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!