Common Septic Tank Questions

How does a septic system work?

Here is a link to the Ontario Association of Sewage Industry Services website. They have a great page on how a septic system works. 

https://oasisontario.on.ca/how-a-septic-system-works/

How often should my tank be pumped?

The frequency depends on the number of residents and tank size. An approximate guideline is

every 4 years for 3 people

every 3 years for 4 people

every 2 years for 5 people

yearly if more than 5 people

How can I find my tank?

In most cases a septic tank is about 5-10 feet away from the building. You can look in your basement or crawlspace to see where the main sewer drain goes out of the foundation wall. There is often a dry square in the grass where the septic tank is located. This happens because the bacteria in the tank keeps it warm and the soil above can get dried out.

Where is the waste disposed of?

All septic waste is disposed of at a Ministry of Environment approved location.

What should I look for when buying a home that has a septic system?

• Ask for any drawings, regarding the actual location (an "as-built drawing") of the existing septic system.
• Ask for records regarding the maintenance of the system. Has the septic tank been pumped at a frequency of at least 3 to 5 years?
• What pumping contractor was used?
• If a system contains a pump, how often has it been maintained?
• If repairs have been made, when and to what extent?
• Have the current owners had any problems with the system?
• You can also contact your township’s public health department to review any records of installation permits and drawings
• Consider getting the system inspected to catch any issues that may currently be present with the system.