Individual septic systems or onsite wastewater disposal systems are required for residential, commercial, and industrial buildings that are not connected to municipal or public wastewater systems/treatment plants. The onsite systems function to receive and treat wastewater (from toilets, showers, sinks, dishwashers, washing machines, etc.) and return the treated effluent into the groundwater system. Designed and installed correctly, an onsite waste disposal system will treat the waste stream to a very high degree and return effectively clean water back to the ground.

On some lots, site inspection finds that high seasonal groundwater is an issue. This can be actual standing water just a few feet or even inches below the surface or signs that the water table has been close to the surface at some point during the year. These signs usually show up as mottling in the soil from the iron deposits being soaked and literally rusting like an old car. Other indicators are found in the soil colour and lack or presence of root growth.

In order for effluent to be completely treated, it must pass slowly through between 2 - 3 feet of dry soil (Minimum vertical separation required is determined by the dispersal method chosen). If you have a high water table which is 1 foot below the surface, you need to bring in 1-2 feet of soil (sand) to meet the minimum 2 - 3 feet of vertical separation. This is critical because, if untreated or poorly treated effluent enters the groundwater, it can migrate to a well or other drinking water source where the pathogens can cause serious illness.

We often find, if there are high groundwater issues, there is often a corresponding requirement to have a home built up at an elevated predetermined geodetic height. This means that fill material is brought in to build the house on. If size allows, the sand mound can usually be built into the edge of the fill and completely disappear from view. In cases where this is not possible, a sand mound can be made less obvious by adding extra width to the toes to create a gentler slope which is less noticeable to the untrained eye.

Most early septic system failures are related to inappropriate design and poor maintenance. Some soil-based systems (with a leach or drain field) have been installed at sites with adequate or inappropriate soils, excessive slopes, or high groundwater tables. These conditions can cause hydraulic failures and water resource contamination. Failure to perform routine maintenance, such as pumping a septic tank at least every 3 to 5 years, can cause solids in the tank to migrate into the drain field and clog the system.

Premature failures can also be cause by the improper use of the septic system. Dumping chemicals, paints, antibacterial soaps, blood (I’m looking at you, hunters who process their own meat), medications, hair dye, bleach, excess water usage, leaking fixtures, etc. into your sinks, toilets, and drains, use of home dialysis machines, garburators, and water softeners are all examples of things that can and will contribute to an early failure.

The cost of an onsite septic system can vary greatly, depending on a number of different factors including: size of building being serviced, number of occupants, level of treatment required (type 1, 2, 3), proximity to wells and watercourses, type and depths of soil characteristics on the property, etc. All that being said, the average 3-5 bedroom residence can cost between $20,000-65,000 depending on the situation.

As one might expect, we get this one a lot. We strive to be competitive and ask that you compare apples to apples when obtaining quotes. Our prices are inclusive of all facets of the project. Please ensure that competing quotes specify: Design Flow, Treatment Level, Dispersal Field Size & Style, Panels, Pumps, Transducer or floats. Also ensure that all quotes are accompanied by a certificate of corporate insurance (Errors & Omissions as well as construction), a Worksafe Clearance Letter showing the contractor is up to date, as well as any warranty/guarantee policy in place. You’ll also want to find out who will be performing any electrical connections as most installers are not certified electricians.

As a rule, the cost of a new onsite waste disposal system is proportional to the size of the home and also proportional to the size and quality of the available area. So a large house on a small difficult lot can be priced much higher, whereas a modular home on an acreage might be much lower. We suggest you consider your new septic system as one of the components of your home; it is likely that the price will fall in line with everything else.