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.

Huron-Kinloss Community Septic Inspection Program Travels the Globe

• In June  this blog was created to provide another venue for Huron-Kinloss residents to learn about and keep up-to-date on their septic systems and this important community septic inspection program               
• From June 20 – Dec. 23 the blog has had 1,800 visitors
• 58% of the visitors have been from Canada and 26% from the U.S.
• Visitors have also been from Australia, India, Ukraine, Russia, Germany, United Kingdom, Indonesia and Africa
• To date the top two viewed pages have been “Holding Tanks” and “Can’t Find Your Septic Tank" 

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Video Monday - Leaching Field Installation

 Here's a great time lapse video of the installation of a leaching field.

Soils and Septic Systems

Photo credit: www.mfkelly.ie

Much of the treatment in the leaching field is done by soil. As wastewater passes through the leaching field and is slowly released to the soil, the soil filters it, removing nutrients and pathogens. The ability of the soil to act as a filter, however, is dependent on the type of soil particles. Certain types of soil are great filters, and others are not, and for this reason it is important to know what type of soil you have prior to installing a leaching field.

Before a leaching field is approved and installed, a test hole must be dug to expose the soil. At minimum, test holes must be 1 metres wide and 1.5 metres deep. Once the test hole is dug, the types of soil present can be identified in a soil profile. A soil profile may state: 15 cm of sandy topsoil, 30 cm of silty sand, 65 cm of granular sand and clay at 1.5 metres. The types of soil present in the profile will determine whether the site is appropriate for a leaching field or not and whether material will have to be imported.

When installing a leaching field, the designer of the system is responsible for determining the T-time, also known as the percolation rate of the soil. It is the average time (in minutes) required for water to drop one centimeter in the soil. The T-time will tell you how permeable the soil. The soil must be permeable to allow the wastewater to move through it, but not so permeable that the wastewater moves through the soil too quickly and is not properly treated. If the soil is found to drain either too quickly (gravelly or course sand) or too slowly (clays), you may have to import a more appropriate soil for the runs of your leaching field. 

Landscaping and Your Septic System - A Plant Guide

Landscaping over your septic system does not have to be limited to turf grass:

• A mix of grasses and wildflowers can create a great meadow cover which will help enhance the performance of your system.

• Native plants make a great choice because they have already adapted to their surrounding environment, resulting in less maintenance for you.

• Avoid planting "invasive plant species".  To find out the best plants for your area check out Evergreen.ca which offers a Native Plant Database (http://nativeplants.evergreen.ca/search/advanced.php)

• Also avoid planting trees and shrubs that will grow and develop large root systems, over or near the tank or leaching bed as they will interfere with the proper operation of the septic system