If you are unsure as to your septic tank location, please request a Septic Plan from our online portal.
Tips for Septic Use
- Know where your septic tank is and do not build decks, patios, pools, etc. over it
- Keep the lids clear of any obstruction for ease of access
- Have a licensed hauler pump out the septic tank from both compartments every five years (for typical family use on a regulation-sized tank)
- When you have the tank pumped, obtain a report that states the condition of the tank.
- If your septic system is located within 100 metres of Lake Simcoe, or a river, stream or body of water within the Lake Simcoe watershed, then you will need to follow the Town's Maintenance Inspection Program.
- Do not delay regular tank maintenance. Once a backup occurs, solids or grease may be released and clog the leaching bed, causing the need for expensive repairs.
- Septic tank additives are not required if non-sewage chemicals, disinfectants and grease are minimized.
- Keep water use reasonable
- Wash only full loads in your washing machine and dishwasher
- Garbage grinders on kitchen sinks are not recommended as they add unnecessary solids, bones, and grease to the septic tank.
- Minimize the disposal of fat, oil and grease down drains.
- Do not use toilet-bluing disinfectant agents in toilets. Excessive disinfectant and bleach use will kill septic tank bacteria necessary for the breakdown of sewage
- Backwash from water treatment systems (such as softeners), outdoor hot tubs or swimming pools must not discharge to the septic system
- Repair leaky plumbing or running toilets
- Consider water-saving plumbing fixtures such as:
- Low-flow toilets
- Shower restrictor heads
- Water-saving washing machines
Protect your leach bed
Do not:
- Do not build structures over the leaching bed (including swimming pools)
- Do not cover with impervious surfaces or landscaping
- Do not change the grade to a point that affects the depth of the system and/or allows surface water to pond on the bed area
- Do not drive over bed area with vehicles, snowmobiles, etc. as this will compact the soil and affect the breathing of the system
- Do not build ice rinks on top of the bed
Do:
- Ensure the bed is exposed to as much direct sunlight as possible to help evaporation.
- Plant trees away from the bed to minimize intrusion from roots into the stone and perforated pipe in the disposal trenches.