Do you ever think about your septic system? There is a lot of stuff going on down there. I thought it would be a good idea to send out some information so that you can keep your system healthy and working properly.
(Leonard Furtado)
How do you find the history, location and other relevant information about your septic system?
You can start by contacting your local health unit or municipal office. The information may not be available especially if you have an older system.
You’ll need the name of the owner at the time the system was installed (it should be in the title records) and the legal description (lot and concession number) of the property. There is a fee for this service. The Madawaska Valley Township file search fee is $50.00.
If there is isn’t a record, you can locate your main sewer line in the basement or crawl space and follow it to where it exits the exterior wall. It may help you find the direction and depth of your tank.
You can try using a rod to poke into the area you think the tank is located. You will be able to feel a hard solid platform when you find the tank. A metal detector may also come in handy as some cement tanks have metal handles on the lids. Ask your neighbour or somene in your area if they would know the name of the contractor who may have installed your system. The contractor may have a copy of the installation information on file.
One last thing you can do is dig down to where the sewer line comes from the house and continue digging along the length of the pipe until you get to the tank.
How does a septic system work?
Most conventional septic systems consist of a septic holding tank and a leeching bed. The septic tank has 2 chambers where the waste flows from the house. The first compartment holds the effluent where the solids are able to settle and sink to the bottom. Lighter particles such fats, grease and oils float to the top and becomes scum which is removed when the tank is pumped out during regular maintenance.
Finer solids flow to the second compartment where bacteria helps to breakdown the organic matter. The effluent filter traps any remaining solid before flowing to the leaching bed. The movement is gravity fed or flows through a pump depending on the type of system that was installed.
The perforated PVC pipe in the leaching bed is surrounded by gravel and /or sand. This allows the liquid to enter the soil where further breakdown through bacterial action can complete the process.
With changes in technology come new ways to deal with waste. Advanced septic systems have made it possible to treat waste using a smaller leaching bed. This is good news for some waterfront lots that have limited real estate.
Some interesting facts
- Sewage is broken down by bacteria and enzymes. They can be harmed or killed by harmful cleaning products such as chlorine and antibacterial soaps and hazardous products like paint, varnish, pesticides and gasoline.
- If your septic system is older than 45 years, there a strong likely hood that the soil is exhausted. It would be a good idea to have it inspected.
- The life expectancy of a conventional system is about 20-30 years for residential and 20+ years for seasonal depending on use.
- Soil exhaustion is based on use. The more you use your system , the shorter the lifespan. Seasonal residences are used for a few months every year and you would think that this would extend the functional life expectancy but when it is under heavy use from guests, flushing toilets, washing dishes etc. it can do some damage.
- The septic tank treats only 20% or less of the waste entering it. The tank’s main function is to separate solids and liquids. 80% or more of the effluent is treated by the biology in the soil in the leaching field.
- Do not pour fats, oil or grease down the drain because they cannot be broken down.
- Make septic friendly choices by using biodegradable soaps, detergents and cleaners.
- Additives are not recommended. Proper maintenance and operation is sufficient for a well working system.
- Have your tank inspected for sludge and scum buildup ( 3-5 years) and clean out when a third of depth of your tank is full of sludge and scum.
Resources
Federation of Ontario Cottager’s Associations
On June 2018, Hastings Highlands Municipality hosted Alien and Poop talk at the Emond Hall. After many asking, here is the most requested video; Septic with Esselman: Facebook (video)
