Well and Septic Inspections FAQs in Southeast Wisconsin
Please review our frequently asked questions below as a resource if you're looking for information on well and septic systems. This page is especially important for those who are new to owning a well and septic system, as it can provide them with the knowledge and confidence they need to ensure their system is running properly and efficiently. Contact us if there's additional well and septic-based clarification we can provide.
Inspection FAQs
Do I need to be present for my well or septic tank inspection?
While your presence is not required, we do encourage you to be there for at least part of the well or septic tank inspection, especially if you are buying or selling the home.
Do you have to enter the home for an inspection?
Yes, Guardian Well & Septic will need access to your home, both inside and out. If you have a shared well with a neighbor, we may also need access to their property as part of the inspection. To conduct a proper inspection, running water and electricity within the home are required.
How long does a well and septic tank inspection take?
Typically, our inspections take 1 to 2 hours. The inspection may take longer if septic systems and covers need to be located. Weather and snow cover may also be a factor in the length of your well and septic inspection time.
How long will it take to get my results from a well or septic tank inspection?
In most instances, you will receive the well and septic tank inspection report later the same day. A well or septic inspection is not 100% complete upon leaving the property. Additional research takes place once we get back to our office, which may include: locating a well construction report, researching the code that was in place at the time the well was constructed, and water sample testing/analysis. Water samples taken at the time of inspection need to be sent to a state-certified laboratory and typically take 3-5 days to get results.
How long will it take to get the results of my water test?
Guardian Well & Septic partners with a state-certified lab that typically returns your results within 3-5 business days.
What may cause my water sample to come back as unsafe?
There are many factors that can potentially cause water contamination. Please reference this list of possible sources provided by the water testing lab we utilize.
Should the septic system be pumped prior to the inspection?
NO! Please do not have the septic system pumped prior to the inspection. Critical information and clues are gathered prior to having the tank pumped. Your inspection will be limited if the septic system is pumped before these observations can be made. Our process involves having the tank pumped DURING the inspection, but only after we make our initial observations. After these observations are made, the tank will be pumped (while we are there) so we can complete the evaluation by inspecting the interior of the tank.
Pumping & Maintenance FAQs
How often should my septic tank be pumped?
Most septic systems should be pumped approximately every 2–3 years. However, the ideal frequency for your specific property depends on your household size, your daily water usage, and the size of your septic tank.
Why is regular pumping so important?
The primary purpose of a septic tank is to keep solids from reaching and clogging your drainfield. Over time, sludge and scum accumulate inside the tank. If they aren’t removed, they can flow into the drainfield, leading to plumbing backups, foul odors, or premature system failure. Pumping removes these solids before they can cause expensive, permanent damage.
Can using a garbage disposal affect how often I need to pump?
Yes. Garbage disposals significantly increase the amount of solids entering your tank. Because food waste does not break down as easily as many expect, frequent use can cause your tank to fill more quickly, necessitating more frequent pumping.
What is an effluent filter, and does it need maintenance?
An effluent filter is a barrier required on all Wisconsin systems installed since July 2000 that prevents particles larger than 1/8 inch from entering your drainfield. To prevent sewage backups, these filters should generally be serviced every six months. Guardian Well & Septic can handle this for you through our Spring and Fall maintenance routes, or we can walk you through how to clean it yourself with a garden hose.
How does water usage impact my pumping schedule?
Every drop of water used in your home flows into your septic system. Surges of water—such as running several loads of laundry in a single day—can prevent the tank from properly separating solids and may overload the drainfield. Spreading out water use and fixing leaks immediately helps your system operate efficiently between scheduled pumpings.
What items should I avoid “flushing” to protect my tank?
To maintain the natural treatment process and avoid clogs, you should only flush human waste and toilet paper. Items that should never enter your system include:
- Flushable wipes, baby wipes, or paper towels
- Feminine hygiene products, condoms, or diapers
- Coffee grounds, cat litter, or cigarette butts
- Oil-based paints, solvents, or harsh chemical drain openers
I received a “POWTS Maintenance” notice from the county. Does this mean I have to pump my tank?
In Wisconsin, a “POWTS Maintenance Inspection” is a mandatory routine service required by your county. While the law allows for a professional to simply check sludge levels, most homeowners choose to have the tank pumped during this visit. Pumping is the most reliable way to remove solids, ensure your system is functioning correctly, and fulfill your county’s maintenance requirements in one visit.
What is the difference between a “pump-and-go” service and Guardian’s septic service?
A basic “pump-and-go” visit only removes the waste. At Guardian, we believe in truly servicing the system. This includes evaluating the system’s performance, checking key components, and providing professional insight. Our goal is to catch small issues before they turn into costly repairs and to help you maximize the lifespan of your investment.
What do the different licenses (POWTS Inspector, Maintainer, Soil Tester) mean for my service?
While many companies are only licensed to pump waste, our team holds advanced Wisconsin credentials, including Licensed POWTS Inspectors, POWTS Maintainers, and Certified Soil Testers. This means the person servicing your tank has a deep technical understanding of the science and regulations behind onsite wastewater treatment, ensuring your system is handled with expert-level care.
Does it cost more to have a licensed inspector pump my tank?
We pride ourselves on providing high-quality, dependable service at fair prices that are competitive with basic pumping companies. With Guardian, you receive superior technical expertise and professional insight for around the same price as a “pump-and-go” visit.
Does Guardian report my maintenance to the county?
Yes. As part of our professional service, we handle the necessary paperwork and reporting to ensure your county records are updated, keeping you in compliance with local regulations.
General Information FAQs
What is a POWTS?
POWTS is an acronym for a Private Onsite Wastewater Treatment System. A more widely used term is 'septic system'. It is intended to treat domestic wastewater. The two main components of a conventional septic system are the tank and soil absorption area. The tank is where waste from the household is first collected. The solids are then separated out to remain in the tank, while the excess liquid flows to a soil absorption area. The soil absorption area is commonly referred to as a drain field or mound, depending on the type of system you have.
Do all POWTS have a soil absorption area?
No, sometimes Holding Tanks are installed on sites that may not have sufficient suitable soils or area on the lot for a soil absorption area. Holding tanks are tanks where all household waste enters, much like a conventional system. The difference is that holding tanks are sealed so that liquid cannot exit the tank. Since the contents have no place to go, a holding tank requires frequent pumping.
Why is it important to maintain my septic system?
1. MONEY! Failing septic systems are expensive to repair or replace, and improper maintenance by homeowners is a common cause of early system failure. There is a small cost for preventative maintenance compared to a potentially high cost for system replacement. The replacement of a failing septic system can cost thousands of dollars. Compare that to spending roughly a hundred dollars every three years to have your septic system routinely inspected. Proper maintenance may even extend the life of your system.
2. HEALTH! You should be concerned about the health of your family, your community, and the environment. When septic systems fail, inadequately treated household wastewater is released into the environment. Any contact with untreated human waste can pose a significant risk to public health. Untreated wastewater from failing septic systems can contaminate nearby wells, groundwater, and drinking water sources.
3. It’s the LAW! Wisconsin Statute 145.20 and Wisconsin Administrative Code SPS 383.54 require it.
How can I tell if my well water is safe?
While certain contaminants will visibly alter the appearance or taste of well water, others cannot be seen, smelled, or tasted. The only reliable way to know if your well water is safe for use is to have it tested by a licensed inspector.
How often should I have my well tested?
Most state and federal authorities recommend having your well water tested annually for coliform bacteria and nitrates. Other potential contaminants should be tested for at least once every five to ten years.
