Remodeling Your Home in Wisconsin, Don’t Forget to Contact Your Trusted Septic Advisor First

If you are dreaming of a kitchen expansion, adding a master suite, or finally finishing that basement, your first thought is likely about blueprints and color schemes. However, in the state of Wisconsin, your first phone call should be to your septic professional.

Understanding the Bedroom Rule in Wisconsin

In Wisconsin, septic systems are sized based on the potential occupancy of a home, which is measured by the number of bedrooms—not the number of bathrooms. State code assumes that each bedroom can host two people, and each person generates a specific amount of daily wastewater.

If your remodel adds a bedroom, or even a bonus room that could be used as a sleeping space, your existing septic system may no longer be legally large enough to handle the increased load. A consultation with our septic expert can determine if your current tank and drainfield have the capacity to support your new floor plan or if an upgrade is required to stay compliant with SPS 383 code.

Protecting the Replacement Area

Wisconsin law requires that every property has a designated replacement area; a patch of land with suitable soil where a second septic system could be built if the first one ever fails.

It’s important to ensure that your new addition, deck, or detached garage doesn’t accidentally get built on top of your current system or its future replacement area. Once you pour concrete or build a structure over viable septic soil, that land is lost for waste treatment purposes. We perform these inspections to make sure your remodel doesn’t “landlock” your septic options down the road.

Checking Septic System Health Before You Invest in Home Renovation

There is nothing worse than finishing a beautiful $50,000 home renovation only to have the septic system fail six months later because it was already struggling. Our team at Laudolff Septic Services evaluates the structural integrity of your tank and the absorption rate of your drainfield. This gives you a clear picture of your system’s health before you invest heavily in the rest of the house.

Planning a Project? Let’s Get Started.

At Laudolff Septic Services, we’re here to make sure your home improvement project starts on a solid foundation. If you are planning a remodel and need a consultation, contact us. We’ll help you protect your investment, stay code-compliant, and ensure your septic system is ready for the next chapter of your home’s life.