FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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​What is the life expectancy of my septic system? The lifespan of a complete septic system varies widely from 15-40 years.  Like other parts of your home, a septic system ages and deteriorates. When it stops working properly, it needs to be replaced. The average lifespan of a septic tank is about 25 years, as the common concrete tank breaks down from the acidic black wastewater. The cost to replace a septic tank and drain field can exceed well over $30,000.

 

Does septic aeration really work? The active aerobic bacteria will make your septic tank cleaner and the aerobic wastewater will help to clean up the biomat buildup and improve functionality of a failing field.  Through extensive testing, BWS has proven that septic aeration works to remediate a private sewage treatment system.

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How long has septic aeration been around? The process of septic aeration has been around for more than 100 years.   

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Will the septic system smell while the BWS system is in place? There could be septic odours for a short period of time after startup. Once the system converts to the aerobic process, the odours will be minimal from your tank and drain field.

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Do I have to run this constantly?  The BWS system runs on a timer to efficiently maintain an aerobic state in your septic tank. If the BWS system is shut off for an extended period of time, anaerobic bacteria will return.  

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How long before my system is restored?   The system responds quickly. Within just weeks, the aerobic bacteria will be thriving in your septic tank. The drain field may take longer to improve. In some cases, if the drain field is in bad shape with extensive biomat build up, it could take several months to improve functionality.

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Why should I do this?   The wastewater discharging from your septic tank will be cleaner, helping your drain field more efficiently filter the wastewater going into the groundwater. ​

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Do I need to pump my tank before the installation?  We recommend that you pump your tank before we install a BWS system. The biggest side effect of not pumping prior to installation will be a longer process with excess odours until your septic tank has turned aerobic.

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Will I need a permit to install a BWS system?  The Alberta government legislation does not require a permit to install additional remediation equipment to improve the operation of an existing private sewage treatment system.

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Should I pump my tank while the BWS system is in place?  With significantly less buildup of solids in the black tank, your tank will require less frequent clean-outs.

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Do I need to add any chemicals to my septic tank?  No, the BWS system operates without any additional additives or chemicals.

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How do I know If my septic system is failing?  You may have spots of wastewater pooling in your yard or where the field is placed.  Other indicators are odours from your septic tank and/or drain field, slow running drains in your home and possible gurgling sounds coming from the pipes.  Worst-case scenario, the septic tank backs up into your basement, flooding it with sewage.

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I have septic odours in my yard. Will this fix the problem?   Once the BWS system is fully operational and the aerobic bacteria has taken over, there should be minimal septic odours from your tank. Then the aerobic bacteria will carry downward to your field, helping reduce odours from the drain field.  

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I’ve been told that I may have to replace my field.   Try the BWS system to fix your problem without the expensive costs of digging up a field or tank. It could save you tens of thousands of dollars!

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