Septic Installation Ottawa | Design, Permits & Installation

Ottawa’s licensed septic system experts — serving homeowners across the city and surrounding 50 km. From design and permits to complete installation, we handle every step start to finish.

When it’s time to install a new septic system, you need more than just a contractor — you need a company that understands Ottawa’s soil, water tables, and local code requirements.

At Ottawa Septic Systems, our fully licensed and insured team manages the entire process: detailed site evaluation, professional septic system design, permit approval with the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (RVCA), and precise installation.

With decades of combined experience, we deliver reliable systems built to Ontario Building Code standards, giving homeowners lasting performance and complete peace of mind.

Licensed septic technicians in Ottawa inspecting and measuring excavation for septic system installation

Fully Licensed & Insured

BCIN Certified & Ontario Building Code compliant

Local Experts

Serving Ottawa and surrounding communities within 50 km

All System Types

Conventional, advanced treatment, compact systems & more

Honest & Reliable

Upfront pricing, clear communication, dependable results

Why Choose Ottawa Septic Systems for Septic Installation?

Installing a septic system isn’t just another job — it’s a critical investment in your property’s safety, value, and long-term performance. You need more than a contractor with a backhoe. You need a fully licensed, insured, and BCIN-certified septic company in Ottawa that understands local soil conditions, water tables, and Ontario’s building code requirements.

At Ottawa Septic Systems, we guide homeowners through every step of the process — from custom septic system design and permit applications with the RVCA to professional septic tank inspections and final installation.

Every project is completed to Ontario Building Code standards and backed by professional accountability.

excavator & new septic installation Ottawa
excavator & new septic installation Ottawa

We’ve helped families across Ottawa and the surrounding 50 km radius with:

Replacing an existing septic system that’s failing or out of code

Installing brand new septic systems for rural builds

Upgrading to advanced septic systems where space is limited

Adding protection with ongoing septic maintenance plans

Why so many Ottawa homeowners trust us:

Clear communication — we explain each step, from site visit to inspection.

Honest pricing — no hidden fees, just reliable quotes.

Reliable results — septic systems installed right the first time.

Full service — from septic pumping to emergency repairs, we handle it all.

Our Septic System Installation Process

Homeowners across Ottawa trust us because we make the entire septic installation process straightforward, transparent, and fully code-compliant. Here’s what you can expect when working with Ottawa Septic Systems:
1

Site Visit, Soil Test & Professional Opinion

Every project begins with a detailed site evaluation. We test the soil, check groundwater levels, and provide a professional opinion on the best system for your property. This ensures your septic system is designed to last and meet all Ontario Building Code requirements.

2

Custom Septic System Design & Engineered Drawings

Our licensed team creates a tailored septic system design that accounts for your lot size, household needs, and environmental factors. We prepare engineered drawings that satisfy municipal and conservation authority regulations, giving you peace of mind before breaking ground.

3

Permit Submission Through RVCA/MVCA

We handle all the paperwork so you don’t have to. From submitting permit applications to the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (RVCA) or Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority (MVCA), we make sure everything is approved before work begins.

4

Excavation, Septic Tank Placement & System Installation

Our crew handles excavation with precision and care. We install your septic tank and system components according to engineered plans, ensuring safe, efficient wastewater treatment that protects your property and the environment.
5

Final Inspection & Approval by Licensed Inspectors

Before completion, every installation is reviewed and approved by licensed inspectors. This step guarantees your new septic system is fully compliant, reliable, and built to Ontario standards.
6

Long-Term Maintenance & Repair Options

Installation is just the beginning. We offer ongoing septic tank maintenance plans to keep your system in top shape, as well as expert septic repairs and septic inspections when needed. Our goal is to provide long-term peace of mind for Ottawa homeowners.

Types of Septic Systems We Install in the Ottawa Area

Not every property has the same needs — that’s why our team designs and installs a wide range of septic systems in Ottawa. Whether you’re building new or replacing an existing septic system, we’ll recommend the option that best suits your soil conditions, household size, and budget.

