Septic Systems Repair and Replacement
At Audet & Associates, we are active in the Onsite Wastewater and treatment industry, attending ongoing seminars, trade shows and educational opportunities.
We are qualified in the province to install all tertiary treatment systems.
For more information regarding the different treatment units, please click on the following manufacturers website links:
Septic System Do's:
- Manage your flows into the septic system. Regular daily usage of the septic includes showers, bathroom use, and laundry. In today's hectic world it is very common for the laundry to pile up. Try to space out the amount of laundry that you process through daily to effectively give your septic system the opportunity to keep up with you.
- Pumping out of your system. There is significant debate on required pump out frequency. Our position is that a dwelling experiencing normal balance usage should have the tank inspected and pumped out every 3-5 years. It is a fact that healthy bacteria form and survive in a septic tank. When pumping out of the sytem, remember that you will be removing this healthy bacteria and force your system to form new bacteria which can take months! Tank inspections are available, simply contact us and we can provide a quotation to evaluate your tank.
- Consider getting educated on your system. Have your system inspected annually. A healthy active system can be easily evaluated and maintenance can be performed. Items within a tank can fail occasionally. Baffles need replacement, filters require replacement.
- When renovating.
- A - Consider water low flow fixtures and appliances. Technology today has allowed for the availability of these cost effective fixtures and appliances that can reduce the volume of water required in a household by as much as 65 - 70%.
- B - As part of your scope of work when planning a renovation, remember that in most cities and municipalities, when altering square footage, adding fixtures / bathrooms etc. that a permit will be required. Part of your obligation is that the existing septic system will need to be evaluated prior to any permit or works being completed to confirm whether the existing system will be able to handle the additional flows that your renovation will add.
- Irrigation Systems. Check your programming! Though not recommended to be on or around the septic system, the fact remains that a large number of homes now have irrigation systems. Rarely are the septic systems avoided. Please ensure that your irrigation contractor is aware that you have a septic system, and that care should be taken when programming the controller of the irrigation system.
- Landscaping / Drainage. Respect them! Please remember when renovating the yeard that the grades on and around the septic have been designed and engineered. The septic system may require top dressing and maintenance as any lawn will over time, however grades and elevations should not be altered. Do consult with a licensed septic system contractor before renovating in the area of the septic system.
- Maintenance. Ensure that if you have a tertiary septic system that you have a maintenance contractor with a recognized provided. Please refer to our links to qualified maintenance providers to find one near you.
Septic System Dont's:
- Grades. Do not adjust grades in your yard including drainage swales and ditches without consulting a licensed contractor. Adding fill and top soil can significantly reduce the life expectancy of your system.
- Pools / Structures. Systems are designed with setbacks from structures and property lines. When obtaining a building permit or pool permit, you will have to warrant that these setbacks are met. DO NOT proceed without a permit as your short term gain will be a long term pain as you realize that you are in violation of the Ontario Building Code, and eventually will be required to either remove the structures or pool or replace your system!
- System Care. We stress balanced usage and are providing a quick list of items to try to minimize flushing or rinsing down the sink. Consider the following items:
- Chemicals and cleaners - As mentioned, a functioning septic system is full of healthy bacteria. Household cleaners kill bacteria...use environmental products and cleaners whenever possible.
- Water softener, HVAC discharge lines...these should not be directed into the septic system outlet pipe.
- Additives...even in cottage country, a healthy system used occasionally will not require any additives.
- Solid foods, fats and greases...as a good rule of thumb, any item that cannot flow freely down the drain should not. Fats and greases throw septic systems out of balance significantly reducing the lifespan of your system.
- IF IT DOESN'T LOOK LIKE IT BELONGS ON THE GROUND - DON'T SEND IT THERE!! This list is a long one but hand wipes, diapers, tampons, condoms, to name a few do not belong in your septic system.
- Don't build anything over your system. Including skating rinks, patios or raised gardens.
- Do not compact the earth on and around the septic system. Don't drive on your leaching bed area with anything larger than a garden tractor. This includes the mantle or sand discharge portion of your yard as well.
