Inspections
“According to Wisconsin State Statues, all owners of septic systems are required to participate in the Private Onsite Waste Treatment Systems Maintenance. This states that all septic tanks should be inspected and/or pumped every three years.”
If you live in Wisconsin, you’ve most likely received a Septic System Maintenance Notice in the mail. These notices state that your septic system (POWTS) is due for maintenance. Why are you getting this, and what does it exactly mean? Below is a list of common questions we receive regarding these notices.
We are certified in the state of Wisconsin to perform county required inspections.
We cover a wide area of Northeastern Wisconsin including Marinette County, Oconto County, and Southeast Forest County.
FAQs
Why am I required to have my system maintained every three years?
A key reason to maintain your system is to save money! A three year inspection is a bargain when you consider the cost of replacing the entire septic system. For example, a new septic system can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $10,000 to replace a failing system compared to the $100 to $300 average yearly cost to have a septic routinely pumped and inspected. Other reasons include preventing the spread of infection and disease and protecting the ground water. Untreated wastewater from failing septic systems can contaminate nearby wells, groundwater and drinking water sources. Failing septic systems may contribute to the pollution of local rivers, lakes and shoreline that your community uses for commercial or recreational uses. Also the state plumbing code requires all systems to have maintenance completed at least every 3 years.
What are the licensed pumpers, plumbers, ect. required to inspect?
Tank should be inspected for the condition of the manholes, observation pipes, cracks or leaks in the tank, baffle/filter condition and pumping if needed. Tanks that have combined sludge and scum levels over 1/3 the tank capacity shall be pumped.The pump tanks should also be inspected for proper operation of alarms, pumps, etc. The dispersal cell(s) should be visually inspected for discharge to the ground surface and verifying effluent levels if any in the observation pipes.
Why am I required to do maintenance on my cottage septic system when I only use it two or three times a year?
The requirements pertain to all septic systems and do not differentiate between primary and secondary dwellings (cottages). In some situations systems on limited use may have a higher potential of malfunctioning. The systems have an increased probability of freezing that can break components in the tank or dispersal cell potentially causing a backup of the system into the structure or discharge to the ground surface causing a human health hazard.
Is there anything I need to do when it comes to my inspection?
After your inspection is completed, we request every homeowner to send us their Septic System Maintenance Notice. The notice you receive has your properties assigned parcel and permit number printed on it. We use this information to report your inspection. Having your properties information allows us to ensure we are updating the correct information to the correct place.
What do they mean by “pumped and/or inspected”?
You are not required to pump your tank. It is only required to be pumped if it more that 1/3 full of waste. If your tank is less than 1/3 full, it can be just inspected and does not require pumping.
My tanks were pumped last year and now I received my notice. Do I need to schedule another maintenance inspection considering the tanks were pumped the year before?
If you recently had your system serviced and you receive a notice in the mail, Contact your service provider. They can inform your county of that prior service and the records can be updated.
Do I need to be home to have my system serviced?
We do not require property owners to be present when we service your system. The components that require inspection are all located outside, so we do not need to enter the residence. If anything comes up in your inspection that doesn’t meet county guidelines, we will contact you and recommend solutions to fix whatever component is in violation.
In general when is the best time to have my tank pumped?
It is best to pump your septic system spring, summer and early fall. Holding off until late fall increases the possibility of freezing your septic system. All septic tanks need warmth to maintain a temperature above freezing thru the winter months. In order to avoid freeze-ups it is best to perform the maintenance in the summer months. If the tanks cannot be pumped until late fall or later provide additional insulation over the tank(s).
We do not perform real estate inspections. Some home loans require borrowers to get the septic system on the purchase property inspected. This type of inspection differs from a county inspection. County inspections will not pass as a real estate inspection.