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A septic system is an underground wastewater treatment structure commonly used in rural areas. It treats and disposes of household wastewater (such as from toilets, sinks, and showers) through natural filtration processes. The system typically includes a septic tank and a soil absorption field (also called a drain field). Together, these components safely treat the wastewater, preventing pollution and protecting the environment

Key Components of a Septic System:

1. Septic Tank  

   The septic tank is a watertight container buried underground. It holds wastewater long enough for solids to settle at the bottom, forming sludge, while oil and grease float to the top as scum. Bacteria in the tank help break down the solid waste. The liquid (effluent) then flows to the drain field.

2. Drain Field (Leach Field)  

   The drain field is a network of perforated pipes buried in shallow, gravel-filled trenches. Wastewater from the septic tank flows into these pipes and is slowly released into the surrounding soil, which acts as a natural filter. The soil cleanses the effluent before it reaches groundwater.

3. Soil

   The type of soil on your property plays a significant role in how well your septic system will function. Sandy soils, for instance, drain quickly, while clay soils can hold water, potentially leading to system failure. A proper soil analysis is essential in the septic system design process.

What is the Cost to Install a Septic System in Ontario?

If your home isn’t connected to a municipal sewage system, you’ll need a septic system. But how much does it cost to install one? The price can vary depending on your property and the type of system you need. In this blog, we’ll break down the costs so you can plan your septic system installation with confidence.

Key Factors That Affect Septic System Installation Costs

1. Size of Your House / Property:
Bigger houses will drive higher sewage flow which will result in bigger septic system. Bigger properties may need more work, like longer pipes or more digging, which can increase the price.

2. Soil Type:
The type of soil on your property is important. If the native soil is clayey/bedrock/silty-clay or doesn’t absorb water well, you might need a special system that costs more to install. A property with sandy native soil will be able to accommodate a cheaper septic system with ground water table being an exception.

3. Type of Septic System:
There are different kinds of septic systems. A simple, conventional system costs less, but if you have tricky soil or property conditions, you might need a more advanced (and expensive) system.

4. Design, Permit and Inspections:
In Ontario, you need septic design, permit and inspections for septic system installation, which adds to the cost.

5. Contractor Fees:
The cost of labor varies based on the experience and skills of the contractor. It’s important to hire a professional who knows what they’re doing to avoid problems later.

Typical Septic System Installation Costs in Ontario

The average cost to install a septic system for residential property in Ontario ranges from $20,000 to $50,000. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Conventional Septic System: $20,000 to $45,000

• Advanced Treatment Systems: $35,000 to $90,000 (*comes with annual maintenance cost)

Your final cost will depend on factors like no. of bedrooms, no. of bathrooms, sq. ft. of the house, soil conditions, and the septic system type.

--> Commercial septic system installation cost will depend on the size of the project.

Other Costs to Consider

• Excavation and Landscaping: If your property is tough to work on, like rocky or uneven terrain, digging costs can be higher. After installation, you may also want to restore the landscaping, which adds to the total expense.

• Maintenance: Septic systems need regular maintenance. For example, you should pump the tank every 3 to 5 years, which costs about $300 to $700 for a standard 3600L septic tank. In addition to that, if you have an advanced treatment system then it will need an annual maintenance contract with authorized company.

How to Save on Septic System Installation Costs

• Plan Ahead: Start by having a professional evaluate your property. Choosing the right system from the start will save you from extra expenses later.

• Compare Quotes: Get estimates from several contractors to find the best price and service. 

• Think Long-Term: A well-installed, quality system will last longer and cost less to maintain over time. Be aware that materials and labor cost are rising every year, so plan accordingly.

Conclusion: Get a Personalized Quote Today

Installing a septic system is a big investment, but with the right information and planning, it’s easier to manage. If you’re building a new home or replacing an old septic system, contact us for a customized quote. Our experienced team is here to help you every step of the way.

• Septic system design is more than just installing a tank and pipes. A well-designed system ensures that wastewater is effectively treated and does not pose health risks to humans or the environment. Hiring a professional septic design company helps ensure:

• Compliance with Local Regulations: Each municipality has different regulations regarding septic system design and installation. A professional ensures your system complies with all local codes.

