Septic Tank Cleaning Insurance Policy Information

Septic Tank Cleaning Insurance. A large percentage of homeowners and business owners use septic tanks to manage the wastewater from their property. In order to ensure a septic system is functioning properly, it needs to be maintained. Should a property owner fail to maintain their septic system, serious issues, like a sewage backup, can arise.
As the owner of a septic tank cleaning company, you provide your clients with an invaluable service: you clean out their septic tanks and ensure that they are in proper working order. It's an important job, and it's a job that comes with a lot of risks.
Septic system contractors excavate, install, clean, and repair underground storage and drainage systems. Septic systems are used in areas where municipal sewers and water treatment facilities are not available. An underground tank receives liquid and solid waste from a building's plumbing system. Some of the liquid is released through an underground drain field called a finger system. The tank eventually becomes full of unreleased residue that must be periodically removed by opening the tank cover and vacuuming the contents into a tanker truck.
The tanker empties its load at a community wastewater treatment plant. Septic system contractors usually offer repair services for septic systems and may also empty grease drains from restaurants and other businesses.
While your goal is to protect the properties of your clients, it's also important that you protect yourself from the mishaps that can arise. By investing in the right type of septic tank cleaning insurance, you can make sure that your business, your clients, your employees, and your personal assets are protected.
Septic tank cleaning insurance protects your contracting business from lawsuits with rates as low as $77/mo. Get a fast quote and your certificate of insurance now.
Below are some answers to commonly asked septic tank cleaners insurance questions:
- What Is Septic Tank Cleaner Insurance?
- How Much Does Septic Tank Cleaning Insurance Cost?
- Why Do Septic Tank Cleaners Need Insurance?
- What Type Of Insurance Should Septic Tank Cleaning Contractors Carry?
- What Are Septic Tank Cleaners Risks & Exposures?
- What Does Septic Tank Cleaning Insurance Cover & Pay For?
What Is Septic Tank CleanerInsurance?
Septic tank cleaner insurance is a type of liability insurance that protects septic tank cleaning companies and their employees from financial losses resulting from damages or injuries caused during the cleaning process.
This type of insurance may cover costs associated with property damage, bodily injury, and legal expenses. It can also provide coverage for environmental contamination and the cleanup of any spills or leaks caused by the cleaning process.
Septic tank cleaner insurance is typically required by state and local regulations and is intended to protect both the business and the general public from any potential hazards associated with the cleaning and maintenance of septic tanks.
How Much Does Septic Tank Cleaning Insurance Cost?
The average price of a standard $1,000,000/$2,000,000 General Liability Insurance policy for small septic tank cleaners ranges from $77 to $109 per month based on location, size, payroll, sales and experience.
Why Do Septic Tank Cleaners Need Insurance?

Septic tank cleaners need insurance for a number of reasons. First and foremost, septic tank cleaning can be a risky job due to the potential for accidents and injuries on the job site. Septic tanks can be dangerous environments, as they can contain hazardous materials and gases that can be harmful to workers.
Septic tank cleaning insurance offers protection from financial liability in the event of an accident or injury.
In addition, septic tank cleaning involves the handling and disposal of hazardous materials, which can pose risks to both the environment and the public. Insurance can help cover any costs associated with environmental damage or public liability incidents.
Finally, septic tank cleaning is a regulated industry with strict rules and regulations that must be followed. Insurance can help septic tank cleaners meet these regulatory requirements, as well as protect their businesses from potential legal liabilities.
Overall, insurance is an important tool for septic tank cleaners to protect themselves, their businesses, and the public from potential risks and liabilities associated with this line of work. So, it is important for septic tank cleaners to have insurance coverage.
What Type Of Insurance Should Septic Tank Cleaning Contractors Carry?
Septic tank cleaners typically need several types of insurance coverage in order to protect their business and their clients. Here are some of the most common types of insurance that septic tank cleaners should consider:
- General Liability: This type of insurance covers damages or injuries that occur on the job site, such as slips and falls. It can also cover damage to the customer's property, such as if equipment is accidentally dropped or damaged.
- Professional Liability: Also known as errors and omissions insurance, this coverage protects against claims of negligence or mistakes made while performing septic tank cleaning services.
- Workers' Compensation: This insurance is required in most states and covers medical expenses and lost wages for employees who are injured on the job.
