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Business & Tech

Septic Systems Still Big Business

Although developments using sewer services have increased in the last 39 years, there are still many residents still on septic tanks.

There’s been rapid growth in the Forsyth, Cherokee and north Fulton county areas in the last 39 years. As more developments have been built, more houses have tapped onto sewer lines.

But, officials with Amos Pump Services - which serves the three counties - say there are still plenty of septic customers in the area to keep their business going.

“There’s still a lot of septic here in the county,” Jeannie Amos said. “Sewer definitely has come in more in the last 10 years than it was before. (But) there are still a lot of houses that are being put on septic. It just depends on what area of the county you’re in.”

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Amos Pump Service was started in 1974 by J.W. Amos, who bought the business to combine with his son, Pete’s plumbing business. When the two separated companies, the elder Amos kept the septic business, which now belongs to son, Billy. 

While sewer may be the No. 1 choice if it’s nearby, it’s not always available, especially if you’re not building in a development.

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“If someone’s just building a house somewhere they’ll probably pick septic,” Jeannie Amos said. “If the opportunity’s there (for sewer), sure, but, it’s very pricey for tap fees.”

And, though business slowed some during the economic downturn, there’s still a need for this kind of service, Amos said.

“When you’ve got a backup in your home and your toilets don’t flush or you don’t have running, that’s something you have to do,” she said.

With septic tanks come a number of misconceptions, such as that septic tanks should never be pumped. That should be done every 3-5 years to remove solids and extend the life of the system.

“A lot of people are told, ‘Oh, you don’t have to worry about that. If you don’t have a problem, don’t worry.’” Amos said. “The solids get very hard to pump as they build up over time, and it shortens the life of the field lines.”

Other misconceptions include flushing anything labeled “septic-safe” when the only thing that should be flushed down the toilet is toilet paper, and putting grease down the toilet.

“They dump grease down their kitchen sinks, and that causes problems,” Amos said. “It coats the pipes, and it forms a clog. You flush the toilet, and it doesn’t want to go anywhere.”

In addition to septic systems, the company also works on well systems and repairs service lines running from the meter to the house.

And, Billy Amos stays active in the community. He’s a member of the North Forsyth 400 Rotary Club; volunteers with United Way; has donated services to local organizations; and sponsors sports at North Forsyth, West Forsyth and Forsyth Central High Schools.

“We work here,” Jeannie Amos said. “Billy often says, ‘If I run up on you at Walmart or in the store, I’m going to come up and shake your hand. I don’t want to hide from you.’” Just having the presence in the community and treating people fairly (is important). We live here and work here, too. Community’s important.”

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