Know your Sewage System Classes: Class 1 - Privies

This is the first post in a series titled 'Know your Sewage System Classes' about the different classes of onsite sewage systems under the Ontario Building Code. This first post will summarize Class 1 septic systems.

(Source:  Grey Bruce Health Unit)

Class 1 septic systems are used exclusively to receive and dispose of human body wastes. The types of systems that are considered Class 1 are:

• Chemical toilets
• Recirculating toilets
• Incinerating toilets
• Self-contained portable toilet, and
• All forms of privy (pit, pail, composting toilet etc.,)

Under the Part 8 of the Ontario Building Code privies (including earth pit privies, vault or pail privies, and portable privies) are required to have an enclosed structure around them. The structure must be made of weatherproof material, have a solid floor, be easily sanitized, have a self-closing door, a covered seat that is supported by an enclosed bench or riser, one or more screened openings for ventilation, and a screened vent duct extending from the underside of the bench/riser to the roof above the structure. For earth pit privies, vault privies and pail privies, soil or leaching bed fill around the structure must be raised or mounded to a height of at least 150 mm above the ground. The bottom of the pit in a earth pit privy also must be at least 900 mm above the high water table, and the sides must be reinforced to prevent collapse.

(Source:   Grey Bruce Health Unit)

Additionally, there are minimum setbacks from wells, surface water and property lines for privies. Earth pit privies must be a minium of 15 m away from a well with a watertight casing that extends at least 6 m deep, 30 m from any other of type of well, 15 m from any surface water (such as a lake, pond or stream), and 3 m away from a property line.

The minimum setbacks for vault and pail privies are less than earth pit privies. These types of privies must be at least 10 m away from wells with a watertight casing extending at least 6 m deep, 15 m from any other type of well, 10 m from any surface water feature, and 3 m from a property line.

Next in our Know your Classes series: Class 2 - Grey water systems. 

HKCSI recognized as a "Success Story" by Canadian and American Great Lakes Researchers

The Township of Huron-Kinloss was recognized for exceptional performance and dedication to improving the Great Lakes at the 2011 State of the Lakes Ecosystem (SOLEC) Conference, held in Erie, Pennsylvania, October 26-28, 2011.

Mayor Mitch Towlan and Matt Pearson of B. M. Ross and Associates Limited (BMROSS) were present to receive a “Success Story” award for the Huron-Kinloss Community Septic Inspection (HK-CSI) Program from Marta Moszcsenska, Canadian Consul General and Kevin Johnson, U.S. Consul General.

The conference provides Canadian and US Great Lakes decision-makers and scientists with the opportunity to receive the most comprehensive, up-to-date information on the state of the Great Lakes. Since 1996, SOLEC has honoured various organizations who have exemplified a strong commitment to improving the environment within the Great Lakes basin.

The HK-CSI, which is a mandatory program administered by BMROSS, completed the 5th year of operation on October 31st. Since the program began in 2007, approximately 2,000 or 71% of properties have been inspected. Every property in the township of Huron- Kinloss with a septic system (including holding tanks, pit privies/outhouses) will be inspected on a rotating basis over a seven to eight year period. Each year different areas in the township are targeted for inspection.

L to R: Marta Moszczenska, Matt Pearson (BMROSS),
Mayor Mitch Twolan and Kevin Johnson 

Mayor Twolan stated “It was an honour to accept this award on behalf of Council and to be recognized for taking the initiative to preserve the natural environment and improve water quality through the Community Septic Inspection (HK-CSI) program.” Through education, the program encourages residents to act with the sustainability of the local ecosystem in mind, by performing regular septic system maintenance, conserving water, and minimizing the use of household chemicals. The program represents a long term commitment on the behalf of the Township to engage and encourage residents to work towards sustainability with the environment.

Wet wipes and your septic system

Just a decade ago the only wet wipes were for baby’s bums.  Now with society’s need for cleanliness and convenience there has been an explosion of wipes for virtually every household chore and every part of the body.  There are wipes for:

•     kitchen counters
•     cleaning floors
•     dusting
•     facial cleansing wipes
•     hand wipes
•     car interiors
•     pet paws
•     clean wounds
•     pain relief
•     deodorant
•     hot flashes

The main problem is that many wipes aren’t biodegradable.  While wipes are becoming popular, they might not be so popular in your septic system.

A recent Consumer Report put three wipes, along with toilet paper, through a disintegration test.  It simulates what may happen when flushing and gives consumers a look at how the product could affect their pipes.  Toilet paper tends to break down in about eight seconds.  In contrast, "flushable" wipes lasted well beyond 30 minutes.  These flushable wipes performed very poorly in their disintegration tests and may result in damage or back-up of your septic system. 

