A-American Septic Service

The view of A-American Septic: On March 13th, 2015, the property owner, Mr. [redacted], and the service technician, [redacted], formed a conspiracy to defraud A-American Septic out of $250.00. They split the proceeds, Mr. [redacted] receiving $100 discount, and Mr. [redacted] receiving...

$150.00.  Outside of the fact that A-American Septic was the vic[redacted], and Mr. [redacted] threatened to post negative reviews where possible if we did not pay him $150, the transaction had nothing to do with A-American Septic. Additionally, aside from the reality of the intent, by both parties, to conspire to steal, the further details Mr. [redacted] gives of his communications with our office are much embellished, and, at [redacted]es, completely fabricated.   However, we choose not to start a dialogue of "he said, she said".  It is pointless. We appreciate the Revdex.com providing the opportunity for us to respond to the complaint.   Thank you.

We did service (pump) Ms. [redacted]' septic tank on two separate occasions, as she states, each service was charged at $225.00. Often when we are called for a backing up, or overfilled tank, people think the tank is a vast container that you pump when it fills up. This is not...

accurate. The septic tank is a holding area, to allow bacteria to break down the contents, creating Effluent (essentially clear liquid), which then flows out the disposal field.  It takes about ten days for a septic tank to "fill up", or reach working capacity. After that point, any liquid entering the tank displaces equal amount of Effluent.  So, if we pump the tank today, in approximately ten days, the tank will be "full", or at working capacity, again.If the tank is not draining, whether due to a restriction in the drain line, or due to a disposal system that has reached the end of its life (approximately 25-30 years, average, in the valley), once the tank reaches working capacity, and cannot drain to disposal system, it will back up into the house…the path of least resistance.To address Ms. [redacted]' concerns: - I apologize for not calling Ms. [redacted] back.  We had spoken on the phone, I had explained the above, and at the conclusion of the phone call, my understanding was that I had addressed her questions, and I thought she had a better understanding of what was happening with her system.  I'm sorry for the misunderstanding. We have coupons on our website offering $20 off a maintenance pump.  If our technician had been presented with a coupon, on either, or both, service calls, that deduction would have been given.  We can offer to refund that amount for each job, for a total of $40.00.- It does appear that Ms. [redacted]' disposal system has reached the end of its life ("failing"), or a pipe to the leach field is damaged/restricted/broken.  If a pipe restriction if found, the remedy is to expose the line and clear or replace the line, as needed.  The remedy for a failing disposal system is a new disposal field.  When a client signs a contract for repairs, we keep them pumped, until repairs are completed, so that they are never without service.  We were willing to credit Ms. [redacted] her most recent pumping cost, as a courtesy, if a contract was signed.  We still extend that offer.I hope this information is helpful.  We appreciate the opportunity to correct the situation, and to better explain how a septic system functions, and why it can continue to back up in this type of scenario. Thank you,[redacted]

A-American will refund $225.00.  Thank you,A-American Sept*This refund is offered as a good-faith gesture only.  Service by A-American Septic is not the cause of back up. Pumping will not remedy the problem. Only repairs, or connecting to sewer, will remedy the problem.  Until this homeowner understands the way a waste water management system functions, she will have this same complaint with every septic company servicing her system.

The view of A-American Septic: On March 13th, 2015, the property owner, Mr. [redacted], and the service technician, [redacted], formed a conspiracy to defraud A-American Septic out of $250.00. They split the proceeds, Mr. [redacted] receiving $100 discount, and Mr. [redacted] receiving...

$150.00.  Outside of the fact that A-American Septic was the vic[redacted], and Mr. [redacted] threatened to post negative reviews where possible if we did not pay him $150, the transaction had nothing to do with A-American Septic. Additionally, aside from the reality of the intent, by both parties, to conspire to steal, the further details Mr. [redacted] gives of his communications with our office are much embellished, and, at [redacted]es, completely fabricated.   However, we choose not to start a dialogue of "he said, she said".  It is pointless. We appreciate the Revdex.com providing the opportunity for us to respond to the complaint.   Thank you.

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and have determined that this proposed action would not resolve my complaint.  For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below:Mr. [redacted] agreed that he would discuss with the employee [redacted], if he had actually pumped the tank and return my call. That call was never made to me. I still stand behind the statement that the tank was never emptied on the first visit June 2nd.Reasons for belief: The last time the tank was emptied, prior to June 2nd, was in 2013. Per the [redacted], my water level remained the approximately the same over the three year period.It's now June 2015. [redacted] came by at first to advise us that he had to go somewhere else for a pumping and then he would return to do ours. Perhaps his trucks tank was full and that he wasn’t able to extract all our tanks contents. That could result in the first pump, on June 2nd, to take only 10 minutes. In the past, and the SUPERVISED pump made June 12, it took up to 40 minutes.The tank was full in just 10 days which caused flooding and as a result, demo to my two bathroom walls. Tim states, “if we pump the tank today, in approximately ten days, the tank will be "full", or at working capacity, again.” If my tank didn’t function properly, then why it not flooding again since it has been 19 days since the tanks was emptied the second time on June 12th. The second charge of $225.00 should have never been necessary. The $40 amount for compensation will not be enough to repair my drywall from the demo work caused by the plumbers to isolate my bathrooms flooding.Thanks for your response. However, if I can’t get satisfaction through this channel, I am forced to seek compensation elsewhere.Regards,

