What is a Septic System?

What is a septic system? It’s essentially an onsite wastewater treatment system that processes and purifies household waste.

The waste consists of blackwater (e.g. toilet wastes) and greywater (e.g. kitchen sink, bathtub, and laundry wastes). You home or business’ septic system consists of:

  • Septic tank
  • Drainfield
  • Soil

When your septic system starts having issues, you’ll need to have a professional take a look. Here’s more info about septic systems and what you need to know about them.

At Valentine Plumbing, we provide septic services to the Fox Valley area, including Appleton, Oshkosh, Neenah, and beyond. Our plumbers are skilled in both residential and commercial septic services and we have 50+ years dedicated to providing septic services to the Fox Valley.

Schedule a Service Request!

Septic Services in the Fox Valley

Overview of our Septic Services

Valentine provides residential and commercial services, soil testing, repairs, replacements, conventional system installations, and more.

Here’s a breakdown of our services:

Residential Services

Our septic plumbing team specializes in providing quality septic services for residential properties. Whether you require routine maintenance, repair, or installation, our team of skilled professionals are equipped to handle all your residential septic needs. From septic tank pumping to drain field inspections, we offer prompt and reliable service to keep your septic system operating smoothly.

Commercial Services

We also provide septic services for our commercial customers. We understand the importance of maintaining a well-functioning septic system to ensure uninterrupted operations for businesses. At Valentine, we have the expertise and equipment to handle the demands of commercial septic systems.

Soil Testing

When it comes to our soil testing services, our expert technicians conduct thorough soil evaluations to determine the composition, drainage capabilities, and other crucial factors that impact the design and functionality of your septic system. With accurate soil testing, we can recommend the most suitable septic system for your property. Contact our team for more information about soil testing to see how we can help!

Septic Pump Repair & Replacement

When your septic pump malfunctions, it can lead to a wide range of problems. At Valentine Plumbing, we offer professional septic pump repair and replacement services for homes and businesses. Our plumbers have the expertise to diagnose and resolve pump issues efficiently. Even if your pump is beyond repair, we can assist you in selecting a high-quality replacement. For more information, please view our service repair and ordered upgrades page.

Mound System Installation

Another service we provide are mound system installations. Mound systems are an effective solution for properties with challenging soil conditions. We serve you by carefully evaluating your property’s requirements and designing a mound system that meets local regulations and effectively treats wastewater. No matter the involvement of the septic service, Valentine’s plumbers ensure a seamless installation process from start to finish!

Conventional System Installations

Valentine Plumbing is well-versed in installing conventional septic systems for properties with suitable soil conditions. We adhere to industry standards and local regulations to design and install septic systems that effectively manage wastewater. Our experienced team ensures precision during the installation process.

Holding Tank Installations

For properties where a conventional septic system is not a viable option, we offer holding tank installations. Holding tanks store wastewater until it can be properly disposed of at a designated location. Our team ensures the proper sizing and installation of holding tanks, providing compliant solutions for properties with specific requirements.

What are Septic Services?

Septic Service FAQs

How often do you need to empty a septic tank?

The number of times you need to empty a septic tank will depend on the size of the tank, the volume of wastewater generated, and how many people there are that occupy the property. As a general rule of thumb, we recommend you pump your septic tank every 3 to 5 years.

How much does it cost to put in a septic system?

The cost of installing a septic system can vary based on a few factors: these include the size of the property, soil conditions, local regulations, and the type of septic system required. Keep in mind that the overall cost of the septic system will include excavation, permits, materials, labor, and pumps or filters. For an exact estimate, contact your local septic service provider.

How do I know when my septic tank is full?

Determining the exact fill level of a septic tank may require professional help, however there are a few signs to look out for. These include slow drainage (which may indicate the tank reaching capacity), foul odors, or sewage backup. If you suspect your septic tank is full or experiencing issues, we highly recommend that you contact a professional to perform maintenance or a pumping service.

How does a septic system work?

Your home or business’ septic system consists of a tank, drain field, and soil. To start, wastewater from your property flows into the septic tank, where solid waste settles at the bottom and forms a layer of sludge. Lighter materials, like grease and oils, float to the top, forming another layer. The remaining, known as effluent, exits the tank and moves on to the drain field (or absorption field). This field is a system of perforated pipes buried in trenches filled with gravel or other aggregate materials. The effluent from the septic tank is distributed into the drain field pipes and slowly released into the surrounding soil. The soil below is like a natural filter that helps to remove bacteria and contaminants and also serves by treating the wastewater, absorbing it into the ground.

Contact Us for Septic System Services!

At Valentine Plumbing, we are a team of fully licensed plumbers who are dedicated to delivering exceptional septic services. With our extensive experience and commitment to customer satisfaction, we have become a trusted plumbing and septic systems company in the Fox Valley community since 1973. If you have questions about your septic system, please take a look at our links and tips page as a resource!

When you choose us for your septic needs, you can expect reliable solutions that ensure the longevity of your septic system. We work with products such as Hydromatic, Goulds Pumps, Myers Pentair Water, and more for your septic system.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation or to learn more about our septic services!

Schedule a Service Request!