‘Vacuum Trucks Are for Wimps,’ Says Septic Specialist

‘Vacuum Trucks Are for Wimps,’ Says Septic Specialist

As the debate rages on about what equipment is truly necessary to clean septic tanks, a local septic service specialist has upped the ante. Stan T. Mann of Cottage Grove, West Virginia, called out the septic pumping community last week by declaring anyone who uses a vacuum truck to clean tanks is taking the easy way out.

Mann, who has pointlessly cleaned septic tanks the hard way for 22 years, says he doesn’t understand why anyone would waste money on equipment. “Listen, if a shovel and a bucket can’t get the job done, you’re doing it wrong. If you need vacuum power to get waste out of a tank, you’re in the wrong line of work. That’s all I’m saying.”

With a service area consisting of wherever the ’82 F-150 can limp to on any given day, Mannly Septic Service does a lot of scooping. “Is my back totally shot? It depends on how you look at it,” he says. “But yes, it’s totally shot.”

Perfectly happy with just a shovel, buckets, rope, a 525-gallon polyethylene leg tank and his rusty truck, Mann says he’d never buy a vacuum truck or any other essential equipment as long as he lives. “This industry has really changed since the 1800s,” Mann says, shaking his head. “These guys are all wimps now.”

Mann, who claims market research is for snowflakes, has undercharged for his services since inheriting the company from his father in 1998. “Why would I charge more than $50 for a scoop-out? I’m beating my competitors’ prices because I’m not throwing all my money away on diesel and truck financing. It’s a pretty simple concept. My profit margin is through the roof.” 

It’s unclear how Mann is able to get anything accomplished with such inefficient methods, but he says he stays well ahead of the low demand for his unsanitary services. “Sure, it takes a long time, but my few customers appreciate the special attention I give to each and every tank. When I’m at a residence for eight or nine hours scooping, that customer knows I’m committed to quality service.”

Mann doesn’t like to talk about how he handles the plastic tanks of waste after a scoop-out. “What do you mean? I get rid of it,” he says. “You’re not with the DEP again, are you?”



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