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.
The good news? With the right approach and the right team on your side, you can keep your septic system running smoothly for decades. Whether you’re installing a brand-new system, fixing a failing one, or just trying to avoid costly disasters, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.
At BIG JOHN Earthworks and Septic, we’ve built a reputation for precision, honesty, and hard work. We’re a certified, family-owned business proudly serving rural Alberta with top-tier earthworks and septic services. From site prep and trenching to custom septic system design, foundation excavation, culvert installation, and more, we do it all.
Let’s get into the essential rules every rural property owner should follow to survive and thrive with a septic system.
Understand How Your Septic System Works
Before we talk about what can go wrong, it’s important to understand what makes up a septic system. In simple terms, your septic system consists of:
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A septic tank that holds waste from your home
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A drainage field (leach field) where liquid waste (effluent) is filtered through soil
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Pipes and pumps that move wastewater from your home to the tank and then to the field
When working properly, the tank separates solids from liquids. Solids settle at the bottom, scum floats to the top, and the clear liquid in the middle flows out to the drain field.
The soil then acts as a natural filter, cleaning the water before it returns to the groundwater table.
Sounds simple, right? It is, but only if you treat it with care.
Septic System Mistakes That Cost You Big
There are some common habits that lead to septic failures. Unfortunately, many homeowners do not realize they are damaging their system until it’s too late.
Let’s break down the top mistakes to avoid:
1. Flushing the Wrong Stuff
Toilets are not garbage cans. Flushing items like paper towels, baby wipes, feminine products, cigarette butts, or even so-called “flushable wipes” will clog your system over time.
Stick to the basics:
Only human waste and toilet paper should be flushed. If you wouldn’t eat it or compost it, don’t flush it.
2. Overusing Water
Excessive water use overwhelms your septic system and reduces the time solids have to settle in the tank.
Smart habits include:
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Spacing out laundry loads
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Fixing leaky toilets or faucets
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Installing low-flow fixtures
Water conservation is more than just good for the environment — it directly protects your septic investment.
3. Skipping Regular Maintenance
Your septic tank needs to be pumped every 2 to 5 years, depending on usage. Skipping this step can lead to sludge buildup, clogs, and backups.
When solids overflow into the drain field, they can permanently damage your soil and require expensive field replacement.
4. Building or Parking on the Drain Field
Your drain field needs air, space, and time to function. Parking vehicles or placing structures on top of it compresses the soil and kills its ability to absorb water.
Keep the area clear, and avoid planting trees nearby. Roots can destroy drain field pipes.
How to Know Your Septic System is Failing
Some warning signs that demand immediate attention:
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Slow drains or gurgling pipes
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Unpleasant odors inside or outside
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Pooling water near the septic tank or drain field
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Sewage backups in toilets or tubs
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Lush, green grass over the drain field (when surrounding grass is dry)
If you notice any of these red flags, contact a certified septic specialist right away. Ignoring the issue will only make the problem (and the repair bill) worse.
At BIG JOHN, we offer emergency response and full diagnostic services to identify and fix septic failures fast.
Septic Installation Done Right, From the Ground Up
If you’re building a new home in rural Alberta or upgrading an old system, professional design and installation are key to long-term success. At BIG JOHN Earthworks and Septic, we custom-design every system to match your property’s unique conditions, including:
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Soil type and permeability
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Water table levels
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Household size and water usage
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Local codes and permitting requirements
We handle every part of the process, from site prep and trenching to tank placement, pipe installation, and final grading. No guesswork. No shortcuts. Just quality craftsmanship from experienced operators who care about your land.
Don’t Forget About Permits and Inspections
One of the most common ways rural homeowners run into trouble is by skipping the permit process or failing to meet municipal regulations. Septic work without permits can lead to hefty fines, forced excavation, and property resale problems.
As a certified provider, BIG JOHN takes care of all required permits and ensures your system is compliant from day one. We work closely with health authorities, inspectors, and environmental agencies to guarantee your septic solution is done legally and correctly.
Protecting Your Septic System Year-Round
Alberta’s changing seasons can wreak havoc on unprepared septic systems. Here’s how to protect yours:
In Spring:
Check for water pooling or saturated ground after snowmelt. Avoid planting deep-rooted plants near the field.
In Summer:
Keep heavy equipment and vehicles off your system during landscaping or renovations.
In Fall:
Pump your tank if it’s due before winter freeze-up. Insulate exposed pipes with straw or foam to prevent freezing.
In Winter:
Avoid compacting snow over your drain field. Compacted snow leads to deep frost penetration which can freeze pipes.
Regular seasonal awareness goes a long way toward septic longevity.
Why Homeowners Trust BIG JOHN
Our clients across rural Alberta choose us for one reason: we get the job done right. With a strong fleet of equipment, a knowledgeable crew, and a no-nonsense approach to earthworks and septic care, we treat every project like it’s our own property.
Whether you’re breaking ground on a new build or dealing with an urgent septic failure, BIG JOHN Earthworks and Septic brings experience, safety, and precision to every job site.
We’re proud to be a certified, family-owned company that knows Alberta’s land, climate, and infrastructure like no one else.
Contact BIG JOHN Today
Don’t let a septic mess ruin your property or your wallet. Whether you need land cleared, a system repaired, or a new tank installed from scratch, we’re here to help.
🔧 From foundation excavation to culvert installation and everything in between, BIG JOHN is Alberta’s one-stop shop for tough jobs and tight deadlines.
Call us at 780-484-1924
📍 From road to home, BIG JOHN has you covered.
📬 Fill out our contact form to get started:
https://www.bigjohnearthworksandseptic.ca/contact
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