• Proper Sizing: The septic system must be appropriately sized for your home based on factors like the number of bedrooms and daily water usage. Oversized or undersized systems can lead to premature failure or contamination.  

• Site Suitability: Before installing a system, a thorough site analysis is essential. Professionals will assess the soil type, water table, and slope of the land to determine the best location for the system.

• Environmental Impact: Poorly designed systems can lead to contamination of groundwater, surface water, and local ecosystems. A professionally designed system helps prevent environmental hazards.

1. Site Evaluation  

   Before designing a system, a site evaluation must be conducted. This includes a soil test, a percolation test (to determine how quickly soil absorbs water), and an assessment of the property's topography and proximity to water sources.

2. System Design  

   Once the site evaluation is complete, the septic system can be designed. The size of the system is based on the projected daily wastewater flow. This phase involves planning the septic tank, drain field layout, and any necessary pumps or filters.

3. Permitting  

   A septic system must be approved by the local health department or environmental authority. Submitting the design and obtaining the necessary permits is crucial before installation.

4. Installation  

   After permits are secured, the system can be installed by a certified professional. This step involves excavating the area, installing the tank and drain field, and ensuring proper grading for drainage.

5. Maintenance Plan

   Septic systems require ongoing maintenance to function effectively. Regular pumping of the septic tank, monitoring for leaks or system failures, and maintaining the drain field are critical for long-term performance.

1. Ignoring Soil Conditions  

   Poor soil conditions can cause the system to fail. A professional will perform tests to ensure your soil is suitable for a septic system.

2. Improper Sizing 

   An undersized system can lead to backups, while an oversized system may not treat wastewater effectively. Make sure your system is appropriately sized for your home.

3. Overloading the System  

   Excessive water use can overload the system. This can be avoided with a proper design that considers your household's water usage habits.

4. Lack of Maintenance

   Even a perfectly designed system can fail without regular maintenance. Pump your tank every 3 to 5 years and keep an eye on your drain field.

A well-designed septic system ensures that wastewater is filtered before it enters the groundwater. This helps prevent contamination of drinking water supplies and protects nearby streams, lakes, and ecosystems. Additionally, by allowing wastewater to be treated naturally, septic systems help reduce the reliance on municipal sewage treatment plants, contributing to sustainable water management.

Yes, a septic permit is required in both cities. In Hamilton, it's obtained through the City’s Public Health Department, while in Ottawa, it’s through Ottawa Septic System Office (OSSO) or Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (RVCA) depending on the location. 

Most rural Ottawa septic systems are approved by RVCA, South Nation Conservation, or Mississippi Valley Conservation, depending on location. 

Permit approval typically takes 2–4 weeks, but this can vary depending on the completeness of the application and seasonal demand. 

A conventional system uses a septic tank and leaching bed. A tertiary system includes advanced treatment (e.g., Eljen, Waterloo Biofilter, Norweco, Ecoflo, etc.), often required on small lots or poor soils. 

No. Any major repair, tank replacement, or bed upgrade requires a permit under the Ontario Building Code (OBC) 

Every 3–5 years, depending on household size and usage. Regular pumping is essential for longevity. 

It’s not mandatory by law, but most real estate transactions in Ottawa and Hamilton strongly recommend a septic inspection to avoid surprises.

There are strict setback requirements under the OBC. You must maintain 5 meters + (2 x raised height of septic bed from original grade) clearance from septic bed. And 1.5 meters from the Septic Tank and Pump Chamber.

Licensed professionals such as C.E.T.s, P.Engs., or BCIN-qualified designers can prepare and submit septic designs.

A T-time test measures how fast water percolates through soil. It’s used to determine if your soil is suitable for a leaching bed. It determines the type and size of septic system needed. 

A raised bed or tertiary system like Norweco, Waterloo Biofilter, Eljen or Ecoflo may be required to ensure proper treatment and drainage. 

Yes, but you must ensure the system is sized accordingly and meet OBC guidelines for daily flow and usage. You must also check with the respective Approval Agency before taking any big steps.

Not necessarily, but seasonal usage patterns and site access may affect the system type and approval process. 

Yes, but they must comply with OBC and local health regulations. You may still need a greywater system for sinks and showers. 

In theory, yes, but you must be qualified or supervised by a licensed installer, and permits, inspections, and compliance are mandatory. 

