| Two ComponentsClass 4 septic systems are | | | | septic tank should have its contents removed |
| divided into two components, the septic tank and | | | | every two to three years.The use of starters, |
| the septic field or leaching bed. Waste is piped out | | | | bacterial feeds or cleaners in a septic system is |
| of the house into the septic tank, which is | | | | normally not necessary.The final grade (top soil) |
| essentially a water clarification tank, in which | | | | over the field should not be altered after it has |
| anaerobic bacteria break the waste down into | | | | been installed and inspected, and should be kept |
| solids (sludge), liquid effluent, and scum.Septic | | | | grassed after installation. Shrubs, trees or gardens |
| SystemThe solids settle to the bottom, the scum | | | | should not be established over the septic |
| floats to the top and the liquid effluent flows | | | | field.Discharge from evestough drains and sump |
| through an outlet pipe into a distribution chamber, | | | | pumps should not be directed into or over a |
| where it is directed to the septic field. The septic | | | | septic field, and lawn sprinkler systems must not |
| field is an effluent water disposal system, where | | | | be located within this area.Helpful HintsLimiting |
| the liquid is channeled through perforated pipes to | | | | excessive amounts of water in a short time can |
| different parts of a field of loose gravel.Septic | | | | help reduce disruption of the septic process. You |
| TankMaterials that initially float in the scum layer | | | | may want to consider the following water use |
| are kept out of the drainage sytem by an | | | | reduction practices:* Install water saving shower |
| outflow tee or baffle. If the tank is not pumped | | | | heads, sink aerators, and low-flush toilets.* Use |
| regularly, the level of solids can rise, and if it | | | | dishwashers and washing machines only for full |
| approaches the level of the outflow tee, scum | | | | loads, and stagger the loads through the week.* |
| and solids can proceed out into the drainage | | | | Don't run water continuously when shaving, |
| system, clogging the pipes and gravel - and | | | | brushing teeth, rinsing dishes or veggies.* A |
| eventually preventing the absorption of the water | | | | container of water in the fridge prevents the |
| by the surrounding earth.A Class 5 septic system | | | | need to run water continuously for a cold drink.* |
| is a holding tank for the storage of sewage at | | | | The installation of garbage grinders, large volume |
| the site where it is produced. A typical holding | | | | hot tubs or spas are not recommended unless |
| tank system is comprised of a single | | | | the septic system has been sized to accomodate |
| compartment tank with a pump-out stack and an | | | | their use.* The use of biodegradable products is |
| audible or visual warning device to alert the | | | | highly recommended. Disposal of |
| homeowner when the tank requires emptying. A | | | | non-biodegradeable products such as condoms, |
| holding tank is costly to operate, places | | | | feminine hygiene products, plastics, dental floss, |
| restrictions of the owner, and is dependent on | | | | etc. is strongly discouraged.If you have questions |
| Class 7 (hauled) sewage system for waste | | | | regarding the care and maintenance of your |
| collection and disposal.A property serviced by a | | | | septic system, consult your contractor or the |
| holding tank system requires an agreement | | | | Environmental Protection Division of your local |
| registered on title to notify current and future | | | | Health Department.The standards for private |
| owners of the servicing restrictions on the | | | | sewage systems are prescribed in Ontario |
| property.Care and MaintenanceWith proper care | | | | Regulation 358/90, under the Enviromental |
| and maintenance, your septic tank and field should | | | | Protection Act, and the Guidelines established by |
| provide many years of trouble-free service. | | | | Ministry of Environment, and requirements of |
| There are, however, some important steps to | | | | your local munipality or township.General Guidelines |
| follow to help you maintain the proper operation | | | | for Purchasers* If the system is 5-7 years old |
| of your sewage disposal system.The Honey | | | | and has never been pumped it is unlikely that |
| Wagon!The septic tank in a residential system | | | | there are serious problems.* If there is no record |
| should be inspected at least once every two | | | | of the system having been pumped but the |
| years for sludge buildup. The tank should be | | | | owner has a vague recollection of pumping the |
| pumped by a licensed septic tank pumping | | | | system at some time in the distant past, figure |
| contractor when necessary. Under normal use a | | | | that it has never been pumped. |