Time-of-sale real estate inspections of septic tanks can generate a new revenue stream and gain access to future customers for pumper professionals. To aid those efforts, Prototek Corp. offers Mirror-On-A-Stick, a device that allows septic service contractors to safely and thoroughly examine the inside walls of septic tanks, either during home sale inspections or during routine pumping visits.

“Basically, no septic pumping job is complete without being certain of the tank’s condition,” says Scott Taylor, communications director for Prototek. “Pumping out what’s in the tank is only part of the issue. A customer needs to know that the interior of a tank is intact and functioning as it should.”

The Mirror-On-A-Stick features a corrosion-resistant, strong and lightweight anodized aluminum pole. It telescopes from 5 to 10 feet, and a camlock inside the handle tube allows for easy locking and unlocking with a quick twist. It’s light enough to float, too, should it be dropped, Taylor says.

A knuckle fitting that connects the pole to the mirror articulates, which allows critical adjustment to find the precise angle needed for inspection. “If you tighten it just enough, you can adjust the angle of the mirror without pulling it completely out of the tank, just by gently pushing it against part of the tank,” Taylor notes.

The flashlight is a StealthLite model, made by Pelican Products Inc., featuring a 10,000-candlepower Xenon beam designed to work when submerged in water up to 500 feet. The detachable flashlight is powered by four AA batteries, allowing for convenient replacement.

“The flashlight fits directly into a clip on the pole above the mirror, so it shines onto the mirror,” Taylor explains. “The angle of the mirror bounces light directly upward at whatever it is you want to see. The light also is chemical proof, so if you dip it in the tank, you won’t hurt it.”

The device’s 8- by 10-inch mirror is made of durable acrylic, which won’t break as easily as glass and is lighter, too. And if the mirror is too large to fit into a certain area, it can be cut to various shapes. It attaches and detaches quickly via a spring-loaded button at the end of the pole.

All parts on the Mirror-On-A-Stick are replaceable, so if one part breaks, a pumper doesn’t have to buy a complete unit. The device can also be used for other applications, such as viewing the underside of vehicles, inspecting gutters and chimneys and so forth, Scott adds. 800/541-9123; www.prototek.net/Acc-MOAS.php.