Information for new septic installation and full-system replacement requests in Pembroke and Renfrew County.
Installing or replacing a septic system is one of the most important investments you'll make in your property. Whether you're building a new home, buying rural land, or replacing a failing system, getting it done right the first time saves thousands in future repairs. A qualified local contractor should assess the site, permits, access, soil, and system options before quoting the work.
A complete septic installation involves several components working together: the septic tank, distribution box, and leaching bed (drain field). Each must be correctly sized for your household, and properly located on your property to meet Ontario Building Code setback requirements.
Before installation begins, your contractor assesses your property's soil type, depth to bedrock, seasonal water table, and slope. A percolation (perc) test measures how quickly your soil absorbs water — this determines the size and design of your leaching bed. Properties with clay-heavy or shallow-bedrock soils may require alternative systems.
Under Ontario Building Code Part 8, a permit is required before any septic work begins. Septic permits are handled by the local principal authority for the property. Ask the contractor and local authority to confirm application steps, required inspections, and current timelines.
A concrete or polyethylene septic tank — sized for your household (typically 3,785L for a 3-bedroom home) — is installed at the correct depth and distance from your home, lot lines, and water sources. The tank separates solids from liquids and begins the treatment process.
Treated effluent flows from the tank through a distribution box that evenly distributes it across your leaching bed. Perforated pipes in gravel trenches allow the liquid to slowly absorb into the soil, completing the natural treatment process. Proper sizing and installation of this component is critical to long-term system performance.
The local authority must inspect the installation before backfilling. Confirm inspection timing and responsibility with the contractor and local authority before backfilling. Upon approval, the system is backfilled and the site is restored.
Planning a new build or replacing a failed system? Get your free estimate today.
Get My Free EstimateOlder septic systems — particularly those installed before modern Ontario Building Code standards — often need full replacement rather than repair. Signs that replacement may be needed:
A full replacement involves removing the old tank and drain field, re-assessing the site, and installing a new code-compliant system. In some cases, an alternative site location is required if the original location's soil is exhausted.
Most Renfrew County residential properties use a conventional gravity-fed system. However, site conditions sometimes require alternatives:
The only accurate way to know your cost is an on-site assessment. Soil conditions, lot size, system type required, and access all affect the final price significantly.
Under Ontario Building Code Part 8, all septic system installations must:
Confirm permit responsibility, local authority inspections, and documentation with the contractor before work starts.
$300–$600 for a standard residential tank pump-out.
Yes, through the local principal authority for the property under Ontario Building Code Part 8. Confirm who handles the application before work starts.
A well-maintained conventional system typically lasts 25–40 years. The leaching bed often fails first — the tank itself may last much longer if it's structurally sound.
Pembroke, Petawawa, Laurentian Valley, Renfrew, Arnprior, Deep River, Barry's Bay, Eganville, Killaloe, Bonnechere Valley, and surrounding Renfrew County communities.