Services

If you’re in the market for a home in the Okanagan, you might encounter properties that rely on an onsite wastewater system rather than a municipal sewer. While these systems are reliable, they are a significant part of your property’s infrastructure. As a Registered Onsite Wastewater Practitioner (ROWP), I recommend that every prospective buyer includes a professional septic inspection as a contingency in their purchase agreement.

Understanding the condition of your future septic system now can save you from costly, unexpected repairs or health hazards down the road.

A professional inspection is not just a cursory glance at the lawn. According to ASTTBC practice guidelines, inspections must be performed by a qualified ROWP endorsed as a Planner (PL), Maintenance Provider (MP), or Private Inspector (PI). 

Depending on your needs, there are two primary types of inspections available:

This type of inspection is designed to help a prospective buyer determine the overall condition and functionality of the system. It assesses whether the system is suitable for your intended use and identifies any immediate maintenance or repair needs. 

During a performance inspection, I will:

• Identify the system type and explain how it is expected to function versus its actual performance. 
• Locate key system components and utilities on the property. 
• Review existing filing documents, permits, and maintenance records. 
• Compare the system’s design capacity against your anticipated usage. 

If you are planning to renovate, add bedrooms, or build new structures (like a workshop or pool) on a property, a Compliance Inspection is essential. This inspection covers everything in a Performance Inspection but adds a focus on how your proposed changes might negatively impact the existing system. 

Key aspects of a compliance inspection include:

• Detailed and precise recording of component locations and sizing. 
• Verification of setback distances between the system and proposed structures. 
• Documentation required by regional districts or municipal bylaws for building permits. 

Whether you are buying a home or planning an addition, you deserve clear answers. My inspection reports provide an easy-to-understand breakdown of the system’s status, using standard terminology such as:

• Operating in a normal manner: The system is functioning as intended by its design. 
• Operating with partial restriction: The system is working, but showing signs of stress or backing up. 
• Performance malfunction: The system is not meeting required standards and requires immediate attention. 

As an ROWP governed by the Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of British Columbia (ASTTBC), I am held to strict ethical and professional standards. My professional designation depends on maintaining these high standards, and I am committed to protecting your interest by identifying potential health or safety hazards before they become your problem. 

If you own a home in the Okanagan with an onsite wastewater system, you’re essentially managing a private, miniature treatment plant in your backyard. Many homeowners adopt an "out of sight, out of mind" approach, but ignoring your system is the fastest way to turn a routine chore into an expensive emergency.

I cannot stress this enough: preventative maintenance is the key to extending your system's life and protecting your property value.

An onsite wastewater system—whether it’s a standard septic tank or an advanced treatment system—is a biological process. It relies on a delicate balance of bacteria to break down solids. When you fail to maintain this, you disrupt that balance, leading to solids entering the dispersal field, which can result in irreversible damage. 

Regular maintenance visits serve two critical purposes:

1. Performance Evaluation: I perform a comprehensive check of the entire system, not just the tank. This includes inspecting mechanical components, testing treatment processes, and ensuring all wastewater is flowing as intended. 
2. Health Hazard Prevention: By catching small issues early—like a failing baffle or a clogged filter—we prevent the system from creating a potential health or safety hazard. Effluent breakout to the surface is a serious issue that must be reported to the local Health Authority; routine maintenance is the best way to prevent it. 

My maintenance services are designed to be thorough and transparent: 

• System Check-up: I examine the tank, treatment devices, and dispersal area to ensure they are functioning within the original design parameters. 
• Performance Monitoring: For Type 2 or 3 systems, I conduct effluent sampling to ensure your system is meeting provincial standards for water quality. 
• Documentation: After every visit, I provide a sealed, signed, and dated written report. This report describes the work performed, the reasons for that work, and the overall performance of your system. 

Beyond professional maintenance, you are the first line of defense for your system’s health. Following these simple rules will keep your system running smoothly:

• Watch what goes down the drain: Never use a garbage disposal (garburator), as it significantly overloads the tank with solids. 
• Manage your water: Excessive irrigation over the drain field or leaky fixtures can hydraulically overload the system, causing failure. 
• Keep it clear: Never place structures, roads, parking, or swimming pools over your drain field. These impervious materials will restrict oxygen and can cause the system to fail. 
• Safety first: Gases within the septic tank can be explosive and asphyxiating. Never attempt to enter a tank; always ensure lids are secured. 

