Adams Bros Construction Ltd. Parry Sound

What is the difference between a Holding tank and a Septic tank?

A holding tank does not allow any of its contents to leach away into the ground, whereas a septic tank will allow waste water to run through a leaching field and for the bacterial breakdown of some of its solid contents.

What is a Septic System?

They are on-site waste water treatment units. Essentially they replace the need for municipal sewers to your property. Generally all the plumbing in your house leads to your septic system eventually.

How does it work?

Anything which goes down your drain will exit the house through an underground pipe and enter the septic tank. The tank itself consists normally of two chambers. The first chamber allows the heavier solids to settle to the bottom of the tank, the second chamber allows for finer solids to settle. A layer of scum is common in many septic tanks and generally consists of Oils, Grease, Fats and Soaps.

A septic tank is always "full" in that the level should remain constant. The level should be just below the outlet pipe (normally the one leading away from the house). Every time waste water enters the septic tank, the same amount will exit it as a result of displacement.

Organic materials which are in the tank will be broken down be Anaerobic bacteria, and a certain degree of treatment is therefore achieved.

Modern tanks (generally since January 2007) will contain an effluent filter. This is located at the outlet pipe and prevents solids from entering and clogging the leaching field. It also allows for more treatment of solids to occur by the bacteria in the tank.

What goes into Good Maintenance?

A septic tank should be pumped every 3-5 years to remove the solids and scum from the tank which cannot be broken down by the bacteria. Failure to do so can cause solids to clog the pipes resulting in waste water backing up into the house, or more seriously, failure of the leaching bed which will result in costly repair or replacement.

Something else which is to be taken seriously and handled immediately is the smell of sewage or waste water pooling on top of the ground or in surface waters. These are signs that your system is not working correctly and needs immediate corrective action.

Tips for using your Septic System:

Know the location of your tank and leaching field/bed.
Test your well water at least 3 times per year (spring, summer and fall).
Have your tank pumped on a regular basis. Every 3-5 years is recommended.
If you have an effluent filter, clean it our at least once per year. If you do not have one, consider adding it.
Try to reduce your water usage.
Spread the number of laundry loads evenly over the week.
Do not pour oils, grease or food waste down the drain.
Do not flush hazardous chemicals, medical products, cigarette butts, baby wipes or other sanitary products down the drain.
Do not drive or park on your leaching bed or septic tank.
Do not plant shrubs or trees on or near your septic tank or leaching bed.

Your septic tank is not a garbage disposal unit

Keep water use reasonable. Only use appliances such as dishwashers and washing machines that incorporate water conservation measures in their design. Use full loads only to reduce quantity of use. Ice machines that use a continual flow of water should be identified at the time of design, as they will increase the required size of the septic system. Ensure that all shower heads, toilets, and sinks and 'low‐flow' devices are not leaky! Minimize the use of spas and hot tubs as they contain large volumes of water that may flush solids out of a septic tank. Food waste disposals are not recommended for septic tanks as larger solids are deposited into the septic tank and do not deteriorate into sludge.

Keep the following items out of the septic tank:

Water softener backwash, paints, all kinds solvents, volatile organics grease, commercial and industrial coffee grounds, bones, cooking fats & oils, cigarette butts, disposable diapers, paper towels, facial tissue, sanitary pads, and tampons, condoms, disposable gloves, bleach pucks, antibacterial products, detergent with dry bleach crystals, peppermint, oils, industrial cleansers, ex. Lye, film developing chemicals, floor drains- residential or industrial, palm oil, large volumes of olive oil, excessive use of hair gels, conditioners, etc. anti‐dandruff or medicated shampoo, dead pets, carpet or upholstery cleansers, expired or unused medications, disinfectants, germicides bandages, cotton swabs.

For additional information (Some of which was used in this web page) see the following publication provided by the Province of Ontario, a free PDF can be found under the following link: www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/environment/facts/sep_smart.htm

We hope this page has enlightened you as to how sensitive your septic system is, if your still unsure give us a call.

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