Complaint Review: Helton Environmental Service & Pumping

On 6/21 I had a problem with my septic backing up and the basins and stools in my home backing up. I wanted to do business locally in an effort to support local business owners. I called Helton Environmental listed in the yellow pages. I was told they would send someone right out.

After an hour I called again. They said the party coming was a single dad and feeding his child breakfast. Laudable but - not my problem - I needed septic service. The receptionist said it would only be another hour.

After an additional hour and a half passed I called again. I was told they had no idea where the worker was. I waited another hour not sure if I should cancel or wait. Still hoping to do business with a local company and give them the benefit of the doubt I waited.

Now 3 and 1/2 hours had passed, that is 3 hours longer than I was told this would take in the first place. I asked about the servicemans status. The receiptionist said he was just leaving the yard. Another 1/2 hour passed.

Finally the service man arrived. He was dressed in shorts and a tee shirt and sandals. He had a small child in the service truck and it was 90+ degrees outside! He looked around the yard a little, poked in the ground to locate the septic cap, said the grass was too tall - it was about 6 inches tall but no one had ever mentioned the required length of grass before - he said he couldn't find the septic!

I asked what I should do? He said he didn't care! He said the septic was backed up because the grass was so tall!!! I have a witness to this encounter. I asked him what I should do, he said he didn't know. I stated that I didn't appreciate waiting 4+ hours to be told he didn't know what to do! His advertisement said he was able to help and here he says he doesn't know what I should do!

I WAS READY TO PAY CASH MONEY TO A LOCAL BUSINESS FOR SERVICES!!! His advertisment even says "FRIENDLIEST SERVICE". Well, it didn't mention fast, or knowledgable. Being "friendly" didn't fix my problem. I will get the service done by another company tomorrow and I will probably NOT do much business locally any more!

I might add that most of my business with the people of ALVARADO is ridiculously poor!! It is a real shame. However, any business willing to give a modicum of decent time service backed with a skill could really make a living out here!!

Joyce
Alvarado, Texas
U.S.A.