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The Do’s of Septic Care

  • Consider attending a free 2 hour CRD Septic Savvy Workshop (see CRD contact information).
  • Learn and record the location of your septic system, including tank and dispersal area.
  • Have an Authorized Person (AP*) develop a maintenance plan (see contact information). Allow easy access to the system for monitoring and maintenance. Keep a record of pumping, inspections and other maintenance.
  • Install an effluent filter if you don’t already have one. Special units are available for retrofitting to an existing tank. Solids will be kept out of your dispersal system, and your system will last longer.
  • Have a maintenance plan / service contract for package treatment plants, and have an AP* attend to repairs promptly.
  • Arrange for an AP* to do an inspection the next time you have your system pumped. An AP* should inspect the entire system: tank, tees or baffles, effluent filter, distribution box, dispersal system and pump chamber (if applicable). An AP* is separate from a pumper.
  • Arrange for another inspection in two to five years and a pump-out according to existing bylaws or at a frequency appropriate to your own particular circumstances, as determined by the inspector.
  • Practice water conservation. Limit the number of high water use activities done consecutively or at the same time. For example, spread out laundry washings over the week and avoid running the dishwasher at the same time. Also, use water sparingly when watering over or near your dispersal system.
  • Use alternatives to toxic cleaners and chemicals. Harmful chemicals can kill the beneficial bacteria in your septic tank, causing you to have your tank pumped more often. Toxins can also be carried to your dispersal system and into watercourses or drinking wells.
  • Be aware that human wastes from people on medication (eg. antibiotics) can affect the performance of your septic system and may require more frequent pumping of your tank. Leftover medications should be returned to your pharmacy.
  • If you are considering an addition to your home, contact the Vancouver Island Health Authority (VIHA) office for advice on whether your septic system will need upgrading. VIHA and the Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of BC (ASTTBC) Consumer Information Line (see contact information) can answer septic system questions

The Don’ts of Septic Care

  • Don’t allow potential poisons to get into your dispersal system, including paint, solvents, antifreeze, fuels, oil, pesticides or herbicides. They upset the beneficial bacteria in your system and can leach into groundwater and cause serious health or environmental concerns. Use environmentally friendly alternatives where possible.
  • Don’t pour hazardous waste down the drain. Take hazardous wastes to hazardous waste disposal depots. Contact the CRD Hotline (see contact information) for more information.
  • Don’t discharge water softener backwash into a septic system.
  • Don’t use septic tank “starters” or similar products. They can do more harm than good. Allow the natural bacteria to work on their own.
  • Don’t use granular drain cleaners. Only a small amount can kill all of the beneficial bacteria in your system, leading to rapid build-up of solids or dispersal system clogs.
  • Don’t use a garburator to dispose of food waste and other solids. Your tank will fill up prematurely and require more frequent pumping.
  • Don’t park, drive, pave or put heavy objects or machinery over your dispersal system. This can compact the soil, crush pipes and keep air from getting into the ground – all of which can lead to system failure.
  • Don’t plant trees or shrubs in the dispersal system area. Their roots can damage or plug the dispersal system pipes. Grass is ideal.
  • Don’t allow roof drains, perimeter drains or surface water runoff from driveways and slopes to discharge into your tank or onto the dispersal system. Excessive water can flood the system and cause premature failure.
  • Don’t use your toilet or drains as a trash can. Cooking grease, fats, cigarette butts, disposable diapers, sanitary napkins, hair, plastics, lint, metal, rubber, coffee grounds, tea leaves and cat litter should all be kept out of your septic system.
  • Don’t pour hazardous waste down the drain. Take hazardous wastes to hazardous waste disposal depots. Contact the CRD Hotline (see contact information) for more information.
  • Don’t attempt repairs or alterations to your septic system yourself. Only an AP* should work on your septic system (see contact information).

*An Authorized Person (AP) is either a Registered Onsite Wastewater Practioner (ROWP) or a Professional Engineer (P.Eng).