Question 1

What is a Septic System?

Accepted Answer

Septic systems are comprised of two parts:
An onsite septic system is a system designed to responsibly recover, restore, and return the water we use safely back into the environment where the traditional city hookup to the sewer system is unavailable. These systems are comprised of two parts, the tank and the dispersal field:
A) Tanks - Provide a means to RECOVER the water used in the home and separate the sludge, fats, oils, & greases that enter into the septic system, while also reducing the Total Suspended Solids + the Biochemical Oxygen Demand levels of your effluent. Some systems have more than one tank. Often the extra tanks will utilize air pumps and additional media to further Restore the effluent prior to being sent out to the dispersal field.
B) Dispersal Fields - Are the area of ground where we RETURN the effluent (treated sewage) to the soil. Dispersal fields come in many different shapes and sizes. There are sand mounds, in ground pressure beds, gravity distribution trenches, subsurface drip, & more. What people are often unaware of is that the soils in the dispersal field are a part of the RESTORATION process. The soils remove pathogens and bacteria from the effluent prior to being RETURNED to the water table, helping protect our precious water sources.
A good septic system design will consider each part of the system with equal care. A poor design can still address the RETURN aspect of the design, but still ignore the RESTORE component. It’s always the goal for the effluent to go away and never be seen again, but even a poor design, can do that. However, a professional designer will ensure that the treatment system is well thought out and appropriate for the site, taking into consideration the implications of disposing of untreated effluent into the ground water.
 
https://www.infiltratorwater.com/resource-center/septic-system-basics/( https://www.infiltratorwater.com/resource-center/septic-system-basics/)

Question 2

How do I know when to Pump out my Septic System?

Accepted Answer

Maintain your septic tank by having it pumped out every 3 to 5 years or more often if required. The frequency of pumping depends on the size of your septic tank and the number of users in your household. Your septic tank should be pumped out when the tank is 1/3 full of solids. Removing solids from your septic tank prevents particles from entering the drain field and soil which is a major cause of a system failure.

Question 3

What Types of Septic Systems are there?

Accepted Answer

https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/waste-management/sewage/onsite-sewage-systems/onsite-sewage-system-management  (https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/waste-management/sewage/onsite-sewage-systems/onsite-sewage-system-management)

The Sewerage System Regulation describes three types of sewage systems approved for the disposal of wastewater (domestic sewage):
 • Type 1: Treatment by a septic tank and dispersal field only.
 • Type 2: Treatment that produces an effluent consistently containing less than 45 mg/L of total suspended solids and having a five-day biochemical oxygen demand of less than 45 mg/L.
 • Type 3: Treatment that produces an effluent consistently containing less than 10 mg/L of total suspended solids and having:    
    • A five-day biochemical oxygen demand of less than 10 mg/L.
    • A median fecal coliform density of less than 400 Colony Forming Units per 100 mL.

Question 4

How much will it cost?

Accepted Answer

The cost of an onsite septic system can vary greatly, depending on a number of different factors including: size of building being serviced, number of occupants, level of treatment required (type 1, 2, 3), proximity to wells and watercourses, type and depths of soil characteristics on the property, etc. A true cost can only be determined after a detailed evaluation of the soil types, the size of the proposed dwelling, and evaluation of adjacent structures.  The cost might seem high, but a well designed, and maintained system will last 25+ years.  They can average between $20,000 to $60,000 plus.

Question 5

Do I need a Permit to construct a septic field in British Columbia?

Accepted Answer

https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/326_2004/ (https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/326_2004/)

Yes.  SVH Contracting will take care of all the required permits and paperwork.

3 (1) No person shall construct, install, alter or repair a sewage disposal system or cause it to be constructed, installed, altered or repaired unless he holds a permit issued under this section or section 3.01.