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What Is A Septic System?

A septic system is designed to collect, breakdown, and safely disperse wastewater from your home. Septic systems are called many different things: Holding tanks, Cesspools, Septic systems, and Individual on-site sewage treatment systems. Presently, individual on-site sewage treatment systems, is the term more commonly used within the professional community. There are many different configurations that can be used; below is a breakdown of the most common types of septic systems.

Holding Tank

Septic systems consisting only of a holding tank that do not have either a drainfield or mound system. Truthfully, holding tanks are not considered septic systems, and are used only under certain circumstances. Wastewater enters the holding tank and stays until removed by cleaning/pumping the tank. The capacity of holding tanks varies greatly depending on application.

Cross Section of a Holding Tank

Cesspool

Septic systems built before 1973 are generally referred to as a cesspool. Cesspool tanks were built from perforated blocks with a dirt bottom, to allow effluent water to seep out through the sides and bottom. Cesspools are no longer installed and are considered inferior. The state considers these types of tanks prime contributors of groundwater pollution. The capacities of these tanks are generally between 500 gallons to 1000 gallons for each tank. A drainfield may or may not accompany a cesspool.

Cross Section of a Typical Cesspool Tank

Septic Tank

Septic systems built from 1974 to present are precast concrete, fiberglass, or plastic tanks. Under normal operating conditions these tanks operate full with the wastewater taking on three characteristics: scum layer, effluent water layer, and sludge layer. Each tank has a manhole and at least two baffles. The baffles separate the solids from the effluent water. The capacities of these septic tanks vary between 1000 gallons to 2000 gallons. These tanks are always accompanied either by a drainfield or mound system.

Cross Section of a Typical Septic Tank

Split Compartment Septic Tank

Septic systems built after 1996 are built and operate the same except for one major difference. These tanks have a wall in the tank. The wall acts like a barrier forcing the solids and sludge to stay in the inlet side of the tank, while effluent water flows into the second compartment, eventually flowing to the drainfield or lift tank. Some common names associated with these tanks include: split compartment tanks or split tanks. Split compartment tanks most often have a total capacity of 1500 gallons, 1650 gallons, or 2000 gallons. These tanks are always accompanied either by a drainfield or mound system.

Cross Section of a Typical Split Compartment Septic Tank

Drainfields

Drainfields treat the effluent water after leaving the septic tank or cesspool. These systems consist of trenches that are gravity fed.

Diagram of a gravity fed drainfield

Mound Systems

Mound systems operate the same as drainfields except they are not gravity fed. Mound systems are drainfields elevated above the septic tank and buried in a mound of imported material. Between the mound and septic tank is a lift station. The lift station is equipped with a pump that distributes the effluent water to the mound for treatment.

Diagram of a pump fed mound system

We feel that every time a septic tank is pumped/cleaned, the entire tank should be emptied and properly disposed. Below is a friendly guide to basic septic tank capacities based on the size of the home.

Note: Capacities of commercial and industrial tanks vary greatly. The following guide pertains only to septic tanks of residential homes.

1200 gallons :: 1 to 3 bedroom house
1500 – 1650 gallons :: 4 bedroom house
2000 gallons :: 5 bedroom house
2500 gallons :: 6 bedroom house
500 – 2000 gallons :: lift stations
Any house built after 1996 has a minimum capacity of 1500 gallons

To find out more about how to care for your septic system, see our Septic Care page

For more general information or details about septic systems or our industry check, out the link below…..its one of our favorites!!

http://septic.umn.edu/index.htm

Licenses & Certifications
Minnesota State Septic System Cleaning & Maintenance License
Minnesota State Plumbing Contractor License
City of Minneapolis Plumbing License
City of Saint Paul Plumbing License
MPCA Certified
Fully Bonded & Insured
Hours & Contact
Monday-Friday 7AM-4PM
Phone: (763) 434-6814
Customer Testimonials

"I have been a loyal customer of Dans Sewer Service for nearly two decades for the simple reason of extraordinary customer service. I call and the response is immediate, professional, and geared to accommodate my schedule. Dan handles all the paperwork for the mandatory inspection required by the State every three years, is respectful of my lawn and landscape when providing pumping services, and is friendly and courteous. I do not even think of calling someone else when I need assistance or services for my septic system."


