What You Need to Know About Septic Systems: Not as Scary as They Smell
Let’s be real—septic systems get a bad rep. Maybe it’s the idea of dealing with you know what, but the truth is, they’re not nearly as terrifying as people think. Sure, sometimes in older homes they aren’t in the best locations, the lids can be hard to find (see pro tip below), and yes, they are full of crap (literally), but with a little know-how and basic maintenance, they are easy to manage.
How Often Do You Need to Pump a Septic System?
If you know about septic systems like we do and you’re living in a home with a septic system, you need to plan for a pump-out. The average family of four should have their septic emptied every 3.5 to 4 years. The cost? Typically between $350-$400. Considering the average homeowner moves every 5-7 years, you’ll likely only need to pump the tank twice before moving on.
However, if you have a larger family, entertain guests frequently, or use a lot of water, you may need to pump your septic more often. Keep an eye out for warning signs like slow drains, gurgling sounds, or a soggy yard near the tank—these could mean your system needs attention sooner.
Getting a Septic Inspection When Buying a Home
Buying a home with a septic system? A visual inspection is a must. This means the inspector:
- Pumps the tank and looks inside for visible damage.
- Checks the baffles (these keep solids from flowing into the drain field).
- Runs water from the house and flushes toilets to ensure everything flows properly.
A visual inspection typically costs between $400-$600. If the system is older, a more detailed inspection with a camera may be recommended, costing between $800-$1,200. While this may seem expensive, it’s a small price to pay to avoid a septic disaster down the road.
Need more home-buying tips? reach out for our Home Buyers guide, its full of great options and we will send it to you instantly. Contact us here!
Know About Septic Systems Rules: Keep It Simple
Owning a septic system isn’t complicated—just follow one golden rule:
If it goes into your body, it can go into the toilet. The only exception? Toilet paper.
That means: ✅ Toilet paper = Okay
❌ Wipes (even the “flushable” kind) = Nope
❌ Feminine products = Big no-no
❌ Anything else? Don’t risk it!
Flushing the wrong things can clog the system and cause a nasty backup—literally turning your home into a sh$%ty situation (and nobody wants that).
Additionally, avoid excessive use of bleach and antibacterial soaps, as they can kill the good bacteria that break down waste in your tank. A healthy septic system is all about balance!
Septic Pro Tip: Install Raised Lids
This is key because some people don’t know about septic systems lids and that there is an option to do this. If your septic tank lids are buried, do yourself a favor—install raised lids. This small upgrade costs around $400-$500 and saves you from having to dig up the lids every time you need a clean-out. Raised lids also make inspections easier and reduce the chance of unexpected expenses if your system needs urgent servicing.
Who Replaces Septic Systems?
If you ever find yourself needing to replace a septic system, expect to pay between $25,000-$60,000. The price depends on:
- The size of the house (how many bathrooms and kitchens connect to the system).
- Accessibility (how easy is it for an excavator to get to it?).
And here’s a common mistake—septic cleaning companies do not replace septic systems. That’s the job of an excavation company! If you’re facing a full system replacement, get multiple quotes and ensure the company has experience with residential septic installations. We know of a few companies in the areas we work and we would be happy to pass along a recommendation.
The Importance of Permits for Renovations
Here is something you may not know about septic systems. Planning to add an in-law suite or an extra bathroom? Think twice before skipping the permit process! Any renovation that increases the number of water sources in your home—like additional sinks, toilets, or showers—will add more waste to your septic system. If your current septic tank isn’t designed to handle the extra load, you could face serious issues, including system failure, frequent backups, or even fines for not meeting municipal regulations.
Before starting renovations, check with your local building authority to see if you need a permit. In many cases, an inspection will be required to determine if your septic tank can handle the increased usage. If it can’t, you may need to upgrade to a larger septic system, which can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $50,000 on top of your renovation expenses.
Skipping this step can lead to major headaches down the road, including costly retrofits and difficulties when selling your home. Protect your investment and make sure your upgrades are done legally and properly!
Final Thoughts: Make Friends with Your Septic Pro
One last piece of advice—get to know your septic cleaning company. They are invaluable when it comes to maintenance, emergency issues, and advice on your system. Most local septic cleaning companies have a good knowledge of the condition of most tanks in the area as well as where buried lids are based on their past work. A good relationship can save you time, money, and a whole lot of mess. A trusted septic professional can also give you personalized maintenance tips based on your household’s water usage and system size.
Check out this Ontario Government guide to help you know about septic systems in more depth.
For more real estate tips, visit Tait Sargent Team and reach out if you want to know about septic systems some more!