Conventional Septic Systems (Tile Beds & Trenches)

The most common type of septic installation in Ottawa, conventional systems use perforated pipes in gravel trenches to distribute wastewater. These systems are durable and cost-effective, provided they’re maintained with regular septic pumping and inspections.

Filter Media Beds & Sand Systems

Ideal for properties with high groundwater or limited space, sand filter beds use sand or engineered filter media to treat wastewater before it’s absorbed into the soil. Our licensed installers design these systems to meet all Ontario Building Code standards and provide long-term protection for your property.

Advanced Treatment Options (Waterloo Biofilter, Ecoflo, Eljen)

For lots with restricted space or environmentally sensitive areas, advanced treatment systems are often required. Options like Waterloo Biofilter, Ecoflo, and Eljen use specialized filters and media to achieve higher levels of treatment. These systems reduce environmental impact and are often approved in areas where conventional systems aren’t possible.

Class 5 Holding Tanks

When no other septic system is feasible, Class 5 holding tanks are used to temporarily store wastewater until it can be pumped and hauled away. While not a long-term solution, holding tanks can be installed as a backup option for seasonal properties or sites that can’t accommodate a conventional system. Our team also provides emergency septic service if your holding tank ever needs urgent attention.

Chambered Septic Systems

Instead of gravel trenches, chambered systems use durable chambers that are easier to install and require less aggregate. They provide efficient wastewater distribution and are especially useful in properties with challenging soil conditions.

Shallow Buried Trenches

Shallow trench systems are designed for properties with limited soil depth. By placing trenches closer to the surface, they allow for effective treatment while still meeting setback requirements from wells, property lines, and water bodies.

Septic System Design & Consultation

Every property is unique — and so is every septic system design.

At Ottawa Septic Systems, we provide tailored consultation services to ensure your installation is efficient, environmentally safe, and fully compliant with Ontario regulations.

septic pit, tank, and field - Septic Installation Ottawa
septic pit, tank, and field - Septic Installation Ottawa

Site-Specific Design Based on Lot Size, Groundwater & Limited Space

Before installing a new septic system, our licensed team evaluates your property’s size, slope, soil, and groundwater levels. For homes with limited space or environmentally sensitive areas, we design compact systems that still meet performance and safety standards.

Licensed Septic Professionals Provide a Tailored Plan

Our designers hold a Building Code Identification Number (BCIN) and are trained to prepare engineered drawings for submission to local authorities. This means your plan is not just a sketch — it’s a professional, code-compliant blueprint that protects your investment.

Setback Requirements From Wells, Property Lines & Water Bodies

We carefully calculate required setbacks to protect your drinking water, property boundaries, and nearby lakes or rivers. These details are essential for passing conservation authority and municipal inspections — and avoiding costly delays.

Modern Technology & Sustainable Wastewater Treatment Solutions

Our designs incorporate advanced wastewater treatment solutions like sand filters, biofilters, and chambered systems, depending on your site’s needs. We use sustainable methods to ensure your septic system is environmentally responsible while remaining cost-effective.

By starting with a strong design, you avoid future issues and reduce the risk of needing septic repairs or premature replacement. Our team also recommends regular inspections and maintenance plans to keep your system operating at peak performance for decades.

Cost, Timeline & What to Expect

Installing a septic system in Ottawa is a major investment, and homeowners deserve clear answers about cost and timelines. At Ottawa Septic Systems, we provide honest, upfront pricing with no hidden surprises — so you can plan your project with confidence.

Factors Affecting Price

The cost of a septic tank installation in Ottawa depends on several factors, including:

  • Site conditions such as soil type, slope, and groundwater levels
  • The size of the tank and daily design flow
  • The type of septic system selected (conventional, advanced, sand filter, etc.)
  • Overall project scope, including excavation and site restoration

We walk you through every detail during your consultation so you know exactly what to expect.

