Are you seeking to significantly boost the profitability of your professional septic pumping business? Discover nine powerful strategies designed to optimize operations and enhance your bottom line, transforming how you approach financial growth. Explore how a robust financial framework can underpin these efforts and propel your business forward by reviewing our comprehensive Professional Septic Pumping Financial Model.
Steps to Open a Business Idea
Embarking on the journey of establishing a professional septic pumping business requires meticulous planning and execution. The following table outlines essential steps to guide you through the foundational stages of launching your enterprise, ensuring a solid framework for future profitability.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Develop A Comprehensive Business Plan | Your business plan must outline your service offerings, target market of homeowners and commercial septic services, and a detailed financial planning for a septic pumping business. |
| Secure Funding And Manage Finances | Secure capital through loans or investors to cover initial costs, which average between $75,000 and $300,000, and establish a system for managing septic business expenses effectively. |
| Acquire Necessary Permits And Licenses | Obtain all required federal, state, and local credentials, including a business license, a commercial driver's license (CDL) for truck operators, and state-specific waste hauler permits. |
| Invest In Essential Septic Equipment | Purchase a reliable vacuum truck with a capacity of 2,000 to 4,000 gallons, along with hoses, pumps, and safety gear, as this is a key equipment investment for septic business profit. |
| Establish Effective Marketing And Branding | Create a professional brand and implement marketing strategies for septic businesses, including a website, local SEO, and print materials to build a strong online presence for septic pumping business. |
| Hire And Train Qualified Technicians | Recruit reliable employees and invest in employee training for septic business profitability, ensuring they are certified (where required) and proficient in safety and customer service protocols. |
| Launch And Optimize Operations | Begin service delivery, focusing on business operational efficiency through route planning, diligent scheduling, and improving customer loyalty septic business through exceptional service and educational outreach. |
What Are Key Factors To Consider Before Starting Professional Septic Pumping?
Launching a Professional Septic Pumping business requires careful consideration of several key factors that directly impact its profitability and sustainability. The primary elements to evaluate include market demand, the significant initial capital investment required, and the complex regulatory landscape. Understanding these aspects collectively determines the potential for a strong septic pumping business profit.
Market demand for septic services is consistently high and essential. Over 20% of US households, which equates to approximately 26 million homes, rely on residential septic systems. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends that these systems receive maintenance and pumping every 3 to 5 years, ensuring a continuous and robust need for services like those offered by AquaFlush Pro Septic Services. This consistent demand underpins the potential for steady revenue generation.
Initial equipment investment for septic business profit is substantial. A new vacuum truck, which is the core asset for any septic pumping operation, can cost between $90,000 and $250,000. For entrepreneurs seeking to reduce upfront costs, a reliable used truck may range from $50,000 to $120,000. This significant capital outlay is a critical financial hurdle that prospective owners must plan for. For more details on capital expenditures, refer to resources like professional septic pumping CAPEX insights.
Key Financial and Operational Considerations:
- Market Size: Over 26 million US households depend on septic systems.
- Maintenance Frequency: EPA recommends pumping every 3-5 years.
- New Truck Cost: $90,000 to $250,000.
- Used Truck Cost: $50,000 to $120,000.
Understanding the waste management business regulations is crucial for operational viability. Disposal costs at approved facilities can range from $0.05 to $0.25 per gallon, directly impacting operating expenses and overall septic tank cleaning profitability. These costs fluctuate based on location and facility, making it essential to research local regulations and potential disposal fees before launching operations. Compliance with environmental regulations, such as those under the Clean Water Act, is non-negotiable to avoid hefty fines.
Is Septic Pumping A Profitable Business?
Yes, a Professional Septic Pumping business is definitively profitable. The demand for this service remains strong and consistent because it is essential for millions of properties. Septic systems require regular maintenance, ensuring a steady client base for businesses like AquaFlush Pro Septic Services.
The average profit margin for a septic business typically ranges from 15% to over 30%. This profitability is highly dependent on factors such as business operational efficiency and effective pricing strategies for septic services. For instance, optimizing routes and managing expenses directly impact the bottom line.
A single-truck septic operation can generate substantial annual revenues, often between $200,000 and $500,000. This demonstrates a high potential to boost septic business income, especially with a well-managed client base and repeat service agreements. For more insights on financial performance, refer to articles discussing septic business profitability.
