Designing a septic system properly starts with understanding your property. Here’s why we ask for a few details before moving forward.
When you contact us about a septic system, one of the first things we will ask you to do is complete a short Septic System Information Form.
At first, it might seem like a lot of questions, but there’s a very good reason for it.
A septic system is a critical part of your property, and it needs to be designed properly from the beginning. Taking a few minutes to gather the right information helps ensure the system we design for you is reliable, compliant with local regulations, and suited to your specific property.
Our goal is to make the entire process simple, clear, and stress-free for you.
Every Property Is Different
Unlike many other parts of a home, septic systems are completely site-specific.
The design depends on things like:
- Soil conditions
- Property layout
- Building size and usage
- Local municipal requirements
Two properties located only a short distance apart can require very different septic systems depending on the soil and layout.
By collecting the right information upfront, we can begin understanding your property and start planning the best solution for it.
Making Sure Your System Is Designed Correctly
A septic system must be sized and designed according to the Ontario Building Code. This is based largely on how much wastewater the home will produce.
That’s why the form asks questions about things like:
- Number of bedrooms
- Plumbing fixtures
- Size of the house
- Additional units or buildings
This information allows us to determine the daily sewage flow, which is what the system must be designed to handle.
Getting this right from the beginning ensures the system will perform properly for years to come.
Understanding Your Property Before We Visit
The information in the form also helps us understand your property before we arrive for a site visit.
This allows us to review important factors such as:
- Property layout
- Possible septic system locations
- Setback distances from wells and buildings
- Municipal requirements for the area
By reviewing these details ahead of time, we can arrive prepared and make the site visit much more productive and efficient.
Avoiding Costly Mistakes
One of the most important reasons for gathering this information early is to avoid costly surprises later.
A well-planned septic system design helps ensure:
- The system meets municipal requirements
- The system fits properly on your property
- The design matches your soil conditions
- Installation can proceed smoothly once permits are issued
Taking the time to plan things properly helps prevent unnecessary delays, redesigns, or unexpected costs.
What Happens Next
Once we receive your completed form, we review the information and determine the next step.
In most cases, the next stage is the septic design process, which typically includes:
- A site visit to review layout options
- Excavating a test hole to examine soil conditions
- Soil analysis and T-Time testing
- Preparing a complete septic design package for the municipality
This process ensures the system is designed specifically for your property and meets all local requirements.
What You Can Expect When Working With Us
We understand that septic systems can feel complicated or unfamiliar for many property owners. Our goal is to make the process clear, straightforward, and stress-free from start to finish.
When you work with OnGrade Inc., you can expect:
Clear communication
We take the time to explain the process, answer your questions, and make sure you understand the steps involved.
A thorough and reliable design process
Every septic system we design is based on careful review of your property, soil conditions, and municipal requirements to ensure the system is designed properly the first time.
Experience with rural properties
Many of our clients are rural homeowners, farmers, or property owners building outside of town limits. We understand the challenges and considerations that come with rural properties.
A focus on long-term performance
A septic system is an important investment. Our goal is to design systems that are reliable, practical, and built to perform well for many years.
Getting Started
The first step is simply completing the Septic System Information Form. Most people complete it in about 3–5 minutes.
Once we receive the form, we’ll review the information and guide you through the next step, which is typically a site visit and septic system design.
If you have any questions while completing the form, feel free to reach out — we’re always happy to help.