Your Septic System
Resources
"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure". If designed, installed and maintained properly your septic system should NEVER fail. Neglected systems WILL fail.
The sewer and treatment plant
Critical step in septic system care
If you are like most people, you know very little about your septic tank system. In urban and suburban areas there are sewers to carry household waste to municipal wastewater treatment plants. In more rural areas, septic tank systems serve as both the sewer and treatment plant.
All household waste is disposed of through the septic system. Here is a typical septic tank and this is how it works.
When household waste materials enters the tank through the “Inlet”, several things occur. Organic solid material float to the surface and forms a layer known as the “Scum”. Bacteria in the septic tank biologically convert this material into liquid. Inorganic solids and the by-products of bacterial digestion sinks to the bottom of the tank, forming a layer known as “Sludge”. Only fairly clear water should exist between these two layers. It is only this clear water that should be flowing out the “Outlet” and into your drain field.
How do I ensure my Septic System works properly?
Septic tank cleaning and pumping is a critical step in septic system care as it extends the life of the septic field. Even if you don't care how septic systems work you need to know how often to pump your septic tank. In a normal year-round household with 3-4 people with a standard 750 gallon septic tank, it is recommended to be clean every 2-3 years.
Depending on your laundry, bathing, cooking and cleaning habits, your septic tank may require cleaning more often than that.
What are the warning sign of a troubled system?
- Grass over the system is unusually green & spongy to walk on.
- Drains in the house are slower to drain them normal.
- Odors may be noticeable
- Grey or black liquids surface in their yards or in the house.
Things to remember
- Salts and chemicals (paints, bleach) kills the bacteria cultures in your tank.
- Septic system can not digest grease, oils and fats
- Water Conservation matters – less water in the system, more time for system to work properly.
- Having a large party, rent portable toilets or get tank pumped to help avoid your system backing up.
- Do not drive cars, machinery or snowmobiles over the septic bed – this compresses & compacts the bed; subjecting it to damage.
- Do not water the grass excessively or plant shrubs and trees (especially willow & poplars) This interferes with the soils ability to absorb liquids and break down waste.
Useful Links
NB Environment Industry All About Your Septic System (PDF)
This PDF is a very useful guide for septic tank owners. We strongly reccommend that you download, print and read.
Partnered With
Trenchless Sewer Rehabilitation Specialists
MITI can help make your wastewater system work more effectively and efficiently by eliminating the unwanted inflow and infiltration and allowing your system to operate at its optimum capacity.
- Pipe Repair
- Chemical Grout Injection
- CCTV Inspection (Closed Circuit Video)
Industrial and Commercial Cleaning
Our vacuum trucks and labourers can help clean small sump holes or floor drains to large industrial tanks.