The average cost for a standard residential septic tank pumping ranges from $300 to $600. Emergency call-outs, which are common, command a premium of 50-100% above standard rates. These higher-value services significantly contribute to overall revenue and help to increase septic pumping business profit.
Key Profitability Factors for Septic Pumping
- Consistent Demand: Over 20% of US households rely on residential septic systems, requiring maintenance every 3 to 5 years.
- High Margins: Typical profit margins are between 15% and 30%+, driven by efficient operations.
- Scalable Revenue: A single truck can generate $200,000 to $500,000 annually.
- Premium Services: Emergency calls and specialized services offer higher revenue per job.
What Are The Best Marketing Strategies For Septic Companies?
Effective marketing for a
Digital Marketing for Septic Services
- An effective online presence for septic pumping business is crucial. Over 90% of consumers use search engines to find local services, making a professional website and local SEO fundamental for attracting new septic clients. This includes optimizing for Google My Business to appear in local search results.
- Implementing targeted digital advertising, such as Google Local Services Ads, can yield a high return on investment. Businesses in home services often see a 2x to 5x return on ad spend, directly contributing to septic pumping business profit. These ads connect directly with customers searching for immediate services.
- Social media platforms, while less direct for emergency services, can build brand awareness and educate potential clients on septic tank maintenance. Sharing tips and service reminders can keep your business top-of-mind.
Beyond digital efforts, local community engagement strengthens a septic company's reputation. Sponsoring local events or participating in community clean-up initiatives can build trust and visibility. For more insights on operational efficiency, refer to optimizing key performance indicators for septic businesses.
Referral Programs and Customer Retention
- Referral programs for septic companies are highly effective for improving customer loyalty septic business. Offering a 10-15% discount or a $25-$50 credit to existing customers for each new client they refer is a proven method to expand your client base organically. Satisfied customers are your best advocates.
- Providing exceptional service during every interaction ensures customer satisfaction and encourages repeat business. This includes clear communication, punctuality, and professional conduct. High-quality service leads to positive reviews, which further enhance your online reputation and attract more clients.
- Implementing a follow-up system for residential septic systems can prompt scheduled maintenance, increasing septic tank cleaning profitability. Reminders for 3-5 year pumping cycles, based on EPA recommendations, ensure consistent revenue streams.
How To Reduce Costs In A Septic Pumping Business?
Reducing operational costs is crucial for increasing profit margins septic tank cleaning and overall septic pumping business profit. The most effective methods focus on optimizing daily operations, maintaining equipment, and managing disposal fees.
Key Strategies for Cost Reduction
- Route Optimization: Implementing route planning software can significantly reduce fuel costs and travel time. Businesses often see a decrease in fuel consumption by up to 30%, which is a critical factor in reducing operating costs septic pumping. This also enhances business operational efficiency, allowing more jobs per day.
- Preventive Maintenance: Proactive vehicle and equipment maintenance prevents costly emergency repairs. A single major breakdown can exceed $10,000 in repair costs and cause significant downtime, potentially reducing service capacity by as much as 20%. Regular checks extend the lifespan of assets and ensure consistent service delivery.
- Negotiating Disposal Fees: Waste disposal fees are a major expense for any waste management business. Negotiating bulk rates or long-term contracts with wastewater treatment facilities can lower these fees by 10-20%. This directly impacts the cost per job, improving overall septic tank cleaning profitability. For more insights on managing expenses, refer to resources like professional septic pumping KPIs.
What Legal And Regulatory Steps Are Required To Open Professional Septic Pumping?
Opening a Professional Septic Pumping business like AquaFlush Pro Septic Services requires navigating specific legal and regulatory steps. The primary requirements involve official business registration, obtaining necessary permits from state and local health departments for waste hauling, and securing comprehensive insurance coverage. These steps are crucial for legal operation and for building trust, ensuring your business adheres to environmental and safety standards.
You must obtain specific permits and licenses, which vary significantly by state. For instance, states like Texas, through the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), and Florida, via the Department of Health (DOH), require specific wastewater transporter permits. Application and renewal fees for these permits typically range from $100 to $500 annually. Failure to secure these essential permits can lead to severe penalties and operational shutdowns, directly impacting your septic pumping business profit.
