The short version
- In BC, onsite sewage systems are covered by the Sewerage System Regulation.
- Homeowners are responsible for carrying out their system's maintenance plan.
- That maintenance has to be done by an authorized person: a Registered Onsite Wastewater Practitioner (ROWP) or a professional engineer.
- Systems built after May 30, 2005 should have come with a maintenance plan.
- Older systems can get one: an authorized person can develop a plan.
None of this is meant to make life harder. A system that's maintained on schedule lasts longer and is far less likely to fail.
What is a septic maintenance plan?
A maintenance plan is a written schedule and set of instructions for your specific system. It's provided by the authorized person who designed or installed the system, and a copy goes to the regional health authority, which is Island Health here.
A typical plan covers:
- How often the tank should be pumped
- What gets inspected, and how often: baffles, filters, pumps, floats, alarms, the drain field
- Effluent filter cleaning schedules
- Any treatment units that need servicing
- What to avoid: products, practices and loads that can harm the system
- What records to keep
Systems with pumps or treatment units usually need more frequent attention than a simple gravity system.
Why it matters
It protects your investment
A drain field replacement can be one of the biggest repair bills a rural homeowner faces. Regular maintenance is the cheapest insurance against it.
It protects your water
Poorly maintained systems can contaminate groundwater, wells and nearby streams and shorelines. Around Nanaimo, many homes rely on wells and sit close to the ocean, lakes or creeks.
It makes selling easier
Buyers and realtors increasingly ask for septic records. A maintenance plan and a folder of receipts and reports make a sale smoother.
My system is old. Does this apply to me?
Many homes around Nanaimo have systems installed before the 2005 regulation. These systems don't have a maintenance plan from installation, but that doesn't mean they can be ignored.
Your options:
- Book an inspection to find out the system's type, size and condition. See septic inspections.
- Ask the authorized person to develop a maintenance plan for your system.
- Start a records folder with every pump-out receipt, inspection report and repair invoice.
How often should I pump?
HealthLinkBC's guidance is that most tanks need pumping about every 2 to 5 years, depending on household size, tank size, water use and what goes down the drain. Your maintenance plan may give a more specific schedule. See septic pumping.
Everyday habits that protect your system
HealthLinkBC advises keeping these out of your drains:
- Paints, solvents and harsh chemicals
- Fats, grease and cooking oil
- Coffee grounds and tea leaves
- Paper towels, diapers, wipes, feminine hygiene products and hair
- Cigarette butts
Also:
- Spread out laundry over the week
- Fix leaky toilets and taps quickly
- Keep vehicles and heavy equipment off the tank and field
- Plant only grass over the field
- Think twice about a garburator unless your system was sized for one
Keeping records
Keep one folder, paper or digital, with:
- Your maintenance plan, if you have one
- System design and filing documents
- Every pump-out receipt
- Inspection reports
- Repair invoices
- A sketch showing where the tank, lids and field are
Septic maintenance FAQ
Is a maintenance plan legally required? Under BC's Sewerage System Regulation, homeowners are expected to carry out their system's maintenance plan using an authorized person. Systems installed after May 30, 2005 should have one.
Who can create a maintenance plan for my older system? An authorized person: a Registered Onsite Wastewater Practitioner (ROWP) or a professional engineer.
Can I do my own septic maintenance? Simple habits, yes. The maintenance work itself, like pumping, inspections and servicing components, should be done by an authorized person.
Where can I find my system's records? Check your purchase documents first. Island Health may hold filings for systems installed or altered since 2005.
A simple yearly septic routine
Even with a pro handling the maintenance, a few habits keep you ahead of problems:
Every month - Glance at the drain field for soggy spots or smells - Check that the alarm panel light is normal, if you have one
Every year - Test the alarm - Check that lids are secure and undamaged - Review your records: when is the next pump-out or inspection due? - Make sure gutters and downspouts drain away from the field
On your maintenance schedule - Pump the tank - Have the filter cleaned and components checked - Get the field assessed
Any time - Fix leaky toilets and taps right away - Call a pro if anything seems off. Early is always cheaper.
Septic rules and home sales
When you sell a home on septic, buyers will want to know the system's condition. A maintenance plan, regular pump-out receipts and a recent inspection report can:
- Reassure buyers and their realtors
- Speed up subject removal
- Reduce the chance of a last-minute price negotiation
If you're planning to sell in the next year or two, now is a good time to get your system inspected and your records in order.
Get your system on a plan
Call our local line or send the quick quote form. A registered local septic pro can inspect your system, develop a maintenance plan, and keep you on schedule.