Portable Sanitation Equipment is our Business!
A Liquid Waste Management Company

Frequently Asked Questions

A list of our most frequently asked questions.

Billing (4)

Enter a comma separated list of words related to this topic.

You may pay for your septic pumping via: cash, check or charge.

Brendel's accepts all major credit cards, which are:

  1. MasterCard
  2. Visa
  3. American Express
  4. Discover

Brendel's FAQsIn a word - no! However, like every rule there are exceptions. For example, initial delivery invoices (for construction rentals only) are pro-rated, while most others are not. If you have questions regarding pro-rated invoices please call our billing department at: (248) 698-5000.

Brendel's FAQsOur billing cycle is 28 days or four (4) equal weeks. Just like that of the phone or electric company. This results in 13 billings per year to avoid 4 weeks that would not be charged for otherwise.

If you are confused about this policy please call our billing department at: (248) 698-5000.

Brendel's FAQsThe price of a residential septic pumping is dependent on the amount of gallons your septic tank holds. If you are unsure of the gallon capacity of your septic tank, we will be unable to give you a definite quote until the tank is actually pumped out. In general however, the average prices for residential pumpings are:

  • 1,000 gal. Residential (only) - $205.00 (does not include digging or extras)
General (5)

Terms in this category related to general questions not previously defined in other FAQ categories.

Brendel's FAQsAs a regular business practice—No. However, we do retire our stock from time to time and as that occurs we will sell off later model equipment and/or damaged units at a discounted price.

If you are interested in possibly purchasing a used unit please feel free to give us a call to make inquiries regarding availability.

If you are looking to purchase a new unit, we can handle that as well. Just specify what you're looking for when you call.

Brendel's FAQsYes. Bio-Tab is non-toxic to both humans and animals alike, contains no harsh or caustic chemicals, is nonpoisonous and non-corrosive. The active organisms in Bio-Tab are considered to be environmentally safe by the (EPA) Environmental Protection Agency.

Brendel's Septic Tank Service, LLC neither endorses this product nor takes any responsibility for the use of the same.

Brendel's FAQsWe service all of southeastern Michigan. If you are unsure that your location qualifies give us a call to make sure.

Roughly that is: As far north as Saginaw, as far west as Lansing, as far east as Lake St. Clair, as far south as the State Line. This indeed covered much more territory than southeastern Michigan but you get the general idea.

Bio-Tab is an easy, safe and effective way to revitalize and treat your home septic system. The tablets contain carefully selected strains of bacteria and enzymes, formulated to meet the specific needs of your home septic system.Brendels FAQs

Works well for:

  • Slow moving drains
  • Dishwashers that won't drain
  • Toilets that won't flush
  • Foul smelling odors

Brendel's FAQsYes. We will be happy to show our equipment to you and answer any questions you may have prior to renting. Our sales staff is on hand throughout the day during normal business hours.

Rentals (7)

Terms in this category deal with all equipment rental related questions.

Brendel's FAQsWeekend Rentals are delivered on the Friday before your event and picked-up the following Monday.

Brendel's FAQsNo. You do not have to be home for the delivery, however, someone must be there to pay the driver if other arrangements have not been made ahead of time.

Brendel's FAQsUsing the table below you can easily estimate the amount of unit(s) you will need for your next event.

To use estimate the number of people that will be attending your event follow that number over to the column that represents the approximate number of hours your event is expected to last.  The number where those to lines converge is the suggested amount of units you would need for your event.

Brendel's FAQsWe recommend one (1) week. Although stock is usually available, summer is a busy time for us, as is the holiday seasons such as the Fourth of July, all of which tend to book up early. As does the month of June for Graduation parties. To ensure a unit is available for your event you may wish to call ahead for reservations.

This is especially true of restroom trailer and shower rentals. In fact, it is a must, as these units are normally always booked well in advance of events.

Brendel's FAQsNothing actually. Both pieces of equipment are exactly the same, the primary difference being use. Construction rentals are delivered and rented out strictly to work sites. They're never delivered to event locations. Weekend rentals or Event Units, are new units that are only ever rented out for events and/or weekends.

When an event unit begins to show signs of wear it is retired to the Construction Inventory and the Event Rental is replaced with a new unit.

Brendel's FAQsAs a regular business practice—No. However, we do retire our stock from time to time and as that occurs we will sell off later model equipment and/or damaged units at a discounted price.

If you are interested in possibly purchasing a used unit please feel free to give us a call to make inquiries regarding availability.

If you are looking to purchase a new unit, we can handle that as well. Just specify what you're looking for when you call.

Brendel's FAQsYes. We will be happy to show our equipment to you and answer any questions you may have prior to renting. Our sales staff is on hand throughout the day during normal business hours.

Septics (18)

Terms in this list refers to your entire septic system, i.e.; septic tank and field, and deal with all septic related FAQs.

Installation (1)

For the purpose of this site, installation refers to the installation of a septic system / tank / field or all of the above. FAQs in this category deal with questions related to septic installations and repairs.

Brendel's FAQsYes. State and County laws require that a permit be issued by the Health Department prior to constructing or making repairs to a septic system. We handle the permit process for you when we are hired to do your perk test. Which must be performed prior to septic repair and/or installation.

Perk Test (3)

Terms in this category are a sub-category of the Septic FAQs. All questions here relate to and deal with Perk Tests.

