Septic System
There are still some areas within Kelowna and its surrounding areas where residential homes still rely on septic systems to deal with their waste materials. These areas originally were not serviced by a local municipality. The City of Kelowna has now initiated a long term goal changing most residences over to a public sewer system. Owners can choose to pay for the improvement levy and connection fees right away, or apply the costs to their yearly property taxes. A home owner's property taxes will increase on average by several hundred dollars a year and are amortized over a lengthy 20 year period. Buyers of these properties are likely to take this into consideration when looking at resale of the same home later on down the road.
Quick definitions of:
Septic tank - A large watertight container/holding tank that over time changes sewage into a decomposed state through bacterial action into a liquid and sludge. As the sludge settles to the bottom of the tank, scum rises to the top, and the liquid is dispersed into the leaching bed. Septic tanks should not be located closer than 5 feet from the house and at least 55 feet or more from wells.
Distribution system - A series of pipes leading to the leaching bed. In some instances a longer single pipe where larger properties allow for this type of distribution.
Leaching bed - Sometimes referred to as a tile bed, disposal or drainage field. This system is a network of connected, perforated or open joint pipes surrounded by filtering materials such as soil or sand. A leaching bed should be a minimum of 100 feet from a well.
SIGNS OF TROUBLE WITH A SEPTIC SYSTEM
• Extra plant growth over the leaching bed could be a sign that the bed is saturated or still contains organic material.
• Brown or burnt patches of grass over the leaching bed may indicate that the system is too full.
• Sewage odors in the sump pit or house drains may also indicate that the system is too full.
• If the leaching area is wet and spongy are indicators that there is too much water in the system or be a sign of clogged pipes.
• If black oily liquid is spotted on the surface of the grass or waste water is backing up into the house mean there are serious problems. These problems typically occur when pipes become plugged, too much water in the system, or solids are not breaking down due to poor soil conditions.
HOW TO ENSURE LONG LIFE FOR A SEPTIC SYSTEM
• Dispose of solids appropriately, do not flush cooking grease, food waste or paper towels.
• Spread out water demands, do not wash dishes and do multiple loads of laundry in a short period of time.
• Divert other water sources such as rain water or draining of hot tubs away from the leaching bed.
• Waste water from a water softener does not break down and may clog the system.
• Dispose of chemicals and fuels at approved waste sites and use environmentally friendly products.
• Have the system checked annually and pump out sludge frequently.
If you would like to know more about the areas and communities within Kelowna that still use septic systems please contact me anytime.
Sincerely,
Jason Neumann
Kelowna Real Estate Blog