Even if the product packaging states “it is flushable” there have been reports of problems with septic systems where septic tank pumpers have found hundred of wipes matted together plugging baffles.  These products do not always break down quickly enough, especially if there are several people using the septic system.

You should be careful about what you flush down the toilet.  Feminine products should be wrapped and disposed of in the trash.  Facial wipes, baby wipes, tissues and paper towels should not be flushed down the toilet if you are on a septic system.

The best advise, to save on costly repairs is to only flush toilet paper down the toilet.

A wet-wipe filled septic system - courtesy of www.firstcallseptic.com

Why do concrete septic tanks break down?

It is a fact of chemistry and physics that hydrogen sulfide gas will be produced in all septic tanks as organic waste decomposes and breaks down. The big question is why this seems to affect the integrity of some concrete septic tanks and not others.

Hydrogen sulfide is heavier than air, so it generally affects the concrete just above the waterline. If the gas cannot escape the structure, the level will slowly rise and begin to affect the concrete higher above the waterline.

The waste from every residence and business will produce hydrogen sulfide at different rates, depending on the organic volume of the waste, the temperature, and the retention in the structure. Regardless of the rate of hydrogen sulfide production, if the gas can flow out of the structure along the waste stream, then the gas level in the tank should never build up to the point where it damages the concrete.

Hydrogen sulfide is heavier than air, so when it first begins to develop, it will lie right on the surface of the water in the tank. Being heavier than air, it will flow downhill, just as water does. So in a properly installed septic system, it will flow through the outlet pipe to the drainfield and be dispersed into the soil.

Many people believe this gas follows the plumbing system back towards the house and out the roof vents. This is true of other gases in the tank, especially methane gas which is lighter than air. But getting hydrogen sulfide to exit the tank via the roof vents would be like trying to get water to flow 10 to 20 feet uphill – it’s just not going to happen.

The reason hydrogen sulfide gas attacks some tanks and not others is that in the systems being attacked the gas is not able to flow freely to the leaching bed and disperse in the soil. The flow could be stopped by anything that hinders the gas from entering the soil, such as:

• a sag in the outflow pipe
• a pipe pitched in the wrong direction
• a pipe pitched too steeply and inserted too far into the tank
• an overloaded leaching bed
• roots in the outflow line
• overly saturated or compacted soils
• heavy biomat in the leaching bed soil

Source of Information: Onsite Wastewater Association Newsletter Summer 2011 – reprinted from Onsite Installer Magazine, May 2011, p22

Filter Friday

Do you have a filter in your septic tank? If you have a new system, you will have filter on the outflow baffle of your septic tank. Filters prevent solids from entering your leaching field; however, it is important that the filter is cleaned annually. Cleaning a filter is simple - just rinse it out with a garden house!

Here's a video that explains what a filter is and why they are an important part of a septic system.

The things people flush

One of the biggest myths about septic systems is that they need some sort of additive to function. In fact, we've already written a post about septic system additives. However, there are all sorts of things people put down their toilets to 'start the system' or 'keep it going'. Here's a list of a few common household additives that people flush:

• Chicken
• Liver
• Beef liver that has been left out on the deck in the sun until it has maggots
• Cabbage
• Yeast
• Buttermilk
• Beer

There is no scientific evidence to prove that adding any of these items is beneficial for your septic system. The best way to keep your system functioning is to keep harsh chemicals out of it and get it pumped every 3-5 years.

Got a septic system? Got Renters? We've got information!

If you rent your cottage or home and have a septic system we have produced a fact sheet that you can post in the washroom to educate your renters about the basics of a septic system and the Do's & Don'ts to protect your system.

The fact sheet has been laminated so it will stand up to wear & tear.  


To obtain a copy:

Email pscharfe@bmross.net 

Call 519-524-2641 Ext. 242.

Video: How risers are installed

Risers allow for easy access into a septic tank, eliminating the need to dig up the lid. Many new systems come with risers, but older systems can be retrofitted to include risers. Check out this video of an older tank getting retrofitted with risers.

Huron-Kinloss Water Stewardship Event

Upcoming Water Stewardship Event

Mark your calendars! The Township of Huron-Kinloss is hosting a Water Stewardship Event.

Saturday July 16, 2011

10 AM to 2 PM

Point Clark Community Centre

(344 Lake Range Drive, Point Clark)

Stayed tuned, more details soon!

