After His Father’s Stroke,

A Son Steps In To Save The Family Septic Business

By John Voket

Newtown resident, John A. Spremullo, Jr, started C& S Septic Tank Service more than 30 years ago with just an old Ford cab-over, a 1,500-gallon tank, and a mud pump. Since then, he says he has maintained the only septic cleaning company based in Newtown that has never changed ownership.

But recently, when Mr Spremullo suffered a life-threatening and debilitating stroke, it was his son Jonathan who came to the rescue, preserving the family business and continuing his father’s decades-old tradition of personalized service.

While Mr Spremullo continues his recovery at a regional rehabilitation center after a three-month stay at Danbury Hospital, Jonathan Spremullo and his wife Cayenne stepped up, taking over where the family patriarch unexpectedly left off.

The couple recently validated the transition with a multiton commitment — by purchasing a new 2000 Mack CH600 with a 3,500-gallon tank, state-of-the-art vacuum pump and all the bells and whistles their mobile business platform requires to service a growing list of private and commercial clients.

Similarly named, C&S Septic Cleaning, LLC currently serves Newtown, Oxford, and surrounding towns. The Spremullos base of operations, like many small business people, is their home in Oxford.

While Ms Spremullo maintains her career working in the Newtown Tax Collector’s Office, her husband handles the “business end” of the operation. Mr Spremullo’s daily proximity to his home town also keeps him close by and available to respond when necessary as a volunteer at Oxford Center Fire Company #1.

Ms Spremullo told The Newtown Bee recently that the company’s competitive fees are structured based on the size of the septic tank involved, and whether or not additional dumping fees are applicable. Emergency, round-the-clock response is available, and C&S Septic Tank Service always extends special discounts to other fellow emergency services personnel, as well as to local senior citizens.

The Spremullos recommend clients have their system pumped at least once every two years, which is consistent with guidelines recommended by the Newtown Health District. The company also offers homebuyer inspections, installations and related repairs, as well as grease trap pumping for restaurant and commercial food service clients.

C&S Septic Tank Service operates 12 months a year and Ms Spremullo said even deep snow will typically not prevent access to the septic cap.

The couple joins Health District Director Donna Culbert recommending several basic maintenance steps homeowners can take to better ensure the long life and lasting efficiency of their septic system, including conserving water, being careful that nothing harmful is disposed into the system, inspecting the system annually, and pumping it regularly.

According to guidelines provided by the Health District, by practicing water conservation and staggering high water usage practices, such as laundry, to alternating days, along with immediately repairing leaking faucets and toilets, a well maintained system can last 20–25 years or more.

By the same token, Ms Culbert warned that with abuse or disregard, even a new system can fail in three to five years or less. She added that a septic system is designed to treat and dispose of wastewater in normal household use.

“It is not a garbage disposal or receptacle for products not generated in the household, especially petroleum-based chemicals,” she said.

According to district guidelines, homeowners are reminded that the following should not be poured down the drain or flushed into the septic system:

*Excess water (such as two to three consecutive loads of laundry)

*Fats, grease, cooking oil

*Waste garbage, vegetable peelings, coffee grounds

*Bleach (moderate amounts in laundry is OK)

*Disposable diapers, paper towels, sanitary napkins, condoms

*Disinfectants, drain cleaners on a regular basis

*Paint, paint thinner, antifreeze, motor oil, gasoline

*Pesticides or any hazardous waste

*Non-biodegradable detergents and cleaners

*Water softener backwash, photographic developing fluids

*Soil, kitty litter, cigarette butts and hair

Ms Culbert said that periodic pumping of one’s septic tank is critical. New systems should be pumped every two to four years; older systems every one to three years, depending on the condition and usage of the system.

To receive a copy of the agency’s guidelines, for more information about local septic requirements, or recommendations for septic system construction, installation and maintenance, contact the Newtown Health District at 270-4291.

To reach C&S Septic Cleaning, LLC, call 426-3034, or 888-6577.