Don't wait for a slow drain or an odor to alert you to a problem. By adhering to the maintenance plan prepared for your system, you protect your home, your family's health, and your investment in the property

Whether you are building a new dream home in the Okanagan or planning a significant renovation, your onsite wastewater system is one of the most critical, yet often overlooked, components of your property. A septic system isn't just a tank in the ground; it is a complex, engineered solution tailored to your specific site conditions.

As a (ROWP) Planner, I often see the consequences of systems that were poorly planned or installed without professional oversight. Planning a system is more than just drawing a sketch; it’s an engineered process that ensures your property remains safe, compliant, and functional for decades.

According to professional practice guidelines, designing a system requires a thorough understanding of the British Columbia Sewerage System Regulation (SSR) and the Standard Practice Manual (SPM). Attempting to bypass professional planning—or choosing an unqualified designer—is not just a risk to your property value; it is a risk to the environment and your own health. 

When I plan a system for your property, I focus on:

• Site & Soil Assessment: A successful system begins with the soil. I conduct detailed site visits and soil assessments—including the excavation of test pits—to determine the soil's permeability and ability to treat wastewater effectively. 
• Regulatory Compliance: My designs strictly adhere to the SPM to ensure your system meets all provincial and local health authority requirements. This is crucial for obtaining the necessary filings and permits. 
• Tailored Solutions: Every property is unique. I develop design drawings and specifications that align with your property’s layout, your household size, and your anticipated water usage, ensuring the system is neither underpowered nor unnecessarily complex. 

Planning is a multi-stage process designed to protect you from start to finish. It typically involves:

1. Initial Assessment: Reviewing lot surveys, building plans, and existing service locations to identify constraints like setbacks and property boundaries. 
2. Design & Filing: Preparing the system design and submitting the required filing documents to the Health Authority on your behalf. 
3. Construction Review: As your planner, I provide oversight during key stages of construction (such as pre-construction meetings and final commissioning) to ensure the system is built exactly as planned. 
4. Final Certification: Once installation is verified, I prepare and file the Letter of Certification (LoC), providing you with the final maintenance plan and as-built records you need to manage your system. 

As an ROWP Planner, I am governed by a strict regulatory body. Professional integrity is built into my practice; there are significant professional repercussions for failing to meet regulatory standards, which is your assurance that your project is being handled with the highest level of diligence. 

When you hire a professional for your system planning, you aren't just buying a drawing—you are securing a partner who takes full professional responsibility for the design, construction, and certification of your wastewater system.

Designing the perfect septic system is only half the battle; the other half is ensuring that the construction meets those high standards. A septic system is a sophisticated piece of infrastructure, and its long-term performance—and the health of your property—depends entirely on the quality and precision of the installation.

At Savage Septic Services, I offer flexibility in how your system is installed. Whether you prefer to use your own excavation contractor, utilize your own equipment, or have me coordinate the entire process through my network of trusted partners, I am here to ensure your project succeeds.

My commitment to your project goes far beyond a couple of site visits. As a Registered Onsite Wastewater Practitioner (ROWP), my oversight is a comprehensive, structured quality-assurance program designed to verify that your system is constructed in strict accordance with the Standard Practice Manual (SPM) and my engineering design. 

My due diligence process includes:

• Pre-Construction Technical Review: Before any equipment moves, I conduct a detailed review of plans and specifications with you or your contractor. We confirm component locations, discuss construction techniques, and ensure the Installer has a complete understanding of the design requirements. 
• Structured Milestone Inspections: I perform key site visits timed to coincide with critical installation benchmarks—such as the inspection of the tank foundation, the dispersal field layout, and the final commissioning/testing of the system. 
• Guided Documentation Requirements: You are never left to guess what "conformance" looks like. I provide a comprehensive project manual that details the exact photographic documentation required at every stage of construction, such as tape-measured depths, pipe placement, and critical separation verification. 
• Continuous Remote Review: My due diligence includes a continuous review of the photographic records and site data you provide throughout the installation. If any site or soil condition deviates from the plan, I am in constant communication with the installer to provide corrective guidance immediately. 
• Commissioning & Performance Testing: My oversight concludes with a thorough system commissioning where I verify the hydraulic functionality, ensuring that all wastewater arrives at each component as intended. 

I offer two main ways to execute your project, depending on your needs:

• Managed Partnership: You or your contractor provide the personnel and equipment to perform the actual excavation and installation. while I handle the technical design, conformance, filing, and final certification. 
• Full-Service Coordination: If you prefer a "turnkey" solution, I can arrange the entire installation through my network of trusted excavation partners. In this scenario, I continue to provide the design, filing, and strict professional oversight, while my partners handle the labor and equipment.