Septic System Makeover Magic: Navigate Septic System Installations Like A Pro

Ah, the humble septic system. The unsung hero of your acreage. A modest workhorse quietly chugging along and processing your household wastewater with the poise of a seasoned professional . But alas, time spares no one, not even our underground feculent friends. After years of faithful service, your septic system may start to show its age, no longer aging as gracefully as it once did. But how do you know when it's time to give your septic system the attention it deserves? The following guide will help you identify the key signs indicating when it's time to say farewell to your old septic system and welcome the new.

Saying goodbye is never easy. It becomes even more challenging when bidding adieu comes with a hefty five-digit price tag. In Alberta, the average cost to replace a septic system is between $30,000- $50,000. To brace yourself for that financial shock, consider the current age of your system. Typically, with the recommended maintenance, most septic systems are constructed to last around 25-30 years. If your system is approaching or exceeding this age range, it may be time to start thinking about a replacement, rather than enduring endless costly repairs.

Hang tight for this next bit... it's a gripping examination! In a previous blog, we discussed the importance of baffle wall conditions in a conventional 2-chambered septic tank. Over time, the anaerobic digestion of organic material from wastewater produces hydrogen sulfide. The resulting gas produced from this occurrence is primarily responsible for the deterioration of concrete within the tank. When the baffle wall starts to collapse, and the retention time of settling sewage is reduced in the first stage of treatment, a high concentration of poorly treated effluent flows into the pump/dose chamber. From there, this highly concentrated effluent is delivered to your onsite soil-based treatment area, aging drainfields, leach fields, and treatment mounds at an accelerated pace. Failures become evident as the drain media in the soil begins to clog, and the percolation of effluent slows dramatically. If the effluent cannot percolate down, it becomes upward bound, creating lush green soft spots on the grass or ponding effluent on the surface.

What comes next? If you detect a baffle wall failure early and the soil-based treatment area shows no signs of failure, you might consider replacing the septic tank with a similar capacity one. In Alberta, a private sewage permit is necessary to install or alter septic system components. Whether a "tank-for-tank" replacement is permitted would be at the discretion of the relevant county's safety codes authority. Typically, a private sewage installer will size any new septic tank based on the projected wastewater flow and strength. These estimates are derived from the criteria outlined in the current Alberta Private Sewage Systems Standards of Practice. This calculation considers the total number of bedrooms in the residence, standard plumbing fixtures, and high-flow capacity devices.

Now let's turn our attention to the soil-based treatment area. If it's found to be undersized for the new septic tank or if failures are noticed, a permitted design will be necessary. Soil investigations are decisive for designing onsite private sewage disposal areas, as they dictate the size, location, pressure distribution requirements, and overall cost of the installation. As they say, when it comes to septic systems, it's all about getting down and dirty with your soil knowledge!

Spring and early summer is typically viewed as the optimal season for septic system installation. The ground is softer and easing excavation. The warmer weather aids in establishing new grass seed and vegetation over any disturbed soil. Postponing septic system replacements or septic repairs can often result in a number of issues. Undertaking significant projects during colder temperatures in late fall can lead to prolonged or delayed installations and messy landscaping come the following spring.

So, the next time you're enjoying the peace and tranquil of your acreage, take a moment to thank your septic system. After all, it's the quiet hero keeping things running smoothly under your feet.