Owning a home with a septic system brings certain responsibilities. Keeping a septic system healthy and functioning correctly is essential for your home’s sanitation and the protection of the environment. In Angus, Ontario, septic tanks fall under specific regulations to ensure safety and optimal performance. Understanding these regulations will help you become a responsible homeowner and prevent potential problems with your septic system.
This guide breaks down the key Angus septic tank regulations you need to know. We’ll cover everything from the initial system installation to proper maintenance and what to do if things go wrong.
Understanding the Ontario Building Code (OBC)
The Ontario Building Code (OBC) outlines the design, installation, and maintenance standards for all on-site sewage systems, including septic tanks. It sets requirements for the system’s design, ensuring that it’s appropriately sized and located to function correctly and safely.
Septic systems with a sewage design capacity of up to 10,000 litres per day are subject to regulations for installation, upkeep, and repair under both the Building Code Act and the Building Code regulation.
- Key Regulations to Know:
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- System Design and Installation: Part 8 of the OBC covers sewage systems. It mandates specific criteria for the design and installation of septic systems, including the type of system suitable for your property, the materials used, and the construction methods.
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- Minimum Lot Sizes: The OBC outlines minimum lot sizes necessary for safe septic system installation, depending on soil type and conditions. For instance, sandy soils with good permeability may allow for smaller lot sizes than clay soils with poor drainage. The specific requirements are outlined in the OBC and can be determined by a qualified septic system designer who will consider factors like soil testing results, the number of bedrooms in the dwelling, and anticipated wastewater flows.
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- Setback Distances: There are clear requirements for setback distances from wells, water bodies, and other important features to prevent contamination and protect public health. Here’s a summary:
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- Wells: A minimum of 15 meters from drilled wells and a minimum of 30 meters from dug wells or other less secure water sources.
- Water Bodies (lakes, rivers, streams): A minimum of 15 meters.
- Property Lines: A minimum of 5 meters.
- Other Considerations: Setback distances can be larger depending on soil type, slope, and the specific septic system design.
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Permits and Inspections
Installing or repairing septic tank requires permits
- Building Permits: You’ll generally need a building permit to install or repair a septic system in Angus. Contact your local municipality’s building department to initiate the application process. They will be able to provide you with specific details and forms required. In some cases, you may also need a permit from the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) depending on the nature of the work.
- Inspections: Septic systems may undergo several inspections throughout their lifespan:
- Pre-construction inspection: A qualified inspector will visit your property to verify compliance with the OBC and the suitability of the chosen location for the septic system. Soil testing may be required to assess drainage suitability.
- Septic system installation inspection: An inspector will ensure the system is installed according to the approved design and meets OBC standards.
- Final inspection: Once the system is installed and filled with water, a final inspection will confirm proper operation.
- Maintenance inspections: Some municipalities may require periodic inspections of your septic system to ensure it’s functioning properly.
- Real estate inspections: A septic system inspection is often included during a real estate transaction to assess the system’s condition and identify any potential problems.
Septic System Maintenance
Regular pumping is necessary to remove buildup
- Regular Pumping: Regular pumping every 3-5 years is crucial for maintaining a healthy septic system, as sludge buildup can obstruct the drain field if left unattended. Regular pumping removes this buildup, allowing effluent to flow freely for proper soil treatment.
- Don’t Flush the Wrong Things: The septic system is designed to handle human waste and toilet paper, but non-biodegradable items like wipes, feminine hygiene products, and paper towels should not be flushed down the drain, as they can clog pipes, accelerate tank filling, and impair drain field functionality.
- Watch the Chemicals: Harsh chemical cleaners can disrupt the bacterial balance in your septic tank, causing clogs and potential system failure. To ensure the health of your septic system, opt for eco-friendly cleaning products whenever possible, as harsh chemicals can disrupt the proper breakdown of organic waste.
- Conserve Water: Excessive water usage can overburden a septic system, preventing efficient wastewater treatment. The system is designed to handle specific volumes of wastewater, so excessive water intake can hinder proper treatment. To reduce water waste, fix leaky faucets and toilets promptly and consider installing water-saving appliances to reduce the load on the septic system.
- Maintain the Leaching Bed: The leaching bed, also known as the drain field, is a vital part of a septic system, where treated wastewater disperses into the soil through perforated pipes. Its health is crucial for the system’s functionality. Avoid driving or building on the leaching field to prevent soil compacting and clogging the drainage pipes. Keep deep-rooted plants away from the area.
Signs of Septic System Problems
- Sluggish Drains: Drains taking longer than usual may indicate a pipe clog or a septic tank nearing capacity, causing wastewater processing issues. If you notice slow drainage in multiple fixtures, schedule a septic system inspection.
- Sewage Odors: Sewage smells near drains or leach fields indicate a septic system issue, possibly due to leaks in the tank, cracks in drainpipes, or a clogged vent pipe preventing proper airflow within the system.
- Lush Green Grass: The septic leach field area, responsible for filtering and treating wastewater, may be overtaken by lush, green grass, indicating sewage leakage and soil fertilization, as the area is typically responsible for filtration and treatment before it seeps back into the ground.
- Soggy Ground: Damp or mushy patches of ground around a septic system may indicate leaking wastewater or ineffective liquid absorption, possibly due to a full tank, clogged drain lines, or damage to the leach field itself.
- Gurgling Sounds: Gurgling noises from drains or toilets indicate trapped air within the plumbing system, potentially causing a clog or full septic tank, which can prevent wastewater flow and force air back into the house.
Understanding and complying with Angus septic tank regulations is a key responsibility for homeowners. By staying informed about the OBC, obtaining the necessary permits, and committing to regular maintenance, you can ensure your septic system functions safely and efficiently for years to come. Should you require professional assistance or have further questions, Plumbing Authority is here to help. Contact us at (647) 992-7473 for expert advice and service.