Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Septic System Experts in Northern Wisconsin
A 1 Septic Service has been a trusted provider of comprehensive septic solutions in Northern Wisconsin since 1960. As a family-owned business, we combine decades of hands-on experience with a commitment to environmental stewardship, offering services ranging from system design and installation to emergency repairs. Our team of licensed professionals prioritizes quality materials and personalized service, ensuring each project meets the unique needs of residential and commercial clients across Rhinelander, Minocqua, Eagle River, Tomahawk, and surrounding areas.We maintain active involvement in local education initiatives and community development, reflecting our dedication to both industry innovation and regional well-being. Customer satisfaction remains our top priority, evidenced by our consistent focus on clear communication, transparent processes, and long-term client relationships.
Services
Soil Testing
Septic Design
System Installation
Emergency Repairs
Pumping Service
Camera Inspections
Portable Restrooms
Well Inspections
Sewer Cleaning
Details
- Year established: 1960
Highlights and features
- Family-owned since 1960 with 65+ years of local septic system expertise
- Licensed professionals using quality materials for durable installations
- Comprehensive service covering design through emergency repairs
- Active participants in DNR and industry education programs
- Proven track record serving Northern Wisconsin communities
Associations and certifications
- MPRS/POWTS 261251
- CST-SP-050700003
- DNR 2194
- PUMP INST 7508
What people say
Professional service
Knowledgeable staff
Timely assistance
Great work
Honest work
Services
Septic System Installation
We design and install complete septic systems tailored to property specifications and local regulations. Our licensed technicians use durable materials and modern techniques to ensure long-term functionality for residential and commercial properties. Each installation includes site assessment, permit coordination, and post-installation verification to guarantee optimal performance.
Emergency Septic Repairs
Our team responds promptly to urgent septic system failures and malfunctions. With 24/7 availability during critical periods, we address issues like tank overflows, drain field failures, and line blockages using specialized equipment. Rapid intervention prevents property damage while ensuring compliance with environmental safety standards.
Camera Inspections
Advanced camera technology identifies underground system issues without excavation. This non-invasive method pinpoints cracks, blockages, and root intrusions in pipes and tanks. Detailed visual assessments enable precise repair planning, reducing costs and minimizing landscape disruption for property owners.
Soil Testing
Comprehensive soil evaluations determine appropriate system design and placement. Our certified technicians perform percolation tests and composition analysis to meet DNR requirements. Accurate testing ensures regulatory compliance and long-term system effectiveness through proper effluent absorption.
Portable Restroom Rentals
We supply clean, well-maintained portable toilets for construction sites and special events. Regular servicing ensures hygiene standards while flexible delivery schedules accommodate project timelines. Units meet ADA accessibility requirements and include options for luxury or high-traffic applications.
People
Tom Arts
Owner
Tom Arts leads A-1 Septic with over 30 years of industry experience, emphasizing technical excellence and community responsibility. He actively participates in DNR training programs and local environmental initiatives while maintaining hands-on involvement in complex installations and client consultations.
Questions
What septic services do you offer?
We provide complete septic solutions including system design, installation, emergency repairs, pumping, camera inspections, soil testing, and portable restroom rentals across Northern Wisconsin.
Do you serve areas outside Rhinelander?
Yes, we serve Minocqua, Eagle River, Tomahawk, and surrounding communities in Northern Wisconsin with both residential and commercial septic system services.
Are your technicians licensed?
All our installation staff hold current certifications through the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and participate in annual continuing education programs.
How often should septic tanks be pumped?
We recommend pumping every 3-5 years depending on tank size and household usage, though specific intervals get determined during our comprehensive system evaluations.
Can you help with failed septic systems?
Yes, our team specializes in diagnosing and replacing failed systems using innovative solutions that address site-specific challenges while meeting current regulatory standards.
Reviews (4)
Sherri Goodlove
Feb 09, 2021
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Rude! I needed some direction/help in what I needed - an inspection or pumped. New to it and sought her guidance on how to decide. The woman on the phone was rude, dismissive and argumentative. I declined their services and took my business elsewhere. I called a company in Minocqua with 5 star rating - it showed. He helped me - said they'll set it up as an inspection and if they then need to pump it they will.
Taylor Kettler
Jan 08, 2021
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Fantastic honest work. Shawn pumped our septic and educated me on the utility layout. Dustin and Greg came out to look at our drain field and found that we have 2 options so by switching to the other option saved us about 5k. Great people to work with and i look forward to working with them in the future! Service: Outdoor plumbing system repair
Mark Meyer
Oct 22, 2020
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Thank you to Greg and Dustin for great job done! We were in a bind with lots of people coming this week, the pros at the office scheduled us quickly and Greg and Dustin were able to remove a giant root ball blocking our holding tank! Great work! Timely service is hard to come by. I highly recommend A-1 Septic Service.
Jane Mitchell
Feb 15, 2020
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When our drain field failed we used A-1 to have our entire septic system replaced. It failed in the fall too late to have it replaced and all through the winter they were very prompt every time we had to have the tank pumped. Tom and his crew are very professional and knowledgeable and made sure we felt informed and reassured throughout the entire process of replacing our system. Thanks, Tom!
