Consists of a settling or septic tank and a soil absorption field. The traditional system accepts both grey water (wastewater from showers, sinks, and laundry) and black water (wastewater from toilets). These systems are typically restricted in that the bottom invert of the absorption field should be at least 90 cm above the seasonally high-water table or impermeable layer (separation distance) and the permeation rate of the soil should be between 20 and 50 minutes per cm. Also, to ensure proper operation, the tank should be pumped every 3 to 5 years. Nitrogen removal of these systems is minimal and somewhat…

Used in conjunction with pre-treatment methods such as septic tanks and soil absorption fields. An intermittent sand filter receives and treats effluent from the septic tank before it is distributed to the leaching field. The sand filter consists of a bed (open or buried) of granular material 60 to 90 cm deep. The material is usually 0.35 to 1.0 mm in diameter. The bed of granular material is underlain with graded gravel and collector drains. These systems have been shown to be effective for nitrogen removal, however, this process is dependent on temperature. Water loading recommendations for intermittent sand filters are…

A modified intermittent sand filter in which effluent from the filter is recirculated through the septic tank and/or the sand filter before it is discharged to the soil absorption field. The addition of the recirculation loop in the system may enhance removal effectiveness and allow media size to be increased to as much as 1.5 mm in diameter.

Buried or recirculating sand filters can achieve an exceedingly high level of treatment of septic tank effluent before discharge to surface water or soil. Dosed recycling between sand filter and septic tank or similar devices can result in significant levels of nitrification/dentrification, equivalent to between 50 and 75 percent of overall nitrogen removal, depending on the recycling ratio. Regular buried or recirculating sand filters may require as much as 1 square foot of filter per gallon of septic tank effluent.

An alternative to conventional OSDS and are used on sites where insufficient separation distance or permeation conditions exist. Mound systems are typically designed so the effluent from the septic tank is routed to a dosing tank and then pumped to a soil absorption field that is located in elevated sand fill above the natural soil surface. There is evidence suggesting that pressure dosing provides more uniform distribution of effluent throughout the absorption field and may result in better performance. A major limitation to the use of mounds is slope. Where adequate area is available for subsurface effluent discharge, and permanent or…

Combine the process of evaporation from the surface of a bed and transpiration from plants to dispose of wastewater. The wastewater would require some form of pre-treatment such as a septic tank. An ET bed usually consists of a liner, drain field tile, and gravel and sand layers. ET and ETA systems are useful where soils are unsuitable for subsurface disposal, where the climate is favorable for evaporation, and where groundwater protection is essential. In both types of systems, distribution piping is laid in gravel, overlain by sand, and planted with suitable vegetation. Plants can transpire up to 10 times…

Can be employed on-site. These systems require regular supervision and maintenance to be effective. An aerobic bacteriological farm can digest 90% to 95% of the solid wastes that are deposited into the septic tank. Typically, oxygen is supplied to a septic system when there is a problem with pumping frequency or the overall effectiveness of the system. The typical design of these systems is such that a small compressor is located near the sewer line as it exits the house, which provides oxygen for the tank.

Chlorination, ozonation, and ultraviolet disinfection are the most common methods of disinfection in Canada. Chlorine, the most widely used disinfectant in municipal wastewater, destroys organisms by oxidizing cellular material. Chlorine can be applied as chlorine gas, hypochlorite solutions, and other chlorine compounds in solid or liquid form. Ozone, an unstable gas generated by an electrical discharge through dry air or pure oxygen, is another oxidizing agent. Ultraviolet radiation, generated by an electrical discharge through mercury vapor, is absorbed into the genetic material of microorganisms and hinders their ability to reproduce.

To maximize the useful life of a septic system and prevent premature failure, all systems require proper care and periodic maintenance. Inspect your septic tank once every year and pump, as necessary. Solids will eventually fill the tank and pass them into the drain field, mound, or sand filter, which can lead to expensive repairs. Avoid flushing harmful material into the septic tank. Never put grease, any kind of paper (other than toilet paper), cigarettes, coffee grounds, sanitary napkins, solvents, oils, paint, caustic chemicals, or pesticides into the tank. Avoid the use of any type of chemical or biological septic tank additive. Additives…

These symptoms tell you that you have a serious problem: Sewage backup in your drains or toilets. This is often a black liquid with a disagreeable odor. Slow flushing of your toilets. Many of the drains in your house will drain much slower than usual, despite the use of plungers or drain cleaning products. Surface flow of wastewater. Sometimes you will notice liquid seeping along the surface of the ground near your septic system. It may or may not have an odor associated with it. Lush green grass over the absorption field, even during dry weather. Often, this indicates that an excessive amount of…

The frequency with which you will need to pump depends on three variables, the size of your tank, the number of people in the household contributing to the volume of your wastewater, and the volume of solids in your wastewater. If you are unsure about when to have the tank pumped, observe the yearly rate of solids accumulation in the septic tank. The solids should be pumped out of the septic tank by a licensed septic contractor. To determine how frequently you should be pumping the septic tank we adhere to the Ministry of the Environments guideline that, generally speaking,…

The biological additives are unlikely to be harmful. The chemical additives could harm your system. These products have the potential to sterilize your system temporarily. The resulting passage of raw sewage into the drain field will hasten its failure. The acid and alkali products can corrode the plumbing and the tank. The organic solvents pass through the system unchanged. They can then infiltrate into the groundwater, creating a chemical plume that endangers nearby wells.

Look for signs of collapse,  hazards include depressions in the soil anywhere on or around the property. If suspect areas are present it is recommended to contact a qualified Septic System Contractor for further evaluation. All Septic System repairs should be performed only by qualified Septic System Contractors. If repairs or work, such as agitating, pumping out or aerating is performed by “unskilled workers” the result could be not only dangerous but very costly to repair.