Those of us on our own well and septic system can be sympathetic to the Millbrook municipal water users who are facing significant water rate increases to cover the replacement of the aging water treatment and lines currently underway. While we don’t share their pain, we should not be complacent when it comes to our own systems, which are out of sight and consequently out of mind until an unpleasant odour or an unwelcome pool of liquid on top of the grass reminds us that there is a complicated system working below ground on our behalf.
Photo: KG
There are roughly one million septic systems in Ontario that treat household sewage and wastewater on site, eliminating the need for expensive municipal sewers and water lines in areas with low population density. Properly installed, they can operate reliably for years, and through natural process they treat a wide variety of health threats, such as viruses, bacteria and organic material which could otherwise leach into drinking water supplies.
When a septic system fails, the repair is not only expensive, but potentially presents a public health and environmental problem as well. Think big bucks and government agency investigations.
According to the University of Guelph, many of these breakdowns stem from improper maintenance and are easily avoided with the proper precautions.
Septic systems consist of a tank and a network of pipes in which billions of microscopic organisms perform their magic. Every drop of water flushed down any drain travels through them, so the system processes tonnes of organic waste each season. Inside the tank, heavy solid material sinks to the bottom, while the lighter particles float on top. This “scum” or partly treated liquid then flows into perforated pipes, called the leaching or tile bed, where it gradually filters into the ground and is further treated. Helpful bacteria and other soil organisms do the remainder of the work.
Over time, the solids accumulate at the bottom of the tank, eventually filling it. If this material not removed, it will clog the pipes in the leaching bed and new material will begin to back up in the system. Obviously the key is to remove the sludge before it gets to that point, and the time this takes depends on the size of the tank and the volume of material that it has processed.
The Ministry of the Environment recommends that sludge be removed from septic tanks every three to five years, depending on the size and use of the system. For $150 – $200, a euphemistically named “Honey Wagon” service will do the job provided the homeowner has located the tank and unearthed its lid(s) during the summer months. In the winter, the price rises due to the additional disposal fees faced by the operator. Don’t even ask.
The symptoms of a faltering septic system include the development of spongy, bright green grass over the leaching bed, a slowdown in the draining of interior sinks and showers, and pungent odours, frequently after a rain. On this, I speak from experience. More dramatic evidence is the appearance of grey or black liquids backing up inside the home or on the surface of the property. Replacing a septic system is an expensive undertaking, and can cost in the neighbourhood of $25,000. Clearly the best approach is prevention.
Septic systems need healthy levels of bacteria to process the waste, so protecting them is the first step. Solvents, paints and nail polish removers are toxic to these organisms and should never be poured down the drain, nor should any drug products. Other products slow down the process and should be used sparingly, including bleach, caustic drain flushing products and toilet bowl cleaners. These products can also leach into wells, contaminating the water supply.
Fats including grease and oil can congeal in the septic system or float on the surface of the tank, preventing proper processing, so these items should be disposed of in the garbage. The same goes for disposable diapers, sanitary products, and even food waste.
Reduce the stress on your system through water conservation, and don’t do all your laundry on the same day – spread water use over the course of the week. Septic systems are naturally slow, and flushing a high volume of liquid too quickly will result in waste water that is discharged before it has been fully treated which can end up in your well.
Respecting our water supply through the proper septic system maintenance is one of the many ways rural property owners protect their land, their wallets and their health. KG
