"YOU ASKED" Why do septic systems only last 25-30 years in Ontario?

    

The septic tank is full of anaerobic bacteria that consume (albeit slowly) the sewage and get carried out into the leaching bed. Here the dead anaerobic bacteria and remaining sewage collect and wait for aerobic bacteria to finish the decomposition process to water for proper disposal. 

    

For a system to operate properly it requires oxygen to penetrate the soil and feed the bacteria, which is the reason the Ontario Building Code OBC) states that “A leaching bed shall not be covered with any material having a hydraulic conductivity less then 0.01 m/day.” Ref 8.7.2.1.(2)

 

(The photo is of a failing, 20 year old septic system with 3 feet of cover, and even though the home owners pumped the tank regularly and took care of the system, it still failed because the bacteria couldn't breath). 

 

So if a system has been designed according to code, why did it fail? It could have failed due to one of the following reasons: 

 

• The soil became compacted over time from lawn rolling, lawn tractors, heavy rains, vehicles.
• Increased water use caused the leaching bed to become saturated and the aerobic bacteria died as a result of less oxygen being available in water. (water can only hold about 10ppm, air can hold >200,000ppm).
• The tank was pumped out infrequently which resulted in higher amounts of untreated sewage entering the bed, and again, the aerobic bacteria couldn’t keep up due to the limited amounts of oxygen penetrating the soil.
• Harsh chemicals were used which changed the pH of the tank and leaching bed causing the bacteria to die and accumulate even faster.

 

 

COTTAGE RENTERS GUIDE TO "YOUR" SEPTIC SYSTEM

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

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

To obtain a copy:

Email:  speel@bmross.net

Call 519-524-2641 Ext. 245



 

2013

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 was recognized with a "Success Story" award, presented at the State of the Lakes Ecosystem (SOLEC) Conference last fall.

The Huron-Kinloss Community Septic Inspection Program is a mandatory program administered by B.M. Ross and Associates Limited, and is currently in its seventh (7^th) year of operation. Over 85% of the Townships septic systems have now been inspected.

Every property in the Township with a septic system (including holding tanks, pit privies/outhouses) will be required to be inspected. The program which began in 2007 is carried out in different areas of the township each year with owners notified by mail. Property owners do not have to wait to receive a letter to book an appointment. Owners who have received a letter in the past and have put off their inspection are encouraged to book an appointment.

Inspection appointments can be made this year Monday-Thursday, 9:00 am - 1:00 pm. Some evening and Saturday appointments are available.  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.

Effects of Bleach on a Septic System

Because the key to a functioning septic system is the bacteria that lives in your septic tank, an overload of harsh chemicals, such as bleach, could potentially kill off the bacteria in your tank and cause problems in your overall system. The bacteria in the tank provides an anaerobic (meaning that oxygen is not required) breakdown of solids in the tank.     

According to a recent research study (Gross), bacteria in a septic tank can be killed if there is an overabundance of toxic substances. Research showed that 1.85 gallons of liquid bleach, 5 gallons of a liquid cleaner or 11.3g of a drain cleaner in a standard 1,000-gallon septic tank can cause a bacteria “die-off.” The study noted other substances that were harmful to the tank bacteria including anti-bacterial soaps and cleaners.

A short-term use of household cleaners should not cause a permanent die-off of septic tank bacteria, but long-term use resulting in a bacteria die-off could result in greases, oils and solids being pushed out of the tank into the drain field. If these elements get into the drain field, it can result in blockages and ultimately a failed drain field system. Symptoms of a failed drain field include slow drainage and flushing of drains and toilets in the house, as well as standing water on the grass or soil over the drain field. A completely blocked drain field will cause a backup into the house.

Discontinuing the use of harsh cleaners and chemicals is the first step. Over time, bacteria will naturally begin to reproduce in the tank, and a live colony should become established. Although many over-the-counter additives are sold, these substances can actually lead to septic tank problems as the solids and “scum layer” in the tank are often broken down and then flushed into the drainage system, causing blockages.

GROWING VEGETABLES OVER A LEACHING BED IS NOT RECOMMENDED

Growing vegetables over a drainfield is not recommended.  There are several reasons why:

• septic systems receive household wastes from toilets, sinks, showers, dishwashers, washing machines and other indoor water uses
• the leaching bed part of the septic system most commonly consits of a series of parallel perforated pipes in the grund about 12 to 18 inces deep.  The pipes are set in gravel trences that allow treated effluent from the septic tank to seep into the ground.
• the leaching bed is the most expensive and the most potentially problematic part of your entire septic system
• vegetables need watering and excess water in the soil would reduce the leaching bed's ability to treat the wastewater
• the water does not go straight down, it diffuses out first
• during heavy rain, run-off, or snow melt water can actually go up, and rise in the soil
• while nutrietns may be beneficial for the plants to a degree, excess Nitrogen also poses problems for plants and all the bacteria in the soil may not be quite so beneficial
• the deep roots of some vegetable may damage the drainfield pipes
• bed preparation, such as roto-tilling or deep digging can also damage the drainfield pipes
• the soil over the leaching bed tends to settle over time and that allows roots access to it causign plugging of the field as weall as contamination of any foods grown there
• the leaching be perforated pipes are only buried 12-18 inches under the ground so digging or roto-tilling in your garden could damage the pipes   
  

Leaching Bed Maitenance

Keep heavy things away from the septic bed

Driving cars or machinery over your septic system will crush it. The soil surrounding the pipes may become compacted, making it less able to absorb the wastewater coming out of the pipes.

Snowmobiles compress the snow cover over the septic field, reducing its natural insulating effect and increasing the risk of freezing pipes.

Be a mindful gardener

Planting trees and shrubs (especially willows and poplars) near the field is risky because their roots travel significant distances to seek water and can plug or damage the pipes.

And watering of the grass over the field, whether by in-ground systems or by hand should be eliminated or minimized. Watering interferes with the soil’s ability to absorb liquids and break down wastes.

Source:  Ontario Ministry of Environment

Septic System Setbacks