A-1 Septic Systems: Service and Installation

Pumping and Service Repair

A-1 Septic offers pumping services to residential and commercial properties by radio dispatched trucks resulting in exceptional, prompt service across the Northwoods.

We specialize in providing prompt, efficient, and professional service on every job. Whether we are pumping your tank, repairing an existing system or installing a new system, we believe in doing the job right the first time with quality materials and properly trained personnel. The person performing the work is licensed in their area of expertise.

Maintenance of Septic Systems
State and county codes require pumping of systems at a minimum of three year intervals.

We recommend pumping every two years for homes with four or more family members living there full time. We feel this is a good and inexpensive maintenance plan to get the most from your system.

How to Maintain a Healthy Septic System:

Conserve water. Large volumes over short periods will flush untreated wastes in the drainfield. Space out heavy uses of water such as laundry and bathing.
Repair leaky faucets and valves. Consider replacing old toilets that use 3.5 to 5 gallons of water with the newer models that use 1.6 gallons of water.
Keep your drains clean. Remember that only biodegradable waste should go in the septic.
No cigarette butts, tissues, sanitary napkins, disposable diapers, coffee grounds, or cotton swabs. If it is not biodegradable it doesn't belong in the septic.
No paints, oils, chemical drain cleaners, thinners, solvents, poisons, or pesticides. These not only kill bacteria, they may contaminate your well.
No grease or cooking oil. Grease can harden in the tank's scum layer and then build up and block the inlet or outlet of the tank. If you melt grease and pour it down the drain it may run through the septic tank, hardening and clogging the soil pores.
Go easy on the garbage disposal. Using this doubles the rate of solids building up in the tank. Try composting as an alternative.
Household cleaners such as disinfectants, ammonia, and bleach can kill bacteria that your septic tank needs to operate properly.
Water treatment systems that back flush salt brine into the septic system may result in premature system failure. Wisconsin Plumbing Code allows surface discharge of water treatment devices.
Keep surface water away from your septic.
Remove trees like willows that are like "wet feet". The roots are invasive and may penetrate and damage the drain field.
Do not drive over the septic tank or drain field, or compact soil with heavy equipment. Don't dig in the drain field or build anything over it.
Make sure the tank is accessible to your septic company. Install risers to your tank to bring it to grade in case the tank needs access in harsh winter weather.
Do not cover the tank or drain field with concrete or blacktop.

Why your septic could freeze:

The reason a septic may freeze has to do with lack of snow cover and sub-zero temperatures that allow the frost to penetrate into the septic system.
Driving, walking, or any traffic on the drain field should be avoided during winter months. This causes the frost to be further pushed down into the system.
Energy efficient gas furnaces have a release of condensation into the septic tank lines. This flow of water should be pumped out all at once and not allowed to trickle out through the lines. This slow trickle of water ices up slowly in the line causing it to freeze between the house and the tank. In a primary residence this may not be a problem, but if the home is a secondary residence and there is not enough warm water going through the line this can become a problem.
If the drainfield has frozen, the septic tank then has to be treated as a holding tank until the frost leaves the ground. The important thing here is to call and have the tank pumped before it overloads and causes the line between the tank and house to freeze as well. If this line freezes it can be steam thawed.
Water conservation and lack of use during periods of extreme cold are huge contributors to septic system freeze ups. Use your system - this is your best defense against severe winter weather!