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Septic Systems

Where can I find information about septic systems?

Is yours working as well as it should?

It is estimated that approximately 50% of Island residents use an on-site sewage disposal system to dispose of waste from their homes. These systems can last a long time if properly maintained.

How the On-site Sewage Disposal System Works:

1. Sewage drains out of the house through the building sewer, which discharges into the septic tank.
2. The septic tank receives sewage and holds it for a period of time during which oils and greases float to the surface and heavier solids settle to the bottom.
3. The layer of clarified sewage between the scum layer and the sludge layer trickles to the disposal field when it is displaced by a fresh load of incoming sewage.
4. The disposal field receives the clarified sewage from the septic tank and disposes of it underground into the soil.

Feeling Flushed?

Keeping your septic system working properly demands that we treat it with respect. Recognize that it has its limitations and is not intended as a garbage disposal. There are certain items which we should not flush or pour because they can kill the bacteria in the tank or clog up the pipes that lead to the tank. Failing to follow a few simple rules might lead to expensive replacement of the entire septic system. Here are some basic rules:

DO

• learn the exact location of your tank
• have your septic tank pumped regularly (every 3-5 years)
• conserve water to avoid overloading the system
• keep roof gutter pipes away from the septic tank

DO NOT

• flush materials like coffee grounds, dental floss, diapers, tampons, condoms, fat/grease, cigarette butts, or paper towelling down your toilet (they will clog the system)
• flush hazardous material down the toilet. Paints, varnishes, bleaches, and finishes will all kill the beneficial bacteria
• go down into the tank (toxic gases are produced by the bacterial action)
• drive or park directly over the septic system (it will crush/damage the drainage pipes)
• plant trees on or near the system (root systems will cause havoc with drainage)

If you can't remember the last time you had the septic tank pumped... it's probably time to have it done!

Contact

Charlottetown

Jones Building

Robison, Alan (Senior Drinking Water Technologist)