Dig No More: Septic Tank Risers

HK-CSI photo

For many people, when it comes time to pump out their septic tank or have an inspection done, the first step is pulling out a shovel and digging up the tank lid. Digging up the septic tank lid can be quite a chore, especially if you're not exactly sure where the lid is. If you hate the hassle of digging up your septic tank lid, maybe it's time you looked into installing risers.

Septic tank risers allow for easy access to the tank for pumping, inspections and maintenance purposes. Typically made of PVC, risers act as a connector between the septic tank and the surface of your yard, and include a lid that is usually installed flush to the ground. Risers come in many different heights and diameters, and are stackable, so they can be installed on almost any septic tank. It's important that risers are installed properly (they have to be watertight), so it's a good idea to have a professional install them. Most pumpers and septic system installers can install risers in just a couple of hours.

Photo credit: Fauxrocks.ca

If you don't like the look of the green lids, there are lots of ways you can camouflage them. A couple options are planting or pots around the lid, and even fake rocks. With a bit of creativity, you can have a great looking lawn and easy access to your septic system.  

10 commandments for your septic system.

1. Thou shalt not pour greases, fats and oils down any drain.
2. Thou shalt not attach a garbage disposal to your sink for ridding thyself of meat bones, coffee grounds or other foods that are difficult to biodegrade. 
3. Thou shalt not dispose of paints or household chemicals in the drain (yea, verily, thou shalt use disinfectants in small amounts).
4. Thou shalt not dispose of any automobile fluids down any drain, be it gas, oil, transmission or brake fluid, grease or antifreeze.
5. Thou shalt not kill the beneficial bacteria in your septic system by rinsing pesticides, herbicides or any other toxin down the drain.
6. Thou shalt not dispose of any non-biodegradable items in your toilet, be it cigarette butts, disposable diapers or feminine hygiene products.
7. Thou shalt not let the water run whilst washing dishes and thawing frozen foods, and shall consider limiting flushes. 
8. Thou shalt not run half loads in the dishwasher or washing machine and shall stagger wash loads.
9. Thou shalt not use chemicals to clean up your septic system, lest they harm the septic tank, drainfield and grounwater
10. Thou shalt not attach water sources such as sump pumps to the septic system.

(from Max Haas Septic Services)

How to get your septic system inspected

You may have recently received a letter in the mail about the HK-CSI program and getting your septic system inspected. If so, it's time to book that appointment and get your system inspected! Even if you haven't received a letter, you can still have an inspection done. Here's a step-by-step guide of what homeowners need to do to get an inspection done:

1. Check when your septic tank was last pumped out. If it was more than 12 months ago, you need to have the tank pumped out before it can be inspected, so call a pumper and get it pumped out. If it was less than 12 months ago, you are not required to have the tank pumped before you an inspection
2. Call the Township Office (519) 395-3735 to book an inspection appointment. Appointments are available Monday to Friday, with limited evening and weekend appointments available as well. Please be sure to book an appointment on a day you are available to meet with the inspector. When booking an appointment you will be asked for your civic (911) address, phone number and the date of your last tank pump-out. 
3. On the day of an inspection, expose the tank lid but leave the lid on the tank. The inspector will remove the lid when he arrives.
4. The inspection takes 30-45 minutes, during which the inspector will ask you questions about your system (the age, if it's used year-round or seasonally, etc). The inspector will also map the location of the septic tank, leaching field and any wells on the property. 
5. Following the inspection, you will receive an inspection package in the mail. The package includes your inspection report, as well as information about septic systems.

2011 HURON-KINLOSS COMMUNITY SEPTIC INSPECTION PROGRAM IS UNDERWAY

The Township of Huron-Kinloss continues to take the lead in Ontario with its initiative to preserve the natural environment and improve water quality through the Community Septic Inspection (HK-CSI) program. The program is administered by B.M. Ross and Associates Limited.

The HK-CSI is a mandatory program presently in its fifth (5th) year of operation. Approximately 50 percent of the septic systems have now been inspected in the Township. From 2007-2010 – 1,395 septic systems were inspected.

Every property in the township of Huron- Kinloss with a septic system (including holding tanks, pit privies/outhouses) will be inspected on a rotating basis over a seven to eight year period. Each year different areas in the township are targeted for inspection. In 2011, the program target areas include: Point Clark North, Heritage Heights and rural farm and non-farm properties throughout the township. Areas targeted in the first four years of the program will also be revisited in 2011 to inspect properties that were missed.

