Pumper

The SeeLeveL 806 Series delivers accurate monitoring for up to three compartments with 1/4-inch precision. Built for durability, it features integrated alarms and requires no recalibration — making it the smart choice for dependable, hassle-free monitoring of nonflammable liquid tanks. Read more Sponsored by: Garnet Instruments

Chris Navo was shocked when he got over 100 responses to an ad he placed on the employment website Indeed for two job openings in November 2025. “I had to shut it off,” he says. Navo & Sons, a full-service septic company in Grass Valley, California, generally has an easier time finding employees than many companies because they’re well-known, having been around nearly 70 years. And often their 33 employees bring in relatives or friends.

On June 12, 2026, Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry signed HB953 into law — and with it, Louisiana enacted what PHCC believes to be the most damaging rollback of plumbing licensure standards seen anywhere in the country in recent memory. For context: In 2019, the Texas Legislature nearly allowed its state plumbing licensing board to sunset entirely before Gov. Greg Abbott intervened to preserve it. HB953 doesn't go that far, but in some ways, what it does is more consequential.

Imperial’s NEXUS Integrated Control System centralizes truck and equipment controls into one interface. Monitor systems, reduce wiring, and improve diagnostics. Learn more Sponsored by: Imperial Industries, Inc.

When Chris Navo goes to work, he is surrounded by family members, in-laws and longtime employees who are like family. He is part of the third generation at Navo & Sons, a family-owned and operated full-service septic business that his grandfather started. Navo manages the company along with his semiretired uncle, Mark Navo. His right-hand managers are sister-in-law Sherri Curtis who oversees administrative operations and 30-year-veteran Wade Avilla who oversees field operations.

Reading Between the Lines How Quiet People Can Shine in the Trades Why introverted traits like analytical focus and active listening are strong weapons in the septic and pumping industry July 08, 2026

You just hired a new employee to join your business. For most owners, the next step is either to show them around or turn them loose on the crew to learn from the veterans. It often feels awkward because there is no real flow to the day. The hope is that the new person will absorb what they see and figure it out along the way. Sometimes that works if you have a strong crew with natural leaders who take someone under their wing. Still, that is a big assumption.

Hair is a filamentous, hardened protein structure made of keratin that grows from follicles in the skin of mammals, and it’s a pain to deal with in septic systems. Keratin is a tough, fibrous, structural protein that the body naturally produces, serving as the building block for hair, skin and nails by providing strength, elasticity and protection. Hair is composed of amino acids including a high sulfur content. It also contains water, lipids, pigments (melanin) and trace minerals.

We all know someone that it seems no matter where they are, they can make friends with just about anyone. Someone like that just has a knack for talking to people, and it’s usually because they genuinely enjoy doing so. A trait that is often found in an extroverted person. Outgoing personalities do well in the trades. A talent for communication is a strong tool toward making a first impression and lasting relationships.

As professionals, we need to understand that pumps and blowers are some of the hardest-working parts in the wastewater industry. From vacuum trucks loading septage to blowers adding oxygen in treatment systems, these machines run in tough conditions every day. Heavy solids, grease and strong waste put constant stress on equipment that must keep working under pressure. Septage creates an even bigger challenge.