Tuesday, March 13, 2012
"YOU ASKED" What can I do if my on-site septic system develops problems?
The first thing to do if your on-site system develops a problem is to call a septic tank pumper. If having the tank pumped out only solves the problem for a little while, you'd best have a professional look at it. Get referrals for an inspector or private company to do an analysis on your system and come up with recommendations. Be aware that you may not have to have the entire system replaced. A thorough investigation should be conducted to determine the cause and extent of the problem. You will also be rquired to get a permit for any repairs or alterations that are completed on your system.
Source: Ontario Rural Wastewater Centre
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
"YOU ASKED" - How do I know if there s something wrong with my septic system?
There a a number of advance signs that there may be a problem with an on-site system. Homeowners should be alert to the following warning signs of a failing septic system:
- Test results of well water show the presence of bacteria;
- The ground in the area is wet or soggy;
- Grass grows greener or faster in the area;
- Sewage odors in the house or yard;
- Plumbing backups into the house;
- Slowly draining sinks and toilets;
- Gurgling sounds in the plumbing.
Source: Ontario Rural Wastewater Centre
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Know your Sewage System Classes: Class 2 - Grey Water System
This is the second post in a series titled 'Know your Sewage System Classes' about the different classes of onsite sewage systems regulated under the Ontario Building Code (OBC). This second post will summarize Class 2 sewage systems.
(Source: Grey Bruce Health Unit)
Class 2 sewage systems are systems that receive only grey-water which comes from plumbing fixtures such as sinks, showers, or laundry machines. They are not to be used for the disposal of toilet waste.
A system cannot be constrcuted where the daily flow exceeds 1000 L/day.The total design flow for a Class 2 sewage system is calculated based on the fixtures discharging to the system as follows:
(a) 200 L per fixture unit where there is a supply of pressurized water, and
(b) 125 L per fixture unit where there is no supply of pressurized water
When considering a location of a leaching pit, caution must be taken to ensure that the minimum setbacks are strictly adhered to. The following are just minimum distances and may have to be increased if the soil conditions are not ideal. Greywater sewage will contaminate ground water if not properly located and constructed.
15 m (50 feet) from any lake, pond, river, stream or any water course
15 m (50 feet) from any dug well, sand point well, spring or any source of potable water
The leaching pit should be constructed in an area that is elevated and well drained. Low lying areas are subject to excessive surface run-off which will overload the leaching pit and saturate surrounding soils. This will result in poor treatment of the greywater and increase the possibility of ground water contamination.
Construction requirements are as follows:
(1) The bottom of the pit shall be at least 900 mm above the high ground water table.
(2) The pit shall be constructed in such a manner as to prevent the collapse of its sidewalls.
(3) Material used to support or form the sidewalls must be open jointed materials that allow leaching.
(4) The pit must have a tight, strong cover at all times except for removing greywater or maintenance.
(5) The earth around the perimeter of the pit must be raised or mounded to a heigth of 150 mm above ground.
(6) The ground in the pit area must be graded so that surface drainage is diverted away from the pit.
Class 2 sewage systems are systems that receive only grey-water which comes from plumbing fixtures such as sinks, showers, or laundry machines. They are not to be used for the disposal of toilet waste.
Leaching pits are used to treat and dispose of the grey water. Since they are considered a sewage system they must be inspected and approved under the OBC.
A system cannot be constrcuted where the daily flow exceeds 1000 L/day.The total design flow for a Class 2 sewage system is calculated based on the fixtures discharging to the system as follows:
(a) 200 L per fixture unit where there is a supply of pressurized water, and
(b) 125 L per fixture unit where there is no supply of pressurized water
When considering a location of a leaching pit, caution must be taken to ensure that the minimum setbacks are strictly adhered to. The following are just minimum distances and may have to be increased if the soil conditions are not ideal. Greywater sewage will contaminate ground water if not properly located and constructed.
15 m (50 feet) from any lake, pond, river, stream or any water course
15 m (50 feet) from any dug well, sand point well, spring or any source of potable water
The leaching pit should be constructed in an area that is elevated and well drained. Low lying areas are subject to excessive surface run-off which will overload the leaching pit and saturate surrounding soils. This will result in poor treatment of the greywater and increase the possibility of ground water contamination.
Construction requirements are as follows:
(1) The bottom of the pit shall be at least 900 mm above the high ground water table.
(2) The pit shall be constructed in such a manner as to prevent the collapse of its sidewalls.
(3) Material used to support or form the sidewalls must be open jointed materials that allow leaching.
(4) The pit must have a tight, strong cover at all times except for removing greywater or maintenance.
(5) The earth around the perimeter of the pit must be raised or mounded to a heigth of 150 mm above ground.
(6) The ground in the pit area must be graded so that surface drainage is diverted away from the pit.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
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.
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:
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| (Source: Grey Bruce Health Unit) |
- 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.
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.
 |
| (Source: Grey Bruce Health Unit) |
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.
Friday, November 4, 2011
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.
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.
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.
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| 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.
Monday, September 12, 2011
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:
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.
- 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.
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| A wet-wipe filled septic system - courtesy of www.firstcallseptic.com |
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