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On-Site Septic Systems
So you have a Septic System...

If you own, or are planning to install a septic system, there are many things to consider. Within this section of the website, we provide valuable information on septic system construction and maintenance, which will allow you to have a trouble free system for years to come.

Building a Septic System

If your building lot is not served by a central water supply and/or sewage treatment facility, you will need to provide these services on-site. It is very important to consider these systems BEFORE work begins in order to avoid unnecessary expense and complications later on.
After your lot passes inspection by the Nova Scotia Department of Environment and Labour, construction may begin. Although a basic septic system consists of a septic tank and disposal field, there are a number of variations in field designs. It is a good idea to consult an engineer to find out exactly what type of system is ideal for needs.

It is very important to take the design and location of the septic system into consideration from the beginning. Careful planning can minimize expenses associated with the system, both initially and in the long term. A carefully designed, installed and maintained septic system will provide a level of treatment superior to those offered by many sewage treatment plants, at a fraction of the cost. Furthermore, it ensures protection of drinking water and it is increasingly recognized that a good septic system is a definite selling point for a home.

Buying a New Home

One of the first questions to ask when considering the purchase of rural property is whether central servicing is provided. If the home is not connected to a central water supply and/or a sewage treatment plant, on-site systems will be part of the package.

On-site systems are generally out of sight and underground, which makes them somewhat difficult to evaluate. However, every effort should be made to gather information before any sales are transacted. We suggest asking the vendor for information. He or she should be able to tell you where the system is, when it was installed and when the septic tank was last pumped.

Helpful Septic System Information:
  1. Records and receipts
  2. A location diagram
  3. A copy of the original permit may be available, showing the system design (for homes constructed after 1975)
  4. The septic tank size and type
  5. Whether or not an effluent filter has been installed in the tank outlet
It is a good idea to have the septic system pumped before or shortly after the sale. This provides an opportunity to have the tank opened, emptied, and examined by a professional.

A septic system is a simple, yet highly effective method of treating wastewater. The key to high-level performance is routine maintenance. A system that has been properly managed should offer many years of service.

Septic Tank Operation

Wastewater leaves the house and enters the septic tank.

The septic tank: heavier solids sink to the bottom and lighter solids form a scum layer at the surface. The middle layer is called effluent and is relatively clear. Naturally occurring anaerobic bacteria begin to break down the solids and destroy the pathogens.

The disposal field: sometimes called the soil treatment system, is where the effluent percolates through the gravel bed where remaining pathogens are destroyed. Pockets of oxygen created by the uneven shape of the gravel allow the more efficient aerobic bacteria to exist.

The effluent is nutrient rich. Phosphorus and nitrogen are used by the vegetable life covering the disposal field and a large portion of the moisture is returned to the atmosphere through evaporation (evapotranspiration).

Septic tanks seldom fail. Disposal fields fail when they become plugged with solids that should have remained in the tank. Disposal field failure is usually a combination of factors, but can usually be attributed to the misuse and abuse of the system by the homeowner(s).

The Ten Commandments of the Septic System
  1. THOU SHALT NOT pour grease, 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 painting or household chemicals in the drain (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 toxins down the drain.
  6. THOU SHALT NOT dispose of any non-biodegradable items in the toilet, be it cigarette butts, disposal diapers or feminine hygiene products.
  7. THOU SHALT NOT let water run while washing dishes, thawing frozen foods and shall consider limiting flushing.
  8. THOU SHALT NOT run half loads in the dishwasher or washing machine and shall stagger wash loads (none on the Sabbath then six on Mondays).
  9. THOU SHALT NOT use chemicals to 'start up' or 'clean up' your system, they could harm the septic tank, drainfield or groundwater.
  10. THOU SHALT NOT attach 'clean water' sources such as footing or sump pumps to the septic system.

Water Conservation and the Septic System

There is an increasing awareness that water conservation must play a more integral role in our daily lives. Water quality is becoming a larger issue as media reports of illnesses due to suspected contamination of water supplies or irrigated food crops increase.

On-site septic system maintenance is important in the area of water protection. Over-watering of a septic holding tank may result in the flooding of the disposal bed as well as sewage may be forced from the tank. Over-watering will likely contaminate both the disposal bed area and groundwater sources.

What you can do to help

Install simple water conservation devices such as:
  1. Low-flow showerheads
  2. Faucet aerators
  3. Toilet dams
These reduce wastewater volumes for disposal. This leads to savings in terms of improved septic system performance and an improvement in effluent quality. Higher effluent quality means there is less chance of it polluting the surrounding area.

Project Reports

Rural Wastewater: Opportunities for Better Management of On-Site Septic Systems
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