Frequently Asked Questions
The form says I was pumped on (insert date), but I was pumped more recently. What should I do?
- They need to complete and return the report you were sent or submit the report online.
I am not due until (insert date). Why am I receiving this notice early?
- Your notice is sent in advance, to allow you time to have the system pumped / inspected and have the report filed before your 3 years are up.
My septic system was inspected when I purchased this home. What should I do?
- If the inspection was in the last three years, contact yourpumper/inspector to report service in our online system. Your maintenance date will be reset to the date of inspection.
This a new home, we have lived in it for less than three years. What should I do?
- Submit a copy of the occupancy permit from the building inspector with the maintenance notice. Your maintenance date will be reset to the date of occupancy permit.
This home is vacant, for sale, or seasonal. Is pumping still required every 3 years?
- The system must be inspected by a licensed plumber, pumper, or inspector. If the volume of sludge and scum exceeds 1/3 of the tank capacity must be pumped, regardless of sludge volume a report must be submitted by the licensed individual.
There are only X number of people living here. Is pumping still required every 3 years?
- The system must be inspected by a licensed plumber, pumper, or inspector. If the volume of sludge and scum exceeds 1/3 of the tank capacity must be pumped, regardless of sludge volume a report must be submitted by the licensed individual.
I lost my form, can I get another copy?
- Contact our office at 920-232-3340 or by email at zoningdepartment@winnebagocountywi.gov.
Did you receive my pumping report?
- You can view pumping reports which have been filed for your septic system by using the Pumping Status Information search tool. If your most recent pumping is not listed, contact your pumper.
My pumper said they would take care of the paperwork and they have not. What should I do?
- Contact your pumper. They must submit the reports online. Be aware, some pumpers will not submit the report until they have been paid for their services.
I have a conventional, mound, or at-grade do I still have to pump?
- All POWTS (Privately Owned Waste Treatment System) using a dispersal cell (drainfield) must be pumped / inspected every three years.
Can I submit a receipt as confirmation of pumping?
- No, your pumper must complete the pumping form online. A receipt does not provide sufficient inspection information.
My pumper has not shown up yet. What should I do?
- Contact your pumper. Please remember, pumpers try to schedule servicing within a reasonable distance of each other. It is important to contact them when you receive notice that your pumping is due.
Can I wait until fall, winter, spring, or summer to pump?
- Because of the volume of systems requiring maintenance it is impossible to allow personal preference on pumping dates. If your property has an extenuating circumstance that limits pumping, have your pumper contact us to explain the situation.
I don’t have a septic system. Why am I receiving this notice?
- Contact our office at septicinfo@winnebagocountywi.gov or at (920) 236-1092 so that we can discuss the situation and if necessary correct our records.
What if I don’t have my system pumped / inspected?
- Failure to have your system pumped / inspected AND pumping report submitted will result in the issuance of an initial citation in the amount of $389.50. Payment of the citation does not negate the need for pumping / inspection and submittal of the inspection report.
Why don’t the pumpers just submit this information? Why doesn’t the County talk to the pumpers? - Winnebago County provides the pumpers a list of properties that are due for pumping prior to mailing the letters and again prior to the issuance of citations.
- Pumpers must submit reports online each time they service a septic tank.