Septic Tank: Key Points to Remember

Published on October 6, 2025

Lid Accessibility
For your safety and the proper functioning of your installation, ensure septic tank lids are not buried. In winter, frozen ground makes access extremely difficult in case of emergency. Ideally, use lids that meet standards, preferably made of plastic rather than concrete blocks. 

If your septic tank is more than 25 years old, it is recommended to have a full inspection — sometimes called a soil test — before replacing the lids. This step provides valuable information about the condition of the system, the type of soil, and the septic tank model best suited to your property, allowing you to plan its replacement at the right time.

NOTE: Extending access manholes or replacing lids on a system already at the end of its life will not solve operational problems or “rejuvenate” your installation.

Important Regulatory Changes
CNESST standards have recently been updated. To protect employee health and safety, pumping septic tanks with lids located under a deck will now be refused, especially if access requires crawling.

Landscaping and Excavation Work
When carrying out excavation or landscaping work, do not place soil, compost, or mulch on top of your leaching bed. The fine particles they contain can clog the spaces between sand or gravel, reduce soil permeability, and cause the system to saturate more quickly, which may result in backups and odors.

Snow Management
Avoid piling snow from snow removal on top of your leaching bed. It already handles household wastewater and rainwater; in spring, melting snow would add extra hydraulic load, accelerating system wear and shortening its lifespan.

Heavy Equipment and Vehicles
Do not drive or park heavy vehicles or equipment (deliveries, landscaping machinery, etc.) over your septic tank or leaching bed.

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