Beyond The Flush RSS

It is not recommended to pump out a seasonal-use cottage or cabin septic system in the fall, unless absolutely necessary and if so, please ensure your septic tank is full of water or wastewater prior to spring thaw.  If your place has year round use, then by all means have your septic system serviced if and whenever due or needed. Why not pump out seasonal system? An empty septic tank can act like a boat, particularly in the spring!  If the ground water table is high in the spring, and your septic tank is empty it may pop out of the...

Just wanted to send out a friendly reminder to check your toilet flapper valves. Septic systems DO NOT benefit from excess water... so STOP the leaks. How to check a toilet flapper valve. It is easy. When toilet tank is completely full, turn off water supply to the toilet tank (usually a small silver oval valve near floor behind toilet). Wait. Half a day. Over night. You decide. Next, turn water supply on by opening the silver toilet tank valve. If you hear water filling the toilet tank, the flapper valve is leaking and you need to replace the flapper...

EcoEthic Septic Care Sign Pac.  Do you rent out your cottage or cabin paradise?  Or have family or guests who are unaware of what should and should not go into a septic system? These small, simple signs will help to remind guests and family what can and cannot go down the kitchen drain, bathroom fixtures and into the laundry. 

Wastewater generated in households is defined by two different terms.  Greywater and Blackwater.  Yum, yum, right?! Greywater is household wastewater from any plumbing other than a toilet. Blackwater is wastewater generated by a toilet. How does Grey Water differ from Black Water? Greywater is from the drains of baths, showers, bathroom basins and laundry, and in some regions does or and in other regions does not include, kitchen sink, or dishwasher waste.  The clearest definition is grey water is the result of water being used for household purposes, like bathing and washing clothes.  Black water contains feces and urine and...

With thousands and thousands of cottages across Canada, cottagers can have quite an impact on the environment.  It is just as important to practice Being Green at the cottage as it is at home, maybe even more so! If you haven’t already replaced harsh cleaners, this spring is the time to do so. Try environmentally certified cleaners such as Down East: All Purpose Cleaner, Cream Cleaner, Laundry, Dishwashing Liquid, and Bathroom Spray Cleaner. Install waterless or low flow toilets and showerheads to reduce water use. Check toilet flapper valves and washers in faucets to prevent unnecessary water from leaking into...