- Business Auto: If septic tank cleaners own or operate vehicles for their business, they should have commercial auto insurance to cover damages or injuries caused in an accident.
- Environmental Liability: This type of insurance covers the costs of cleaning up any environmental damage or pollution caused during the septic tank cleaning process.
- Business Interruption: This insurance covers lost income and expenses if the business is unable to operate due to a covered event, such as a natural disaster or equipment failure.
- Cyber Liability: This insurance covers the costs of a cyber attack or data breach, including legal fees and the cost of recovering lost or stolen data.
- Commercial Umbrella: This type of insurance provides additional liability coverage above and beyond the limits of other insurance policies, such as general liability or professional liability.
Overall, septic tank cleaners need a combination of insurance coverage to protect their business and their clients from potential risks and liabilities.
What Are Septic Tank Cleaners Risks & Exposures

Premises liability exposures at the contractor's office are generally limited due to lack of public access. Equipment stored in an open yard may present an attractive nuisance to children and other trespassers. At the job site, opening and vacuuming the holding tank presents the possibility of injury to the customer.
The area of operation should be restricted by barriers and proper signage to protect against trips, slips and falls over equipment. If the location of the tank cover is unknown, the contractor may cut a utility cable, damaging property of the utility company and disrupting service to neighboring residences or businesses.
Absence of detailed procedures to verify the location of the tank cover and determine utility locations prior to digging may indicate a morale hazard.
Completed operations liability exposures include contamination of the customer's property due to improper cleaning or repair of or damage to the holding tank or finger system. Methane gas may be inadvertently vented into the building causing serious injury or death to the occupants.
Environmental impairment liability exposure can be high due to the potential for spilling the contents of the septic tank onto the customer's property or while in transit. If the contractor has its own wastewater treatment facility, the exposure increases. The insured must comply with all federal, state and municipal requirements. Proper written procedures and documentation of both the transportation and disposal process is important.
Workers compensation exposures are very high. Back injuries, hernias, sprains and strains can be caused by lifting and pulling the hoses and equipment used in cleaning the tanks. Asphyxiation can result from the release of methane gas should older septic tanks collapse or from an improperly vented tank.
Property exposures at the contractor's own location are usually limited to those of an office and storage of materials, equipment, and vehicles. Property stored outside may be a target for vandalism.
Crime exposures are from employee dishonesty. Background checks, including criminal history, should be obtained on each employee prior to hiring. Ordering, billing, and disbursement should be handled as separate duties with reconciliations occurring regularly. There should be appropriate procedures in place when employees accept payments off site.
Inland marine exposures include accounts receivable if the contractor offers credit to customers, contractors' equipment and hand tools, and valuable papers and records for customers' and suppliers' information. Hand tools are used to uncover the tank opening and make repairs. Vacuum units, hoses and other equipment are used to empty the tank. Equipment may be subject to loss from theft, chemical damage, collision and overturn.
Commercial auto exposures are high due to the transportation of waste products on tanker trucks. All drivers must be well trained and have valid licenses for the type of vehicle being driven. MVRs must be run on a regular basis. Random drug and alcohol testing should be conducted.
Vehicles must be well maintained with records kept in a central location. Drivers should be aware of and be able to perform cleanup procedures in the event of a collision or vehicle overturn. Many septic tank cleaning contractors operate in rural areas with narrow, winding roads that are difficult to navigate. Drivers should be trained and experienced in driving under adverse conditions.
What Does Septic Tank Cleaning Insurance Cover & Pay For?

Septic tank cleaners can be sued for a variety of reasons, including property damage, personal injury, or environmental damage caused by their services. Insurance can protect septic tank cleaners from financial loss due to lawsuits by providing coverage for legal fees and damages awarded to the plaintiff.
Here are some examples of situations where a septic tank cleaner may be sued and how insurance can help pay for the lawsuit:
Property damage: If a septic tank cleaner accidentally damages a customer's property while performing their services, the customer may file a lawsuit to recover the cost of repairs. Insurance can help cover the cost of legal fees and damages awarded to the plaintiff.
Personal injury: If a customer or third-party is injured while a septic tank cleaner is performing their services, they may file a lawsuit to recover medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. Insurance can help cover the cost of legal fees and damages awarded to the plaintiff.
