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Septic Systems

SEPTIC SYSTEM

About Septic Systems

If you live in the Okanagan, there’s a pretty decent chance your home and/or workplace is on a septic system. As a homeowner or commercial property manager, that means you have a heightened need for awareness, prevention and, in some cases, rapid response. A broken septic system brings consequences such as septic backup, health hazards and potential damage and financial losses.

On this page we’ll lay out a diagram of a common septic system and break it down for you, component by component, to give you a better understanding of how a septic system works. Further down the page we’ve also got some answers to your frequently asked questions about septic systems. If you’ve got more questions or want to book an appointment for septic service, contact D&L today.

We are Licensed to transport the following Hazardous Waste:

  • Paints
  • Corrosives
  • Contaminated Soil
  • Flammable Liquids
  • Oil
  • Solvents
Learn more
OUR INTERACTIVE

Septic System Diagram

Influent

Influent refers to the untreated raw sewage and waste water that flows into a septic tank. It is, essentially, the starting product in the tank.

Maintenance Access

This is the door or hatch at the top of septic tank that your provider (D&L!) will use to enter the tank for septic maintenance & septic repair.

Baffle

Septic tank baffles or “tees” direct incoming wastewater down into the tank, slowing it down to prevent spraying or pushing to drainfield.

Aeration & Mixing Chamber

An air pump is installed at or near the top of the tank, sending in air to aerate the waste water for biochemical oxidation.

Motor

Septic tanks are a motorized operation. The motor controls the aeration process. That means that preventive maintenance and septic tank servicing are required.

Hollow Shaft

Air is sent into septic tank wastewater directly through the hollow shaft of the aerator – meaning no air hose is needed = simpler installation & operation.

Aspirated Mixer

An air pump is installed at or near the top of the tank, sending in air to aerate the waste water for biochemical oxidation.

Sludge Return

Sludge is the material that has settled in the septic tank’s clarifier; the sludge return sends it back to the processing tank.

Baffle

Just like the other baffle (“tee”), this is an essential component of the septic tank as it prevents the materials from flowing out of control.

Settling Chamber

This is, at is essence, what a septic tank really is. Over time, solids & scum separate into different layers, and clear liquid heads on to the drainfield.

Effluent

The septic tank discharges a liquid called effluent or “gray water” into a series of perforated pipes buried in a leach field. Effluent is somewhat clear as it is sent out into the drain field.

Why you should trust us

“We’ve worked very hard for over 30 years to gain the trust and loyalty of our clients. Our solid reputation is something I’m very proud of, it’s also something I never take for granted”

– Stacey Lund, President

“We’ve worked very hard for over 25 years to gain the trust and loyalty of our clients. Our solid reputation is something I’m very proud of, it’s also something I never take for granted”

– Stacey Lund, President

“We’ve worked very hard for over 25 years to gain the trust and loyalty of our clients. Our solid reputation is something I’m very proud of, it’s also something I never take for granted”

– Stacey Lund, President

“We’ve worked very hard for over 25 years to gain the trust and loyalty of our clients. Our solid reputation is something I’m very proud of, it’s also something I never take for granted”

– Stacey Lund, President

WHAT WE DO

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Are septic cleaning and septic pumping the same thing?
  • How often should you pump or clean a septic tank?
  • Is septic cleaning expensive? Can I do this on my own?
Are septic cleaning and septic pumping the same thing?

Not quite.

Both septic cleaning and septic pumping involve removing fluids and other matter from a septic tank.

Septic pumping refers to the removal of liquid and some sludge from a septic tank. Septic cleaning, meanwhile, means that that all the water and compacted sludge from the bottom of the tank are being removed.

Is one preferable to the other? Actually while the terms should not be used interchangeably, the methods can effectively be used in tandem. Septic pumping can be performed on a regular basis, while septic cleaning can be reserved for less frequent occasions.

The terms are sometimes used as synonyms, but now you know they are in fact different!

How often should you pump or clean a septic tank?

By cleaning a septic tank on a regular basis (every 3-5 years), the solids can be removed fairly easily.

Sometimes when the sludge is heavy, a high-pressure water nozzle is used to remove the solids. Occasionally, we find solids so thick that they can’t be broken down. In these instances, re-pumping the tank in 6 -12 months is recommended.

Is septic cleaning expensive? Can I do this on my own?

Septic cleaning is a necessary investment for anyone who owns a property with a septic system. This is either a financial investment, or an investment in your time and effort. While there are DIY methods for septic cleaning, the time involved may vary, and – very frankly speaking – it is not a pleasant endeavour. That’s why homeowners rely on the pros to clean their septic systems. At D & L Environmental, we offer a fairly priced septic cleaning service, one that is professional and thorough. Proper cleaning now will help prevent more costly (and unpleasant) issues down the road.

D & L Environmental Ltd. has been doing business in the Okanagan for over 25 years. We have grown into the largest full service vacuum truck company in the BC Interior.

670 Beaver Lake Road
Kelowna, BC V4V 1S7

250-765-0999 (Main Number)
250-766-3260 (Lake Country)
250-769-8040 (West Kelowna)
250-769-8040 (Vernon)

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