Moving to the country? Then think septic system.
A septic system treats wastewater from the home and returns it to the groundwater. Wastewater sources include sinks, showers, toilets, dishwashers, washing machines. A conventional septic system is made up of two components: a septic tank and a leaching bed.
Septic Tank
The septic tank is a buried, watertight container into which flows the wastewater from the home. It can be made of concrete, polyethylene or fibreglass. Septic tanks were sometimes made of steel in the past- if the subject property has a steel tank, it is probably rusted through and needs replacing. Also, older tanks were smaller than more modern ones. The current minimum size for a septic tank in Ontario is 3,600 L or 952 gallons. Older tanks may only have one compartment, while current tanks have two. There are two access hatches for each tank compartment. Solids settle to the bottom of the tank, forming a sludge layer. Oil and grease float to the top. Liquids flow from the first compartment to the second compartment and then out to the leaching bed.
The tank should be pumped every three to five years, or when 1/3
of the tank is filled with solids.
Bacteria are naturally present in the septic tank and work to break
down the sewage over time.
Leaching Bed
The leaching bed is a system of perforated pipes in gravel trenches on a bed of unsaturated soil. The soil depth must be a minimum of three feet deep. The wastewater percolates through the soil. Microbes in the soil remove harmful bacteria, viruses and nutrients, then the treated water returns to the groundwater. In cases where there is not three feet or more of unsaturated soil (ie where the groundwater or bedrock is close to the surface) then the leaching bed must be raised above the high water table or bedrock.
Alternative Systems
If the lot size is limited, or if there is a high groundwater table or poor soil conditions, a conventional system will not efficiently treat wastewater. However, there are alternative treatment units. The two most common types are trickling filters, where the wastewater from the septic tank trickles through a filter media such as peat or a textile fiber, and aeration systems, where the wastewater from the tank passes through an aerated tank. Homeowners with an alternative treatment system are required to have a maintenance contract with a service provider to inspect and maintain their systems.
A septic system should last from 20-25 years or longer, if it is properly installed and maintained with regular pump-outs every three to five years.
Before Buying a Home with a Septic System:
1. Obtain a copy of the septic use permit
The septic use permit can be obtained from the homeowner or the
local municipal government. There may not be a permit available
for older systems. Review the septic use permit for information
on the age, size and type of system. Note the distance
of the system from wells. Make sure the size of the system
is appropriate for the size of the house.
2. Find out when the tank was last pumped and ask for records of system maintenance. Before you move into the home, be sure to have the current owner pay to have the tank pumped out unless it was recently done, and only from late spring to early fall ( cleaning out a tank close to freezing weather could freeze your tank and your system won’t work properly).
3. Check for problem symptoms such as evidence of the system backing up, foul odours, water effluent on the soil surface, soggy ground on the leaching bed, toilets and drains gurgling or draining slowly.
You can have the septic system inspected by a certified system professional, which can be referred to you by the local municipality. An inspector will review the system permit, conduct a tank inspection and a leaching bed inspection and check for any signs of problems inside the house as well. The cost can be around $500.
You can find more information on septic systems at your local municipal office or district health unit office. You can also contact Health Canada at 613-957-2991.
Tammy Dufault
Century 21 BJ Roth Realty Ltd.
