This feature in Pumper reports noteworthy conversations that take place at the Pumper Discussion Forum, an online forum for industry professionals found at www.pumper.com. Pumper Discussion enables exchange of information and ideas on septic and drainfield installation and maintenance, trucks and equipment, portable sanitation, chemical and additives and much more. Information and advice in "Overheard Online" is offered in good faith by industry professionals. However, readers should consult in depth with appropriate industry sources before applying such advice to a specific business situation.

Question:

I'm curious what professionals in the septic industry think of someone going into septic tank pumping as a (retirement) career. With my present job, I'm earning $65,000 with great benefits and only 8 years to go before I can retire. I will be almost 55 when I do retire, and would like to continue working, but in a different industry. I have a CDL with tank and hazmat endorsements. Is this a good career choice after I retire from what I'm doing now?

Answers:

I hope you're in good shape. Septic tank pumping can take a toll on you. I'm only 25 and it's not so bad for me. But you have to drag 3-inch hose up hills in the snow or when it is 100 degrees outside. Also, you have to dig sometimes a foot or two in the ground if the tank doesn't have a riser. Then you get the bad septic tanks with a foot-thick scum layer on the top. It can be hard at times.

I would think that you could find something easier than to start pumping tanks at age 55, but if you are not afraid of work—and I do mean work—then go for it. Do your homework and figure out what you need and go. The worst thing you could do is nothing after retirement.

I know a little old lady who pumps tanks! If you can pass a Department of Transportation physical, it's a safe bet you could handle the actual work. The real questions are: Do you have what it takes to start a business? Are you a self-motivated hustler? Are you a salesman? Does rejection bother you? And most of all, do you have enough money to feed your family until you get the business off the ground?

If none of these questions stumped you and you are a self-motivated go-getter who can sell yourself, you could get in one of these trucks and make more than your job pays in the first year. A highly motivated person with super people skills can easily make six figures in a short time. Now the other side of the coin is that if any of those questions stumped you, then you should certainly consider something else because you would, without a doubt in today's tough market, wind up being another one of those guys doing work for anything just to pay your past-due bills.

I think it depends on the area. Around here, risers are a luxury. Tanks are extremely aged and have full-sized concrete lids. I have pretty fit, big guys working for me and they have their tails whipped. Some tanks are 3 to 4 feet deep. Even pop lids on tanks approved to be driven on are very, very thick. I wouldn't hire anyone of retiring age or a smaller woman. It just wouldn't work.

When I first went into business in 1991, there was an old WWII veteran, Harry Smith, who cleaned tanks literally until the day he died! In 1997, he was in his 80s and was diagnosed with cancer. He took the option of surgery, which was not advised because he had it so bad. The day of his surgery, he got up early and took his grandson to work with him. They had three complete lids to dig up and remove; the pup dug one and he dug the other two. At noon, he went into surgery and didn't make it through. Harry Smith himself told me "Can't never could!"

For what it's worth, the guy who pumps my tank is 85 years old. He is a lot like my dad, who is also 85 and does work that makes me look bad. These guys are not from the generation of lazy types. Anyway, he sold his waste collection business years ago and has been doing septic tank pumping ever since. He believes that if he quits, he will die. He is a great man and has actually become a good friend of mine. My reason for asking in the first place was if he does retire, I was considering his business if he would sell it.