Septic Tank Pumping Service Sidney, Saanich and Victoria
Septic Tank Pumping Services Greater Victoria and Colwood
Septic Systems are an important sewage/wastewater treatment option for homeowners in rural areas where sewer connections might not be available on Vancouver Island. There are more than 27,000 onsite sewage disposal systems currently in service in the Capital Region. The CRD issues more than 500 permits per year for new systems installations. Septic systems are a widely used method of waste water treatment and they won't be going away anytime soon.
A properly running and maintained wastewater treatment system provides your household with environmentally friendly disposal of wastewater and sewage where municipal sewer connections are not available, or would be very expensive to have installed. Your septic tank is an integral system in the operation of your home or building. If you neglect to maintain your septic system it can be a very expensive mistake. Replacing a failed septic system can cost upwards of $15,000 – $30,000 or more depending on the type of system.
Regularly pumping out your septic tank of all the collected solids (called sludge) every 3-5 years is the best way to keep your system healthy and operating trouble-free for many years.
Envirorush Septic is a septic pumping company that specializes in pumping out residential and commercial septic tanks of all sizes. We are based out of Saanichton and serve Greater Victoria, Langford, Colwood and the Saanich Peninsula. Whether you need a septic tank pumped as part of your regular system maintenance, a real estate transaction, or because of a septic system emergency like sewage backing up into your home, Envirorush Septic offers fast, friendly, and affordable pumping services.
We Provide Septic Pumping Services For:
- Residential septic tanks
- Commercial septic tanks
- Movie sets and film trailers
- Large ocean going vessels
- Septic installers removing old tanks
- Municipal or government pumping projects
Your Septic System and Septic Tank Are Your Responsibility
Because your septic tank is out of sight, it's also mostly not something you think about too often. This can create a situation where regular maintenance isn't being done until there is a problem with the system and you need help fast. The home, building, or property owner is 100% responsible for the health of their septic system. This responsibility includes the regularly pumping out all of the solids from the septic tank to prevent them from building up to levels that could cause the solids to clog up your septic leach field or drain field.
It's important for property owners to become familiar with your septic system along with the specific locations of important parts of the system. Important parts of your septic system include the location of your septic tanks, the location of your clean-outs, the distribution box, and lastly your septic leach field (the most expensive part of the system). It's not uncommon on older properties that have been bought and sold many times to lose track of where all of these important parts of your system are located. We can provide septic tank location services if you need assistance finding your system components.
The Most Common Septic Tank Sizes In Greater Victoria
There are a variety of septic tank sizes throughout the CRD capital region with 500 gallons to 1500 gallons being the most common size range of septic tanks that we are called to pump out. As a general rule, the more bathrooms your home has, the more capacity your tank should have. Increase tank size doesn't necessarily mean that you can reduce the frequency of your septic pump outs though!
When Should You Pump Your Septic Tank?
The CRD has specific bylaws in place for residents of Greater Victoria with regards to their septic systems and how often they should be pumped out. This information is kept on record for each property with a registered on-site wastewater treatment system. It’s a good idea to at least inspect your tank annually. If you know the location of the septic lids it's fairly easy to visually inspect the tank yourself. If you don't feel comfortable, you can have a septic tank technician from Envirorush Septic check the levels of liquids and solids for you and we can also check and make sure your effluent filter isn't clogged.
It's a good idea to periodically check your septic drain field a few times per year for any odors or water pooling on the surface as well, which can be signs that you have a problem with your septic system.
While the CRD mandates type 1 septic tank pump outs every 5 years (Bylaw 3479) and type 2 and 3 system pump outs annually. Generally, most septic systems should be pumped out every 3-5 years depending on how much they are used. If you have a large family, a large home, attached suites, your system back ups frequently, or anything else that would put additional usage on your septic system, then you should consider increasing the pump out frequency as suggested by your tank technician.
If you practice good water conservation, and don’t flush harmful items (fat, oil, grease, flushable wipes (no they are not flushable!), and female hygiene products) down your drains, then your septic system can go further between pump outs, but it’s best to let a professional make that determination after inspecting and measuring the sludge and scum layers in your tank.
How Much Does It Cost To Pump My Septic Tank?
The cost for our septic tank pumping service can vary depending on the distance we need to travel to get to your location, the actual size of your tank, and whether or not we'll have to dig up your lids or locate your system for you.
Our trucking fee starts at $199 which includes the trip to your home or property and a return trip to the disposal facility. It doesn't include the actual wastewater disposal costs. If we need to dig up your lid or expose your tank we charge an additional $75.
Our estimates for pumping out your septic tank include trucking to your property, trucking to the disposal facility, pumping of ALL tank solids by backflushing into the tank (so we get everything), a quick visual inspection of the tank and it's condition, and then disposing of your sewage at the proper facility. The average price for a septic tank pump-out can vary between $400 all the way up to $1000 or more. Our pricing will always be competitive and we're always going to provide you with excellent service.
Greater Victoria Septic System Maintenance Bylaw 3479
On May 31, 2005, the provincial government of BC introduced a new sewerage system regulation in an effort to prevent public health risk and protect the Island's delicate watersheds. The regulation applies to site assessments and the installation and maintenance of all types of onsite wastewater systems, including septic systems for single family homes. In cooperation with participating municipalities, the Capital Regional District (CRD) developed Bylaw No. 3479 in response to this new regulation. This bylaw affects homeowners in Colwood, Langford, Saanich and View Royal.
How Does Bylaw 3479 Apply To You?
Homeowners with Type 1 Systems (the most common type of septic system)
The bylaw requires owners with a Type 1 septic system to have their septic tank pumped out at least once every five years. Five years is intended to be the maximum time frame between pump outs. Some septic systems will need more frequent pumping depending on the size of the tank and the conditions of it's use. The septage receiving facility will notify the CRD of your pump out, however you should also consider keeping your receipts as proof of service.
Homeowners with Type 2 or 3 Systems (more modern and complex)
Owners of Type 2 or Type 3 septic systems which are more complex package treatment plants are required to maintain their system according to the maintenance plan for their specific system, and ensure it is maintained by an Authorized Person at least once per calendar year.
Owners of type 2 and type 3 septic systems should ensure their Authorized Person completes a "Certification of Maintenance" and sends it in to the CRD. Owners should keep a copy of this form as proof of service.
Envirorush Septic Pumps Out Septic Tanks In Greater Victoria and Colwood
Envirorush Septic is a septic tank pumping and vacuum truck services company based out of Saanichton and serve Greater Victoria, Langford, Colwood and the Saanich Peninsula.
We specialize in pumping out residential septic, commercial septic, marine sewage and holding tanks, lift stations, and non-hazardous wastewater tanks of all sizes. Our pricing is competitive and our quality of service is unmatched.
If you’d like to receive a quote to pump out your septic tank or holding tank please give us a call 778 587-6944 or fill out our contact form and we’ll get right back to you to schedule a date and time.