Homeowner Resources

Homeowner Resources

Rural homeowners are also wastewater treatment system operators and need to take this role seriously.  A regular maintenance schedule along with proactive care is your best strategy to lifelong system functionality and optimizing your system’s performance. 

A Homeowner’s Guide to a Healthy Sewage (Septic) System

OOWA’s Communications and Onsite Technical Committees have produced a brochure that details all the fundamentals you need to know to maintain and manage your onsite sewage system. Follow us on Facebook for our weekly “Homeowner Hints”!

Septic System Approval Process

It is critical that Ontario residents understand the septic system approval process before they begin. Learn about what you need, how to file, and how to find a Septic System contractor with our septic system approval process page.

Finding a Septic System Designer/Installer

Installing and servicing a Septic System may seem like an intimidating process, but with the help of professionals you can trust, there is nothing to be wary of. OOWA can help guide you toward finding the right professional or services.

How a Septic System Works

Want to know how a Septic System really works? Or what you can do to maintain your septic system to ensure its operation and longevity? OOWA can help to explain it all!

Buying & Selling a Property

Learn about what you need to know when buying a property with a Septic System and what you need to know when selling.

Septic Tank Additives

Ever wondered what septic tank additives are and what they do? OOWA explains what you need to know.

Video Resources

Below is a selection of videos created and/or sourced by OOWA to provide further guidance on important topics related to your sewage (septic) system.

Join OOWA's Executive Director, Kelly Andrews, and President, Bill Goodale, to learn more about Septic System Basics and the resources that OOWA has available for rural home and cottage owners. Disclaimer: The content of this communication is provided for informational purposes only. The substance of said content does not constitute legal or professional advice or practice and should not be construed as such. While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information conveyed in this communication, the Ontario On-Site Wastewater Association ("OOWA") does not warrant same. Any points of view or opinions expressed in this communication do not necessarily represent the official policies or positions of OOWA, its entities, agents, representatives, and/or any of its individual members. Readers of this communication should neither act nor rely upon any information contained herein, nor upon the content of any websites linked to or from this communication, especially for the purpose of any dispute, claim, action, demand, or proceeding, without the advice of professional legal counsel. OOWA does not accept liability with respect to any damages and/or causes of action resulting from reliance upon the information contained in this communication.

This video is private.

YouTube Video UExtcnFQNmZ0V3NPYUd1aXlEWVFVQWVyMUo1d09adnN2OC45NDk1REZENzhEMzU5MDQz

Septic System Basics for Rural Homeowners 2025

Is your toilet paper secretly harming your septic system? In this quick and easy tutorial, we’ll show you how to test different toilet paper brands at home to see how well they break down after flushing — a crucial step for maintaining a healthy, clog-free septic system! Disclaimer: The content of this communication is provided for informational purposes only. The substance of said content does not constitute legal or professional advice or practice and should not be construed as such. While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information conveyed in this communication, the Ontario On-Site Wastewater Association ("OOWA") does not warrant same. Any points of view or opinions expressed in this communication do not necessarily represent the official policies or positions of OOWA, its entities, agents, representatives, and/or any of its individual members. Readers of this communication should neither act nor rely upon any information contained herein, nor upon the content of any websites linked to or from this communication, especially for the purpose of any dispute, claim, action, demand, or proceeding, without the advice of professional legal counsel. OOWA does not accept liability with respect to any damages and/or causes of action resulting from reliance upon the information contained in this communication.

Is your toilet paper secretly harming your septic system? In this quick and easy tutorial, we’ll show you how to test different toilet paper brands at home to see how well they break down after flushing — a crucial step for maintaining a healthy, clog-free septic system!

Disclaimer:
The content of this communication is provided for informational purposes only. The substance of said content does not constitute legal or professional advice or practice and should not be construed as such. While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information conveyed in this communication, the Ontario On-Site Wastewater Association ("OOWA") does not warrant same. Any points of view or opinions expressed in this communication do not necessarily represent the official policies or positions of OOWA, its entities, agents, representatives, and/or any of its individual members. Readers of this communication should neither act nor rely upon any information contained herein, nor upon the content of any websites linked to or from this communication, especially for the purpose of any dispute, claim, action, demand, or proceeding, without the advice of professional legal counsel. OOWA does not accept liability with respect to any damages and/or causes of action resulting from reliance upon the information contained in this communication.

