SEPTIC SYSTEMS

Doing Your Part

Never put solids down the drain allowing them into the septic system. Dispose of them in the regular garbage.

The septic system is designed to handle a reasonable volume of normal household waste water. It probably won't be able to handle laundry, cooking, showering and a party of 100 people in one day. Sending too much water through the system means everything moves too rapidly to get separated and broken down properly. If the leaching bed is already full of water, waste liquids may bubble up to its face surface, or even back up into the house.

Sludge and scum accumulate in the tank and must be removed regularly. No other solids should go down the drains.

Never discard chemicals and fuels in the septic system. The system cannot remove them properly - in fact, they can kill the bacteria which break down contaminants. If they reach local water supplies they can become a serious health hazard.

The leaching bed only functions if pipes are not crushed or clogged. It needs protection against heavy weights and roots.

Daily Operation

Dispose of solids appropriately

• consider composting kitchen waste instead of using a garburator; a garbage disposal unit can increase sludge accumulations by 40 per cent
• put cooking grease out with regular garbage; in the septic system it can solidify and clog pipes
• never put cigarette butts, paper towels, sanitary tampons, condoms, disposable diapers, similar non-biodegradables or anything plastic down a septic tank system; dispose of them in the regular garbage

Conserve water

• install water-saving toilets (units are available which use less than one third as much water as conventional toilets)
• install water-saving shower heads and taps
• reduce water waste (run clothes or dish washers only with full loads; don't let taps flow unnecessarily)
• fix all leaks immediately

Spread water loading

• instead of washing four loads of clothes in one day, do one or two loads each day
• don't use your washing machine and your dish washer at the same time
• if you're expecting a very large crowd, reduce water use for a few days before they come

Divert other water wastes

• roof drains should be directed away from the leaching bed
• the lot should be graded so rainwater drains away from the leaching bed
• water from water softeners, hot tubs, jacuzzi's etc. should be diverted to a leaching pit

Dispose of chemicals and fuels at approved waste sites

• oil, gasoline, paint thinners,solvents, photographic chemicals, weed or insect killers, etc. can poison your septic system and possibly threaten water supplies for your whole neighbourhood; never put them down your drains

Use environmentally friendly cleaning products

• avoid caustic drain openers and cleaners
• avoid detergents that are high in phosphorous; it can cause excessive plant and algae growth in downstream rivers and lakes

Outside the House

Protect the leaching bed

• don't allow vehicles to drive over or park on the leaching bed area.
• don't plant trees or shrubs near the bed; their roots can clog pipes
• keep the area grassed to promote evapotranspiration and avoid erosion
• don't build on the bed, or cover it with a hard surface (e.g. asphalt, brick or patio stones)
• don't install automatic lawn sprinklers in this area

Protect the reserve site

• most authorities require a reserve site to be designated, so another leaching bed can be constructed if necessary; keep that area free of permanent buildings, swimming pools, etc.

Regular Maintenance

Never allow anyone other than a properly equipped, licensed, trained contractor
to enter a septic tank for any reason whatsoever. The tank contains deadly gases.

All septic tanks need to be inspected and pumped out regularly. Don't neglect this or put it off. If the septic tank is not pumped out so much sludge and/or scum can accumulate that there is very little room for new waste water. That means it will not get adequate time to settle before being sent out (heavy materials, scum and all) into the distribution pipes. The longer this continues, the more material will go out of the septic tank, clogging connections and valves and filling up the leaching bed. In extreme cases, sewage could ooze to the surface of the leaching bed in black, oily pools, or back up into the house. If this occurred, you would probably need to replace the whole system.

Inspect annually

About once a year, the septic tank should be inspected to: find out how much sludge and scum have accumulated; make sure baffles or dip pipes are functioning properly; and, check for leaks. Since this is not a pleasant task, most homeowners hire a licensed septic tank contractor. The septic system location map provided by the builder should show where the inspection ports are found. It's a good idea to mark them on the lawn (some people use a flat paving stone) so that they can be located easily.

Pump out when necessary

The septic tank must be pumped out when:

- the bottom of the scum comes within about 7.5 cm (3 inches) of the bottom of the baffle or dip pipe,

or

- the top of the sludge comes within about 45 cm (18 inches) of the bottom of the baffle or dip pipe

How long it takes to reach these levels will depend on how the system is used. On average, expect to pump out the tank every two to four years. This must be done by a licensed septic tank contractor. They are listed in the Yellow Pages, usually under Septic Tanks - Cleaning.

Signs of Trouble

How do you spot if there is something wrong with your septic system? Watch for the telltale signs listed below. If you encounter any of these problems follow the instructions outlined.


Extra plant growth over leaching bed

Grass over the leaching bed may stay green even during droughts. This is normal, because it is being watered from below. However, excessive growth may be a sign that water leaving the bed still contains organic material and/or the bed may be saturated. Have the levels in the septic tank checked; if that is not the problem, have the leaching bed itself checked.


Brown or "burnt" looking areas in grass over leaching bed

While this can be expected during severe droughts, brown areas at other times may indicate the system is too full. Have levels in the septic tank and/or the leaching bed checked.


Sewage odours in sump pit in home

The system may be too full. Call the builder or a licensed septic tank contractor and have the system checked.


Leaching bed area is frequently wet and spongy

Water may not be draining properly; pipes may be clogged; too much water may be going through system. Call the builder or a licensed septic tank contractor and have the system checked.


Sewage odours in leaching bed area

Solids may not be getting broken down properly; water may not be draining properly; pipes may be clogged. Call the builder or a licensed septic tank contractor and have the system checked.


Black oily liquid pooling or bubbling on the surface

Serious problems. Call the builder and your local approved authority immediately (e.g., health unit, conservation authority).


Water water backing up into the house

Serious problems. Call the builder and your local approval authority (e.g., health unit, conservation authority) immediately.

Back to top of page

Back to Maintenance Menu

Back to MW Home Inspections Ltd. homepage