Review: On 3/13/15 A-American Septic came to my house to pump my septic tank. Half way through the process, their employee, [redacted], told me that I had extensive additional problems with waste material in my tank, and I would have to have the entire tank cleaned. He added hat his company would normally charge $300 or more for this - but he would do it "on the side" for $150. Because of he age of the house/tank (50+ years) - and because my Scottsdale home is not my full [redacted]e residence (I live in Colorado) I felt I had no other choice but to agree to his proposition. I cut him a personal check [redacted] for $150 and he then spent approximately 10 more minutes "cleaning my tank". (He cashed that check that same day). That process involved leaving the suction hose in the tank and running water into the tank using my hose. Upon his departure, I felt I had ben scammed, so I called the office manager at A-American ([redacted]) to complain. ally told me that I should cancel the check - I told him that was possible to do easily because I as on a flight in a few hours to the east coast. He then stated that they (A-American) had experienced prior problems and complaints with this specific employee - amounting to him doing "side jobs" when he was out working for the company. We discussed the fact that his employee was essentially stealing money from the company - and he agreed, adding that unfortunately do not have any options right no - have an ad running for this position but have not had luck finding anyone and w are swamped with business". [redacted] told me to wait until I had a cancelled copy of the check to send to them - and they would refund the $150 to me (and take the money out of their employs wages). I mailed a copy of the front side of the check to [redacted] on Monday 3/16 - and a copy of both sides of he cancelled check on Thursday 3/19. Both letters contained my contact information and confirmation I was expecting a refund. I have not received ANY phone calls or communication from A-American since. On Saturday 4/04 I called [redacted] to inquire as to status of the check and he replied " you need to talk to [redacted]" (the owner) and to call back during normal office hours the following week. I reached Mr. [redacted] his morning (4/10/15) and he stated h had no intention of paying me, and that "if you paid $150 for that, then you got a deal". Both and [redacted] now flatly deny that I was ever told I would receive a refund once I mailed he canceled check to them. [redacted] is not telling the truth. Beyond all this, I would have expected [redacted] or Mr. [redacted] would have attempted to contact me (their customer for the past two years) to resolve this fairly - since I had sent them two letters with copies of the check. The only reply was received verbally today - [redacted] denied he ever told me I would receive a refund, and [redacted] was worse - telling me "I got a deal if I only paid $150 to his driver". I feel that I have been ripped off by this company and heir employee and A-American has made no attempt whatsoever to contact me to resolve the issue.Desired Settlement: A-American should refund the money ($150) I was pressured to pay their driver on the side in order to have my septic system work properly. What he did as nothing more than run water into the tank for 10 minutes and pump it back out - my tank as not "cleaned". This is beyond the $225 I paid A-American (check [redacted]) that same day to have the tank pumped.

Business

Response:

The view of A-American Septic: On March 13th, 2015, the property owner, Mr. [redacted], and the service technician, [redacted], formed a conspiracy to defraud A-American Septic out of $250.00. They split the proceeds, Mr. [redacted] receiving $100 discount, and Mr. [redacted] receiving $150.00. Outside of the fact that A-American Septic was the vic[redacted], and Mr. [redacted] threatened to post negative reviews where possible if we did not pay him $150, the transaction had nothing to do with A-American Septic. Additionally, aside from the reality of the intent, by both parties, to conspire to steal, the further details Mr. [redacted] gives of his communications with our office are much embellished, and, at [redacted]es, completely fabricated. However, we choose not to start a dialogue of "he said, she said". It is pointless. We appreciate the Revdex.com providing the opportunity for us to respond to the complaint. Thank you.

Review: On June 1st 2015 I had a flood in my two bathrooms. I discovered that the septic tank was full. I had my future son-in-law, [redacted] call A-American Septic Service to have someone come and service the tank. [redacted] came out the next day, June 2nd and claimed that he emptied the tank of 1000 gallons. I wasn’t there to supervise, however, [redacted] was there. He said that the job took about 10 minutes? It cost was $25.00. The last time my tank was emptied in 2012, it took 40 minutes and there was an additive added to the tank for additional treatment. [redacted] didn’t add anything to the tank.