Environmental damage: If a septic tank cleaner causes environmental damage, such as polluting a water source, they may be sued by regulatory authorities or other affected parties. Insurance can help cover the cost of legal fees and damages awarded to the plaintiff.
For example, suppose a septic tank cleaner accidentally spills waste on a customer's property, causing damage to their lawn and landscaping. The customer files a lawsuit seeking $10,000 in damages. If the septic tank cleaner has liability insurance, their insurance company may cover the cost of defending against the lawsuit and paying any damages awarded to the customer.
In another example, suppose a septic tank cleaner is performing services on a property when a passerby is injured by equipment or waste. The injured party files a lawsuit seeking $50,000 in damages. If the septic tank cleaner has liability insurance, their insurance company may cover the cost of defending against the lawsuit and paying any damages awarded to the injured party.
In summary, insurance can help protect septic tank cleaners from financial loss due to lawsuits by providing coverage for legal fees and damages awarded to the plaintiff. It's important for septic tank cleaners to have liability insurance to protect their business and assets.
Commercial Insurance And Business Industry Classification
- SIC CODE: 7699 Repair Shops and Related Services
- NAICS CODE: 562991 Septic Tank and Related Services
- Suggested Workers Compensation Code(s): 9402 Street Cleaning & Drivers
7699: Repair Shops and Related Services, Not Elsewhere Classified
Division I: Services | Major Group 76: Miscellaneous Repair Services | Industry Group 769: Miscellaneous Repair Shops And Related Services
7699 Repair Shops and Related Services, Not Elsewhere Classified: Establishments primarily engaged in specialized repair services, not elsewhere classified, such as bicycle repair; leather goods repair; lock and gun repair, including the making of lock parts or gun parts to individual order; musical instrument repair; septic tank cleaning; farm machinery repair; furnace cleaning; motorcycle repair; tank truck cleaning; taxidermists; tractor repair; and typewriter repair.
- Agricultural equipment repair
- Antique repair and restoration, except furniture and automotive
- Awning repair shops
- Beer pump coil cleaning and repair service
- Bicycle repair shops
- Binoculars and other optical goods repair
- Blacksmith shops
- Boiler cleaning
- Boiler repair shops except manufacturing
- Bowling pins, refinishing or repair
- Camera repair shops
- Catch basin cleaning
- Cesspool cleaning
- China firing and decorating to individual order
- Cleaning and reglazing of baking pans
- Cleaning bricks
- Coppersmithing repair, except construction
- Covering textile rolls
- Dental instrument repair
- Drafting instrument repair
- Engine repair, except automotive
- Farm machinery repair
- Farriers (blacksmith shops)
- Fire control (military) equipment repair
- Furnace and chimney cleaning
- Furnace cleaning service
- Gas appliance repair service
- Glazing and cleaning baking pans
- Gun parts made to individual order
- Gunsmith shops
- Harness repair shops
- Horseshoeing
- Industrial truck repair
- Key duplicating shops
- Laboratory instrument repair, except electric
- Lawnmower repair shops
- Leather goods repair shops
- Lock parts made to individual order
- Locksmith shops
- Luggage repair shops
- Machinery cleaning
- Mattress renovating and repair shops
- Measuring and controlling instrument repair, mechanical
- Medical equipment repair, except electric
- Meteorological instrument repair
- Microscope repair
- Mirror repair shops
- Motorcycle repair service
- Musical instrument repair shops
- Nautical and navigational instrument repair, except electric
- Organ tuning and repair
- Piano tuning and repair
- Picture framing to individual order, not connected with retail art
- Picture framing, custom
- Pocketbook repair shops
- Precision instrument repair
- Rebabbitting
- Reneedling work
- Repair of optical instruments
- Repair of photographic equipment
- Repair of service station equipment
- Repair of speedometers
- Rug repair shops, not combined with cleaning
- Saddlery repair shops
- Scale repair service
- Scientific instrument repair, except electric
- Septic tank cleaning service
- Sewer cleaning and rodding
- Sewing machine repair shops
- Sharpening and repairing knives, saws, and tools
- Ship boiler and tank cleaning and repair-contractors
- Ship scaling-contractors
- Stove repair shops
- Surgical instrument repair
- Surveying instrument repair
- Tank and boiler cleaning service
- Tank truck cleaning service
- Taxidermists
- Tent repair shops
- Thermostat repair
- Tinsmithing repair, except construction
- Tractor repair
- Tuning of pianos and organs
- Typewriter repair, including electric
- Venetian blind repair shops
- Window shade repair shops
Septic Tank Cleaner Insurance - The Bottom Line
To find out exactly what type of commercial policies you need and how much coverage you should have, speak with a trained insurance broker who knows your business.