YouTube Video UExtcnFQNmZ0V3NPYUd1aXlEWVFVQWVyMUo1d09adnN2OC5DQUNERDQ2NkIzRUQxNTY1

How to Choose the Right Toilet Paper for Your Septic System | Simple At-Home Test!

Join OOWA's Programs & Outreach Coordinator, Jenn McCallum, and Vice President, Bill Goodale, to learn more about Septic System Basics and the resources that OOWA has available for rural home and cottage owners. Disclaimer: The content of this communication is provided for informational purposes only. The substance of said content does not constitute legal or professional advice or practice and should not be construed as such. While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information conveyed in this communication, the Ontario On-Site Wastewater Association ("OOWA") does not warrant same. Any points of view or opinions expressed in this communication do not necessarily represent the official policies or positions of OOWA, its entities, agents, representatives, and/or any of its individual members. Readers of this communication should neither act nor rely upon any information contained herein, nor upon the content of any websites linked to or from this communication, especially for the purpose of any dispute, claim, action, demand, or proceeding, without the advice of professional legal counsel. OOWA does not accept liability with respect to any damages and/or causes of action resulting from reliance upon the information contained in this communication.

Join OOWA's Programs & Outreach Coordinator, Jenn McCallum, and Vice President, Bill Goodale, to learn more about Septic System Basics and the resources that OOWA has available for rural home and cottage owners.

YouTube Video UExtcnFQNmZ0V3NPYUd1aXlEWVFVQWVyMUo1d09adnN2OC41MzJCQjBCNDIyRkJDN0VD

Septic Systems Basics Webinar

If you are a rural home or cottage owner with a septic (sewage) system on your property, this video is for you. Learn the do's and don'ts of proper system care and maintenance. Did you know that you shouldn't build a skating rink over your leaching bed; or plant trees nearby; or put your above ground pool on it? Did you know that your system requires healthy bacteria to function and by using anti-bacterial soaps you are hindering its proper functionality? Watch this video to learn more helpful tips you may not have known! Disclaimer: The content of this communication is provided for informational purposes only. The substance of said content does not constitute legal or professional advice or practice and should not be construed as such. While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information conveyed in this communication, the Ontario On-Site Wastewater Association ("OOWA") does not warrant same. Any points of view or opinions expressed in this communication do not necessarily represent the official policies or positions of OOWA, its entities, agents, representatives, and/or any of its individual members. Readers of this communication should neither act nor rely upon any information contained herein, nor upon the content of any websites linked to or from this communication, especially for the purpose of any dispute, claim, action, demand, or proceeding, without the advice of professional legal counsel. OOWA does not accept liability with respect to any damages and/or causes of action resulting from reliance upon the information contained in this communication.

If you are a rural home or cottage owner with a septic (sewage) system on your property, this video is for you. Learn the do's and don'ts of proper system care and maintenance. Did you know that you shouldn't build a skating rink over your leaching bed; or plant trees nearby; or put your above ground pool on it? Did you know that your system requires healthy bacteria to function and by using anti-bacterial soaps you are hindering its proper functionality? Watch this video to learn more helpful tips you may not have known!

YouTube Video UExtcnFQNmZ0V3NPYUd1aXlEWVFVQWVyMUo1d09adnN2OC4xMkVGQjNCMUM1N0RFNEUx

Septic (Sewage) System Do's and Don'ts

This video addresses the basics of how a septic system functions and provides best maintenance practices for homeowners. Disclaimer: The content of this communication is provided for informational purposes only. The substance of said content does not constitute legal or professional advice or practice and should not be construed as such. While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information conveyed in this communication, the Ontario On-Site Wastewater Association ("OOWA") does not warrant same. Any points of view or opinions expressed in this communication do not necessarily represent the official policies or positions of OOWA, its entities, agents, representatives, and/or any of its individual members. Readers of this communication should neither act nor rely upon any information contained herein, nor upon the content of any websites linked to or from this communication, especially for the purpose of any dispute, claim, action, demand, or proceeding, without the advice of professional legal counsel. OOWA does not accept liability with respect to any damages and/or causes of action resulting from reliance upon the information contained in this communication.

