1. What Homeowners in Florence County Are Worried About

You’re probably here because you’re building a home or upgrading an older one, and someone mentioned, “You’ll need a septic system.” Great. One more thing on your list, right?

If you’re like most homeowners we work with, you’re not a septic expert. You just want a system that won’t fail, won’t cost a fortune, and won’t turn your backyard into a swamp. Maybe you’ve even heard a horror story or two—overflowing tanks, massive digging, systems that had to be redone. That stuff sticks in your mind.

You're worried about choosing the wrong design and paying for it later.

We get it. Septic systems aren't something people talk about often, but when they go bad? You’ll hear about it.

2. Why Your Septic System Design Matters More Than You Think

Here’s the deal: not all septic systems are created equal, especially around here.

Florence County has a mix of sandy soils, clay pockets, shallow bedrock, and plenty of forested lots—all of which change how your septic system should be designed.

It’s not just about digging a hole and putting in a tank. The design affects:

• How long does your system last
  

• Whether it meets health codes
  

• How often do you need to be pumped?
  

• Whether your lawn stays dry or turns into a marsh every spring
  

Cut corners now, and you’ll pay later—financially and emotionally.

3. Understanding Your Options: Septic Designs That Work in Florence

There are a few main types of septic systems that work well in our part of Wisconsin. Here’s a simple breakdown of the ones you’ll hear about most:

Conventional Gravity System

• Best for: Lots with good soil and a natural slope.
  

• How it works: Wastewater flows by gravity into a tank, then into a drain field.
  

• Upside: Lower cost, less maintenance.
  

• Downside: Not great for poor soils or flat lots.
  

Pressurized System

• Best for: Slightly tougher soil or where gravity can’t do the job.
  

• How it works: A pump pushes wastewater into the drain field.
  

• Upside: Can work on more properties.
  

• Downside: More moving parts = more maintenance.
  

Mound System

• Best for: Shallow soils, high water tables, or lots with clay.
  

• How it works: Waste is pumped into a mound built above ground with layers of sand and gravel.
  

• Upside: Works where other systems can’t.
  

• Downside: Higher up-front cost and a more noticeable footprint.
  

Aerobic Treatment Unit (ATU)

• Best for: Environmentally sensitive areas or small lots.
  

• How it works: It adds oxygen to break down waste faster before releasing it.
  

• Upside: Cleaner output, smaller drain field needed.
  

• Downside: Electrical components, higher cost, more upkeep.
  

4. Ranked: The Best Septic System Designs for Local Homes

We’ve worked all over Florence County—from waterfront properties to wooded lots—and based on soil conditions, lot size, cost, reliability, and homeowner feedback, here’s how the top designs stack up:

1. Pressurized System

Why it ranks first: It works well on the widest range of lots here. It's not the cheapest, but it strikes the best balance between cost, performance, and longevity.

2. Mound System

Why it ranks second: If you’ve got poor soil (which is common), this is your hero. It may not be pretty, but it works when nothing else will.

3. Gravity System

Why it ranks third: Simple, reliable, and affordable. But it only works on ideal properties with great soil and slope.

4. ATU (Aerobic) System

Why it ranks fourth: Great for sensitive areas or small lots, but the maintenance isn’t for everyone. You’ll need a service contract in most cases.

5. Picking the Right Design for Your Soil, Lot, and Budget

Don’t guess. Your neighbor’s system might not work for your property, even if you live across the street. What matters is:

• Soil testing (percolation tests)
  

• Lot slope
  

• Water table depth
  

• Nearby wells, lakes, or rivers
  

That’s why we always start with a site evaluation. You wouldn’t build a house without a blueprint—same idea here.

Tip: If you’re building a new home, design your septic system before finalizing where your house and driveway go. It could save you thousands.

6. What Can Go Wrong with the Wrong Design (And How to Avoid It)

We’ve seen it all:

• A homeowner who hired a cut-rate installer and had sewage backing up within two years
  

• Another who picked a design too big for their budget and had to delay their build
  

• One guy had a beautiful lawn... until his septic tank cracked mid-winter
  

Here’s what usually causes problems:

• No soil testing
  

• Oversized or undersized systems
  

• Incorrect tank placement
  

• Poor pump sizing
  

• Systems not designed for winter conditions (we're in Wisconsin, after all)
  

If your system isn’t built for your property, nature will win.

7. Real-World Tips from Local Homeowners

A few things we’ve heard from folks in Florence, Spread Eagle, and Long Lake:

"I wish I’d asked more questions before signing off on my first system. The second time around, I got it right."
"We went with a mound system, and yeah, it was a little more—but we haven’t had a single issue in 7 years."
"Our last installer just gave us a quote. Dyer gave us options. That’s what made the difference."

The takeaway? Don’t just ask what the system is—ask why it’s the right one for you.

8. How We Help Families in Florence County Get It Right

At Dyer Inc., we’ve been working in rugged soils and frozen ground for years. We’re not a massive outfit, and we’re proud of that. You’re not getting a cookie-cutter plan from someone in a city office. You’re getting local know-how and custom design work from people who understand this land.

We’ll:

• Visit your site
  

• Get your soil tested
  

• Talk through your budget
  

• Show you two or three design options
  

• Help you understand what each one really means
  

And we’ll walk you through the permits, county approvals, and what to expect during install, without the pressure or the sales pitch.

9. What to Do Before You Break Ground

A good septic system is like a good foundation. You don’t see it, but it keeps your whole home running.

Here’s what we’d recommend:

• Get a site eval before you dig
  

• Ask for at least two design options
  

• Make sure your system matches your household size and future plans
  

• Don’t just pick what’s cheapest—pick what fits
  

• Talk to a local contractor who knows Florence County’s soil like the back of their hand
  

If you’re ready to start planning, or even just want a second opinion, we’re happy to talk. Septic systems may not be glamorous, but for us, getting them right is personal.