Big John Earthworks & Septic Systems Blog

Every dream home, workshop, garage, or acreage development begins with the same thing. Dirt. Before the first brick is laid or the first post is planted, you need to shape the land into something strong, level, and buildable. This is where the real work begins. And it is also where success is either built or buried.

You press the lever, the water swirls, and everything disappears. Out of sight, out of mind, or so it seems. But when it comes to septic systems, what you do not see can absolutely hurt you.

Most homeowners do not think much about the shape of the land around their house. After all, it is just dirt, right? But beneath that quiet slope in your yard lies one of the most critical features of your home’s long-term protection. It is called grading, and it plays a huge role in defending your property against water damage, soil erosion, foundation cracking, and even septic system failure.

You’ve got big plans for your property, a new garage, a basement addition, maybe even a custom-built dream home. Before anything goes vertical, you’ve got to go down. And that means excavation.

If you live in rural Alberta, installing a septic system is not just a home upgrade — it’s a necessity. And like most major projects on your property, you might be tempted to take the do-it-yourself route.

In rural Alberta, septic systems are a way of life. Unlike city dwellers who flush and forget, rural homeowners know that what goes down must eventually come back up if not properly managed. A poorly maintained septic system can cause serious damage, from foul smells and contaminated groundwater to expensive repairs and even municipal fines.