he can do that type of work (digging) as thats how he earns his keep being there. We concluded services with the understanding that the customer would be unearthing and doing what they can in an effort to save money.
On July 27th Laura called frantically about a septic emergency they were experiencing as the septic tank was seeping out of the tank onto the nearby ground. We provided Golden Standard service by re-arranging our schedule to accommodate her immediate emergency service need in Penngrove that same day, in fact, we arrived within a few hours from the time she called. We pumped 1500 gallons of hazardous septic waste which included an incredible amount of sludge (a clear indication that the previous company did not pump the solid side fully).
Our fees are flat rate based on the gallon size of a tank and if we have to use more than 60' feet of hose, which is all a common price practice in our industry. Also, our fees are all inclusive; including the $300 dump fee we pay directly to the treatment center to properly dispose the hazardous waste, the cost of the annual permit fee to dump at the treatment center, cost of commercial insurance policy with the additional fee to have the treatment facility as an endorsed agent on the policy, monthly bank payment for the $100,000 specialty truck to perform such services, fee to hold a bond and liability insurances in compliance with the State of California, costs to maintain a proper Contractors License with the State of CA, and all other operating costs to operate an ethical service company.
We acknowledge receiving messages on September 27th; one from Greg, then two from Laura all on the same day. However, Laura is falsely claiming that we never returned their call, in fact Justin called Greg's phone number on September 29th at 10:00am as requested and left a message (we have screenshot proof of the return phone call that shows supporting details). In fact, we are the party still waiting for a reply to our voice message.
Furthermore, receiving an estimated price for services over the phone is not comparable to the price a customer pays when services have been rendered. For a person to attest to a company's workmanship or level of competency when they have yet to provide services is presumptuous.
It is important to note that we hold a valid contractors license in the specialized classifications of: plumbing and sanitary systems specialist with the State of California and over 22 years of experience. Further, any contractor performing repairs or installations on septic systems MUST hold a valid contractors license with the State. As of this reply, Sequoia Septic DOES NOT hold a valid Contractors License with the State of California which means they are barred from legally performing any sort of repairs or installations. With no license means they most likely do not hold the required insurances and bond a contractor must maintain as it protects homeowners financial investment should the contractor fail to perform as contracted and/or from faulty workmanship. Please note: septic pumping services do not require a contractors license to pump the sewer waste, only those providers who offer any type of repair and/or installation home improvement services.
Our California compliant service company is not comparable to the company Ms. Stewart has hired to perform illegal repairs on her failed septic system. Our company endures many expenses to operate lawful services, any provider can offer a difference in service fees by avoiding credentials to legally provide services.
We recommend Ms. Stewart to use her computer skills to educate herself on ethically hiring professional State licensed contractors for homeowner repairs instead of writing libe