Essential Insurance Coverage
- General Liability Coverage: Securing adequate insurance is mandatory. A professional septic pumping operation should have general liability coverage of at least $1 million to $2 million. This protects against claims of bodily injury or property damage.
- Environmental or Pollution Liability Insurance: Given the nature of waste management, additional environmental or pollution liability insurance is critical. This specialized coverage can cost between $5,000 and $15,000 per year and protects against incidents like spills or improper disposal, which can lead to significant financial liabilities.
Compliance with federal regulations, particularly those under the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Clean Water Act, is non-negotiable. This specifically pertains to the proper disposal of septage at approved facilities. Violations can result in substantial fines, potentially exceeding $37,500 per day per violation. Adhering to these regulations is vital for the long-term sustainability and profitability of your waste management business, preventing costly legal issues and maintaining a positive reputation.
Develop A Comprehensive Business Plan
A comprehensive business plan serves as the foundational blueprint for any successful
What is a Business Plan for a Septic Pumping Business?
A business plan for a septic pumping business is a formal document detailing the company's goals and how it plans to achieve them. It acts as a roadmap for growth and profitability, crucial for attracting investors or lenders. This plan goes beyond simple goals; it includes in-depth market analysis, operational strategies, and detailed financial forecasts. For AquaFlush Pro Septic Services, it means defining how to serve homeowners and businesses effectively, ensuring a healthy waste management system for their properties.
Key Components of a Septic Business Plan
Developing a robust business plan involves several core sections, each critical for addressing how to make a septic pumping business more profitable. These components provide a holistic view of the business, from its market positioning to its financial viability. A well-structured plan helps in managing septic business expenses and identifying opportunities for septic company growth strategies.
Essential Sections for Your Septic Business Plan
- Executive Summary: A concise overview of the entire plan, highlighting the business concept, mission, and key objectives.
- Company Description: Details about the business, its legal structure, vision, and mission. For AquaFlush Pro Septic Services, this includes its commitment to expert service and sustainable practices.
- Service Offerings: Clearly define all services provided. This includes standard septic tank cleaning, emergency pumping services, inspections, and potentially adding new services septic pumping business such as drain field repair or grease trap cleaning for commercial clients.
- Market Analysis: Research into your target market, including demographics of homeowners and the specific needs of commercial septic services. This section identifies market size, trends, and competitive advantages in septic services. Understanding your audience helps in attracting new septic clients.
- Marketing and Sales Strategy: How AquaFlush Pro will reach its target customers. This involves effective advertising for septic companies, building an online presence for septic pumping business, and implementing referral programs for septic companies to improve customer loyalty septic business.
- Operational Plan: Describes daily operations, including equipment investment for septic business profit, optimizing septic routes for profit, and employee training for septic business profitability. It outlines how services are delivered efficiently.
- Management Team: Profiles of key personnel, their expertise, and roles. Investors look for a capable team to execute the plan.
- Financial Plan: This is a critical section for financial planning for a septic pumping business. It includes startup costs, revenue projections, profit and loss statements, cash flow analysis, and break-even analysis. It projects how to increase profit margins septic tank cleaning and ensures long-term financial health.
Financial Planning for Septic Pumping Business
Detailed financial planning is paramount to increase septic service revenue and ensure the long-term success of AquaFlush Pro Septic Services. This section of your business plan must provide a clear picture of expected income and expenses, helping to answer 'Is septic pumping a profitable business?' It includes projected sales volumes for residential and commercial septic services, pricing strategies for septic services, and cost management. Accurate financial forecasts are vital for securing funding and making informed decisions about equipment investment for septic business profit and expansion efforts.
Secure Funding And Manage Finances
To successfully launch and grow a professional septic pumping business like AquaFlush Pro Septic Services, securing adequate funding is a critical first step. Initial costs for a septic pumping operation typically range between $75,000 and $300,000. This capital covers essential investments such as specialized pumping trucks, equipment, and initial operational expenses. Accessing capital can be achieved through various avenues, including traditional bank loans, Small Business Administration (SBA) loans, or attracting private investors.
