I hear this question constantly…
“With so few living in our home, does our septic tank really need to be pumped every three years?”
The answer is “Probably not. You need an inspection.”
Until now, there were no available inspectors. Pumpers and plumbers can inspect, but they are busy. Now you have a choice.
We will inspect your system, providing important protections while saving you money. Our inspection completely satisfies all 3-year state and county requirements.
Little-Known Fact #1
Healthy septic systems do not "fill up" — that would be a holding tank. Your system requires 40–48 inches of fluid, almost to the top. It's the balance of clear liquid effluent and sludge/scum that determines whether pumping is needed. Only an inspection can determine this balance.
Little-Known Fact #2
A 3-year pumping cycle may not be best for your home. Low-volume systems — 4 or fewer residents, vacation homes, or snowbirds — seldom benefit from pumping. 94% of systems pass maintenance standards, often for many years without pumping. That means the system's ecosystem is working perfectly. Pumping to "give your system a break" actually removes crucial bacteria, interrupting important balances.
Pumpers typically charge $200–$450. Our inspections start at $75 — usually about a third of pumping prices. The inspection is always the smartest first step.
When You Need an Inspection
Whether it's required by law or just smart planning, here's when an inspection makes sense.
Required Every 3 Years
Wisconsin requires POWTS maintenance every 3 years. Our inspection fully satisfies state and county requirements — at a fraction of the cost of pumping.
Catch Problems Early
Many septic issues are invisible until they become expensive failures. An inspection can reveal early warning signs before they become major failures. We sometimes catch conditions that pumping conceals.
Timely Turnaround
We typically complete work within one to three weeks — often just days after your call — so your 3-year maintenance stays comfortably within county deadlines. Expedited service is available for urgent deadline situations.
Protect the Environment
Failing systems can contaminate groundwater and nearby lakes and streams. Regular inspections protect the water you drink and the lakes you love.
Protect Your Property
No big trucks — so your lawn, street, and driveway stay clean and free of wheel ruts. No long hoses — which means we can reach remote areas of your property without extra distance fees.
Transparent, Affordable Pricing
No surprises. Our pricing depends on the number of covers your system has.
Our Guarantee
If your system needs pumping, we waive our inspection fee entirely. You then call the pumper of your choice — we do not pump. Only about 6% of the systems we inspect need pumping.
You shouldn't have to pay for both an inspection and pumping. If pumping is needed, the inspection is on us.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should my septic system be inspected?
Wisconsin requires POWTS maintenance every 3 years. Most homeowners just pump to satisfy this requirement, but our inspection fully satisfies it — at about a third of the cost. And 94% of systems don't need pumping at all.
Do I need to be home during the inspection?
We work hard to schedule when you can be home — we love company and will walk you through everything we find. If you can't be there, we can share results by text, photos, or a phone call. Just make sure the covers are uncovered and accessible before we arrive.
What's the difference between an inspection and pumping?
An inspection evaluates the condition and function of your entire septic system — tank structure, baffles, fluid levels, drain field. Pumping simply removes the contents of the tank. An inspection tells you whether pumping is actually needed — and 94% of the time, it isn't. The inspection is always the smartest first step.
What happens if my system needs pumping?
If you're one of the 6% who need pumping, we don't charge for the inspection — it's free. You then call the pumper of your choice to schedule the work. We do not pump; we only inspect.
Do you file county reports?
For most counties, we file reports directly — you have nothing to do. Dodge and Iowa counties require the homeowner to submit the form. In those cases, we fill out the paperwork during the inspection and leave it for you to sign and send in. Please have your county form available at the time of inspection.