This video is private.

YouTube Video UExtcnFQNmZ0V3NPYUd1aXlEWVFVQWVyMUo1d09adnN2OC4wOTA3OTZBNzVEMTUzOTMy

Septic System Basics for Homeowners

Video Credit: https://foca.on.ca/

Video Credit: https://foca.on.ca/

YouTube Video UExtcnFQNmZ0V3NPYUd1aXlEWVFVQWVyMUo1d09adnN2OC41MjE1MkI0OTQ2QzJGNzNG

FOCA Cottage Country Septic System

Video Credit: http://real-101.com Watch More Episodes http://aciss.ca ACISS Home Inspections http://www.essecanada.com/ ESSE Canada In the video, Realtor Joe Terceira talks with Allan Spisak, Home Inspection Consultant and Jason Berry, Manager Property Services, about Septic System Inspection. The septic tanks are quite common in rural areas. It is important to get them inspected from time-to-time by professional septic inspectors. There are companies like ESSE Canada that provide septic inspections for rural properties. Top Ontario Real Estate Agent says, if you are planning to buy a home then it is important to get it inspected by septic system inspection specialist. The same goes if you are selling the property, the real estate agent Ontario states that home buyers are looking for property in rural area with robust and reliable water treatment and recycling system. The modern home buyers are well aware of the importance of the septic system. It saves them from any unexpected expenses in the future. Why is it important to avail service of Septic Inspection Companies? Generally, the septic tanks are placed below the grade level. There is no way that you can simply analyze the condition of the tank from outside. Septic Inspections Ontario companies have latest equipment, expertise and certified professional to analyze the condition of the septic tank and carry out any repair if needed. Buying home is a big decision, so leave no question unasked about the septic system of home you are planning to buy. The right information will save you from any unforeseen expenses.

Video Credit:
http://real-101.com Watch More Episodes
http://aciss.ca ACISS Home Inspections
http://www.essecanada.com/ ESSE Canada

In the video, Realtor Joe Terceira talks with Allan Spisak, Home Inspection Consultant and Jason Berry, Manager Property Services, about Septic System Inspection. The septic tanks are quite common in rural areas. It is important to get them inspected from time-to-time by professional septic inspectors. There are companies like ESSE Canada that provide septic inspections for rural properties.

Top Ontario Real Estate Agent says, if you are planning to buy a home then it is important to get it inspected by septic system inspection specialist. The same goes if you are selling the property, the real estate agent Ontario states that home buyers are looking for property in rural area with robust and reliable water treatment and recycling system. The modern home buyers are well aware of the importance of the septic system. It saves them from any unexpected expenses in the future.

Why is it important to avail service of Septic Inspection Companies?

Generally, the septic tanks are placed below the grade level. There is no way that you can simply analyze the condition of the tank from outside. Septic Inspections Ontario companies have latest equipment, expertise and certified professional to analyze the condition of the septic tank and carry out any repair if needed.

Buying home is a big decision, so leave no question unasked about the septic system of home you are planning to buy. The right information will save you from any unforeseen expenses.

YouTube Video UExtcnFQNmZ0V3NPYUd1aXlEWVFVQWVyMUo1d09adnN2OC4wMTcyMDhGQUE4NTIzM0Y5

Septic Systems & Septic Inspections for Rural Properties

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel

Septic System Resources for Homeowners

OOWA has taken our most requested homeowner resources and most visited webpages and provided access to them all on one page! We welcome you to print copies for display or distribution. If you would like to request professionally printed copies, email us.

Navigation