Septic systems should be routinely pumped in order to maintain proper function. Industry standards recommend pump every 2 to 4 years depending on size and number of occupants utilizing the facilities. Too many customers call us in a panic with sewage backing up in their homes!  DO NOT WAIT UNTIL YOU HAVE A CRISIS!  It is much better to call and schedule for service at your convenience.

When we discover an obstruction that we cannot clear it is often caused by damaged or defective pipe. Roots eventually over take some of the older lines and replacement becomes the only option. Our crews can replace the line from house to street with pvc pipe to eliminate the problem.

A lot of times homes do not have adequate access to their sewer lines. Without a sewer clean out outside the home, we are limited in what equipment we can use inside the home. We can pull a toilet and access there, sometimes we can gain access thru a crawl space or basement. Some of the bigger equipment needed for a job just won’t fit. We have the equipment necessary to locate the line, dig up, and install a clean out for better access.

The jet trailer is equipped with various equipment to handle any type of sewer clog. The more common clogs are caused by roots entering the sewer lines, grease and sludge build up, and of course objects flushed down the toilet that have no business in the sewer:  sanitary products, “flushable” wipes, kids toys, the list goes on.

Our state of the art jetting equipment is designed to run at 4000psi, 170 degrees to melt frozen lines and clean grease and sludge from pipes. We can clear lines as small as 1 ¼ to 6 inch.

We offer camera inspection of sewer main lines. After clearing an obstruction we can inspect the line for defects, roots, etc. to evaluate the best approach to minimize future problems.

The number one issue in and around the Gunnison area is root invasion. Most of the sewer lines in the area are old. Unless they have been replaced they are usually clay or worse, Orangeburg pipe (wrapped tar paper). https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orangeburg_pipe.

Clay pipe was laid in 2 foot sections and roots can work their way into each joint. Over time roots can just work their way into Orangeburg pipe and literally destroy it. We have various sewer machines to cut and pull out root masses. Depending on access, we can run ½, ⅝, or ¾ inch cable machines with various cutting heads.

After getting the line to flow again we can work with the property owner to start a root killing routine. There are various products available depending on the situation. Unfortunately once the roots have gained access, replacement of the line is the only long term fix.

Finding underground utilities is a challenge. We have the most modern equipment available for locating electric lines, gas lines, water lines, and of course, sewer lines. We can find septic tanks for pumping and inspection.

Our sewer camera sends out a signal that we can trace from above ground. Our equipment can also send a signal down a snake or wire to be traced from above ground.

The Turd Herder is a subsidiary of Outbackjack LLC, a contract water and wastewater system operator business. Jack has been working in the water and wastewater business for over 15 years. Starting at the Irwin Lodge running the wastewater treatment plant, working in the wastewater and water plants for the Town of Crested Butte, and spending the last 6 years running the Dos Rios Water plant and maintaining the collection system for Gunnison County.

Seasonal resorts, camp grounds, homeowner associations with more than 25 taps are all required to have a Colorado certified water professional in charge of their system to maintain safe drinking water and perform required testing for State permits.

Small wastewater systems require a properly licensed operator. Jack holds an A wastewater, B water, and level 4 collection and distribution licenses.  Every system is assigned a certain minimum certification level for their Operator in Responsible Charge (ORC) the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDHPE).

We offer preventative maintenance programs with discounts! Save money on non-emergency, scheduled maintenance. Call today to learn more!