MN Septic Systems Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs About Septic Systems Elk River MNHomes with an Onsite Septic System often have questions for MN Septic Contractors. CSI Custom Septic, Inc. has put together a 3 Part Blog Posting to answer Septic System FAQs for Ramsey, Elk River and Anoka MN property owners. Part Two has information on the following topics:

  • What Can & Cannot Go Into Septic?
  • Septic System Failure Signs?
  • What Is A Septic Tank Riser?
  • What Are Those White Pipes Sticking Up In The Yard?
  • Who Is Authorized To Fix My Septic System?

 

  1. What Things Can Or Can’t Go Into The Septic Tank?

Answer: It is important to remember that a toilet is not a trash receptacle. Optimally, only Organic Human Waste, Water and Toilet Tissue would be put into a toilet. Problems arise when any of the following items are flushed down into the septic system: wet wipes, facial tissue, tampons, dental floss, coffee grounds, cigarette butts, kitty litter, medications, chemicals, even so-called flushable wipes can clog or create problems inside of the septic tank.

 

  1. How Do I Know If My Septic System Is Failing?

Answer: Lack of maintenance is the leading cause of septic system failure but other factors can also lead to a septic malfunction. Septic System Warning Signs to look for include:

  • Rotten eggs, sewer gas smell
  • Toilet or drains backing up
  • Wet soggy ground above septic tank, sewer pipes or drainfield
  • Slimy green or black algae growth
  • Intestinal illness or failed well water test
  • Septic alarm going off

 

  1. What Is A Manhole Cover Riser?

Answer: A Septic Tank Manhole Cover is used to access the septic tank for cleaning or inspection. A Septic Tank Access Riser is used to bring the lid up to ground level or above. They can reduce the cost for septic tank pump outs.

 

  1. Why Do I Have A Pipe Sticking Up From The Ground?

Answer: It is quite common to have a White PVC Inspection Pipe in your yard if you use an onsite septic system. They are typically 3” to 6” diameter and a secured cap on top. This type of sewer pipe is used to monitor the level of liquids in the drainfield or septic tank. They should not be used for septic tank pumping.

 

  1. Who Can I Call For Septic System Repair?

Answer: Even with proper maintenance, your septic system may need to be repaired at some point. Some sewer repair jobs may require a permit from the city. Make sure that your septic services provider is a MPCA Certified Septic Repair Contractor like CSI Custom Septic, Inc. A mistake could end up costing a lot more down the road.

 

MPCA Certified Septic Contractor

CSI Custom Septic, Inc. is authorized by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) as a Certified Septic Contractor. At CSI we do our best to provide excellent customer service along with cost saving, expert care of MN Septic Systems. Check out Part 1 & Part 3 in this Septic System FAQs series.

In Anoka, Ramsey and Elk River MN, contact CSI Custom Septic, Inc. for Septic Compliance Inspections, Expert Installations and Top Quality Septic Repairs at: (763) 218-4769