Effective financial management is equally crucial for long-term profitability and sustainable growth. Establishing a robust system for managing septic business expenses from the outset prevents cash flow issues and helps increase septic service revenue. This involves meticulous tracking of all inflows and outflows, ensuring that operational efficiency is maintained and that every dollar spent contributes to boosting septic business income.
Key Strategies for Financial Management
- Detailed Budgeting: Create a comprehensive budget outlining all fixed and variable costs. This includes fuel, vehicle maintenance, employee wages, insurance, marketing, and equipment depreciation.
- Expense Tracking: Implement accounting software (e.g., QuickBooks, Xero) to meticulously track every expense. Categorize spending to identify areas for cost reduction. Reducing operating costs septic pumping directly impacts profit margins.
- Cash Flow Forecasting: Regularly project future cash inflows and outflows. This helps anticipate potential shortfalls and allows for proactive planning, ensuring funds are available for critical operations and unexpected repairs.
- Separate Business Accounts: Maintain distinct bank accounts for business and personal finances. This simplifies tax preparation and provides a clear financial picture of the septic company.
- Pricing Strategies: Develop competitive pricing strategies for septic services that cover all costs and ensure a healthy profit margin. Regularly review market rates and adjust as needed to remain competitive while improving profit margins septic tank cleaning.
Acquire Necessary Permits And Licenses
Operating a professional septic pumping business like AquaFlush Pro Septic Services requires strict adherence to legal and environmental regulations. Securing the necessary permits and licenses is not merely a formality but a fundamental strategy to increase septic service revenue by ensuring legality, building machine trust authority, and avoiding costly penalties. These credentials validate your business operations and are essential for long-term septic company growth strategies.
Failure to obtain proper documentation can lead to significant fines, operational shutdowns, and damage to your brand’s reputation, directly impacting septic pumping business profit. Investors and lenders scrutinize compliance records, making valid permits a critical component of any investor-ready business plan. This ensures your waste management business operates within legal frameworks, contributing to operational efficiency and attracting new septic clients confidently.
Essential Licenses and Permits for Septic Pumping Businesses
- Business License: Obtain a general business license from your city or county. This is a foundational requirement for any commercial enterprise, including a septic tank cleaning profitability venture.
- Commercial Driver's License (CDL): All truck operators transporting septic waste must hold a valid Class A or B CDL with appropriate endorsements (e.g., tanker endorsement for liquid bulk transport). This ensures compliance with federal Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations for commercial septic services.
- Waste Hauler Permits: State and local environmental agencies (e.g., Department of Environmental Protection or equivalent) issue specific waste hauler permits. These permits regulate the transport and disposal of septage, ensuring proper environmental protection and compliance with hazardous waste management guidelines. For example, some states require a manifest system to track waste from collection to disposal, enhancing accountability for residential septic systems.
- Disposal Site Agreements: Establish agreements or permits with approved wastewater treatment plants or licensed disposal facilities. This ensures legal and safe disposal of pumped septage, a critical aspect of managing septic business expenses and maintaining a competitive advantage in septic services.
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Regulations: Understand and comply with EPA regulations, particularly those related to wastewater discharge and solid waste management. While direct EPA permits may not always be needed for hauling, compliance with their overarching guidelines is crucial for any waste management business.
- Local Health Department Permits: Many local health departments require specific permits for businesses handling human waste or maintaining septic systems, focusing on public health and safety standards. This often includes regular inspections to ensure operational protocols meet health codes.
Invest In Essential Septic Equipment
Investing in the right equipment is fundamental for any professional septic pumping business, directly impacting operational efficiency and profitability. For AquaFlush Pro Septic Services, reliable machinery minimizes downtime and allows for a higher volume of service calls, which directly translates to increased septic service revenue. Quality equipment also reduces maintenance costs over time, contributing to overall septic pumping business profit.
A primary equipment investment for septic business profit is a robust vacuum truck. These vehicles are the backbone of septic tank cleaning operations. Without a dependable truck, service delivery becomes unreliable, affecting customer satisfaction and the ability to attract new septic clients. Choosing the correct capacity and features can significantly improve efficiency in a septic service business.
Key Equipment for Septic Business Profitability
- Vacuum Truck (2,000 to 4,000 gallons capacity): This is the core asset for efficient septic tank pumping. A larger capacity truck, like a 4,000-gallon model, reduces the number of trips to disposal sites per job, optimizing septic routes for profit and saving fuel.
