How Septic Systems Work – Ontario Homeowner Guide | Alpha Ex
What Is a Septic System?
If you’re living in a rural or semi-rural part of Ontario, chances are your home isn’t connected to municipal sewer. That’s where a **septic system** comes in—a private wastewater treatment system that safely manages everything that goes down your drains.The Core Components of a Septic System:
- Septic Tank: A watertight buried container (usually concrete or plastic) where solids settle and begin breaking down.
- Leaching Bed (Drain Field): A network of pipes in gravel trenches that spreads effluent into the soil.
- Soil: Nature’s final filter. The last step in treating and dispersing wastewater safely.
How It Works: Step-by-Step
- All household wastewater flows into the septic tank.
- Solids sink, scum floats, and liquid (effluent) exits the tank.
- The effluent flows into the leaching bed, where soil microbes complete the treatment process.
When Basic Isn’t Enough: Advanced Septic Systems
Poor soil? Small lot? High water table? Ontario allows advanced systems that include:- Aerobic Units: Inject oxygen to speed up bacteria (e.g., Bionest, Norweco)
- Filtration Units: Peat moss or foam-based (e.g., Waterloo Biofilter, Ecoflo)
- Geotextile Sand Filters: Engineered sand beds (e.g., Enviroseptic, Eljen)
Ontario Septic Classifications (OBC)
Systems fall under 5 types in the Ontario Building Code:- Class 1: Outhouses
- Class 2: Greywater systems
- Class 3: Cesspools
- Class 4: Most residential septic systems
- Class 5: Holding tanks (no treatment, just pumping)
Septic Maintenance: Protect Your System
Want your system to last 30+ years? Stick to these:- Pump every 3–5 years (more often for large households)
- Don’t flush chemicals or grease—they kill bacteria
- Protect your leaching bed—no parking, no planting trees
How Do You Know If a Septic System Is Failing?
Watch for these warning signs:- Slow draining sinks or tubs
- Gurgling toilets
- Backups in the house
- Odours or soggy patches in the yard