Emptying a septic tank and maintaining the purifying element: Two very different procedures!
A septic system is composed of a septic tank and a soil absorption system.
A septic tank is a reservoir – usually made of cement – which collects the septic sludge. The waste water passes from the septic tank to the soil absorption system where it is treated. There are various types of soil absorption system. For example, it can consist of perforated pipes laid on a bed of crushed rock (septic field), an Enviro-septic, or a tank where the disposal treatment takes place, such as an Ecoflo, Bionest, or other.
Septic tank (cement reservoir) followed by a septic field (a type of soil absorption system).
YOU MUST EMPTY YOUR SEPTIC TANK….
The tank is usually located close to the house.
Once the ground has been filled or landscaped, only the covers are visible.
The septic tank must be emptied:
- at least every two years if you live in your residence year-round;
- at least every four years if you live in your residence fewer than 180 days per year.
If you have a holding tank – a sealed tank – it must be emptied at least every two years in a manner that avoids any spilling of the grey water or waste water it contains.
You must forward a copy of the bill for its emptying to the Service de l’urbanisme (the Ville’s Town Planning Department).
Regular emptying greatly reduces the risk of clogging the soil absorption system and extends its lifespan. Plugging can result in odour problems as well as causing environmental problems.
If you have any questions related to emptying your septic tank, please don’t hesitate to call the Service de l’urbanisme (Town Planning Department) at 819 425-8614, ext. 2400.
YOU MUST MAINTAIN YOUR SOIL ABSORPTION SYSTEM...
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Ecoflo. |
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Only the Ecoflo cover is visible once the ground has been filled or landscaped. |
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Enviro-septic. |
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With an Enviro-septic, the distribution box and the pipes required for ventilation and for devices such as the piezometer or the sampling device are visible after the land has been filled or landscaped. (In this photograph, only the vent pipe is visible.) |
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A septic tank followed by a Bionest. The Bionest reservoir is very similar to the septic tank. |
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Only the septic tank and Bionest covers are visible once the ground has been landscaped. |
If your soil absorption system is an Ecoflo, Bionest, Enviro-septic or any other advanced secondary or tertiary treatment system, you must have a contract with your system’s manufacturer to ensure the unit’s ANNUAL maintenance.
You must forward a copy of your system’s maintenance contract, every year, to the Environment and Sustainable Development Department.
If you have any questions related to the maintenance contract, please don’t hesitate to contact the Environment and Sustainable Development Department at 819-425-8614.