Get matched with top septic tank pros in Tyndall, SD

Depending on local conditions, a deep well may be a better choice than a shallow well. Deeper well depth accesses groundwater that has been naturally filtered through many layers of soil and rock. This reduces surface contaminants and may offer cleaner water, but deep wells cost more money to build and maintain. The water may be harder and have higher radioactivity, too. 

Although cesspits may be necessary depending on your main sewage system access or nearby soil quality, they carry a few drawbacks. Cesspools require regular emptying and have relatively high maintenance and pumping costs. Certain areas also disallow the use of cesspools and may require you to cover the cost of existing cesspools to be converted into septic tanks.

If you aren’t sure if you have a septic tank or a cesspit, you can check your property records or inspect your drainage system. A septic tank has an outlet pipe that allows liquid to drain into a soakaway or drain field, while a cesspit is a sealed tank that requires frequent emptying. If you notice a manhole cover and no nearby drainage field, it’s likely a cesspit. Signs like slow drainage or a frequent need for pumping can also provide clues. A professional inspection is the easiest way to confirm if your home runs on a septic tank or cesspit.

Most well pump pressure switches have a factory setting of 30 to 50 PSI. There’s some flexibility with this if you’d like a lower or higher water pressure, but remember that it should sit 2 to 3 PSI above your well tank’s general pressure setting.

The inside of your pressure switch cover will usually indicate minimum and maximum settings—going below and above the numbers might damage your well pump.