Avoid compacting snow above the tank or bed. Insulate pipes, pump the tank before winter if needed, and monitor usage. 

Yes, particularly if the system is unused for long periods or lacks insulation. Frozen pipes or beds require professional thawing. 

• Slow drains

• Wet spots in the yard

• Odours

• Biomat buildup

• Sewage backup
  If you notice these, call a licensed septic professional immediately. CONTACT 

Look for professionals with OACETT, BCIN, or PEO certifications, experience with local Conservation Authorities, and a portfolio of successful permits. CONTACT 

It involves site evaluation, design preparation, application submission, and municipal review. Once approved, installation can proceed.

The Eljen GSF is a compact, tertiary treatment system used where space or soil conditions limit the use of conventional systems. 

Typically, a 3-bedroom home requires a system designed for 2,400–3,000 L/day flow, depending on fixtures and floor area. 

Avoid planting trees or deep-rooted plants near the tank or bed. Roots can clog pipes and cause damage. 

No. Septic system repairs must be designed by a qualified professional and approved under a building permit. 

Minimum setback is 15 metres from a leaching bed to a drilled well, and 30 metres for a dug or bored well. 

Not automatically, but most buyers request inspections. If your system is failing or non-compliant, you may be required to upgrade. 

Not automatically, but most buyers request inspections. If your system is failing or non-compliant, you may be required to upgrade. 

Not always. It depends on lot size, soil conditions, and setback limitations. Tertiary units are often used for smaller lots or poor soils. 

Yes, but excessive brine discharge may affect the system. Some municipalities recommend routing it away from the septic tank. 

Yes, but excessive brine discharge may affect the system. Some municipalities recommend routing it away from the septic tank. 

Tanks should be pumped every 3–5 years. Filters should be cleaned annually. Regular inspections help prevent costly failures. If you have a tertiary treatment system, regular service and maintenance is required. 

Only if it maintains required setbacks (e.g., 5m from the bed, 1.5m from tank). A designer should verify compliance before you build. CONTACT 

With proper maintenance, most systems last 20–30 years. Tanks may last longer than the leaching bed. Tertiary treatment systems last over 50-70 years if serviced and maintained regularly.

Class 4 (conventional or tertiary), Class 5 (holding tanks), and alternative systems like Waterloo Biofilter, Norweco, Eljen or Ecoflo are allowed, depending on site conditions. 

A site evaluation including soil testing (percolation or T-time) and lot grading is required. Your septic designer can assess suitability based on these factors. CONTACT 

A site evaluation including soil testing (percolation or T-time) and lot grading is required. Your septic designer can assess suitability based on these factors. CONTACT 

A septic tank treats and partially separates wastewater before discharging it to a leaching bed, while a holding tank stores all wastewater and requires regular pumping — it's used where no treatment system is allowed or feasible.

Tank size is based on daily design flow, usually calculated from the number of bedrooms and, plumbing fixtures or house area, following OBC Table 8.2.1.3.A. 

Yes, unless you're using a composting toilet with approved greywater treatment, any dwelling with plumbing must have a septic system or holding tank. 

Only if a septic system is feasible. This requires a site evaluation, T-time test, and septic design to confirm the lot meets OBC and local regulations. 

With proper maintenance, a system can last 20–30 years or more, though raised beds or tertiary systems may have shorter component lifespans. 

Some conservation authorities or municipalities offer limited environmental incentives for failing system upgrades. Check with your local authority. 

There's no universal minimum, but you must have enough area for the system, reserve bed, and meet setback requirements. Some municipalities have specific lot size zoning minimums. 

Only if the existing system can accommodate the increased daily flow. Adding bedrooms or fixtures may trigger a required upgrade. 

You can check property records or as-built drawings, look for inspection ports or tank lids, or hire a septic professional with locating equipment. 

It’s a designated backup area on the lot for a future leaching bed, required under the OBC in case the original bed fails. 

Common causes include lack of pumping, grease buildup, tree root intrusion, excessive water use, or driving over the bed. 

A raised bed is a type of soil mound system built above ground level due to poor soil or high water table. It’s often mistaken for landscaping.

Avoid trees and large shrubs — their roots can damage pipes. Shallow-rooted grass is best. No vegetable gardens should be placed over the bed.

