Septic Services
Septic Tank & Drywell Pumping/Cleaning
City Sewer Connections
Lift Station Pumping/Cleaning
Flooded Basement Vacuum Cleaned
Electronic Septic System Location Service
Neighbourhood Discounts
How a Septic System Works
In a typical septic system, household wastes – including discarded food scraps, laundry water, cooking oils and grease – flow to a watertight septic tank, where they are decomposed by bacteria. Inside the tank, the majority of the waste decomposes into sewage water, while heavier solids settle to the bottom and accumulate as sludge. Other lighter particles – including grease and oil – rise to the surface and form a scum. The decomposed sewage water then flows from the tank, through a distribution box and into a drainage field – a series of perforated pipes laid below ground in a bed of gravel. The liquid leaches out through the gravel and is further purified as it percolates through the soil. The more complete the decomposition of your household waste the more efficiently and trouble free a septic system functions. When a septic system is overloaded or not properly maintained, the bacterial decomposition can slow or stop, causing untreated liquid and solid wastes to overflow into the soil. Excessive use of bleaches, disinfectants and caustic or acid drain cleaners also deters the bacterial action of the system, and greases and solids can build up until they choke the system and block the flow of the liquid into the soil. When this happens, the drainage field may have to be dug up and replaced – a costly undertaking. Septic systems cannot dispose of all the material that enters the system. Solids that are not broken down by bacteria begin to accumulate in the septic tank and eventually need to be removed. The most common reason for system failure is not having these solids removed on a regular basis. Seepage from inadequate or failing septic systems can contaminate both ground and surface waters. Malfunctioning septic systems are one of the leading causes of groundwater pollution. Wastewater contains several undesirable pollutants. Pathogens such as viruses or bacteria can enter drinking water supplies creating a potential health hazard. Nutrients and organic matter entering waterways can lead to tremendous growth in the quantity of aquatic microorganisms. Metabolic activity of these microbes can reduce oxygen levels in the water causing aquatic life to suffocate. Most septic systems are conventional systems that use gravity to distribute the effluent from the tank. When site conditions are not appropriate for a conventional system, other types of systems, such as low-pressure distribution or mound systems are sometimes used.
Septic tanks typically use one of four drainage system designs to dispose of effluent:
Drywells
Drywells are plastic or concrete perforated tanks for discharging effluent into large, fabric covered, gravel-filled holes: Leach Pits. Drywells are a passive (no pump) solution for small/odd lots where a long leach field is not possible or desired. Pits take advantage of surface area around sides to dispose of large amounts of water in the right soil and capability to accept large surges at one time.
Drain Fields
Drain Fields are trenches (or rectangular beds) dug in yard and filled with 6" to 24"of gravel and a four-inch diameter perforated pipe. The pipe-in-gravel drain line is covered with geo textile fabric (landscaping weed barrier) and then backfilled with sand and 6" to 24’’ of native soil. Gravity sends effluent to the drain field (1/8 inch per foot drop minimum) and dispersed into soil evenly (drain field pipe is level).
Stone Trenches
Stone Trenches are a system consisting of four-inch pipes installed horizontally in 3' wide trenches. Typically an alternator valve divides the system of trenches in half. The pipes are installed on 6" to 24" of 6A stone as specified on the permit. The pipes are perforated to allow the effluent to drain on the stones and surrounding soil. More stone is placed around and onto the pipes, followed by a layer of filter fabric, then 6" to 24" of soil cover. Specific requirements vary with each permit.
Pressurized Systems
Pressurized Systems make use of an electric pump to force effluent into mounds, trenches, beds or chambers. Even distribution of effluent is key to smaller drain field sizing and better treatment of the wastewater. Poor soil percolation sites (high water table) often require pressure distribution sand mounds with two-inch diameter pipe drilled with 1/4-inch holes every two feet, or so. Drip systems utilize small nozzles for even more uniform distribution of wastewater.
Alternator Valve
The Bull Run Alternator Valve is designed to alternate flows to different absorption areas of the sewage disposal system. Using a special tool at ground level, the homeowner switches the valve annually from one absorption area to another. The user has no contact with the wastewater because the valve is leak proof.
Septic Tank Locating
Aqua Vac Sewer & Drain Ltd technicians have years of experience in locating septic systems. However, occasionally a septic tank is difficult to locate underground. When this problem occurs Aqua Vac Sewer & Drain Ltd uses the latest technology in electronic locating devices. Our electronic locators can pinpoint the location of a septic tank through the use of a sound device that is flushed down the toilet or mechanically inserted into the septic tank via the main line cleanout or another access point. A technician than uses the receiver above ground to receive the signal being transmitted via the sound device in the septic tank.
Other Services
Our team also offers:
Ensure your property’s drainage systems are clear and functional with our thorough catch basin and sump cleaning services.
Maintain optimal performance and prevent costly breakdowns with our reliable pump station cleaning and maintenance services.
Keep your drains and sewers free-flowing and efficient with our expert cleaning services.
Give seamless support to property managers with our comprehensive sewer and drainage maintenance solutions.