Get Answers to Your Septic and Holding Tank Questions

Just like your gut needs healthy bacteria to keep you healthy, your septic system works using bacteria to process the waste and break it down in an environmentally friendly way. When you flush bleaches and other anti-bacterial products, you kill the good bacteria that keep your system running efficiently. Since these substances will inevitably enter the system, we recommend using eco-friendly and bio-degradable products. Here is a list of items that should not be flushed down the toilet:

• Diaper wipes

• Q-tips

• Sanitary pads

• Tampon applicators

• Food and coffee grinds

• Unused medication

Every day that you use your system, waste is added to the tanks. Over time, the heavier solids (effluent) sink to the bottom of the tank and do not exit the system into the leaching bed. You do not want these solids to enter the bed as they can plug up the field.

Generally, it would be best to have your septic tanks pumped once every three to five years. However, the actual frequency will vary depending on usage and how many people live in your household.

Costs can vary depending on a variety of factors (size of the tank and accessibility). Please call us for information.

There are some indicators that may let you know that your system needs some care, including:

• Pooling water on the septic field

• Slow drains

• Odours, both from the interior and exterior drains of the septic field

• An overly healthy lawn over the septic field

• Sewer backup