The septic system inspection takes approximately 30-45 minutes which includes the inspector providing important information on how to properly maintain the various components of a septic system. There is no cost at the time of inspection, as the program is funded by a flat rate of $55 per eligible property on the annual tax bill.

Property owners in the targeted areas will be contacted by mail advising them which month inspections will take place in their area. Property owners do not have to wait to receive a letter or wait until their area is targeted to book an appointment. Property owners who have received a letter in the past and have put off their inspection are encouraged to book an appointment for this mandatory program.

Property owners are responsible for booking an inspection appointment by calling the Huron-Kinloss township office at (519)395-3735, Monday to Friday, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm.

Happy Water Week!

Did you know that it's Water Week? In honour of Water Week, we've got a video for you as well a couple of our previous water-related posts.

• Conserving Water
• Phosphorus and Phosphor-you  

Its All Connected @ Yahoo! Video

Keeping the floodwaters at bay: septic systems and floods

There's only 16 days until the official start of spring! Spring, in many places, can be a very wet time of the year, depending on those spring showers and how fast or slow the snow melts. If you live in an area prone to springtime flooding, you should be aware of the effects that a flood can have on your septic system. Here are some things to keep in mind about septic systems and floods:

• If your yard is flooded (including the area with the septic tank and leaching field), be vigilant for signs of your system slowing down or backing up.
• Don't pump out your septic tank during flood conditions. Aside from the possibility of excess water, mud and sediment draining into it, your tank could float up to the surface if it's empty.  



Floating septic tank. 







Picture from New Mexico Environment Department. 

• Leaching fields don't work very well when the ground is saturated - remember this treatment part needs oxygen. To prevent your system from backing up or polluting the surrounding environment, reduce your water usage. 
• If your well is near a septic system in a flooded area, have your water tested before you consume it! Flooded systems can contaminate wells with dangerous pathogens.
• After a flood, have your system inspected by a professional for any damage.
• Don't use your septic system until the water water in the area of the leaching field is lower than the water level around the house. 
• Don't compact the soil around the system following a flood - compacting the soil (by driving on it) could result in system failure.
• Repair any erosion damage around the system. Re-sod or seed any bare areas.

Don't let this happen to your septic tank!

There are certain things that should never, ever go down a toilet or drain that empties into a septic tank. If you need a refresher on what shouldn't go into a septic system, check out our 'Don'tcha put it down the drain' post. The video below is a dramatic demonstration of what happens things like paper towels, sanitary napkins and garbage gets into a septic tank.



If your toilets and drains are slow and you suspect things that shouldn't have gotten flushed, were flushed, call your local pumper!

Link Time

Looking for more information about septic systems? There are lots of great websites about septic systems out there. To learn more about septic systems, check out the following links. These websites are great resources for new septic system owners and more experienced septic system owners too. 

The Ontario Rural Wastewaster Centre 

The Ontario Onsite Wastewater Association

Canada Morgage and Housing Corporation - Your Septic System

Ontario Ministry of the Environment - Septic Systems

Happy surfing!

2010 - A Year in Review

Happy New Year! The HK-CSI program had a great year - more inspections were done in 2010 than in any other year. A total of 407 septic systems were inspected between April and the end of November 2010. The number of septic system inspections completed between 2007 and 2010 is shown in the table below.

HK-CSI Inspections
2007	2008	2009	2010	Total
267	351	363	407	1,388

 
A grand total of 1,388 septic systems have been inspected, which is approximately half of all septic systems in the Township. Of the 407 septic systems inspected, 84 (21%) had an identified deficiency.  Deficiencies range from minor, such as missing baffles, to major, such as collapsed tank lids and failed leaching beds. Septic systems classified as low risk have no identified deficiencies. Medium risk systems usually have a minor deficiency (missing baffle).  All property owners were mailed an inspection report.  Those with deficiencies are required to return a form confirming the necessary repairs have been carried out.  Deficiencies not corrected stay on the Township's property file as an outstanding work order and could come to light during a mortgage renewal or sale of property.

2010 HK-CSI Inspections Results
	High	Medium	Low
Inspections (407)	18	194	195

 
Inspections in 2011 are expected to begin in April and will continue to the late fall (weather permitting). New areas are targeted each season for inspections but, property owners do not need to wait to receive an inspection notice to book an appointment.  Those wishing an appointment can call the Township office at 519-395-3735 during the inspection season (April to the end of November).

Lastly, a reminder to those who had their systems inspected in 2007 - if you had a pump out done before the inspection, this year will be three years since a pump-out and we encourage regular pump-outs every 3-5 years.