Denby Environmental Services

654075 Ontario Inc.

519-537-2832

Family Owned and Operated Since 1975

Homeowners should pay as much attention to their septic systems as to any other part of their home. 

Failing septic systems can be expensive to repair or to replace, and poor maintenance is often the reason.

 

Septic system maintenance is simple:   

  • Every 3-5 years have a licensed septic system pumper pump the solids from the tank.
  • Water conservation is very important.
  • Knowing what not to flush is important. Never use the septic system for disposal of anything that can easily be put into the trash. This only adds to the solids build up that will eventually need to be pumped out.
  • Avoid grinding up food scraps, coffee grounds, and disposing of grease and cooking oils down the drains.
  • Use toilet paper only in septic system.
  • Don’t plant trees within 6 feet of the system, their roots will clog the pipes.
  • Don’t drive over or park on the septic system.
  • Don’t fence livestock over the septic system.
  • Don’t dig in or cover the drain field with concrete or asphalt. Grass should be the only cover.
  • Don’t pour harmful chemicals or cleansers into the system. Paints, varnishes, thinners, waste oils, photographic solutions, and pesticides can destroy the biological action in the system and pollute the environment.

 

With regular septic system maintenance, your system will have a better chance to work for you years longer.

 

Why is my Septic System Full?  Is Septic System Maintenance Required?

Your septic system will always look "full" this is how it is designed to work.  It is at working level when it's just below the outlet pipe.  The "full" level does not necessarily mean that the tank should be pumped out, this is normally determined by the bottom sludge layer or the layer of scum (crust) on the surface.  However, if the water level is over the pipe, then it's overfull and should be pumped out (this may be an indication of further problems involving your filter or lateral lines).

 

 

How to Find Your Septic Tank


Begin your search by looking for any records you may have.  Most local municipalities maintain records as well, so if you are unable to locate any records in your home contact the local Health Authority.  Most newer systems have as-built diagrams on file. 

 

If you don't have an as-built drawing, start by trying to locate the septic tank.  In the basement of your home find the sewer outlet pipe.  Try to

find the same spot on the outside of your home.  The septic tank can be any distance from the house but is generally no closer than one metre.  Look around your yard and try to determine the location of the tank and drainfield. 

 

Using a metal rod, probe the general area to see if you can find the lid of the tank.  The top of the septic tank is normally about the size of a sheet of plywood (4 x 8 feet).  

Septic tanks can be made of concrete, plastic or fibreglass and either rectangular, spherical or oblong in shape.   New tanks will have two lids.  Both of these lids should be exposed for the purpose of pumping the septic tank.

 

 


 

 

 

STEP
Polyethylene Septic Tank with Risers
Double Compartment Concrete Septic Tank
Photo Album Gallery Place Holder - Please wait while the Photo Album loads. If the album does not show, please refresh the page to try again.