A septic system treats wastewater from your home when you don’t have access to a municipal sewer system. It includes a septic tank and a treatment area such as a mound or in-ground drain field.
A mound system is a septic system built above the natural ground using specially engineered sand and soil. It’s typically used when soil conditions don’t allow for a conventional in-ground system.
A septic system treats wastewater on your property. A holding tank stores wastewater until it is pumped out and hauled away.
A soil test determines what type of system your property can support. Our team performs soil testing year-round and can explain your options.
Wastewater is all the water that leaves your home through sinks, toilets, showers, washing machines and other drains.
It is never wrong to pump a septic tank. All septic and mound systems eventually fail due to waterborne solids plugging the soil pores. Eventually, when the soil pores are completely plugged, the soil no longer takes the wastewater anymore. That wastewater backs up on the ground surface or back into the house, or both, which is the definition of a failed system. Solids accumulating in the septic tank leave the tank in one of two ways: waterborne, out of the tank to the seepage bed, or mound, causing soil pore blockage or pumped out. Having your tank pumped is the same as changing the oil in your car—you are getting rid of the harmful stuff that will cause the system to eventually fail.
Wisconsin requires septic systems to be pumped or inspected at least every three years. Older systems or heavily used systems may benefit from more frequent pumping.
Most times, no. Regular pumping and proper maintenance are far more effective than additives.
Check it at least twice a year and clean it annually. If your tank level is high, clean it at once.
Yes, but Wisconsin code requires them to be within 6 inches of the surface. Covers that provide access to pumps or filters cannot be buried.
To extend the longevity of your system:
No. Despite the label, wipes do not break down like toilet paper and are one of the leading causes of septic problems.
Frequent garbage disposal use adds solids to your system and can reduce its lifespan.
No. Grease can buildup in pipes and septic systems, causing costly blockages and repairs.
Grass and shallow-rooted plants are best. Avoid trees and large shrubs whose roots could damage the system.
Common warning signs include:
A septic alarm usually means the water level in the pump tank is too high. Contact us as soon as possible so we can determine the cause.
A clogged filter, blocked pipe, failing pump or failing drain field can cause elevated water levels.
Possibly. Slow drains can indicate a blockage, a clogged filter or an issue with the septic system.
The first step is to find the cause. Many times, a replacement system can be designed and installed on the property after a soil evaluation.
The sanitary sewer line carries wastewater from your home to the municipal sewer main.
In most cases, homeowners are responsible for the sewer line from the house to the municipal main.
Recurring backups are often caused by roots, grease buildup, deteriorated pipes or blockages that weren’t fully removed.
A sewer camera inspection is one of the best ways to find hidden problems and avoid costly surprises, especially in older homes.
Grease buildup comes from more than cooking oil. Foods like sauces, salad dressings, butter and gravy can all contribute over time.
Depending on the problem, repairs may include traditional excavation, sewer lining, spot repairs or other trenchless solutions.
Take the following steps to prevent sewer line problems: