What’s the Deal with Septic Systems?

If you live in Ham Lake or anywhere without city sewer, chances are you’ve got a septic system. It’s the underground setup that treats and gets rid of all the wastewater from your house (yep, everything from your shower, sinks, and toilet). When it works well, it’s out of sight and out of mind. But if something goes wrong or if you’re selling your home—you’ll need to make sure your system is up to code.

That’s where septic inspections and compliance come in. And luckily for folks in Ham Lake, there’s a local company that’s been helping out for decades: Custom Septic Inc.

Why Inspections Matter

Septic systems are heavily regulated in Minnesota, and for good reason. A poorly maintained system can leak wastewater into the ground, contaminate drinking water, and cause serious environmental and health issues. That’s why the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) and the city of Ham Lake require inspections for certain situations.

Here’s when you’ll likely need an inspection:

Selling or buying a home
Installing a new system
Adding a bedroom or major renovation
Subdividing or developing property
Replacing a failed system

Even if it’s not legally required at the moment, it’s smart to get your system inspected every few
years just to avoid nasty surprises (and big repair bills).

What Counts as “Compliant”?

A septic system is considered “compliant” when:

It keeps sewage safely underground (no backups, leaks, or weird smells)
It’s not polluting groundwater
It’s structurally sound and working like it’s supposed to
It meets local rules (like how far it is from wells or lakes)

If your system passes inspection, you’ll get a Certificate of Compliance (COC), which is good for 3 years (for existing systems) or 5 years (for new ones). If it doesn’t pass, you’ll get a Notice of Non Compliance with details on what needs fixing—and how long you have to do it.

Who You Gonna Call? (Custom Septic!)

Custom Septic Inc., based in Big Lake, MN, has been helping Ham Lake homeowners with all things septic since 1996. It’s a family-run business led by Brad Krotzer, who brings decades of experience to every job.

They’re fully licensed by the MPCA, which means they can legally inspect, install, repair, and replace septic systems in Minnesota. Their services cover everything from quick checks to full system design and installation. And if your system needs work after an inspection, they can walk you through the permits and repairs to get it back in compliance.

Custom Septic has built a great reputation for being honest, helpful, and professional—which is exactly what you want when dealing with something as important (and messy) as a septic system.

What Happens During an Inspection?

Here’s what you can expect when you schedule a septic compliance inspection with someone
like Custom Septic:

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Book an Appointment

Give them a call and set up a time.

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They’ll Take a Look

The inspector checks the tank, drainfield, pipes, and any other components to make sure they’re doing their job.

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Paperwork

If everything looks good, you’ll get your Certificate of Compliance. If not, they’ll explain what needs fixing and how long you have to do it.

The whole process is pretty straightforward, and having a professional like Brad from Custom Septic walk you through it makes a big difference.

Why Stay on Top of Maintenance?

Getting your septic system inspected and maintained regularly can save you a ton of money and stress down the road. Here’s why it matters:

Avoid Big Repairs Catching issues early can prevent system failure.
Keep Your Property Value High A working, compliant septic system is a big plus for potential buyers.
Protect the Environment Proper systems keep local groundwater clean and safe.

A good rule of thumb is to pump your septic tank every 2-3 years. Custom Septic can refer you to another company or help with your other septic system needs. Will let you know if your system is due for other maintenance while were at it.

Need Help Paying for a New System?

Replacing a failed septic system isn’t cheap, but there is help available. Anoka, Sherburne, Wright, and Hennepin Counties offers a low-interest loan program for homeowners who need to upgrade or replace their system. The loan is paid back over time through your property taxes, and it’s designed to make compliance affordable.

Just make sure you apply and get approval before you start the work.

Final Thoughts

Septic systems might not be glamorous, but they’re a big part of life in Ham Lake. Staying on top of inspections and maintenance keeps your property safe, clean, and up to code—and keeps you out of trouble with local authorities.

If you’re not sure where your system stands or if you need an inspection, give Custom Septic Inc. a call at (763) 218-4769 or visit their website at www.customseptic.com.

They know the ins and outs of septic compliance in Ham Lake and can help make the whole process a lot less stressful.