Kienbaum Excavating & Septic, LLC
Kienbaum Excavating & Septic, LLC
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    • What to Expect
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    • Reviews
    • Contact
  • Home
  • Services
  • What to Expect
  • Questions & Tips
  • About us
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services

Trench with gravel and pipes being installed for drainage or plumbing.

SEPTIC SYSTEMS

PIPE REPLACEMENT

PIPE REPLACEMENT

In Wisconsin, there are several types of septic systems approved for use. To determine the appropriate system for your property, a soil test is essential, and you may also want to consider professional septic system installation and pipe replacement services as part of your planning.

corroded cast iron pipe of septic system

PIPE REPLACEMENT

PIPE REPLACEMENT

PIPE REPLACEMENT

While some may suggest that you require a new septic system installation, it might simply be a case of needing pipe replacement services instead!

SOIL TEST SAMPLING

SOIL TEST

PIPE REPLACEMENT

SOIL TEST

A completed Soil Test Report is essential to obtain quotes for your septic system installation. Typically, soil test services can cost around $1000, which is an important step before considering any pipe replacement services.

TYPES OF SEPTIC SYSTEMS

Diagram of a two-compartment septic system with a drainfield and groundwater table.

GRAVITY FED CONVENTIONAL SYSTEM

This is the least epxpensive and most desirable type of system. Despite what many people think, this is the most common type of system in the state of WI. This basic system uses gravity to move the effluent through the septic tank into the leach field.


Diagram of a septic tank showing sludge, effluent, and scum layers with inlet and outlet baffles.

DOSED CONVENTIONAL SYSTEM

The difference between this and the above gravity fed system is that the effluent needs to be pumped to the distribution cells (leach field / drain field) The pump needs electricity and it is in a separate chamber of the septic tank.

TYPES OF SEPTIC SYSTEMS

Black cylindrical drainage pipe being installed in a trench with surrounding soil and some snow.

  

GRAVELLESS SYSTEM

   

Gravelless septic systems or "no gravel" septic system trenches use plastic or other prefabricated wastewater distribution systems which are buried in the soil without the use of surrounding gravel. They are great for sites with limited space where gravel is not available or if trucks can't access the work area. 

TYPES OF SEPTIC SYSTEMS

raised septic mound

  

MOUND SYSTEM

  

When a soils are not suitable for a conventional system, a Mound System is required. Mound systems are needed when the groundwater is too close to the surface of the soil, not allowing enough vertical separation between the infiltrated surface of the leach field and evidence of groundwater.  Additionally, mounds are needed when the soil is too restrictive for water to drain into th

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TYPES OF SEPTIC SYSTEMS

HOLDING TANKS


If the site conditions won't allow for any of the above systems, then a holding tank would be your last resort. A holding tank is a watertight structure that acts as a temporary collection for a house's entire sewage. There is no drain field tied with the tank, which means it is essential to consider proper septic system installation if feasible. When the tank nears its full point, it needs to be pumped out by a state-licensed pumper. The effluent then needs to be dumped at a sewage treatment plant or spread onto fields with special permits. Keeping in mind that a holding tank can range from 2,000-6,000 gallons for residential use, it's also advisable to seek soil test services beforehand to ensure compliance with local regulations. Additionally, homeowners might want to explore pipe replacement services if old pipes contribute to drainage issues.

HOLDING TANK BEING SET BY TRUCK

TYPES OF SEPTIC SYSTEMS

An aerobic pre-treatment system can be added to any of the above systems, including those involved in septic system installation. All aerobic pre-treatment systems allow the dispersal unit (mound or trenches) to require less square footage, which is crucial for optimizing space. Some aerobic units enable the separation from 'limiting factors' to be less, making them a viable option when considering pipe replacement services. Although aerobic pre-treatment tanks tend to be more expensive, they are typically used only when necessary. The benefits stem from the introduction of oxygen into the environment, which increases the number of bacteria that break down solids. Consequently, the effluent produced is much cleaner than that from a standard septic tank, ensuring a more efficient system that may even reduce the need for extensive soil test services.

Diagram of a watertight septic tank showing separation and treatment processes.

PIPE REPAIRS

CLOGGED SEPTIC PIPE

HOMEOWNER ALERT:

If you have a septic system that was installed before 1987, you most likely have cast iron pipes connecting the tank to the leach field. Over the years a substance similiar to rust builds up on the inside of these pipes.


CLOGGED SEPTIC PIPE

The build up in the pipes weakens the walls of the pipe and creates an environment for clogging. 

Close-up of a hollow tree stump with dark, decayed interior.

Clogging in the pipes can cause back-ups.  If mis-diagnosed it may seem like your leach field has failed. If you think this is happening give us acall and we will replace the old pipe with PVC.

A broken pipe leaking into a dug hole labeled 'Before'.

This is very common, we replace over 50 pipes every year!

Cleaned and repaired underground pipe with clear water flow visible.

PVC Pipes have been used on septic systems since the late 80's.  They are durable and do not get this build-up.

deteriorated cast iron pipe

Others may tell you that you need a new septic system - sometimes its just a matter of replacing a pipe! 

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A SOIL TEST WILL DETERMINE WHAT TYPE OF SYSTEM YOU NEED

Soil Test

A soil test report is essential for determining the specifications related to your septic requirements, including type, size, depth, and location. This soil test is necessary for both new systems and replacement systems, ensuring that all aspects of septic system installation are considered.


A soil test, previously referred to as a perc test, involves our team visiting your property with a mini excavator to dig 3 to 5 holes in your yard. This process helps us identify the best possible soil for the septic system installation. The quality of the soil can significantly impact the overall cost of your system. While three boring holes are required for a soil test, the certified soil tester may dig additional holes in search of more favorable soil conditions.


The soil test is carried out by a State Licensed Certified Soil Tester, such as John Kienbaum, Jr., and a County Sanitary Inspector must also be present to validate the findings.


By examining the soil within the borings, we can determine the type of septic system that is most suitable for your site, whether it be a mound or conventional system. The Certified Soil Tester assesses the drainage capability of the soil by analyzing the various layers or horizons. They also look for indicators of high groundwater levels, mottling indicating seasonal groundwater, bedrock, and slowly permeable soil types such as clay and silty clay.


The soil characteristics identified during this process will dictate the type, size, location, and depth of the system to be installed. We will discuss potential locations for the system with the homeowner, ensuring that the installation falls within the designated boring

measuring a hole for a soil test (perc test)

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