Operation and Care of Your Septic Tank System

STARTING SEPTIC TANK ACTION

There is no need for the addition of commercial preparations or other additives such as yeast, etc. to start or improve the action of a septic tank system. All bacteria necessary for the operation of a septic tank are contained in the incoming sewage.

WHEN TO PUMP OUT YOUR SEPTIC TANK

With proper construction and operation, a septic tank system will need very little maintenance. It should not be necessary to pump out the tank more than once every three years. It should, however, be inspected at least once a year and pumped out when necessary. Failure to pump out a septic tank when required may result in sludge or scum being carried out into the tile field which in turn will clog and cease to function. In this event not only will the tank have to be pumped out but the tile bed may have to be replaced.

The Ontario Building Code 8.9.3.4(1) states that “Septic tanks and other treatment units shall be cleaned whenever sludge and scum occupy 1/3 of the working capacity of the tank”

Don't - Allow any storm, roof, surface water or foundation drainage into the tank or onto the tile bed area.  Basement sump pumps draining footing water must not enter the plumbing system.
Don't - Allow any vehicles over the tile bed area.
Don't - Plant trees in locations where the root growth will adversely affect the tile bed area.
Don't - Install a new drilled well any closer than 15m or dug well closer than 30m to an existing sewage disposal system
Don't - Install a swimming pool within 1.5 m of a septic tank and within 5 m of a tile bed.
Don’t establish an outdoor fire pit on the leaching bed area.
Exercise Caution if discharging the backwash from a water softener into a septic tank sewage disposal system. See fact sheet discussing water softeners and septic systems
 

DO - Connect all household wastes to the septic tank
DO - Check your tank annually for sludge build-up and pump out when necessary
DO - Use shower heads that use less water.  Try placing a large bottle or bricks in your toilet tank to reduce water useage.  Fix all dripping taps and running water immediately.  Remember that every gallon of water used must pass through the septic tank and be disposed of in the tile bed area.
DO - Grass the tile bed area; it increases evaporation and helps to keep the soil porous and healthy.
DO - Know the location of your septic tank and tile bed area
DO - Check with the health unit prior to the installation of a garbage grinder to ensure that your septic system is adequately sized to handle the additional load.