The design of each septic system is affected by two main factors: 

1. The specific soil characteristics of the location
2. What the septic system will be serving (home or business).

Several additional details are considered when locating and sizing the system to meet the required statutes established by the state and local government unit (typically the county). All designs will require an onsite visit to establish the soil characteristics and determine the system’s location and layout. 

The soil characteristics determine if the septic system will be in-ground, at-grade, or mound and play a role in determining the size of the septic system’s drain field. What the septic system will serve (number of bedrooms, appliance usage, etc for homes or the type of establishment and expected occupancy or use for businesses) will determine the size of the septic tanks and play a role in determining the size of the system’s drain field.

Either the property owner, the builder, or the septic system installer can initiate the design process.  We will gather the necessary information from them, existing soil surveys, and the county. After the onsite visit, we will prepare a design that meets your specific needs and submit it to the county for approval.

Compliance inspections can be required by either the local government unit (typically the county) on a periodic basis or by lenders or the county as part of the home purchase process. All inspections will require an onsite visit to verify the integrity of the septic system and the soil characteristics. All compliance inspections will require a septic tank integrity assessment. By Minnesota law, the septic tank(s) must be empty (pumped) for this portion of the inspection. A tank integrity assessment completed within the previous three years will meet this requirement. Verification of the soil characteristics and separation from groundwater will assure the system is protecting groundwater as required by law. Other safety considerations will also be evaluated as part of the compliance inspection.

The property owner initiates the process by contacting us to arrange an inspection. We will gather the necessary information from them and the county, then coordinate a time for the onsite inspection. Afterward, a compliance inspection report form will be provided to the property owner and filed with the county.

Cubed B LLC offers septic design services, compliance inspections, and tank integrity inspections for both residential and commercial properties in Becker County, MN and surrounding areas.

Design of a septic system serving a single-family home. This design typically requires significant time before coming out to the property to gather site information and records and then 3-6 hours on site conducting soil borings and determining the best location for the septic system while ensuring proper setbacks as required by state and local ordinances. In addition, the design process also includes time after the site visit going through the engineering calculations to property size the septic system and its components as well as create a detailed site plan that allows the installation contractor to put in the septic system without any issues. The fee includes consultation with the installation contractor putting in the septic system to ensure all parties are on the same page.

A similar process is required to the design of a septic system serving a single-family home; however soil borings typically are not needed.

A compliance inspection is often required during the sale/purchase of a home or to satisfy a zoning requirement. This inspection ensures the septic system serving the property is in compliance with the appropriate rules and regulations. The compliance inspection consists of time spent before arriving on site checking records, time onsite, and time in the office writing up the report, comparing findings to applicable rules and then submitting the report to the appropriate regulating body.

Minnesota stature requires the septic tanks to be empty at the time of inspection. We will work with your current septic pumper or coordinate with one of the local pumpers in your area. You will be responsible for the pumping fee.

A similar process is required for a compliance inspection of holding tank; however soil borings typically are not needed. The tank will need to be empty (pumped) at the time of inspection.

A similar process is required to the design of a septic system serving a single-family home, however depending on the type of property there are considerable additional factors that need to be accounted for and dealt with. Pricing on these non-residential septic systems varies and requires a free site visit to properly quote a price.

Some small outbuildings require a design for the wastewater system serving the building and this can be much simpler than a typical dwelling and again the price will be dependent on the situation and determined after a site visit or a discussion with the client.

A similar process to a compliance inspection of holding tank. This is needed if an existing septic tank will be re-used when a system is replaced or expanded. The tank will need to be empty (pumped) at the time of inspection.

A perc test determines your soil’s water absorption rate — specifically, how much time it takes for the soil to drain. This test aids in designing the septic system layout and sizing where the soil structure has been compromised or is not in its natural state. The test is also useful for designing stormwater retention ponds.