Septic System Inspections, Evaluations & Structural Addition Application

In rural areas, many homes do not have connections to municipal sewer lines. Homeowners rely upon privately owned individual septic systems orholding tanks to treat, discharge or store their wastewater. Homeowners must ensure that their septic system is maintained and functioning properly. A malfuction of the septic system can pose a serious health risk to you family and neighbours, and can be very expensive to repair or replace.

Septic Systems

The septic system accepts wastewater from the home (sinks, showers, toilets, washing machine), treats the wastewater and returns the treated effluent to the groundwater. A conventional septic system is comprised of two components: a septic tank and a leaching bed. Under certain site conditions, a conventional system will not provide sufficient treatment of the wastewater. Under these conditions, it is often possible to install an alternative treatment unit. In Ontario homeowners with alternative treatment units are required to have a maintenance contract with a service provider to inspect and maintain their systems.

Holding Tanks

Under exceptional circumstances, the home may have a holding tank as opposed to a septic system. A holding tank must have a service agreement to be pumped regularly, which can add an expense, and pose significant problem for homeowners if not maintained properly.

System Replacement or Repair

A septic system should last anywhere from 20-25 years, or even longer, if it is properly installed and maintained with regular pump-outs every three to five years. The cost of system replacement can vary between $10,000 to over $20,000. The cost of the system repair can vary from $500 for line flushing to $1,000 for a new septic tank to over $6,000 to replace clogged leaching bed lines.

Structural Addition Applications under the Ontario Building Code Act

If your house is serviced by a septic system, the local building authority will require a structural addition application completed by a registered septic system professional for any construction on the property that could have an impact on the septic system. This would include any pools, decks, garages, additions to the house or the addition of bathrooms or bedrooms.

Septic System Inspection, Evaluation and Consulting Services

• Inspection and certification of proper septic system function and capacity (real estate & Mortgages)
• Locating system components including the septic tank
• Consulting on proper use, care and maintenance of the septic system (Conventional & Alternative Systems)
• Consulting on future uses of the property to prevent negative impact on the septic system
• Completion of Structural Addition Application for issuance of Building Permit
• Completion of septic system evaluation for Land Severance Applications (existing systems)
• Independent consulting on selection of septic system construction options for difficult sites
• Referral to reputable, licensed and insured contractors for any necessary work
• File Searches for Septic System Records and permits at local building authority