Expert Septic Tank Services

Item: Green’s Plumbing & Heating
Rating: 5
Author: Brad Thorson

Green’s Plumbing has served Detroit Lakes since 1920, providing expert residential septic tank services, from pumping to inspections.

Your Detroit Lakes Septic Tank and Plumbing Pros

Septic tanks are the go-to for many rural Detroit Lakes homes, and regular service helps keep your system running smoothly. Your tank stores water and waste from every flush, shower, handwash, and load of laundry, so caring for it is essential.

Living in the heart of the Land of 10,000 Lakes offers many wonderful perks, but it also means that homes and cabins in Detroit Lakes rely on individual septic tanks rather than the municipal sewer. Green’s Plumbing holds an MPCA SSTS business license, so our team of expert plumbers is here to help care for your septic tank!

Septic Tank Pumping and Cleaning

How often you need your septic tank pumped depends on your household size, tank size, water usage, and how quickly waste accumulates. Generally, you should have your tank pumped every three to five years to avoid slow drainage or backups.

During a septic tank pumping visit, your service pro will inspect the tank’s overall condition, measure how much waste has accumulated, empty the tank’s contents using a large hose, and inspect the tank closely after it’s emptied. Your technician will also recommend a plan for future maintenance. Call Our Plumbing Pros!

Septic Tank Inspections

Minnesota homeowners are required to have their septic tank inspected at least once every three years.

During the inspection, our plumbing pros inspect the tank for leaks, cracks, corrosion, or other damage, measure sludge and scum levels, make sure the inlet and outlet baffles are intact and functioning properly, check the effluent filter pumps, floats, and arms (on systems that use them), and look at the drainfield and surrounding area.

Septic Tank Maintenance

Scheduling routine maintenance is the best way to keep your septic tank in good condition through Detroit Lakes’ 11 seasons. Our pros can catch small problems before they lead to septic system failure.

During a septic tank maintenance visit, your service pro will check the tank, measure sludge and scum, inspect baffles, look for leaks, and identify potential system problems. We recommend scheduling septic tank maintenance every one to three years, depending on your system type, household size, and water usage.

Taking Care of Your Septic Tank

You can help keep your septic tank in good condition:

Spread out water usage throughout the day.
Don’t flush anything besides toilet paper and wastewater.
Be careful about what goes down the kitchen drain.
Keep the septic tank and drainfield accessible.

Signs You Need Our Septic Tank Services

A septic tank is a large, watertight container stored underground that holds your home’s wastewater. Most household tanks hold 1,000 to 1,500 gallons, but some older systems and cabins have tanks that store 500 gallons.

We recommend scheduling septic tank maintenance every one to three years depending on your Detroit Lakes home’s system, but signs your septic tank needs to be serviced sooner include:

Slow drains throughout your house: If multiple sinks, showers, or toilets are draining slowly at the same time, your septic system could be approaching its capacity.
Sewage odors: A persistent sewage smell inside your home or around the tank or drainfield can indicate a problem with the system.
Wet or unusually green areas: An unusually lush, wet, or soggy patch over the drain field can mean that wastewater isn’t being properly absorbed into the soil.
Standing water near the drainfield: Pools of wastewater around the septic system could suggest a problem with your tank.
Gurgling toilets or drains: This can be a sign that wastewater isn’t flowing normally through your home’s plumbing and septic system.

If you notice sewage or wastewater backing up and coming back through a toilet, shower, bathtub, or floor drain, your septic tank needs immediate service.

Residential Plumbing Services You Can Trust

Our expert plumbers at Green’s Plumbing make caring for your home’s septic tank our top priority. We’ve served the Detroit Lakes area since 1920 and have a four-generation tradition of helping Minnesotans fix their plumbing problems.

From water softener installations to sewer cleaning, choose Green’s Plumbing & Heating for service pros you can rely on!

Frequently Asked Questions about Septic Tanks

How often should I have my septic tank inspected?

Minnesota requires that septic systems be inspected at least once every three years. Regular assessments and maintenance services can identify rising sludge levels, damaged components, drainage problems, and other issues before they become more serious.

How do I know if my septic tank needs to be pumped?

Signs that your septic tank needs to be pumped include: slow drains, sewage odors, wastewater pooling in the yard near your tank or drainfield, unusually lush, soggy, or wet grass near the drainfield. A sewage backup in your home is a major problem, so schedule immediate service with our Detroit Lakes experts for septic tank pumping.

Can a septic tank freeze during a Detroit Lakes winter?

Yes, the extreme sub-freezing temperatures during a Detroit Lakes cold snap can cause your septic system to freeze, especially if your system has low wastewater flow, inadequate insulation, exposed pipes, or other existing problems. The best way to avoid your septic system from freezing is to keep it properly maintained and address drainage or plumbing issues before the lakes freeze over.

What can I put into my septic system?

To keep your septic system operational, only flush toilet paper and wastewater. Non-biodegradable materials should not go into the system, including: wipes, paper towels, feminine hygiene products, diapers, cat litter, grease or cooking oil, or harsh chemicals. These products can accumulate in the tank, interfere with treatment, or cause clogs and other septic problems.

Can my septic system contaminate a nearby lake?

Yes, a malfunctioning or improperly maintained septic system can release inadequately treated wastewater into surrounding soil or groundwater, potentially affecting a nearby lake. Proper septic maintenance is particularly important for your Detroit Lakes-area home to protect local lakes and waterways.