"The technician emptied the freezer, which was in the basement, to work on the part that needed repair. Then he neglected to put anything back into the freezer, including a turkey I had bought for Christmas and a rack of ribs. Two days after he left, I went out of town for two weeks. The turkey actually exploded and spewed its liquid all over everything, which had to be discarded. I let AHS know and they couldn't even bother to call me or follow up on this. I'm considering not renewing my contract with them because of the quality (or lack thereof) of many of the providers they send."
Adding a thin layer of dirt over a septic drain field is fine, especially if soil erosion has occurred. However, adding too much dirt can compact the soil, reducing the drain field’s ability to absorb and filter wastewater properly. Avoid using heavy clay soil, as it can prevent proper drainage. Instead, use a light layer of topsoil and plant grass to help with soil stability.
While mound septic systems can provide cost-effective wastewater treatment in many instances, they do come at a significant initial installation cost and require a lot of space on your property for the mound and its replacement field. The installation cost is so high because this is a project that requires an exceptional level of skills and expertise to execute properly.
A mound septic system, when properly maintained, can last between 20 and 25 years on average—though some last longer or malfunction sooner than that. The most important part of maintenance is getting an annual inspection of the vital parts of the system to ensure they’re in proper working order and not too backed up with sewage.
The lifespan of your well casing depends mainly on the material it’s made from. Stainless steel and galvanized steel casings are designed to withstand the pressures and environment of deep-water wells but are susceptible to corrosion. Most steel casings last from 20 to 35 years, on average. PVC casing is highly durable and, if used correctly, can last up to 50 years.
Options include submersible, jet, and centrifugal pumps. Choose based on water needs and well depth.
The Stephen, MN homeowners’ guide to septic tank services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Caring for your septic system is crucial to ensuring its long life. But how much does it cost to pump a septic tank? We explore the different cost factors.
It’s crucial to install a septic tank with the right volume to avoid wastewater backups. This guide will help you calculate the right septic tank volume.
Septic tank sizes vary depending on the size of your home, how many people live there, how much water you use, and more. Read on to learn how to determine the right size for you.
