Septic and Well Maintenance in Lakes Country

Living in Lakes Country might as well be off-the-grid to some folks. It comes with many freedoms that aren't available in the cities. Fresh air and space are among the biggest of them. But what most people don't think about is having a lake home typically means having your own freshwater straight from a well.

More minerals and fresher, typically sand-filtered water, can be part of the deal.

Additionally, living in an area with your own water means self-maintaining a septic system or subsurface sewage treatment systems (SSTS). A poorly functioning septic system is a threat to human health and the environment because it may not remove pathogens, nutrients, and other chemicals from the used water before it enters our groundwater or lakes.

Understanding Your System

A septic system has three parts:

·    household plumbing

·    a tank to collect sewage and solids

·    a soil treatment area

All three parts must be working to provide effective sewage treatment.

At a lake house, more is at stake. Maintaining water quality is the primary concern with any water-adjacent sanitary sewage system.

Lake homeowners foster the nearby body of water.

Despite the higher call of duty, there should be no difference in your behavior at a residential home versus a lake home. For instance, in both houses, you wouldn't pour chemicals down the drain, use the garbage disposal, or park near the septic tank.

The most significant difference would be how often you perform maintenance on it since you'll want to clean and empty lake home septic tanks more regularly.

Even then, there isn't a one-size-fits-all approach for septic tank maintenance at a lake home. The type and cost of maintenance depend on:

·    Topography

·    Presence of bedrock

·    Water table's height

·    Kind of soil.

For instance, a Fargo urban home is typically built on a more rocky and elevated than a Minnesota lake home.

There are two types of septic tanks — concrete and plastic.

The concrete tanks are chosen for durability. However, plastic tanks are used when one can't access the site with heavy concrete delivery equipment.

Plastic septic tanks can offer solutions to obstacles like trees, fences, power lines, property lines, steep lots, and challenging landscaping.

There are multiple considerations when deciding on the type of system and its location. Setting up a septic system nearby a lake means understanding the set-back rules.

These are all good points to remember when buying, selling, or building your next lake home.

Beyond these two categories, nine different systems exist. You can visit the Environmental Protection Agency to understand which approach is recommended for your area.

Chamber systems are most often used for a lake house. These are popular due to excess water near rivers and lakes.

Suppose your lake house's septic tank isn't a concrete chamber system; no need to worry. The best type of system is a system that's installed appropriately by a licensed installer and adequately maintained by the homeowner.

Proper maintenance is more important than the type of septic tank.

How To Maintain Your Lake Home Well and Septic

Household plumbing

Conserve water, repair leaks, and use low-flow fixtures. Spread water usage throughout the day and week.

·    Limit the use of harsh cleaners, bleach, antibacterial soaps, and detergents.

·    Do not dispose of paints, medications, or chemicals through your septic system.

·    Keep grease, lint, food, feminine hygiene products, and plastics out.

Septic tank

Pump solids through the tank's maintenance hole regularly — at least every three years. Do not remove solids through inspection pipes.

·    Have baffles inspected when the tank is pumped.

·    Install an effluent screen and service as necessary.

·    Do not use tank additives or cleaners.

Soil treatment area

Maintain grass, native grasses, or flowers over the treatment area. Mow, but do not fertilize, water, or burn near your septic system.

·    Do not plant trees, shrubs, or deep-rooted plants on or near the area.

·    Do not grow vegetables or locate playgrounds above the area.

·    Keep heavy vehicles off area (cars, tractors, snowmobiles, boats, etc.).

·    Help prevent the system from freezing.

No matter where your lake home is located, the right solution for your well and septic is out there. Effective January 11, 2021 - Septic Tanks in Minnesota will be required to be pumped empty to complete a compliance inspection. Read more about septic tank inspection on our blog. If you have any additional questions, you can connect with one of our sales agents and learn what to do if you're buying and selling in Lakes Country.