Septic System (POWTS) Inspections
Guardian Well & Septic provides timely, unbiased, and detailed septic system inspections for homeowners, business owners, and real estate agents throughout Southeastern Wisconsin. Whether you are buying or selling a home or simply need an inspection for peace of mind, our assessments provide invaluable information about the current state of your septic system.
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A Balanced, Fact-Based Evaluation
Our role is simple: to provide a clear, accurate, and unbiased evaluation of the septic system. We focus entirely on what is actually there, rather than looking for reasons to fail a septic system or overlooking important warning signs.
In Southeastern Wisconsin, septic inspections can vary widely depending on who is performing them. Some septic systems fail when they shouldn’t, leading to unnecessary expenses, while others are passed despite hidden issues that create major problems later. Neither approach serves the homeowner. At Guardian, we believe the right approach is a balanced, fact-based evaluation that you can trust.
Why Our Inspections Are More Reliable
Guardian Well & Septic is a proud member of the Wisconsin Onsite Water Recycling Association (WOWRA). WOWRA is the only organization currently working directly with the state of Wisconsin to establish uniform guidelines for evaluating septic systems. Since the state does not currently provide specific procedures for property transfer evaluations, many inspectors follow no set guidelines at all, often leading to unnecessary expenses for homeowners.
As WOWRA-certified POWTS evaluators, we use a comprehensive, uniform checklist instead of guesswork. Our team is trained to accurately assess system condition, identify real issues early, and avoid unnecessary failures that can cost thousands of dollars. We take the time to discuss the specific variety of septic system you have in detail, ensuring you are both informed and educated about your property.
What is a POWTS?
In Wisconsin, the technical term for a septic system is a POWTS, which stands for Private Onsite Wastewater Treatment System. This refers to the septic system on your property that collects, treats, and disperses wastewater from your home. It typically includes a septic tank and a soil absorption area, such as a drain field, leach bed, mound, or seepage pit.
POWTS Maintenance Inspection: What the County Notice Means
If you live in Waukesha, Walworth, Racine, or Kenosha County, you will receive a postcard every one to three years stating your septic system is due for a "POWTS Maintenance Inspection". This wording can be confusing, but it generally means your septic system is due for routine service.
While a maintenance inspection can involve checking sludge levels with a specialized tool, most homeowners choose to have their tank pumped at this time to remove built-up solids and prevent backups. At Guardian Well & Septic, we take this a step further by paying attention to how your system is performing and checking key components. By catching small issues early, we help you understand your system's current function and help you avoid costly repairs tomorrow.
What to Expect During the Inspection
An inspection typically takes between 1 and 2 hours to ensure accurate and detailed reporting. While the homeowner or agent is not required to be present, we encourage you to attend so we can provide straightforward, easy-to-understand explanations of how your septic system is performing today.
To ensure an accurate evaluation, it is critical that homeowners do NOT have their septic system pumped before the inspection. We must see the state of the system prior to pumping to provide a thorough report. Please note that our inspector will be required to enter the home during this process. If pumping is required as part of your maintenance, Guardian Well & Septic can provide that service or coordinate with a pumper of your choosing.
Contact Us Today
Guardian Well & Septic is your trusted provider for inspections within Kenosha, Milwaukee, Racine, Walworth, Washington, and Waukesha counties. Contact us today to schedule your detailed septic system evaluation.
