Septic System Installation

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Household discharge from the kitchen, bathrooms, and laundry room flow directly into the septic tank where the solids are retained and separated from the liquid. The liquid waste flows out of the tank through a series of pipes to where it is slowly released into the leaching field where it leaches through the soil and is purified before reaching the groundwater. The leaching bed is made up of porous materials, such as sand and gravel, and acts as a filter to clean the water before it seeps back into the ground.

Septic systems that are installed in unsuitable soils usually malfunction by leaking raw, untreated sewage to the surface of the ground or a roadside ditch, or by contaminating the groundwater. The sewage may contain deadly bacteria and viruses. It can be expensive to remedy the odor problems and potential health hazards that result from the use of septic systems in unsuitable soil. Because of that, the Ontario Building Code requires an expansive soil and site assessment by the local health department to determine the suitability of the soils and topography of the lot.

Consider the following before you purchase a lot:

• Is there enough space on the lot for the home, the septic system, and water well (if needed)?
• Is the land next to a stream or river that could flood it?
• Does the area seem wet and swampy?
• Is there a bedrock that can interfere with the septic system?
• Determine the type of soil on the lot by digging a two 5 foot holes where your field is to be situated
• Find out what type of septic system, if any, will work on those soils.
• Obtain a cost estimate for installing the kind of septic system you need.
• Ask about the operating requirements and maintenance costs for the system.
• Your well and all neighbors’ wells should be 100 feet or further from the septic system.
• There must also be enough land for a “repair area” that can be used if the system needs expansion or replacement in the future.

Septic Systems in Ontario

Part 8: “Sewage Systems” of the Ontario Building Code (OBC) regulates the design, construction, operation and maintenance of on-site septic systems for most single-family homes. In most areas, the local municipality’s Building Department examines plans, issues permits, and does inspections for systems regulated under the OBC. In some regions, this approval responsibility has been delegated to local Conservation Authorities or Health Units. The Municipal Building Department will be able to redirect inquiries.

Proper approvals under the OBC must be obtained by the homeowner before installing any of the suggestions for improving system performance.

What You Need To Know About Septic Systems in Ontario (buildersontario.com)