Additional Resources For Contractors & Home Improvement Insurance
Learn about small business contractor's insurance, including what it covers, how much it costs - and how commercial insurance can help protect your contracting business from lawsuits.
- Air Conditioning Systems Installation Repair
- Appliance Repair & Service
- Blacksmith & Metal Workers
- Boat Repair & Dry Docks
- Boiler Contractors
- Builders Risk
- Building Cleaning & Maintenance Services
- Cabinet Installer
- Cable And Satellite TV Installer
- Carpentry
- Chimney Sweep
- Cistern Contractors
- Contractor Liability
- Curtain Cleaners
- Deck Builders
- Door And Window Installers
- Dryer Vent Cleaning
- Drywall Contractor
- Electrical Contractors
- Environmental Remediation Contractors
- Fence Installation
- Fire Sprinkler Contractors
- Fire & Water Restoration Contractors
- Flooring Contractor
- Furniture Repair
- Garage Door Installer And Repair
- General Contractors
- Glass Contractor
- Glazier Insurance
- Gutter Installation And Repair
- Handyman
- House Cleaning
- HVAC Contractor
- Insulation Contractor
- Janitorial Cleaning Services
- Landscaping
- Lawn Care
- Lawn Irrigation Sprinkler System Installation
- Locksmith
- Oil And Gas Well Drilling Contractors
- Painters
- Paperhanging Contractors
- Plastering And Stucco Contractor
- Plumbing
- Pressure Washing Contractors
- Propane And Fuel Dealers
- Rug, Upholstery & Carpet Cleaning
- Sandblasting Contractors
- Security Alarm
- Septic Tank Cleaning
- Siding Contractor
- Sign Installation & Repair
- Solar Panel Installers
- Snow Plow
- Stone And Tile Installer
- Subcontractor
- Surety Bonds
- Swimming Pool Contractor
- Swimming Pool Service And Maintenance
- Tank Cleaners
- Tool Grinding And Repair
- Tree Surgeon
- Tree Trimming
- Upholstery Shop
- Waste Haulers & Garbage Collection
- Water Well Drilling
- Welding Contractor
- Wildlife & Pest Control
- Window Cleaning
- Specialty Contractors

The contracting industry is a field that involves a lot of risks, both for the contractor and for the clients they work for. This is why commercial insurance is so important for contractors. Insurance can protect contractors from a variety of potential losses, such as:
Liability: If a contractor causes damage to a client's property or if a client is injured while on a job site, the contractor could be held legally responsible. Liability insurance can cover legal fees and any settlements or judgments that may be awarded.
Property damage: Contractors often use a lot of expensive equipment and tools, and there is always a risk that this equipment could be damaged or stolen. Commercial property insurance can help cover the cost of replacing damaged or stolen equipment.
Business interruption: If a contractor is unable to work due to an unforeseen event, such as a natural disaster, insurance can help cover their lost income during this time.
Workers compensation: If a contractor or one of their employees is injured on the job, worker's comp can help cover medical expenses and lost wages.
Overall, commercial insurance is an important risk management tool for contractors. It can provide financial protection against a wide range of potential losses, helping contractors to stay in business and continue serving their clients.
Minimum recommended small business insurance coverage: Business Personal Property, Employee Dishonesty, Contractors' Equipment and Tools, General Liability, Employee Benefits Liability, Umbrella Liability, Automobile Liability and Physical Damage, Hired and Non-owned Auto & Workers Compensation.
Other commercial insurance policies to consider: Building, Business Income with Extra Expense, Earthquake, Flood, Leasehold Interest, Real Property Legal Liability, Accounts Receivable, Builders Risk, Computers, Goods in Transit, Installation Floater, Valuable Papers and Records, Cyber Liability, Employment-related Practicesand Stop Gap Liability.