Tips & Advice

In Quebec, the Q-2, r. 22 requires homeowners to empty their septic tanks:

• Every 2 years for a principal residence.
• Every 4 years for a second home or seasonal residence, depending on its level of use.

However, this frequency may vary depending on several factors:

• Number of users: A house with several occupants may require more frequent emptying.
• Intensive use: Properties used for commercial purposes (daycare centers, rental cottages, etc.) can accumulate sludge more quickly.

At Septic Tank SV, we offer an automatic reminder service so you can meet these obligations without a second thought. At every pump-out, our technicians also carry out a full visual inspection and clean the prefilter to ensure your system is working properly.

Here are some common signs of a problem with your septic tank:

1. Unpleasant odors around the pit or in your home.
2. Sewage backups in your sinks, toilets or drains.
3. Slower water flow when using your plumbing fixtures.
4. Wet or saturated areas in your yard, especially near the drain field.
5. Unusual noises (gurgling) coming from the pipes.

These problems may indicate overloading of your tank, clogging in the drainfield or structural damage. Septic Tank SV offers a rapid service to diagnose and solve these problems through camera inspections and professional interventions.

A septic tank is an autonomous sanitation system that treats wastewater from your property. It operates in three main stages:

1. Decantation: Wastewater enters the tank. Heavy solids settle to the bottom (sludge), while fats and oils float to the surface (scum).
2. Initial treatment: Bacteria present in the pit partially decompose organic matter.
3. Discharge: Partially treated water is directed to a leaching bed, where it infiltrates into the ground and undergoes natural biological treatment.

To keep it running smoothly, regular maintenance is essential. At Septic Tank SV, we make sure that every step of the process runs smoothly with our emptying, inspection and prefilter cleaning services.

Here are some practical tips to avoid costly problems:

1. Schedule regular pump-outs to avoid excessive sludge build-up.
2. Avoid flushing non-biodegradable products down the toilet or sink (wipes, grease, chemicals).
3. Clean the pre-filter regularly to prevent blockages in the purification field.
4. Check the amount of water discharged to avoid overloading the system.
5. Protect the leaching bed by avoiding heavy structures or compacting it with equipment.

At Septic Tank SV, we offer comprehensive preventive maintenance to ensure the longevity and performance of your septic tank.

The drainfield is an essential component of wastewater treatment. Once the water has been treated in the septic tank, it is directed to the drainfield, where :

• It slowly seeps into the ground through perforated pipes.
• Micro-organisms in the soil eliminate any remaining contaminants.

A poorly maintained septic field can cause :

• Backflow into your home.
• Soil and groundwater contamination.
• Costly repairs.

To prevent these problems, Septic Tank SV inspects and cleans your system every time it’s emptied, and gives you personalized recommendations to protect your drainfield.

Certain products can interfere with the proper operation of your septic tank, disrupting the biological balance or blocking the system. Here’s a list of products to avoid:

• Chemicals: bleach, drain openers, detergents with phosphates.
• Non-biodegradable materials: wipes, plastics, latex.
• Edible fats and oils.
• Medicines and cosmetics containing heavy metals.

These products can kill the beneficial bacteria needed for wastewater treatment, or cause blockages. For specific advice tailored to your installation, contact Septic Tank SV.

Freezing septic tanks and pipes is a common winter problem in Quebec. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Do not attempt to thaw your installations yourself, as this may cause further damage.
2. Contact Septic Tank SV immediately. We offer a fast, professional thawing service, using safe techniques to restore your systems.
3. Adopt preventive measures for winter, such as :
   • Insulate exposed pipes.
   • Drain before winter to reduce the risk of freezing.
   • Avoid compacting the snow above your septic field.

Our team is available 24/7 to intervene quickly in the event of frost or other winter emergencies.

At Septic Tank SV, we offer a complete service to ensure the proper functioning and durability of your septic system:

• Drainage in compliance with Quebec regulations.
• Professional inspections using modern equipment, such as high-precision cameras.
• Pre-filter cleaning to prevent blockages.
• Responsible management of sludge, disposed of at sites approved by the Ministry of the Environment.
• 24/7 emergency service, available even in winter to meet your needs.

With generations of experience, we’re your trusted partner for septic tank maintenance and emptying.