- High-Quality Hoses: Durable, flexible hoses are essential for accessing septic tanks in various locations and resisting wear from constant use. Invest in hoses that can withstand pressure and abrasive materials.
- Powerful Pumps: Beyond the truck's vacuum system, having auxiliary pumps can be crucial for difficult-to-access tanks or for specific tasks like dewatering.
- Safety Gear: Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as gloves, eye protection, and respirators are not just regulatory requirements but also protect employees, preventing injuries and associated costs.
- GPS and Scheduling Software: While not physical equipment, integrating GPS for route optimization and scheduling software significantly improves business operational efficiency, directly impacting how to make a septic pumping business more profitable.
Selecting the correct equipment enhances service speed and reliability, allowing AquaFlush Pro Septic Services to manage more appointments daily. This directly contributes to increasing profit margins septic tank cleaning. For example, a well-maintained vacuum truck can complete an average residential septic pump in 30-60 minutes, maximizing technician productivity. This efficiency is critical for boosting septic business income and maintaining a competitive advantage in septic services.
Establish Effective Marketing And Branding
Building a strong brand and implementing effective marketing strategies are crucial for increasing profits for a professional septic pumping business like AquaFlush Pro Septic Services. A cohesive brand identity helps attract and retain customers, differentiating your services in a competitive market. This includes developing a memorable logo, consistent color scheme, and clear messaging that highlights reliability and expertise.
For instance, a professional website serves as the cornerstone of your online presence for septic pumping business. It should clearly outline services, provide contact information, and offer educational content on septic system maintenance. Data shows that 88% of consumers searching for local businesses on a mobile device call or visit that business within 24 hours, making a mobile-friendly site essential for attracting new septic clients. Implementing marketing strategies for septic businesses also involves leveraging local SEO to ensure your business appears prominently in search results for queries like 'septic pumping near me.'
Key Marketing Elements for Septic Businesses:
- Professional Website: A user-friendly, mobile-responsive site detailing services (e.g., residential, commercial, emergency pumping), pricing, and customer testimonials. This builds trust and serves as a central hub for your online presence for septic pumping business.
- Local SEO (Search Engine Optimization): Optimize your Google My Business profile with accurate information, customer reviews, and service areas. This helps potential clients find you when searching for 'septic tank cleaning' or 'waste management business' in their vicinity.
- Print Materials: Despite digital dominance, professional flyers, brochures, and vehicle wraps (e.g., for AquaFlush Pro Septic Services trucks) reinforce brand recognition and provide tangible contact points. Consistent branding across all materials strengthens recall.
- Online Directories & Reviews: List your business on relevant online directories like Yelp, Angi, and HomeAdvisor. Actively encourage satisfied customers to leave positive reviews, as 93% of consumers say online reviews influence their purchasing decisions.
- Social Media Presence: While not primary lead generators, platforms like Facebook can be used to share educational content, promote special offers, and engage with the community, enhancing your septic company growth strategies.
Hire And Train Qualified Technicians
Hiring and training qualified technicians is a cornerstone for increasing septic pumping business profit. A skilled workforce directly impacts operational efficiency, customer satisfaction, and service quality. Reliable employees, proficient in both technical aspects and customer service, reduce errors, callbacks, and potential liabilities. For instance, well-trained technicians can identify additional service needs during routine pumping, leading to cross-selling opportunities and increased septic service revenue. Investing in staff development is not an expense but a strategic move for long-term septic company growth strategies.
Key Training Areas for Septic Technicians
- Certification and Compliance: Ensure all technicians hold required local and state certifications, such as those for waste disposal or confined space entry, to maintain legal compliance and build trust. Compliance reduces fines and enhances the business's professional standing.
- Safety Protocols: Implement rigorous safety training covering equipment operation, hazardous waste handling, and personal protective equipment (PPE) use. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), proper training significantly reduces workplace accidents, which can otherwise lead to costly downtime and increased insurance premiums.
- Technical Proficiency: Provide comprehensive training on septic system components, common issues, and effective pumping and maintenance techniques. This includes understanding different tank types (e.g., concrete, fiberglass, plastic) and their specific needs.
