WIPES GO IN THE TRASH, NOT THE TOILET!

(even if the package says the are flush-able)
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Avoid sewage back-ups in your home

  • Wipes do not easily break down, and they clog plumbing.
  • Flushing items other than toilet paper and human waste will cause equipment to fail, poses a health risk and puts your home at risk of sewage back-ups.

QUESTIONS TO ASK THE HOMEOWNER WHEN BUYING A HOUSE

  • Do you have a copy of the septic system permit?
  • When was the last time the septic tank was pumped out?
  • Are there records of system maintenance (tank pump-outs, system repair)?
  • Have there been any problems with the septic system: system backing up, foul odours, effluent on the surface, soggy ground in the leaching bed, system freezing, toilet and drains gurgling or draining slowly?
  • Have there been any potable water quality problems (E. coli, faecal coliform, nitrate)?
  • This could be due to infiltration of the well by leakage from the septic system and could indicate a malfunctioning system. Results from the water quality samples that you take of the well water may help indicate septic system problems.

INDICATIONS OF SEPTIC SYSTEM PROBLEMS

  • Odors – especially after a rainfall
  • Bleed out or seepage - around the septic tank or leaching (tile) bed
  • Ponding – the ground around the septic tank or leaching bed may be soggy or spongy to walk on
  • Green stripes of grass or patchy lawn over tile field
  • Slow draining fixtures – toilets don’t flush well and drains take longer than usual to empty
  • Back up - the water level in the septic tank is higher than the outlet pipe
  • Freeze up
  • Frequent pump-outs

PLEASE CONSERVE AND MAKE YOUR SEPTIC SYSTEM HEALTHY

  • Reduce the amount of water your septic system has to process
  • Do not use excessive amounts of toilet tissue
  • Do not feed your septic system food, fats, plastics, cigarette filters or toxic chemicals
  • Keep trees and shrubs away from the system
  • Do not restrict sunlight over the system with buildings, decks or structures
  • Keep heavy equipment and traffic away from the system to avoid damage
  • Pump the septic tank on a regular basis