Septic Installation Ottawa Job Site
Septic Installation Ottawa Job Site

Typical Installation Timeline

Once permits are approved by the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (RVCA) or Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority (MVCA), most septic system installations take 3–5 business days to complete. This includes excavation, tank placement, system assembly, and final inspection.
Removing old septic tank - Septic Installation Ottawa

Repair vs. Replace

Sometimes a failing septic system can be repaired rather than replaced. Our licensed team evaluates your existing septic system to determine whether targeted repairs will extend its life — or if a full replacement is the smarter, more cost-effective option.

Clear, Upfront Pricing From a Local Ottawa Company

We’re proud to be a locally owned septic company in Ottawa, serving homeowners across Kanata, Orléans, Barrhaven, Stittsville, Manotick, Greely, and beyond. Our pricing is transparent, our timelines are realistic, and our results are dependable. If urgent problems arise, we also offer emergency septic service to keep your home safe.

Financing & Local Rebates

A new septic system is a major investment, but it doesn’t have to strain your budget. At Ottawa Septic Systems, we make septic installation in Ottawa more affordable with flexible financing options and guidance on local rebate programs.

Flexible Financing Options

We offer customized financing solutions to spread the cost of your septic tank installation into manageable monthly payments. Whether you’re installing a system on a new build or replacing an existing septic tank, our team helps you find a plan that fits your household budget. Options often include:

  • Low monthly payments over extended terms
  • Interest rate buy-down programs
  • Deferred payment options (no payments for the first few months)

This means you can move forward with your project now — without waiting to save up the full amount.

Ottawa Septic Systems Offering Flexible Financing Options
Ottawa Septic Systems Offering Flexible Financing Options

Ottawa Rural Clean Water Program Rebates

If your property is located in a rural area of Ottawa, you may qualify for the Ottawa Rural Clean Water Program (ORCWP). This initiative helps landowners upgrade or replace septic systems that protect groundwater and surface water quality. Rebates may cover a portion of eligible costs, reducing the out-of-pocket expense for homeowners.

Our licensed septic experts are familiar with these programs and will let you know if your project qualifies. We’ll even guide you through the paperwork so you don’t miss out on available savings.

Ask About Savings Before You Start

Every home and property is different. When you book a consultation, we’ll provide a full cost breakdown, explain financing options, and review whether your project may be eligible for local rebates. That way, you get the septic system you need today — while saving money for the future.

Maintaining Your Septic System After Installation

A properly installed septic system can last for decades — but only if it’s cared for with routine maintenance. At Ottawa Septic Systems, we don’t just install septic tanks, we provide the ongoing pumping, inspections, and repairs needed to keep your system healthy and compliant with Ontario standards.

Signs Your System May Need Repair or Replacement

Warning signs of septic trouble include:

  • Slow drains or gurgling pipes
  • Sewage odours around your yard
  • Wet or soggy patches above your septic bed
  • Backups inside the home

If you notice any of these issues, our team can quickly assess whether repairs or a full replacement is the right choice.

Schedule Your Septic Maintenance Today!
Schedule Your Septic Maintenance Today!

Routine Inspections & Pumping Schedule

Most septic systems in Ottawa should be inspected every 2–3 years and pumped every 3–5 years, depending on household size, water use, and tank capacity. We track your schedule and remind you when service is due, so your system never gets neglected.

Preventative Maintenance Protects Your Investment

Simple habits like conserving water, spacing out laundry loads, and avoiding grease or harsh chemicals down the drain help protect your septic system. Preventative maintenance is always cheaper than emergency fixes, and it extends the lifespan of your investment.

How a Healthy Septic System Works

In a well-maintained system:

  • Bacteria break down organic waste
  • Scum floats to the top and sludge settles at the bottom
  • Treated wastewater filters safely through the soil

With proper maintenance, your septic system remains safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible.

Dumping Filter Media Sand - Septic Installation Ottawa
Dumping Filter Media Sand - Septic Installation Ottawa

Service Areas Across the Ottawa Region

At Ottawa Septic Systems, we proudly serve homeowners across Ottawa and the surrounding 50 km radius.

Septic systems are most common in rural and suburban communities, and our licensed team provides complete solutions — from septic tank installation to pumping, inspections, and repairs.

