Fast Response
- Across the Gatineau region
- Emergency service
- Annual pumping
Pumping, Cleaning
- Compliance with environmental standards
- Quick availability
- Reliable service
- High-quality cleaning
- Qualified professionals
Inspection and repairs
- Leak detection
- Drain cleaning
- Camera inspection
Entrust us with your septic tank: 100% customer satisfaction.
Septic Tank Pumping: How Does It Work?
A septic tank is a component of a non-collective wastewater treatment system. In other words, it is used where it is not possible to connect a residence to a municipal sewer network.
An image of a typical septic tank is shown below.
How does it work?
Wastewater comes from toilets, sinks, showers, washing machines, and other household sources. In a conventional septic system, wastewater flows into the tank, where solids (sludge) settle at the bottom, oils and grease (scum) rise to the surface. The liquid (greywater) becomes the effluent that exits the tank into a distribution box or directly into a series of perforated pipes that make up the drainage field. Anaerobic bacteria slowly break down the solids that settle at the bottom, and the water directed to the drainage field is treated as it infiltrates the soil.
Waste exits the home through the inlet pipe, hits the inlet baffle wall, and must pass beneath it to enter the tank. A septic tank usually has two sections: a solids side and a greywater side. The solids side is the section with the inlet pipe (on the left in the image above), while the greywater side is the section with the outlet pipe.
These sections are separated by a central partition that extends from the bottom to the top of the tank, with openings that allow water to transfer from one side to the other. This partition prevents solid materials from passing into the greywater side. The outlet baffle prevents scum from entering the outlet pipe and clogging the drainage field.
It is recommended that septic tanks be pumped every 2 years, or every 4 years for secondary residences.
With just one call, an Épursol vacuum truck will arrive as quickly as possible to pump your septic tank, whether residential or commercial. The materials removed from the tank are transported and treated at our treatment facility.
Recommendations to keep your septic tank in good working order:
Limit your water usage:
Reduce unnecessary flow into the septic tank and system.
An overloaded tank pushes solids out before they have a chance to fully break down. Be diligent about fixing drips and leaks.
Stagger baths and wash loads:
Do not overload the system at any point during the day. Spread your laundry loads over several hours or even days. One laundry load creates from 30 to 50 gallons of water.
Never use additives:
To clean the septic tank.
Such additives can be harmful, and could liquefy the sludge, thereby clogging the drainage field. There are septic additives that are very good for your system and that can contribute to the appropriate breakdown of solids. Call us for more information or advice on this matter.
Use one-ply, white toilet paper:
Dyes can harm the bacteria needed for decomposition. To inspect your paper, place a few sheets in a jar ¾ full of water and shake vigorously for 15 seconds. If shredded, the paper is suitable for your septic system. Recycled paper is highly recommended.
Avoid inorganic materials:
Articles such as feminine hygiene products or contraceptives should not be flushed down the toilet. They obstruct inlet pipes and create bulky debris in the tank.
Do not dispose of garbage:
Such as grease, fat, coffee beans, paper towels, facial tissues and wet wipes.
Do not use:
Garbage disposal units (garburators). Do not use drain cleaners or bleaching products. Such chemicals can kill microbes in the tank. Avoid using bleach especially.
Do not pour:
Paint thinners, pesticides, motor oil or other hazardous materials down the drain. Even when using water-based paints, do not clean your brushes in the sink. Use a bucket and discard the waste in a suitable location. Ask painters to not use your sinks or drains to get rid of liquids used to clean brushes. They must dispose of these products in an appropriate location.
Our Services
- Pumping
- Installation
- Repair and maintenance
- Camera inspection
- Wastewater treatment
- Composting
- Septic services
- Septic solutions
Our Advantages
- Free quote
- Quality service
- Availability and responsiveness
- Fast service
Our Service Area
- Gatineau region
- Chénéville
- Papineauville
Maintenance and Repairs
Regular maintenance of your septic system is essential to ensure proper operation and extend its lifespan. It is recommended to clean the prefilter at least twice a year to prevent debris buildup that could hinder flow. Also, check the condition of the tank’s inlet and outlet, and remove any obstructions that could cause blockages or damage your system.
If your system includes a pumping station, make sure the wires and pump are free of debris. Finally, have your septic tank pumped every two to four years, depending on its type, to prevent saturation and avoid costly damage to the treatment component.
To schedule septic tank maintenance, contact us. If an issue arises, we also handle system repairs.
Extend the lifespan of your septic tank in Chénéville by trusting us with its maintenance and repair.
Septic Drain Fields in Chénéville
A drainage field is a key component of a septic system, designed to filter and reintroduce greywater into the soil. It consists of perforated pipes that disperse effluent into the ground, where it is naturally treated.
However, this sensitive system can be damaged by poor septic tank maintenance, excessive water use, invasive vegetation, heavy vehicle traffic, or inadequate drainage. If you notice signs such as sewer odours, persistent wet areas, or black residue on the surface, this may indicate a malfunction.
If in doubt, it is recommended to consult a qualified professional and notify your municipality’s environmental department before any intervention to obtain the required authorizations. Centre Épursol is here to help.
Entrust us with the maintenance of your drainage field.
Holding Tanks
Holding tanks, also known as retention tanks, are large sealed concrete or plastic reservoirs designed to collect and temporarily store black water from a residence until a specialized company pumps it out.
With capacities generally ranging from 1,000 to 3,000 gallons, they are used when installing a drainage field is not possible—often due to limited lot size, poor soil conditions, or proximity to protected bodies of water. This system is standard in cottages, seasonal homes, or residences near lakes, watercourses, or marshes. While effective, it can involve higher maintenance costs, making it essential to understand municipal requirements and pumping fees before purchasing such a system.
For efficient maintenance of your holding tank, contact us.
We are fully qualified to service holding tanks in Chénéville.
Inspections in Chénéville
Are you experiencing issues with your septic system—whether with your tank, drainage field, or pipes, inside or outside your home? Our qualified technicians respond quickly to accurately diagnose the source of the problem and prevent further damage.
Using state-of-the-art equipment, including inspection cameras, we can precisely locate blockages, leaks, or pipe deterioration. This technology allows us to take targeted action and provide a durable solution tailored to your system.
Whether it’s preventive maintenance or an urgent repair, you can count on us to keep your septic system operating properly while protecting your environment.
We provide an accurate diagnosis for effective maintenance or repair of your septic system.
Septic System Installation
At Épursol, we leverage our expertise to install high-performance, durable, and environmentally responsible septic systems. Each project is custom-designed based on your property’s characteristics and your specific needs.
We offer several proven technologies, including conventional systems, sealed systems, Bionest, Écoflo, and Enviroseptic, to ensure optimal wastewater treatment. Certified by the MDDELCC, we integrate sustainable development principles at every stage—from installation to the recovery of fertilizing residual materials.
Our qualified team provides thorough follow-up to ensure your system operates properly and lasts for years to come.
By choosing Épursol, you are selecting a reliable, efficient, and eco-friendly solution designed to protect your environment in Chénéville.