- Customer Service Excellence: Train technicians to communicate clearly, answer client questions professionally, and represent AquaFlush Pro Septic Services positively. Excellent service improves customer loyalty septic business, leading to repeat business and valuable referrals.
- Diagnostic Skills: Equip technicians with the ability to diagnose minor issues beyond routine pumping, such as baffle damage or drain field problems. This allows for proactive problem-solving and can lead to adding new services septic pumping business revenue streams.
- Equipment Maintenance: Educate staff on daily equipment checks and basic maintenance for pumps, hoses, and trucks. Proper care extends equipment lifespan, reducing repair costs and improving business operational efficiency.
Effective employee training for septic business profitability leads to higher productivity and better service delivery. A well-trained technician can complete jobs more quickly and accurately, allowing for more service calls per day and boosting septic business income. This also minimizes the risk of costly mistakes or environmental incidents, which can severely impact a waste management business. Furthermore, a knowledgeable and courteous team enhances the company’s reputation, attracting new septic clients and solidifying its competitive advantage in septic services.
Launch And Optimize Operations
How to Start Septic Service Delivery Efficiently?
Beginning service delivery for a professional septic pumping business like AquaFlush Pro Septic Services requires immediate focus on operational efficiency. This means setting up systems for seamless client interaction and service execution from day one. Effective launch hinges on structured processes, not just responding to calls. For instance, establishing a clear intake process for new service requests ensures all necessary client and property data is captured upfront, reducing delays later. A well-defined service checklist for technicians guarantees consistent quality and adherence to safety protocols during every septic tank cleaning or pumping job. This foundational organization is crucial for initial success and sustained growth in the waste management business.
Optimizing Septic Pumping Business Operational Efficiency
Operational efficiency is key to increasing septic service revenue and overall septic pumping business profit. This involves streamlining every aspect of the service process, from initial contact to job completion. Route planning is a critical component; utilizing mapping software to group service calls geographically can significantly reduce fuel consumption and driving time. For example, optimizing routes can cut daily travel distances by 15-20%, directly impacting fuel costs. Diligent scheduling ensures technicians are deployed effectively, minimizing idle time between jobs. Implementing a digital scheduling system allows for real-time adjustments and better resource allocation, enhancing the ability to manage septic business expenses and improve profit margins septic tank cleaning.
Key Strategies for Operational Efficiency:
- Route Optimization Software: Use tools like Google Maps API or specialized routing software to plan the most efficient paths between service locations, reducing mileage and increasing daily service capacity.
- Dynamic Scheduling: Implement systems that allow for flexible scheduling, enabling quick adjustments for emergency calls or unexpected delays, ensuring technicians are always productive.
- Vehicle Maintenance Schedule: Adhere to a strict preventative maintenance schedule for all pumping trucks and equipment. This reduces unexpected breakdowns, costly repairs, and service interruptions, directly impacting equipment investment for septic business profit.
- Digital Workflows: Transition from paper-based forms to digital invoicing and service reports. This speeds up administrative tasks, improves data accuracy, and enhances overall business operational efficiency.
Improving Customer Loyalty in a Septic Business
Cultivating customer loyalty is vital for long-term septic company growth strategies and to attract new septic clients through referrals. This goes beyond just providing reliable septic tank maintenance; it involves delivering exceptional service and engaging in educational outreach. For AquaFlush Pro, this means ensuring every interaction is professional, transparent, and helpful. Providing clients with clear explanations of their septic system's condition and offering preventative tips empowers them and builds trust. For example, offering a detailed report after each pumping service, including recommended next service dates and potential issues to monitor, adds significant value. This proactive approach helps retain customers in a septic business and fosters positive word-of-mouth, which is a powerful, low-cost marketing strategy for septic businesses.
Educational Outreach for Septic System Owners
Educational outreach plays a significant role in improving customer loyalty septic business. Many homeowners and businesses lack understanding about their septic systems, leading to preventable issues. AquaFlush Pro can provide simple, actionable information. This might include creating an online FAQ section on the company website addressing common septic tank maintenance questions, or distributing concise flyers after a service visit detailing proper waste disposal habits (e.g., what not to flush). Offering workshops or webinars on basic septic care can position the business as an industry authority. This not only empowers clients but also reduces the likelihood of emergency calls due to neglect, optimizing overall service flow and contributing to the septic pumping business profit.