West Ottawa: Kanata, Nepean, Barrhaven & Stittsville

From the established homes in Nepean to the growing suburbs of Barrhaven and Stittsville, we help families keep their septic systems safe and efficient with proper maintenance plans. In Kanata, many homeowners trust us for full septic services, including new system design and tank replacement.

East Ottawa: Orléans, Rockland, Cumberland & Beyond

In Orléans, smaller lot sizes often require custom septic system design to meet Ontario regulations. Rural properties in Cumberland and Rockland depend on reliable septic pumping and inspections to prevent costly issues. Our team provides both conventional and advanced treatment options suited to the east end.

South Ottawa: Manotick, Greely, Kemptville, Russell & Embrun

Communities south of the city — Manotick, Greely, Russell, Embrun, and Kemptville — rely almost exclusively on septic systems. We provide complete septic installation and repair services, ensuring long-term performance and compliance with the Rideau Valley and South Nation Conservation Authorities.

West of Ottawa: Almonte, Carleton Place & the Ottawa Valley

Heading further west, homeowners in Carleton Place and Almonte choose us for emergency septic service, regular pumping, and system upgrades. Our local expertise ensures every system is installed and maintained to Ontario standards while protecting rural groundwater.

Why Local Homeowners Choose Us

🚚 Fast response times across Ottawa and nearby rural communities

📍 Knowledge of local soil conditions, conservation authorities & permit requirements

✅ Licensed & insured for septic installation, pumping, inspection, and repair

🌎 Trusted by rural homeowners across the Ottawa Valley

No matter where you live in or around Ottawa, our septic experts are only a phone call away.

👉 Call 613-366-4768 or book a consultation online today to schedule septic service in your area.

Ottawa Homeowners Choose Ottawa Septic Systems
Ottawa Homeowners Choose Ottawa Septic Systems

FAQs About Septic Installation in Ottawa

Yes. In Ottawa and surrounding rural areas, homeowners must secure a septic permit before installation. Permits are reviewed by local conservation authorities such as the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (RVCA) or the Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority (MVCA). Our team manages soil tests, engineered drawings, and submissions to ensure full Ontario Building Code compliance.

Costs vary based on soil conditions, lot size, tank capacity, and the system type (conventional vs. advanced treatment). Typical Ottawa projects range from $15,000–$30,000+ depending on complexity. We provide upfront quotes and offer flexible financing options to keep budgets predictable.

No. Ontario requires septic systems to be designed and installed by BCIN-certified professionals. DIY installs risk groundwater contamination, expensive failures, and legal issues. Hiring a licensed contractor protects your property and ensures code compliance.
After permits are approved, most installations take 3–5 business days (excavation, tank placement, bed/system assembly, and final inspection). The full process including design, soil testing, and approvals can take several weeks; we coordinate with authorities to keep timelines tight.
Conventional systems use a septic tank and leaching bed (tile bed or trenches) to disperse treated effluent into soil. Advanced systems (e.g., Waterloo Biofilter, Ecoflo, Eljen) add specialized treatment media for higher performance, often required on small lots, in challenging soils, or near sensitive features like wells, lakes, and rivers.

Book a Consultation With Ottawa’s Septic System Experts

Your septic system is one of the most important investments in your home — make sure it’s designed, permitted, and installed by a licensed local team you can trust. At Ottawa Septic Systems, we’ve earned the confidence of homeowners across the Ottawa Valley by delivering dependable systems that meet code, protect the environment, and last for decades.

📞 Call us today at 613-366-4768 to schedule your consultation.

  • ✅ Licensed & insured BCIN-certified professionals
  • ✅ Serving Ottawa and the surrounding 50 km rural area
  • ✅ Clear pricing, expert design, and installations built to Ontario standards

Or, book your consultation online and start planning your septic system with Ottawa’s trusted experts.

Licensed septic technicians in Ottawa
Licensed septic technicians in Ottawa

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We never share your information. A licensed septic technician will review your details and call you back the same day.