Septic design and soil tests

Septic system design in Minnesota

Every new septic system starts with a design. A licensed designer studies the soil on your lot and draws up a system that fits it. Find one in your county, or ask us for a quote.

511 licensed designers in MPCA records
Call any of them directly
No business pays to be listed
Not sure who to call? We can find one for you, free

Listings checked on Nov 3, 2026

Not sure who to call?

Tell us about the job and we'll pass it to one licensed septic business that serves your area. Free, for new systems, replacements, repairs and inspections.

Within one business day we pass your request to one septic business with a current MPCA license.
They contact you by phone, text or email to set up an estimate.
You decide. Free, no obligation.

Project

Property When

County

City or township ZIP

Budget (optional) Name

Email Phone

Anything else? (optional)

By sending this, you agree we can share your request with one licensed septic business, who will contact you by phone, text or email about your project. Free, no obligation. Privacy

What a designer does

Studies the soil on the lot, digging or boring holes to see how deep the good soil goes. People often call this a perc test.
Works out how much sewage the home will make, mostly from the number of bedrooms.
Picks the type of system (trench, mound or another design) and where it goes.
Submits the design to your county, city or township for the permit.

Angi puts a soil test at $700 to $2,000 in the Minneapolis area.

Basic, intermediate and advanced

MPCA licenses designers and inspectors at three levels. Basic designers work on standard home systems. Intermediate and advanced licenses cover larger or more complex systems. MPCA says advanced designers may do intermediate and basic work, and intermediate designers may do basic work.

Licensed designers by county

How many businesses with a current MPCA designer license are based in each county. Designers: study the soil on a lot and design the system that fits it.

About these listings. They come from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency's license records, checked on Nov 3, 2026. Licensed businesses can work anywhere in Minnesota, not only where they are based. A listing is not an endorsement by MPCA or by us, and no business pays to be listed. Search MPCA licenses · Claim or correct a listing

Sources: MPCA, SSTS license search · Angi, septic system cost in Minneapolis (Aug 2026)

How it works

Browse licensed businesses

Every septic business based in your county with a current MPCA license, in alphabetical order.

Compare and check the license

See what each one is licensed to do and when the license runs out. Confirm it on MPCA's search.

Contact them directly

Call the number from their license record. Not sure who to call? Tell us about the job and we pass it to one licensed business.

Questions

Do I need a designer for a new septic system?

A new or replacement system needs a design your county approves. Most homeowners hire a licensed designer. Many installers are licensed designers too.

What does a soil test for a septic system cost?

Angi puts it at $700 to $2,000 in the Minneapolis area.

What is the difference between basic and advanced designers?

Basic designers work on standard home systems. Advanced designers can also design larger and more complex systems, and may do all basic work.

Not sure who to call?We pass it to one licensed business

Get a quote