Yes. It increases solid load in the tank and may reduce system life. It’s best to avoid or minimize use with a septic system. 

A filter bed is a type of leaching bed used when space is limited. It uses a sand layer and is compact in design but still OBC-compliant. 

You can design your own if you're BCIN-qualified or a C.E.T., and install it if you're a licensed installer — otherwise, you must hire professionals. 

A site evaluation includes a T-time test, soil profile assessment, slope grading, and verification of setbacks to wells, buildings, and property lines. 

Yes — drain plumbing lines, pump the tank if needed, and insulate exposed pipes to prevent freezing during the off-season. 

Only if the system is sized for the increased load. Adding a second unit may require re-permitting and expanding the system.

It usually includes tank level checks, component assessments, bed condition, and identifying any code violations. 

Greywater includes wastewater from sinks, tubs, and laundry. It should go to the septic system unless approved for separate treatment. 

No. This restricts access and air flow, and may damage components. Always maintain proper clearances. 

Not necessarily — if flow can be accommodated, both units may share a system, but it needs to be properly designed and approved.

Yes, but it may require specialized design, such as raised beds, pump chambers, or tertiary systems.  

Typically 1 to 3 feet, depending on site grading. Access risers are recommended for easy maintenance. 

The mantle is a sand layer under and around the leaching pipes in raised or tertiary systems that assists with effluent dispersal. 

Possible reasons include a full tank, broken pipe, leaching bed failure, or inadequate venting. Inspection is needed. 

They are all tertiary systems with different technologies. Norweco uses Mechanical aeration + clarification + optional disinfection, Eljen uses geotextile filters, Ecoflo uses coco filters, and Waterloo uses foam filters. All are BMEC-approved in Ontario. 

A Norweco treatment system is a type of advanced (tertiary) onsite wastewater treatment system used for residential and small commercial properties that are not connected to a municipal sewer.

✅ What It Does:

The Norweco Singulair system, their most common model, treats sewage to a high standard before discharging it to a leaching bed, surface discharge (where allowed), or other final disposal method.

🧱 How It Works (Typical Singulair System):

The system is usually contained in a multi-chamber concrete or plastic tank and includes:

1. Pretreatment Chamber

   • Like a septic tank; separates solids and scum.
     
     

2. Aeration Chamber

   • Injects air to support aerobic bacteria that break down organic matter.
     
     

3. Clarification Chamber

   • Settles out fine solids after aeration.
     
     

4. Disinfection Chamber (optional)

   • Uses chlorine tablets or UV light to kill pathogens.
     
     

📊 Performance:

• Achieves tertiary-level treatment, including reduction of BOD, TSS, and pathogens

• Typically required when:

  • The site has poor soil, limited space, or shallow groundwater

  • The health unit or municipality requires higher effluent quality
    
    

• Effluent quality can meet standards for surface discharge (in jurisdictions that allow it)
  
  

⚠️ Ontario Considerations:

• Norweco systems are approved under the Ontario Building Code (Part 8) as a Class IV tertiary treatment unit

• They often require:

  • Annual maintenance contracts

  • Sampling and reporting (in some jurisdictions)

  • Use in combination with a smaller leaching bed
    
    

🛠️ Common Applications:

• Small residential lots

• Environmentally sensitive areas

• Properties with high water tables or bedrock close to surface

Yes — adding bedrooms may increase daily flow, requiring a larger or modified system. A designer can confirm based on the OBC. 

Excessive rain can saturate the leaching bed, leading to backups or reduced treatment. Good grading and drainage help prevent this. 

Only toilet paper and human waste. Avoid wipes, grease, chemicals, medications, and anything labeled "flushable." 

It’s a uniform sand type required for treatment in systems like Eljen. It has strict gradation specs and is not the same as regular masonry or beach sand. 

When properly installed and maintained, yes. Septic systems naturally treat wastewater, but poor maintenance can lead to contamination of groundwater and wells. 

Yes — roots can infiltrate and clog pipes or tanks. Avoid planting trees/shrubs near the leaching bed or tank area. 

• Well-maintained Conventional Septic Systems can last 20–40 years, depending on materials, usage, and pumping frequency. 

• Well-maintained Tertiary Septic Systems can last 50–70 years, depending on materials, usage, pumping, service and maintenance frequency.