Pumps, Holding Tanks, Privies and Special Components
Not every property can take a standard gravity-fed system. These are the alternatives the Guidelines allow, and the conditions attached to them.
25 questions in this section
- When is a pump required?
- What is the difference between a pump for elevation and a pressure-dosed field?
- How much effluent does a pressure-dosed system deliver per dose?
- Where should a pump be installed?
- Who inspects the electrical side of a pump installation?
- Are there safety rules for pump chambers?
- Can my regular installer design a pressure-dosed plastic chamber field?
- What is a holding tank?
- When will a holding tank be approved?
- Does seasonal cottage use count as temporary use for a holding tank?
- How big must a holding tank be?
- Does a holding tank need an alarm?
- How often does a holding tank need pumping?
- What is a leak test on a holding tank?
- What is a pit privy?
- When is an earthen pit privy allowed?
- What are the rules for a privy pit?
- What features must a privy have?
- What are child protection bars?
- Do I need a grease trap at my house?
- How does a grease chamber work?
- Can I pour degreaser into a grease trap?
- Can an oil/water separator discharge to my septic system?
- What are examples of non-conventional systems?
- What governs contour system installations?
When is a pump required?
When elevation does not allow effluent to flow by gravity from the septic tank to the disposal field, or when the total linear length of the field exceeds 150 metres (500 feet) of pipe and stone, or 75 metres (246 feet) of plastic infiltrators.
What is the difference between a pump for elevation and a pressure-dosed field?
If the pump is needed only because of elevation, the field is not considered pressure-dosed. If the pump is needed because of the field's size, the field must be pressure-dosed and designed accordingly.
How much effluent does a pressure-dosed system deliver per dose?
The pump and chamber must be able to dose the distribution field at 50 to 75 percent of total capacity at any one time. Table 5 of the Guidelines gives the dosing volumes for each field length.
Where should a pump be installed?
Between the septic tank and the disposal field. The same separation distances apply to pump chambers as to septic tanks.
Who inspects the electrical side of a pump installation?
The licensee must contact the Department for inspection of electrical components before the pump chamber assembly is covered. All feeders must be installed by a licensed electrical contractor, and pumps must be wired in accordance with all electrical codes.
Are there safety rules for pump chambers?
Yes. Pump stations are confined spaces and must be designed so that all mechanical equipment can be accessed and serviced. There must be no receptacle or junction box inside the sump, and all pumps must be approved for sump pump use and bear an acceptable certification label.
Can my regular installer design a pressure-dosed plastic chamber field?
No. Plastic infiltrative chamber disposal fields with pump installations requiring pressure dosing are not a conventional design. They fall under the non-conventional rules and need engineering.
What is a holding tank?
A total retention tank with no disposal field. Everything is stored and pumped out by a licensed septage hauler. It is a last resort, not a normal option.
When will a holding tank be approved?
Only in four situations: when no conventional or non-conventional system can be installed on an existing building lot and all separation distances can be met; for temporary use such as special events or construction camps not exceeding 12 months; as an interim measure on a lot that will be connected to a communal sewerage system within a year with written municipal confirmation; or for non-residential use such as a guard house with flows not exceeding 90 L/day.
Does seasonal cottage use count as temporary use for a holding tank?
No. Seasonal use of cottages, travel trailers and other dwellings is expressly not considered temporary use.
How big must a holding tank be?
Sized for the estimated daily volume of sewage, with a minimum of 9,000 litres (2,000 imperial gallons).
Does a holding tank need an alarm?
Yes. It must have a signalling device with a switch and alarm giving a visible or audible signal when the tank is 80 percent full. If used with a pump, the warning device must be inter-wired with the pump to prevent pump operation when the tank is 90 percent full.
How often does a holding tank need pumping?
At a frequency dictated by usage, and it must be pumped by a licensed septage hauler. Because everything goes into the tank, this is far more often - and far more expensive - than a conventional system.
What is a leak test on a holding tank?
Filling the tank with water to a level above the inlet pipe at least 24 hours before the final inspection is requested. An inspector may require it on a two-piece tank assembled on site where conditions are high risk, such as installation on fissured bedrock.
What is a pit privy?
A small building with a toilet pedestal or bench over an excavated pit or a watertight holding tank or vault. The same separation distances apply as for septic tanks.
When is an earthen pit privy allowed?
Only when the lot has no greywater being discharged, meaning no well and no electricity. Otherwise a vault privy with a watertight tank is required.
What are the rules for a privy pit?
A minimum 1.2 metre (4 foot) separation to limiting factors, and a depth no greater than 1.2 metres (4 feet) below original grade. Soil conditions must be considered as they would be for a trench or mound field.
What features must a privy have?
A self-closing door and insect-proof screens on ventilation openings. It must not be located where surface water pools. A vault version needs an opening for pumping, a vent terminating above the roof, and child protection bars where public access is expected.
What are child protection bars?
Bars over the tank opening spaced so a 100 mm (4 inch) sphere cannot pass through, aligned to minimize accumulation of waste material, to prevent a child from falling in.
Do I need a grease trap at my house?
Grease chambers are not usually required on residential waste lines. They are required for some commercial and institutional applications such as restaurants and school cafeterias.
How does a grease chamber work?
Wastewater cools in the chamber so grease floats to the surface while cleaner water below moves on to the system. Without it, grease accumulates and blocks the disposal field lines.
Can I pour degreaser into a grease trap?
No. Chemical compounds that dissolve grease must not be added. They clean out the trap but allow the dissolved grease to re-solidify in the disposal field, which can cause the system to fail.
Can an oil/water separator discharge to my septic system?
No. Effluent from an oil/water separator is not permitted to discharge to a domestic on-site sewage disposal system. Paints, solvents and thinners kill the bacteria that break down organic matter. Contact the Department of Environment and Local Government about proper disposal.
What are examples of non-conventional systems?
Contour systems, sloping sand filters, aerobic or anaerobic package plants that pre-treat effluent, pressure-dosed infiltrative chamber systems, peat or other sand-type filters, constructed wetlands, large diameter matted pipe, and any system with an estimated daily flow above 5,460 L/day.
What governs contour system installations?
Contour systems are approved by the Department of Health, and installers licensed for them must follow the most recent version of the Selection and Installation Manual for Contour Sewage Disposal Systems in New Brunswick.
Have a question about your own property? General answers only go so far — your soil, slope, water table and setbacks are specific to your lot. Call (506) 233-6272 or send us the details.
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