Brendel's FAQsYou will need the following in order to have Brendel's perform a perk test for you:

  • A survey map of your property showing the lot, dimensions, and appurtenances on the lot.
  • Sidwell / Tax ID Number for the property. (Can be found on your tax bill)
  • Full address of property to be perked.
  • Contact Information for yourself.
  • Number of bedrooms for dwelling.
  • Number of individuals living in dwelling.

A perk test determines the water solubility level of a given piece of property. That is, whether or not the soil can take water. For example, properties in a high water area or a marsh land usually will not perk because the water table is too high, and the soil pores have reach their solubility level (cannot absorb more fluid).

The perk test is performed where the septic tank and field lines converge, this is located by plotting the system. Once this is determined, a soil bore is dug with a back hoe to reveal a profile of the subsurface from grade to 48 inches. Based on the colors of the soil and physical texture, suitability for subsurface field lines can be determined. If soil is found to be suitable, three more post holes will dug and then saturated for a period of time.

Pumping (6)

For the purpose of our company, a pumping refers to pumping our a septic tank. Terms in this category relate to all FAQs dealing with septic pumpings.

You may pay for your septic pumping via: cash, check or charge.

Brendel's accepts all major credit cards, which are:

  1. MasterCard
  2. Visa
  3. American Express
  4. Discover

Mousing a system entails flushing a locator (called a mouse) from an inside facility and following the mechanism on it's path outside the house with equipment like that of a metal detector.

The major drawback to having your system moused is that the mouse will stop at any obstruction in the lines and can give a false reading.

Brendel's FAQsIn a word. No. We realize your time is valuable and therefore attempt to make service as convenient for you as possible.

Simply schedule your septic pumping for the day of your choice* and we will service your tank and leave a copy of the work order. You are then invoiced for the work from the work order turned into the billing department. You then may pay off of the invoice once it arrives at your home.

Brendel's FAQsThere are a couple of avenues available to you for tank location. The first option, most obviously, is also the cheapest route. You can:

  • Contact the old homeowners for information on the tank location.
  • Check sales records for the home for a map of your lot and tank location.
  • Check with the Township or County Health Department for records on your property.
  • Try to locate the tank yourself with a prod.

Yes. We do provide digging services in addition to our pumping services. There is an extra charge for digging.

Brendel's FAQsDigging charges are determined by estimating feet of earth removed from surface (ground level) to lid (tank lid). If, for example, we remove 2 and 3/4 feet of material, you would be charged for the third foot.

Brendel's FAQsThe price of a residential septic pumping is dependent on the amount of gallons your septic tank holds. If you are unsure of the gallon capacity of your septic tank, we will be unable to give you a definite quote until the tank is actually pumped out. In general however, the average prices for residential pumpings are:

  • 1,000 gal. Residential (only) - $205.00 (does not include digging or extras)

Brendel's FAQsA septic system handles waste-water in homes that are located in areas where public sewers are not currently available. The standard type of septic system features a tank (anaerobic tank) which holds all the waste-water leaving your home through drainpipes, and a system of trench and pipes that allow the waste-water to "percolate" through the soil back to the water table.

Having your system shot with a camera is one of the most effective ways of determining where you septic tank is located, however, it is also the most expensive route you can go, next to having your entire backyard excavated up (which we do not recommend).

The main piece of equipment used to camera the lines and tank looks just like a plumbers snake, but has a camera on the end of it. A toilet from one of the inside facilities must be removed in order to have this procedure performed. The snake is fed through the lines in your home, the camera on the end of the snake sends back live images of your lines to a monitor that is attached to the other end of the snake.

Brendel's FAQsCheck old sales records for your house. If the answer is not there, the previous homeowner may know. If that is not an option try checking with the city or township offices where you live. If you are still unable to determine an answer the only other way to find this information out is by having your system pumped out.

You may pay for your septic pumping via: cash, check or charge.

Brendel's accepts all major credit cards, which are:

  1. MasterCard
  2. Visa
  3. American Express
  4. Discover

Mousing a system entails flushing a locator (called a mouse) from an inside facility and following the mechanism on it's path outside the house with equipment like that of a metal detector.

The major drawback to having your system moused is that the mouse will stop at any obstruction in the lines and can give a false reading.

Brendel's FAQsYou will need the following in order to have Brendel's perform a perk test for you:

  • A survey map of your property showing the lot, dimensions, and appurtenances on the lot.
  • Sidwell / Tax ID Number for the property. (Can be found on your tax bill)
  • Full address of property to be perked.
  • Contact Information for yourself.
  • Number of bedrooms for dwelling.
  • Number of individuals living in dwelling.

Brendel's FAQsYes. Bio-Tab is non-toxic to both humans and animals alike, contains no harsh or caustic chemicals, is nonpoisonous and non-corrosive. The active organisms in Bio-Tab are considered to be environmentally safe by the (EPA) Environmental Protection Agency.

Brendel's Septic Tank Service, LLC neither endorses this product nor takes any responsibility for the use of the same.

Bio-Tab is an easy, safe and effective way to revitalize and treat your home septic system. The tablets contain carefully selected strains of bacteria and enzymes, formulated to meet the specific needs of your home septic system.Brendels FAQs

Works well for:

  • Slow moving drains
  • Dishwashers that won't drain
  • Toilets that won't flush
  • Foul smelling odors