Seeing Is Believing: Camera Systems Are Essential for JT’s Septic

Seeing Is Believing: Camera Systems Are Essential for JT’s Septic
Jay Taulbee poses with his sons Jesse and Zeb in Humbolt, Arizona.

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For JT’s Septic of Dewey-Humboldt, Arizona, an array of five camera inspection systems is the equipment the company simply can’t do without. Founded in 1994, JT’s Septic employs 15 workers and specializes in pumping, inspecting and repairing septic tanks. The business is managed by the husband-and-wife team of Jesse and Brenda Taulbee.

The company bought its first camera system — a SparVision 200 with locator and cable machine by Spartan Tool — at the 2016 Water & Wastewater Equipment, Treatment & Transport (WWETT) Show.

“We wanted to see what a camera would do for us and how it could take our business to the next level,” Brenda Taulbee says. “It showed us how we could become better educated and provide more information to our clients — as well as using it to do simple tank locates for our pumping and repair business.”

JT’s Septic purchased four additional cameras at the 2017 WWETT Show.

“Each of our pumpers is now outfitted with a SeeSnake L100 microReel camera and locator by RIDGID,” Jesse Taulbee says. “We like them because they’re small enough to carry on the trucks and they’re easy to use. They save time on site and eliminate the need for probes in locating. When we do the transfer-of-ownership septic system inspections mandated by the state, we often cap it off by performing a further video inspection.”

The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality only requires the inspector to determine the condition of the system before the property can be transferred to new owners. For example, the inspection form requires the inspector to assess whether there is “evidence of leakage” in or out of the system.

Cameras boost professionalism

“We might find a concern, but we try to further investigate the issues so we can educate ourselves,” Brenda Taulbee says. “We don’t want to tell our clients that their system has a concern without providing the added value of explaining why there’s a concern. That way we can talk to the realtors, the buyers, and the sellers with confidence and represent ourselves as a one-stop shop for providing detailed and accurate information.”

Issues revealed by camera inspection often lead to additional work for the company.

“A lot of people are skeptical of businesses, but when we come up with a professional truck wearing uniforms, offer to educate them, and show them pictures or actual video to substantiate problems, we earn their trust,” Jesse Taulbee says. “They might then ask us to pump out the tank or make the repairs that we can offer.”

Ultimately, jumping on the latest technology that makes sense for the business is the key to avoid being left behind by competitors.

“We always count on the WWETT Show to find technology that will allow us to work smarter, not harder,” Brenda Taulbee says. “The cameras are definitely doing that for us.”



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