Fall’s onset means time to finish home projects

Wow, it has been really hot! By the time you are reading this, it should have cooled down a bit. Many of us enjoy some hot summer days so we can get out there on the lakes and rivers, but those high 90s are a little extreme. I know it’s a little early to be thinking of that dreaded 4-letter word, S-N-O-W, but fall is only about 6 1/2 weeks away. So, if you have some improvement or construction projects to get done, it’s time to do it.

My husband and I recently experienced one of the worst problems we country folks can have this time of year – water well malfunction. There are several well-established well pump and drilling companies in our area, and they are all very busy right now. After several calls, we connected with Pat’s Pumps, located at 39706 N. Newport Highway in Elk, next to Miller’s One Stop. They rescued us, got water to our house and updated our antiquated system to our great satisfaction. If you have pump problems, be sure to give Pat’s Pumps a call at (509) 292-2322. They are very experienced and have a great reputation.

If you need a new well drilled, there are a couple of choices in our area, and each is equally experienced with good reputations. JOYco Drilling is located on Newport Highway in northernmost Elk. They will take care of water well drilling, well camera inspections and flow and water quality. You can reach Morgan or Cheryl Joy at (509) 292-2000, (877) 292-WELL (9355) or online at www.joycodrilling.com.

Sams Drilling is also located in Elk, and they drill water wells and work with percussion, rotary and exploration all over the Northwest. Their motto is “If it’s there, we’ll find it.” Call Stacy Sams at (509) 292-2345 or (509) 292-8289.

Another maintenance task when living in the country is septic tank cleaning. If you need work done on your septic tank, holding tank or cesspools, call Ted Novak with Elk Septic at (509) 292-8599 or (509) 220-5346. Elk Septic serves all of the surrounding areas.

For installation of a septic system, septic tank or well house, or for delivery of sand, gravel, washed rock or concrete, be sure to call Toner’s Sand & Gravel. They are located on U.S. 2 and Eloika Road in Chattaroy. Brothers, Kenny and Randy Toner can be reached at (509) 292-2360.

General contractor and longtime resident Landon Brown’s Land-On Construction works “From the Ground Up.” Land-On does house building, pole building, excavating and septic installations. Land-On can be reached at (509) 998-1127 or (509) 447-5208.

Another general contractor in our area is Al Smith with A.R. Smith Construction. Al has worked for many years in the Elk-Chattaroy area and specializes in decks, patios, handicap ramps and additions. A.R. Smith Construction can be reached at (509) 292-8359.

Tim Kelley’s Silverado Pools & Construction LLC is another family owned and operated business in Elk. They are general construction contractors, whose specialties are in-ground swimming pools, ponds and other water features. They do free estimates and say, “No job is too big or too small.” Call Silverado at (590) 292-9525.

I know we all want to spend these hot summer days swimming, boating, camping and enjoying the great outdoors, but don’t forget to call our local businesses for your construction and improvement needs. Then we all have to think about firewood, snow shovels and antifreeze.