— Nyle, Blaine, MN

Dans Plumbing & Septic
2020-05-22T11:30:10-05:00
"I have been a loyal customer of Dans Sewer Service for nearly two decades for the simple reason of extraordinary customer service. I call and the response is immediate, professional, and geared to accommodate my schedule. Dan handles all the paperwork for the mandatory inspection required by the State every three years, is respectful of my lawn and landscape when providing pumping services, and is friendly and courteous. I do not even think of calling someone else when I need assistance or services for my septic system." — Nyle, Blaine, MN

"Dans Sewer Service has always been knowledgeable and prompt when dealing with our maintenance and emergency issues, both in our commercial and residential operations."


— Mark and Wendy, Ham Lake, MN

Dans Plumbing & Septic
2020-05-22T18:14:26-05:00
"Dans Sewer Service has always been knowledgeable and prompt when dealing with our maintenance and emergency issues, both in our commercial and residential operations." — Mark and Wendy, Ham Lake, MN

"I’ve used Dans Sewer Service since we bought our property (20 years ago). He is reliable, fast, and pleasant. I’m completely satisfied with the service."


— Ellen, Ramsey, MN

Dans Plumbing & Septic
2020-05-22T18:14:43-05:00
"I’ve used Dans Sewer Service since we bought our property (20 years ago). He is reliable, fast, and pleasant. I’m completely satisfied with the service." — Ellen, Ramsey, MN

"Dans Sewer Service is great! Scheduling is easy and the truck is always on time. The service call is quick and the technician is efficient and always friendly! Thanks Dans!"


— Lynn, Ham Lake, MN

Dans Plumbing & Septic
2020-05-22T18:15:02-05:00
"Dans Sewer Service is great! Scheduling is easy and the truck is always on time. The service call is quick and the technician is efficient and always friendly! Thanks Dans!" — Lynn, Ham Lake, MN

"I have managed a mobile home park since 1988 in Anoka County. Dans Sewer Service was one of the first companies I ordered after I found how unreliable the past service was. Dans has been under contract with me ever since and has pumped our sludge tank, repaired sewer lines, cleaned out manholes, maintained sewer stacks on empty lots and has always found the time to "come when called". I highly recommend Dans Sewer Service to any commercial or private property."


— Jim, East Bethel, MN

Dans Plumbing & Septic
2020-05-22T18:15:18-05:00
"I have managed a mobile home park since 1988 in Anoka County. Dans Sewer Service was one of the first companies I ordered after I found how unreliable the past service was. Dans has been under contract with me ever since and has pumped our sludge tank, repaired sewer lines, cleaned out manholes, maintained sewer stacks on empty lots and has always found the time to "come when called". I highly recommend Dans Sewer Service to any commercial or private property." — Jim, East Bethel, MN

"Twenty years ago we were referred to Dans Sewer Service and first met Jerry. We were new homeowners with a new septic system. Not only did Jerry teach us how to best maintain our system, but he responded to septic emergencies over the years quickly and efficiently. We feel a friendship has developed over the years based on trust, dependability and fine service. Thank you, Jerry of Dans Sewer Service!"


— Tim and Cherie, North Oaks, MN

Dans Plumbing & Septic
2020-05-22T18:15:36-05:00
"Twenty years ago we were referred to Dans Sewer Service and first met Jerry. We were new homeowners with a new septic system. Not only did Jerry teach us how to best maintain our system, but he responded to septic emergencies over the years quickly and efficiently. We feel a friendship has developed over the years based on trust, dependability and fine service. Thank you, Jerry of Dans Sewer Service!" — Tim and Cherie, North Oaks, MN

"This letter is to thank you for your continued service. I am so relieved that I can call Dans Sewer Service whenever there is a problem. Dans Sewer Service is always willing to come as soon as possible. Dans Sewer Service does an excellent job at keeping our septic in working order. I recommend Dans Sewer Service to anyone who asks if I know a good septic pumper. Thank you again for being so professional and considerate."


— Betty, Anoka, MN

Dans Plumbing & Septic
2020-05-22T18:15:55-05:00
"This letter is to thank you for your continued service. I am so relieved that I can call Dans Sewer Service whenever there is a problem. Dans Sewer Service is always willing to come as soon as possible. Dans Sewer Service does an excellent job at keeping our septic in working order. I recommend Dans Sewer Service to anyone who asks if I know a good septic pumper. Thank you again for being so professional and considerate." — Betty, Anoka, MN
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