Frank Parker once wore all the hats of a contractor serving the onsite wastewater industry. But when it came time to pursue the part of the business that got him up and excited every morning, Parker honed his focus to one important service: point-of-sale inspections.

He made the decision 14 years ago. “I didn’t really want to focus on installation, didn’t want to focus on pumping, and I was not interested in system maintenance. But what I did like were the Indiana Jones aspects of exploring every site I go to.”

So Parker took many years of experience working all aspects of the onsite industry and in businesses large and small – and decided to work alone. Today his business, Parker Wastewater Consulting Inc., investigates systems for customers in and around Philadelphia.

Parker views not being involved at all in fixing or replacing wastewater systems as an asset. Clients can be emotional about the subject, Parker says. They understand a roof problem or a faulty furnace, but they cannot handle news about a bad septic system. When a real estate agent approaches a seller with a report saying the wastewater system needs replacement or major work, the seller’s initial reaction is that the contractor is trying to generate work for himself, Parker says. Because Parker doesn’t do that work, his reports carry more credibility.

Be thorough
Because of these factors and business practices, Parker does about 350 inspections annually, estimated conservatively. “If you take out this winter’s snow – and I still worked through it, and it was not pleasant – usually I will do between 1.75 and 2.25 inspections per day on most days.” Times can vary greatly. On one job last year he spent 45 minutes just unbolting covers and finding access points on a complex irrigation system.

Some competitors charge a low price and claim they do five or six inspections per day.

“I have to wonder how comprehensive an inspection like that can be. It’s important to know what’s happening in a house, what kinds of fixtures they have, for example whether they have whirlpools or ice machines, and what suspicious things there are. Maybe the water meter is still turning even though no one is using water, which indicates a leak,” Parker says.

Customer education
When you take the time to look thoroughly, and the client sees that you took the time, it gives you more credibility than the guy who walks into a yard, sticks a probe in the ground and leaves. “I try to be somebody they can interact with rather than just some septic guy who just showed up and left,” Parker says.

The best inspections happen when the seller or buyer are present. Parker likes to sit down first and provide basic education on how wastewater systems work and how their lives can be prolonged. Then he does a complete walk-through in the building and outside. When he’s done, it’s easier for the client to understand his findings and recommendations because of the education given at the start of the inspection.

“People ask me about the wisdom of doing inspections everywhere. They understand it’s important to look at a 20-year-old system, but I find just as many issues with newer systems as older systems. They’re just different kinds of issues,” he says.

Attention to detail
A good inspection begins before you even go to the property, Parker says. On the phone when a client calls initially, or with forms sent out before the inspection, you gather as much information as possible: how old is the home, how old is the system, has it been repaired, when was it last pumped, how many people live in the home, how many will be living there after the sale, and is there any permit or maintenance information available?

Upon arrival, Parker first takes a walk around the property. As he puts it, he looks at the forest before he becomes lost in the trees. Is the property wet or rocky? Is it well cared for? Are there any hints of settling around manhole covers?

Inside the house, he introduces himself to the owner, explains what he’s doing and looks around. If the owner says the home is occupied, Parker may look in the refrigerator. If he finds just one carton of spoiled milk, the home may not be inhabited. These questions give him an idea of where the wastewater flows originate. In the basement he checks whether there are inappropriate connections to the septic system, for example sump pumps or condensate lines from air conditioners.

He checks plumbing connections and the clothes washing machine. He looks for evidence of wastewater leaking into the basement. Then he heads outside, following the flow of wastewater as it leaves the house. He checks the tank liquid level and whether it maintains a normal level. If a pump doses the drainfield, he checks its operation. He takes thorough notes and uses a checklist to ensure he does not forget a step. This helps him diagram the system and note any problems.

The right tools
His tools are simple, such as a tank and water meter to test flows, but he also carries a Gator Locator from Radiodetection Corporation and a MyTana inspection camera purchased at the 2014 Pumper & Cleaner Environmental Expo International (now called the Water & Wastewater Equipment, Treatment & Transport Show, or WWETT). The camera broadcasts a radio signal, and by using a receiver above ground Parker can find exactly where the camera shows a problem. In addition, the camera sends a Wi-Fi signal to his smartphone so he can watch a live image as he pushes the camera through a pipe. And he can upload video to a client from the field via a dedicated YouTube channel and an email link.

Find your niche
Parker sees evidence that his specialty niche will continue to grow. From what he’s learned at meetings of the National Association of Wastewater Technicians, and from what he’s heard of the Chesapeake Bay watershed plan, the number of regulations will increase, and they will become more uniform among states. By focusing his experience and knowing his market, he fills a niche where competition is low and the future is bright.