"Very proud to be the installer of the septic system for Extreme Makeover Home Edition home for the Koepke family in Osceola (Dundee) Wisconsin. Episode to air on ABC late November 2006"

The Herr family is in their fourth generation in the plumbing industry, specializing in the design, installation, and management of every type of Privately Owned On-site Wastewater Treatment System. These systems include conventional septic systems, trench systems, mound systems, in ground pressure systems, at-grade systems, mound systems, aerobic systems, sand-filter systems, experimental systems, etc. for new construction or replacement.

DO'S & DON'TS

All systems are "progressively failing systems". They will all fail at some point in time and you will have to completely replace the system whether it is conventional or a mound! Systems fail due to accumulation of solids forming a "clogging mat", which completely restricts the flow of water through your system, causing failure. When a system fails the wastewater either backs into your house or creates surface discharge of untreated wastewater up onto the surface of your yard (or both).

"How long will my system last before it fails?"
How a system is used (or abused) is directly proportional to how long it will last. Systems that are extremely abused can fail in one year. Systems which are heavily abused (i.e. daily use of garbage disposal, grease and /or oils poured down the drain, etc.) can fail in as little as four years. Other mounds and conventional septic systems can last for many years, if used and maintained properly. Proper maintenance and use of a system can add many years to a system and is basically common sense once you understand what causes a system to fail.

The secrets of adding years to the life of your system.
Follow these very basic simple steps and you will add years to the life of your system whether it is a mound or conventional septic:

• Do NOT use a garbage disposal!
  
• Do NOT pour grease and oils down the drain.
  
• Do NOT flush anything down the drain that is not biodegradable (i.e. disposable diapers, condoms, etc.)
  
• Do NOT have your water softener regeneration discharge to the mound or conventional system!
  
• Do NOT use any type of additives in your system-they do not help your system and may actually harm it.
  
• Have your septic tank(s) pumped once per year.
  
• Have a "Zabel" type filter installed into your septic tank!
  
• Have a second septic tank installed (The more costly aerobic tank would be much better and last longer).