Complete Guide to Septic Tank Installation in Winnipeg

Every Winnipeg homeowner should be aware of the condition of their septic system. Septic tanks are underground mechanisms that treat wastewater from your home, separating solids and liquids from your drainage system. A septic system caters more to people who live in rural communities who lack a direct connection to a sewer line.

While most septic tank systems last for decades, it's vital to know when you need a change and how the septic system installation process works. The components within the system work in tandem to maintain the integrity of your septic tank. Should a malfunction occur with one working part of your septic system, you can expect problems of a larger scale to follow.

That's why you should leave the actual installation process to a team of qualified professionals. King's Services provides

septic services in Winnipeg that strives to ensure the operational function of your septic system. With decades of experience working with septic systems, we know the best methods of installation to help you get the most out of your septic tank.

Signs You Need To Replace Your Septic System

If you are unsure if you need to replace your existing septic system, here are some indicators that it is time to hire a professional.

Your System Is Outdated

One of the principal reasons Winnipeg homeowners need to replace their septic tanks is that their system is outdated. Fortunately, most septic systems are durable and last more than forty years. However, if you live in an old home, be alert for any problems that may arise.

If you find yourself pumping your septic system frequently, it is a sign that you may need to consider a replacement. If you do not know how old your septic system is, do your best to find out.

Home Additions

If you decide to add on to your home, this could affect your septic system. Septic systems must fit the size of your house. If your property outgrows your septic system, you have a problem.

Similarly, if you start using more water than usual, you may outpace your septic tank. When you install a home addition, consider a septic upgrade.

Water In Your Yard

One of the most apparent signs that you need a new septic tank is if you start seeing water appear on your lawn for no reason. If this is the case, you must call a professional immediately. A repair may be all you need, but it could also mean that you need to start the septic system installation process.

Slow Drains

If you notice all your drains take a while to process water, you have a septic issue. If it only affects one drain in your home, it is most likely a clog. However, if every sink and bathtub in your home has a slow drain, it may be time for a septic system installation.

Greener Grass

One way to diagnose a septic tank issue is to check the area around your septic tank. If you notice the grass appears greener and more flowers are blooming, it could signify a septic problem.

While you may consider this a positive, the reason for the grass and flowers flourishing is your tank overflowing. This overflow waters the soil of the nearby area. Call for help immediately if you notice these signs.

Compare Estimates From Reputable Contractors

Research all the plumbing companies in your community. Note that not all plumbing outfits conduct septic tank installations. Find a highly-touted company that can provide you with an estimated cost for a tank installation.

You can read customer reviews of these companies to get a feel for their reputation. Make sure their estimates include costs for excavation and drain field testing. Practicing due diligence when choosing the right contractor will save you time and aggravation down the road. Make sure the company you choose has the required licenses and insurance to cover the entire scope of the job, including excavation and testing.

King's Services is a licensed plumbing and septic tank installer servicing Manitoba and the surrounding areas. Our estimates are fair and cover all the components of the job, with no hidden fees.

Necessary Steps Before Installation

The planning stage of a septic tank installation is crucial to getting the most out of your system.

Get a Perc Test

A percolation test is required before you begin the septic system installation process. It tests the soil on your property to determine its texture, consistency, and ability to filter water. Your soil must pass the percolation test to have a septic tank installed. It can take up to three weeks before the test results are ready.

Do not hire a plumbing company before conducting a perc test. Additionally, if you plan to purchase land, make sure to run a perc test before signing anything.

Building Permits

After passing the percolation test, the next step in the installation process is to obtain the necessary permits to excavate and build on your property. It is the septic company's responsibility to get permission from your local governing body and adhere to building codes and requirements.

Excavation

After obtaining the permits, the contractor will design your system and excavate your land. The timeline for this step depends on factors like your land's incline and the presence of trees or vegetation. The planning and excavation phase of your installation may require up to an additional three weeks.

Excavation is an intensive process that will do some damage to your lawn. Make sure to put aside some money for lawn repair after the excavation is complete. The excavation process should begin after main frame construction but before sidewalk and driveway installation.

How Long Does It Take To Install a Septic Tank?

The installation is usually the fastest part of the process. In a perfect world, the septic tank installation takes between five and seven days. Factors that influence the actual time include:

• 
  Location of your property and quality of the soil
• Size and type of your septic system
• Government regulations in your locality
• Weather conditions

Once the installation is complete, your new system must be inspected to ensure that the work is up to code and on par with the engineer's design. From the planning stages to the actual installation, you can expect the entire process to take anywhere from six to eight weeks.

Septic Tank Installation Cost

There are a few costs to be aware of when planning a septic tank installation.

Percolation Test: The percolation test can range from $300 to $1,000+. The test's cost depends on how much acreage you have and how many holes the company needs to dig.

Building Permit: Before installing a septic tank on your land, you need a permit from your province or territory. Each government has its own building permit rate. Expect to spend at least a couple hundred dollars on a building permit.

Septic Tank Price: Depending on the material and size of the tank, most septic systems cost between CA$4,000 and CA$5,000, including parts, labour, and permits. Plastic tanks are the least expensive, starting at around CA$1,500. Concrete and fibreglass septic tanks are pricier but more durable, starting at CA$2,500.

Here is a list of the different septic systems and their prices:

• 
  Conventional Septic System - $3,000+
• Alternative Septic System - $12,000+
• Engineered Septic System - $8,000+

The Importance Of Proper Maintenance

After investing substantial time and money in your new septic tank system, proper care and maintenance will keep it running at peak performance. Regular maintenance maximizes the lifespan of your system and reduces the likelihood of costly septic system repairs.

Be Mindful of What You Flush Down the Toilet

Flushing foreign objects such as paper towels, cotton swabs, and feminine hygiene products is an invitation for septic tank malfunction and permanent damage to your system. Flushable materials include bodily waste and toilet paper only.

Never Dispose of Grease Through the Drain or Garbage Disposal

Your wastewater treatment processes the contents of your entire septic system, meaning that if you regularly pour cooking grease and other oils down the kitchen drain, the buildup of fat and other particulates will clog the inlet. Dispose of grease by scooping it into a carton or disposable container and place it in the garbage.

Pump Your Septic System Periodically

Have your septic tank pumped by licensed professionals to eliminate sludge, break down solid matter, and prevent clogs and backups that can damage your system. Your septic tank should be serviced by a professional annually or bi-annually, depending on the size of your system and the amount of wear and tear it regularly endures.

Contact Us

King's Services provides septic tank installation services in Manitoba and the surrounding areas. Our licensed and insured contractors can help resolve your plumbing issue, no matter how complex it is.

Our priority is to help improve the lives of our clients. We ensure that you and your family are safe from any potential septic tank danger. With over 35 years of industry experience, we have the equipment and expertise to provide the best possible solutions for your septic system.

We also offer emergency services, making us available to take your call 24/7! If you have any questions about our septic system installation process, call us at 204-815-5878 for a free estimate. Learn more about our septic tank maintenance services.