Art Nikolin is a co-founder of Septic Solutions LLC | The Stone Magazine portrait

Art Nikolin

Art Nikolin is a co-founder and General Manager of Septic Solutions LLC

Description of activities

Art Nikolin is a co-founder and General Manager of Septic Solutions LLC, a family-owned septic company serving homeowners throughout Island, King, Skagit, and Snohomish Counties. He has worked in the septic industry since 2017 and helped launch Septic Solutions LLC in January 2025 to focus exclusively on septic systems.

Core Philosophy 

Art previously worked in an industry where one single mistake could cost millions in losses. Before joining Septic Solutions LLC, Art professionally installed and serviced complex commercial HVAC systems for high rises, data centers, and hospitals.

That shaped his zero-tolerance-for-errors philosophy to the septic business, which found its reflection into building a robust training system for Septic Solutions LLC technicians. Now, the team holds 36 septic service licenses. 

With years of hands-on experience in the septic industry, Art takes pride in helping homeowners and businesses find reliable, long term wastewater solutions. Whether it’s installing a new system, troubleshooting an issue, or providing regular maintenance, Art’s goal is to make the process stress-free and straightforward. He believes in 

  • honest work, 
  • clear communication, 
  • and getting the job done right the first time. 

In Art’s experience, most septic problems don’t happen because homeowners don’t care. They happen because septic systems are out of sight, rarely explained well, and easily forgotten as one of the fundamental infrastructures that makes modern living possible. 

People are expected to maintain something they’ve never been taught to understand. Art sees his role as helping homeowners make sense of what’s actually happening underground and what their system needs to stay healthy over time.

Approach to Work 

At Septic Solutions LLC, Art helps guide a service approach that focuses on how the entire system functions together, not just the part that failed that day. A backup, a full tank, or a failed pump is usually a signal of a bigger issue. Fixing the symptom without understanding the cause only delays the next problem.

The principles that guide his work are straightforward:

  • Look at the whole system, not just what’s broken
  • Protect groundwater and surface water, not just the property
  • Give homeowners clear options so they can make informed decisions

Why Western Washington Matters to Art

Western Washington plays a big role in how Art approaches septic work. Heavy rainfall, limited septic real estate, and proximity to sensitive water sources mean there’s very little room for guesswork. Systems have to be designed, maintained, and monitored with those realities in mind.

Through writing and industry involvement, Art’s goal is simple: help homeowners understand their septic systems well enough to avoid preventable problems and protect the places they live.

Outside of work, Art enjoys exploring the outdoors of Washington and spending time with his family. If you ever have a question about your septic system, he’s always happy to help!

Place of work

Link to the company's website

https://septicsolutionsllc.com

The author's social networks

Author's publications

Thumbnail image for 'A Gurgling Drain and a Foul Smell Sent Us to Marysville, and It Wasn't the Grease We Suspected'
Homeowner Q&A

A Gurgling Drain and a Foul Smell Sent Us to Marysville, and It Wasn't the Grease We Suspected

Avatar of Art Nikolin
Art Nikolin
11
Thumbnail image for 'What Is Inside a Septic Tank? Everything You Need to Know'
Homeowner Q&A

What Is Inside a Septic Tank? Everything You Need to Know

I'm Art Nikolin, Operations Manager at Septic Solutions. Before managing the company, I was in the trenches with my brothers, installing pipes and tanks.

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Art Nikolin
8
Thumbnail image for 'Twelve Years Without a Pump: What We Found Inside a Granite Falls Septic Tank'
Homeowner Q&A

Twelve Years Without a Pump: What We Found Inside a Granite Falls Septic Tank

We got the call about a tank in Granite Falls that hadn't been pumped in twelve years. Our crew showed up at 8 AM the next morning and had the system working again before lunch.

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Art Nikolin
11
Thumbnail image for 'A 38-Year-Old Tank Just Proved Why We Never Price a Septic System by Its Age'
Homeowner Q&A

A 38-Year-Old Tank Just Proved Why We Never Price a Septic System by Its Age

A homeowner in North Marysville called us convinced her septic system was done. The tank went in back in 1988, and in her mind that number alone meant a full replacement, easily north of $15,000.

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Art Nikolin
11
Thumbnail image for 'Septic System Installation Cost in Snohomish County, WA'
Homeowner Q&A

Septic System Installation Cost in Snohomish County, WA

I'm Art Nikolin, Operations Manager at Septic Solutions, and I'll break down what affects the installation price and explain the county program that may help cover part of the cost.

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Art Nikolin
7
Thumbnail image for 'What Is a Grease Trap? How It Works and When You Need One'
Homeowner Q&A

What Is a Grease Trap? How It Works and When You Need One

Hi, I'm Mark Nikolin, Field Specialist at Septic Solutions. Most of my field work involves septic systems, but grease causes similar problems when it builds up in plumbing or reaches the sewer.

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Art Nikolin
49
Thumbnail image for 'Septic Tank Size vs. Household Size: How to Tell If Your System Is Undersized'
Homeowner Q&A

Septic Tank Size vs. Household Size: How to Tell If Your System Is Undersized

Find out if your septic tank is too small for your household and learn the warning signs before problems become costly.

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Art Nikolin
9
Thumbnail image for 'Septic Tank Pumping Cost in Snohomish County: What Homeowners Actually Pay and Why'
Homeowner Q&A

Septic Tank Pumping Cost in Snohomish County: What Homeowners Actually Pay and Why

See average septic pumping costs in Snohomish County, what's included in the price, and what can increase the final bill.

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Art Nikolin
76
Thumbnail image for 'Septic System Signs You Need to Pay Attention to Before It Becomes an Emergency'
Homeowner Q&A

Septic System Signs You Need to Pay Attention to Before It Becomes an Emergency

Discover the early signs of septic problems, when to schedule service, and how to spot a failing drain field before it becomes an emergency.

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Art Nikolin
11
Thumbnail image for 'Septic Alarm Beeping? What It Means and What Homeowners Should Do Next'
Homeowner Q&A

Septic Alarm Beeping? What It Means and What Homeowners Should Do Next

A septic alarm is not random. It is not “just acting up.” And it is not something that should be ignored repeatedly.

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Art Nikolin
12
Thumbnail image for 'Septic Inspection Problems in Western Washington Home Sales'
Homeowner Q&A

Septic Inspection Problems in Western Washington Home Sales

And in Western Washington, septic inspection issues don’t just create inconvenience. They can delay closing, complicate negotiations, or in some cases, cause buyers to walk away entirely.

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Art Nikolin
11
Thumbnail image for 'Can You Plant a Garden Over a Septic System? What Homeowners Should Know Before Landscaping'
Homeowner Q&A

Can You Plant a Garden Over a Septic System? What Homeowners Should Know Before Landscaping

Spring and summer tend to bring the same kind of projects. Homeowners expand garden beds. Add retaining walls. Plant trees. Redesign outdoor spaces they’ve been thinking about for months.

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Art Nikolin
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