Blog
Kate Mammen - Fredericton Real Estate Professional
Check out my blog, I will be updating my blog every few days with great information about Real Estate issues. Please feel free to contact me if you have any issues or questions you would like answered. There is not obligation. I'm here to help!
Thursday, October 18, 2007
I was just asked,"What are you paying for with a well contractor?
You should receive the following 8 things:
• Experience and Knowledge
• Drilling
• Well casing
• In some cases, a well screen
• Drive Shoe
• Well seal and air vent pipe
• Vermin proof well cap
• Well voucher; water safety test
Having a continuous dependable and safe water supply is important to all of us.
Kate
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
A recent question I was asked was, "Kate, I need a well drilled, how do I hire a qualified well contractor?"
The New Brunswick Water Well Regulation, under the Clean Water Act, states that licensed well contractors are required to follow minimum standards, well water disinfection practices and minimum distances from potential contaminant sources outlined by the regulations.
The contractor must submit a water well driller's report - log - to the homeowner and the New Brunswick Department of Environment and Local Government office. The Well location, depth, length, of the well casing installed, sediment and rock encountered and estimated water quantity are some of the items listed in the report. The number on the well identification tag, located on the above-ground portion of the well casing, should match the number on the well driller's report.
In choosing a well contractor, ask to see a well driller's licence, the amount of experience they have in your local are or neighbourhood, and the type of work they have done. Neighbours with wells are often a good source of information. They may recommend a reputable well contractor or provide information about any problems or difficulties they may have had. Remember, however, the well driller cannot guarantee the quantity or quality of water before drilling a well.
Good Luck. Kate
Tuesday, September 11th, 2007
Question from Lynne Conrad " Kate can you tell me a little bit about maintaining septic tanks?"
Sure Lynne. Here's a summary of what I find to be the most frequently asked questions. The answers I've provided come from information provided to me by some of the most respected septic specialists in the community.
1. How often do you pump out a septic tank?
Based on a family of four, a 500 to 800 gallon septic tank should be pumped every two to three years. Have your tank cleaned in mild weather, never in the winter months, unless you have a problem. Bacteria has to build up in your tank to stop it from freezing in the winter months.
2. What is the cost of cleaning a septic tank?
A typical fee to pump a septic tank is between $200 to $300. This varies due to the location of your home and the tank size, as well as the disposal fee.
3. How do you prepare to have your septic tank cleaned?
Your septic tank cover(s)need to be uncovered, so the hauler can lift the lid and pump your septic tank. It's a good practice to be there at tht time of pumping, so you can ask questions, and make sure everything is in good working order. Based on the age of your septic tank, you may discover that it will soon have to be replaced. Better to find out sooner than later!!! Steel tanks can rust, by first losing their baffles. Some tanks have filters, so during the cleaning process, have the filters also cleaned by the hauler.
Hope this has been helpful Lynne. Thanks for that good question.