On June 12th, I had another flooding to my two bathrooms. Since just having my tank drained 10 days ago, I called a plumber and [redacted] to find out what the problem was. After demolishing my bathroom walls to find the source of the water, they found that it wasn’t coming from the indoor pipes. We then checked the septic tank to find it was full. I then called A American Septic Service to have them check it out. [redacted] came out again. He told me that the tank was full and they had to pump it again to the amount of $225.00, no discounts. He further told me that I would have to have the backyard dug up and have a new leech field placed. The estimate was $4500.00 to $5500.00 for a pit contract. I called [redacted] at the office that day to see if we could get some discount on the pumping and he also stated that no discounts, but if I would sign a pit contract he would reimburse me $225.00.

On June 18th, I called the owner, Tim. I told him I wasn’t happy with the way I was treated by [redacted] and I felt that he didn’t empty the tank on the first visit. He said that he had to speak with [redacted] and would call me back. HE NEVER CALLED ME AGAIN.

On June 23rd, I had a neighbor who also has a septic tank and knowledge of them to come over and check the tank. He said that there was only 2 feet of slug/water in the tank and that he felt that the tank wasn’t completely pumped on June 2nd.

I feel that this company took me for granted and wanted to further exploit me by stating that I needed a service that wasn’t required.Desired Settlement: I would like my $225.00 refunded for the second visit, my bathroom walls replaced and an apology from the owner for neglect on their part.

Business

Response:

We did service (pump) Ms. [redacted]' septic tank on two separate occasions, as she states, each service was charged at $225.00. Often when we are called for a backing up, or overfilled tank, people think the tank is a vast container that you pump when it fills up. This is not accurate. The septic tank is a holding area, to allow bacteria to break down the contents, creating Effluent (essentially clear liquid), which then flows out the disposal field. It takes about ten days for a septic tank to "fill up", or reach working capacity. After that point, any liquid entering the tank displaces equal amount of Effluent. So, if we pump the tank today, in approximately ten days, the tank will be "full", or at working capacity, again.If the tank is not draining, whether due to a restriction in the drain line, or due to a disposal system that has reached the end of its life (approximately 25-30 years, average, in the valley), once the tank reaches working capacity, and cannot drain to disposal system, it will back up into the house…the path of least resistance.To address Ms. [redacted]' concerns: - I apologize for not calling Ms. [redacted] back. We had spoken on the phone, I had explained the above, and at the conclusion of the phone call, my understanding was that I had addressed her questions, and I thought she had a better understanding of what was happening with her system. I'm sorry for the misunderstanding. We have coupons on our website offering $20 off a maintenance pump. If our technician had been presented with a coupon, on either, or both, service calls, that deduction would have been given. We can offer to refund that amount for each job, for a total of $40.00.- It does appear that Ms. [redacted]' disposal system has reached the end of its life ("failing"), or a pipe to the leach field is damaged/restricted/broken. If a pipe restriction if found, the remedy is to expose the line and clear or replace the line, as needed. The remedy for a failing disposal system is a new disposal field. When a client signs a contract for repairs, we keep them pumped, until repairs are completed, so that they are never without service. We were willing to credit Ms. [redacted] her most recent pumping cost, as a courtesy, if a contract was signed. We still extend that offer.I hope this information is helpful. We appreciate the opportunity to correct the situation, and to better explain how a septic system functions, and why it can continue to back up in this type of scenario. Thank you,[redacted]

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and have determined that this proposed action would not resolve my complaint. For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below:Mr. [redacted] agreed that he would discuss with the employee [redacted], if he had actually pumped the tank and return my call. That call was never made to me. I still stand behind the statement that the tank was never emptied on the first visit June 2nd.Reasons for belief: The last time the tank was emptied, prior to June 2nd, was in 2013. Per the [redacted], my water level remained the approximately the same over the three year period.It's now June 2015. [redacted] came by at first to advise us that he had to go somewhere else for a pumping and then he would return to do ours. Perhaps his trucks tank was full and that he wasn’t able to extract all our tanks contents. That could result in the first pump, on June 2nd, to take only 10 minutes. In the past, and the SUPERVISED pump made June 12, it took up to 40 minutes.The tank was full in just 10 days which caused flooding and as a result, demo to my two bathroom walls. Tim states, “if we pump the tank today, in approximately ten days, the tank will be "full", or at working capacity, again.” If my tank didn’t function properly, then why it not flooding again since it has been 19 days since the tanks was emptied the second time on June 12th. The second charge of $225.00 should have never been necessary. The $40 amount for compensation will not be enough to repair my drywall from the demo work caused by the plumbers to isolate my bathrooms flooding.Thanks for your response. However, if I can’t get satisfaction through this channel, I am forced to seek compensation elsewhere.Regards,

Business

Response:

A-American will refund $225.00. Thank you,A-American Sept*This refund is offered as a good-faith gesture only. Service by A-American Septic is not the cause of back up. Pumping will not remedy the problem. Only repairs, or connecting to sewer, will remedy the problem. Until this homeowner understands the way a waste water management system functions, she will have this same complaint with every septic company servicing her system.

They charged for a service that was never done. Lie and took my money. I don't recommend this company!