What a septic proposal is for
A slow septic system can mean anything from an overdue pumping to a failing field, and homeowners dread the big repair. Three options, from the least to the most involved, let them start with the likely fix and see the path if it is not enough. Be honest about what each option can solve.
What to put on a septic proposal
- The symptoms and findings, the same in each.
- What each option addresses.
- Permits where needed.
- What happens if it is not enough.
- One acceptance line.
A worked example
The slow-draining house with the buried lids. Each option starts with pumping; the higher ones add repairs and the evaluation that decides whether the field needs work.
Option 1: Good: pump and jet. Pump the tank and jet the line to the field.
| Line | Qty | Unit | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Septic tank pumping | 1,000 | gal | Your price |
| Line jetting | 60 | ft | Your price |
Option 2: Better: pump, repair and risers. Adds baffle replacement and risers for future access.
| Line | Qty | Unit | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Septic tank pumping | 1,000 | gal | Your price |
| Line jetting | 60 | ft | Your price |
| Outlet baffle replacement | 1 | each | Your price |
| Riser and lid install | 2 | each | Your price |
Option 3: Best: field evaluation and repair plan. Adds a drain field evaluation and camera inspection to plan the repair.
| Line | Qty | Unit | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Septic tank pumping | 1,000 | gal | Your price |
| Camera inspection of lines | 1 | each | Your price |
| Drain field evaluation | 1 | each | Your price |
| Riser and lid install | 2 | each | Your price |
Be clear that option one may not fix a failing field. A homeowner who knows that up front will trust you with option three.
Line items septic companies use
| Line item | Unit | How to write it |
|---|---|---|
| Septic tank pumping | gal | By tank size; say the size pumped. |
| Locate and dig up lids | each | When lids are buried. |
| Riser and lid install | each | Brings lids to the surface for easy access. |
| Septic inspection | each | For a sale or maintenance; name what it covers. |
| Camera inspection of lines | each | House to tank, tank to field. |
| Baffle repair or replacement | each | Inlet or outlet. |
| Effluent filter cleaning | each | Where the system has one. |
| Line jetting | ft | Clears roots and buildup. |
| Pump or alarm replacement | each | For pump systems. |
| Drain field evaluation | each | Probing and inspection of the field. |
| Drain field repair or replacement | each | Design and permits often required. |
| Permit and health department fees | each | Repairs and replacements often need county approval. |
Terms and deposit language for septic
- Deposit. No deposit on pumping and inspections. Repairs and drain field work take a deposit for permits and materials.
- Payment. Due on completion for pumping and inspections; repairs by milestone.
- Warranty. State your workmanship warranty on repairs; pumps and alarms carry the maker's warranty.
- Lids must be located; digging is billed if they are buried.
- Drain field work usually needs county or health department permits and may need a design.
- Driving over the drain field can damage it; trucks stay off it.
How to fill it in
- Fill in the customer and the job.
- Check each option's name, its one-line difference and its lines.
- Add your prices; each option totals on its own.
- Set tax, the deposit and the good-until date.
- Print it, download it, or send it from Koira so the customer can pick and sign on the phone.
Free tools for septic
- Labor rate calculator
- Pipe volume calculator
- Maintenance plan pricing calculator
- Satellite measuring tool
The same proposal for other trades: appliance repair, auto detailing, carpet cleaning, chimney, house cleaning, commercial cleaning, concrete, drywall, electrical, fence, flooring, garage door, general contractor, gutter, handyman, hvac, irrigation, junk removal, landscaping, lawn care, locksmith, moving, painting, pest control, plumbing, pool service, pressure washing, remodeling, roofing, snow removal, solar, tree service, waterproofing, window cleaning.