Never say never. Stefanie Carminati never planned to take the reins of Peninsula Septic Tank Service (PSTS), but it was fate. As the 51% owner of PSTS, Stefanie continues the family business her father, Bill Parham, purchased on December 1, 1964. Bill purchased the company from his cousin, Mike Ricketts, a fisherman who had acquired it from a fellow fisherman’s widow.

“It was my Dad, my Mom, and a pump truck,” she recalls. “Now we have 22 employees, five pump trucks, two servicemen, a pump specialist and a full construction crew.” Although Stefaniegrew up watching her father work tirelessly, it wasn’t her plan to join the business.

“I was in retail management for 11 years after college, trying to figure out what I wanted to do,” Stefanie recalls. “My dad invited me to work in his office for a few weeks. It started with just answering the phone one day.” Before long, Stefanie was fully immersed in the business.” Here I am, 25 years later,” she smiles.

Stefanie’s deep-rooted pride in the company stems from childhood memories of her father returning home after long daysat work. “I remember helping him take off his boots, not even knowing what septic work was,” she laughs. “He’d take me in the pump truck down the coast, and I enjoyed it.” She is thrilled to see his business continue on today.

Peninsula Septic Tank Service thrives thanks to a talented team. Stefanie works alongside her husband of 22 years, John, who serves as the business manager. With over 35 years of experience as a general contractor and real estate licensee, he helps customers navigate complex septic-related challenges.

“My background allows me to alleviate customer concerns, explain their options, and work effectively with building departments,” John says. “Systems can get complicated, but we think outside the box to find solutions.”

Many employees have been with PSTS for decades, including Ron Lambert, construction manager (30 years), David Hoyer, pump technician (25 years), and operations manager Patty Oliver (20 years) and Adrian Cardenas, senior pump truck driver (25 years). Even Stefanie’s niece, Tallie Domenighini, has been part of the team for seven years.

“The loyalty and commitment of our employees translate into excellent service for our customers,” says Stefanie. 

PSTS provides comprehensive septic services. Regular septic tank pumping and maintenance help prevent costly repairs, ensuring systems run efficiently. 

Out of sight, out of mind—until you have a backup,” Johnwarns. “Pump your tank every 3-5 years, and have a professional inspect your dispersal system to ensure there’s no sludge buildup.”  

The company also offers septic tank inspections, which are required for home sales, remodel performance evaluations for accessory dwelling unit (ADU) additions. For restaurants, grease trap pumping is essential, and PSTS provides this service through a structured maintenance program. Their drain services include storm and drain cleaning, clearing main lines, and sewer line replacements.

“When there is a transfer of real estate, Pacific Grove, Carmel-by-the-Sea, and Monterey requires a sewer lateral inspection from the sewer main to the street,” says John. “We do those inspections and if anything needs to be repaired, we can dig trenches and put in new lines.” They also install sewer backflow preventers and provide trenchless sewer line replacements.

Additionally, PSTS handles septic tank repairs, risers and replacements. For clogged or slow-moving sewer lines, their hydro-jetting service provides high-pressure cleaning to restore proper flow.

Peninsula Septic Tank Service remains a trusted name in the community. “We’ve been around for generations, and we’re here to continue serving our customers for years to come,” Stefanie says proudly.