What do I do when my sewage system fails?

The first thing to do when your sewage system fails is to call a licensed sewage contractor. The Ministry of Municipal Affairs & Housing licenses individuals and businesses for the purposes of installing sewage systems. 

A licensed sewage contractor will be able to assist you in determining the probable cause of the failure of your sewage system and will be able to help you complete the sewage system permit application forms for submission to the Health Unit. Some property owners feel more comfortable having the sewage contractor look after submitting the sewage system application and pursuing the approvals. This is satisfactory, however, the property owner should acquaint his/herself with what is being applied for and what is being approved as ultimately they are the property owner and may be liable for any possible future problems.

Once the sewage system application forms are completed, submit them to the Health Unit along with the appropriate application fee (cheque or money order please). You may wish to speak to the Inspector or Technician responsible for your particular area in order that you can meet with them on the property when the site inspection is made. In most cases, this is not necessary, however it is your option.

Prior to the Health Unit inspecting the property, you will need to provide a test hole, at least 1.5 meters in depth, in the area of the proposed sewage system. This test hole is very important and is necessary for the Installer/Designer to determine the soil type and the height of the groundwater table. This, along with other information, is used to assess the proposal on the sewage system application and to determine its compliance with the Building Code.