How do I know that my on-site sanitary sewage system is not functioning properly and what are the risks?

Malfunction of an on-site sanitary sewage system represents a public health risk and can cause environmental health problems. In addition it can depreciate property value and make re-sale difficult. A malfunctioning system should not be ignored, as the problems rarely correct themselves, and often become worse.  It should be noted that any system that contravenes the Ontario Building Code is considered as an unsafe system.

Some of the symptoms of problems can include:

•    foul odour

•    sanitary sewage back-up

•    sanitary sewage breakout to the ground surface

•    groundwater contamination

Why should homeowners with on-site systems not put chemicals down the sink or toilet? - Many chemicals are not treated by the on-site sanitary sewage system. and thus are introduced directly into the groundwater system or surrounding sub-soils.