FAQ

Do you have an existing septic system?

During sale or title transfer, the septic system may need to be upgraded to make the system compliant per Minnesota code. Check with your local government unit for their property disclosure requirements. To find out whether or not your system is compliant, call Rotz for a tank certification.

System may be failing

There are many reasons why a septic system may start to fail. Routine pumping (every 2 -3 years) and proper care will help with the longevity of your system. While there are several signs of a failing system, the most prominent sign is effluent surfacing in the drainfield area. Contact us with questions or concerns.

Adding a room to a home?

Septic systems are designed to handle an estimated usage based on the number of bedrooms and size of a home. Adding to your home or building a garage, etc. to tie into the existing septic system may require an update to the system to meet Minnesota code. Contact Rotz with questions or concerns.

New construction?

If there isn’t a city sewer and water main available, chances are a septic system will be needed. Check with your local government unit’s building department for information. Contact Rotz with questions or concerns.

ALL septic tanks MUST be periodically pumped to remove floating scum and sludge that accumulates. Floating scum or sludge that is allowed to enter the soil treatment area, often referred to as the drainfield, will lead to premature failure and cause expensive and often irreparable damage. Also, lack of proper maintenance can result in a sewage backup into a building.

Minn. R. 7080.2450 requires a SSTS maintenance assessment at least once every three years. A local government’s ordinance may contain stricter or additional requirements, therefore, it is important to know and follow the local requirements. Pumping frequency depends on tank size, use, and operating condition. If you ever have questions, please feel free to call Rotz.

Call your local government unit and request a septic as-built. Not all cities or counties keep septic information on file. If you are unable to get an as-built, contact Rotz. We can walk you through some points of interest in locating the tanks. If all else fails, a Rotz technician is able to come out and locate the tanks for you.

Very little! Ensure your manhole covers are accessible, that a garden hose is available, and be sure to inform us of whether or not it’s ok to park in your driveway. When you call to schedule, these questions will be asked.

Minn. R. 7080.2450 prohibits the use of any product intended to lessen the amount of accumulated solids in a septic tank in order to reduce the frequency of proper maintenance. The use of additives does not fulfill the solids removal requirement of the rule. Additionally, additives containing hazardous materials must not be used in an SSTS.

The do’s

• Have your tank pumped and inspected every 2 – 4 years
• Keep records of all pumping
• Dispose of only household wastes and toilet tissue
• Use liquid detergents rather than powder
• Seed leach field area with low water grasses
• Divert grey water sources from septic system

The dont’s

When preparing to purchase a new property, many people focus on its appearance without considering the status of the systems that they can’t see. However, this mistake costs buyers a lot of money especially when the property has septic problems. Our septic inspection service is, therefore, a perfect solution for property buyers. Our team checks the entire septic system to ensure that it’s in good condition and functioning properly. This gives you peace of mind when buying a property.  When adding or remodeling your home, or moving into a mobile home, it’s important to have your current septic system inspected. This ensures that the septic system is in proper condition and that its size can accommodate the changes.

Septic tank problems

Some septic system problems are easy to notice while others are not. For instance, grass that grows over your septic tank might be greener. Your toilets may be flushing slowly and sinks producing a gurgling sound. These are some of the signs of a problem with the septic system. When you notice these signs, including a foul smell coming out of your drainage system, it’s important that you hire our septic tank inspection service.

Never take chances – A septic tank is among the things that you should never mess with. Whether you have a residential or commercial property with a septic system, it’s important that you have the tank inspected regularly. And, Rotz Septic Service makes the inspection process easier by providing convenient and professional inspections.  Neglecting a septic tank can have serious consequences. So, why take the risk when Rotz Septic Service provides professional and affordable septic inspections that pinpoint possible issues before they become full-blown problems? Our team provides a detailed and thorough inspection regardless of the type, condition, or location of the tank. We also answer any question that you may have regarding your tank. Therefore, avoid a disaster and ensure your peace of mind by enlisting our septic system inspection service today.

When it comes to Septic Tank Pumping Systems Inspections septic pumping and cleaning, property owners have fantasies and mistakes that ruin the functionality and lifespan of their systems. A septic tank should be pumped out regularly to avoid drain field failure and costly repairs. Essentially, pumping and cleaning a septic tank too frequently leads to wasting money. These are just some of the things that property owners should consider when dealing with septic tank cleaning and pumping:

• Septic tank should be pumped out whenever it gets full.
  This is not true. When in normal use, a septic tank is usually full from the outlet pipe to the bottom. That’s why septic tank pump out should not be done whenever you suspect that your tank is full. Instead, hire experts to inspect your tank and determine whether it needs pumping out. Normally, a septic tank fills up within days even after being pumped out. After this, the tank discharges the liquid effluent to the leach field or absorption field. The only time when a septic tank should be pumped out is when the scum and sludge layers occupy a larger area leaving a too small liquid area. That’s because when these areas occupy a larger space they reduce effluent retention time.
• Chemicals and additives will extend the septic system’s life and fix it if damaged.
  This is a fallacy. In most septic systems, chemicals, additives and treatments do no or little good. In fact, some of them damage the system leading to frothing and solid discharge into the drain field. That’s why many septic tank cleaners and experts do not recommend any use of additives and chemicals in septic systems. Additionally, these substances are toxic and they contaminate the environment.  Some septic tanks do not require pumping, cleaning, and servicing This is not true. Without proper pumping, cleaning, and servicing, a septic system will malfunction or collapse. You don’t have to wait until this time to start asking, where do I find septic system contractors near me? Instead, have your system cleaned and serviced on regular basis. The frequency of septic tank cleaning and pumping varies depending on wastewater volume, tank size, and system design. However, every septic system requires periodic maintenance.
• Pumping out and cleaning can save or restore a failing or failed drain field
  A failed drain field requires between 5 and 10 years of rest to recover and be restored for normal use. A drain field can fail due to flood or damage by tree roots, vehicle traffic, and other troubles. If a drain field fails, the only option might be to dig a new one. Nevertheless, experienced septic experts can inspect your system and guide you accordingly. In some cases, property owners confuse signs of a failed drain field with plumbing problems. That’s why you may hear a neighbor ask, who is the best plumber near me? At Rotz Septic, we inspect septic systems and fix their problem accordingly.
  

A compliance inspection is an evaluation, investigation, inspection or other such process conducted for the purpose of issuing a Certificate of Compliance (COC) or Notice of Non-compliance (NON).

What is a COC and a NON?

The COC certifies a system is in compliance with state requirements at the time of the inspection. The COC does not guarantee future hydraulic performance, especially if the use changes or the flow increases over the amounts used by th current occupants.

For an existing SSTS, the COC is valid for three years from the date of issuance. The NON gives notice a system fails to be in compliance with state requirements at the time of inspection. There are two types of failing designations, an Imminent Threat to Public Health or Safety and a Failing to Protect Ground water. The NON must also indicate the time frame for upgrade, repair, or replacement as set in the local ordinance.

When are compliance inspections required?

While state law does not require an inspection at property transfer, many Local Government Units (LGUs) have ordinances requiring this. LGUs are Counties, Townships, and Cities. The LGU may also require a compliance inspection when complaints are received, as part of area surveys, or for lot spills. Compliance inspections can also be required upon request by the purchaser of a property, the mortgage lender, or real estate agent.