SEPTIC SYSTEMS
Site Evaluation
With our knowledge in septic and excavating, we can give you the best options for your location and types of Subsurface Sewage Treatment System (SSTS).
Soil Observations
Your soil profile can tell us a lot based on their types, colors, and textures. Many factors can be determined in septic design and performance by performing a soil observation. We are certified by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) in determining soil texture, color, and structure as interpreted by the United States Department of Agriculture-Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS).
Septic Inspections
We perform certified compliance inspections. Whether you’re buying, selling, or just curious if your septic would meet today’s standards, we will give you our honest opinion.
Our inspectors, trained to Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) standards, will assess your system’s compliance with state and local regulations. After the inspection, you will receive a Certificate of Compliance (COC) if your system meets the required standards, or a Notice of Non-Compliance (NON) detailing any necessary repairs or updates.
Septic System Design
Many factors play into the design of a septic system. One thing commonly left out is the homeowner’s wishes on location. We try our best to accommodate the homeowner’s concerns and desires. Whether it be unsightly concerns, keeping out of the way of future development, or cost of install, they all play into things to consider when doing a septic design.
Septic Installation
There are many levels of quality when installing a septic system, right down to quality of materials used. From the tanks, to pumps, risers, pipe fittings, and more, the longevity and performance of a system is directly related to the quality of installation. Some examples include the tanks being installed correctly so there aren’t any cracks, the pipes installed properly so septage flows correctly, and that the treatment area is constructed properly so effluent is treated and disperses properly.
Benefit of Septic System Design AND Installation:
When we are also the designers of the your system, if unforeseen circumstances arise during installation, we can quickly and easily make adjustments to the design to accommodate the issues.
Septic Frequently Asked Questions
What permits or approvals are needed?
Any and all septic work, except minor repairs (risers, electrical, broken pipe, etc.) needs a permit, which we can help you obtain.
If you head to our Resources page, you can also find your county permits, applications, ordinances, etc.
Why do I need a mound?
Sites that need a mound system have wet and non-draining soils. It takes 3 feet of soil to treat effluent. If you were to not do a mound, your system would be overwhelmed, pollute ground water, and fail to protect groundwater. Call or email us to set up a site visit to determine what type of system you need.
Do all septic systems need to be mounds now days?
No. If you have the right types of soils, without hydraulic indicators, then in ground trenches or beds are allowed. Give us a call or send us an email to schedule a site visit to determine which type of system is best for you!
Why does my septic system fail compliance?
It could be one of many reasons. Some are more minor problems (inspection pipes, tank access, electrical hazards) and can be easily repaired to make your system compliant.
More major problems could be because many older systems were built with materials that don’t protect groundwater (ex: many old tanks were built with block, staves, or steel that are not water tight. Tanks must be water tight). Another problem could be that the treatment area doesn’t have 3 feet of good soil underneath it. It takes 3 feet of soil to treat effluent.
My septic system just passed compliance but now it’s not working…why?
A compliance inspection doesn’t necessarily evaluate functionality or guarantee the performance of a system. Compliance inspections ensure the system is not polluting the ground water and is in compliance with MN Rules Chapter 7080. We strive to evaluate and inform the system owner of the condition and state of the system. Call or email us to come out and inspect your septic system!
Can I get a holding tank installed?
Maybe. Holding tanks are reserved for sites without room or appropriate soils for a Subsurface Sewage Treatment System (SSTS), and in some cases, seasonal use properties. Call or email us and we can help determine what is possible for your specific project!
Why do I need such a big system?
Septic systems are sized to handle the peak flows. Many people are astonished to hear the average 3 bedroom home system is sized at 450 gallons/day. While most days, the system doesn’t use anywhere near that much water, it needs to be able to handle the peak flows on the busiest days.
For example, with a 3 bedroom home system, if the family is gone most of the week and everyone does laundry, takes a shower, goes to the bathroom, uses the sinks, and the dishwasher gets ran a few times over the weekend…. the system needs to be able to handle all of that. In this example, the family could potentially hit their peak flow on Saturday.
**Note: it is worth mentioning that systems are designed to work at 70% or of their design flow. **
What if I don’t have enough room for a system?
There are options. One option is a possible holding tank. Another is possibly doing a smaller system and a holding tank combination. A third option would be to do a smaller system with a time dose pump to not overload the undersized system. There are alternate types of systems (ex. box mound). Call or email us to further discuss the options available for your specific project, we would love to help!