Septic Tank & Cistern Installation Services Serving Edmonton, Sherwood Park, and Strathcona County, Alberta
At Strathcona Excavating, we offer high-quality septic tank Alberta solutions, helping homeowners and businesses manage wastewater efficiently and safely. Whether you’re installing or replacing a tank, our expert team ensures your septic system meets all regulations and long-term needs.
Not only do we provide central Alberta with expert non-destructive directional drilling and hydrovac services, but we also have crews available 24/7 to solve any emergency septic tank or cistern-related issues that you may be facing.
Maintaining Your Edmonton Septic Tanks
A septic tank is an underground container purposed for the basic on-site treatment of domestic wastewater. With proper maintenance and periodic repair, septic systems can last up to 40 years.
Cisterns are waterproof containers specially designed to hold liquids such as potable water, typically buried four feet below ground in Alberta.
For optimal performance, we generally recommend that you perform basic-level maintenance for septic tanks or cisterns at least once a year. If you notice that your water looks, smells, or tastes different, then we typically recommend getting your cistern tank inspected before performing more frequent maintenance.
Plastic or Concrete Septic Tanks, Which is Better?
While plastic tanks are lighter and offer easier installation, concrete tanks are more durable. There are also other factors that you should consider when deciding between plastic or concrete septic tanks:
Concrete vs Plastic Septic Tanks
- Durability: Precast concrete septic tanks are much more durable compared to plastic alternatives, and can last as long as up to 40 years with proper maintenance.
- Maintenance: Due to the fact that concrete septic systems are so durable, they tend to require less maintenance than plastic tanks.
- Environment Resistance. Concrete septic tanks are much less likely to become compromised by environmental factors, such as from driving, burial damage, ground movement, and root intrusion.
At Strathcona Excavating, we can install, replace, and repair concrete tanks. To learn more about which tank works best for your property, contact us today.
Treatment Field of Septic System Types
Conventional Septic System
In a conventional septic system, a large underground tank collects liquid and solid waste from your home. From there, the liquid waste, known as effluent, separates from the solid waste, is pumped into a septic field, and filtered out.
Mound Septic System
A mound septic system is a popular choice for locations that have groundwater close to the surface, or where the soil depth is shallow. In this system, an artificial mound is created and serves as the septic field. Effluent is pumped into the mound where it is filtered and cleaned, just like a conventional septic field.
At-Grade Septic System
An at-grade septic system can be used where soil conditions do not support a traditional drain field or buried septic field. In an at-grade system, similar to a mound system, drainage pipes are installed above the ground, or in shallow trenches. This allows the effluent to evaporate and filter down into the soil.
Surface Discharge Septic System
A surface discharge system, also known as open discharge, is a septic system that disperses the effluent above the ground in a designated area. In this system, the effluent is able to evaporate, and any remaining solids are then absorbed into the soil.
For more information on Edmonton septic tanks that will best fit your needs and work best with your property, connect with us online, or by phone at 780-416-9000. We also serve Greater Edmonton and surrounding areas, including Sherwood Park and Strathcona County.
SIGNS OF A SEPTIC TANK ISSUE
Signs you should watch out for include:
- Water pooling near the septic system
- Backups or slow drainage of sinks, tubs, showers and toilets
- Bad smells around your home or property
Emergency Repair Services
When septic systems fail, it’s more than an inconvenience—it’s a hazard. That’s why Strathcona Excavating offers 24/7 emergency septic and underground services for homeowners and businesses in Alberta.
No matter the time, day or night, we are here to help you out of any emergency you might find yourself in when it comes to issues pertaining to your underground water, sewer, or septic systems. Our emergency dispatch services include:
- Sewer and water line repair and replacement
- Sump pump line replacements
- Septic and cistern tank installation, repairs, and maintenance
- And more!
For more information, please give us a call at 780-416-9000.
Frequently Asked Questions
Septic tanks may not work for a variety of reasons, and some of the most common causes include a lack of maintenance, damage (e.g. from freezing, corrosion, root intrusion), or improper installation. To remove scum or sludge build-up, we recommend pumping every three years.
Strathcona Excavating can offer a quick, affordable solution regardless of the circumstances.
Depending on the materials used, tank type, capacity, and maintenance, a septic system can last anywhere between 15 to 40 years.
The typical water consumption for a 4-bedroom home in Alberta ranges from 400 to 500 gallons. However, usage, capacity and size may vary, depending on whether the tank is installed for commercial, industrial or residential usage. When considering the installation or replacement of your cistern tank, it is important that you consider the following:
• The number of people living in your home
• Daily water usage (for showers, toilets, dishwashing, laundry, etc.)
• Material, products, or tank shape required
To learn more about our Edmonton septic and cistern installation services, contact us online or give us a call! We also serve Sherwood Park, Strathcona County and nearby areas.
At its most basic level, septic tanks collect the wastewater from your home in a large underground holding tank. Within this tank, the solid waste collects at the bottom of the tank, with the liquid waste collecting above. Once separated, the system will pump the liquid waste into a septic field where it is filtered and absorbed by the field’s soil.
Septic fields are the final treatment stage or area where effluent is filtered into the soil via a drain field or treatment field. Effluent is pumped from the septic tank into the field by a permeable pipe and is dispersed into the soil. The field’s soil acts as a biological filter, removing dangerous components before the filtered wastewater reaches the ground or surface water.
Most septic tanks in Alberta will need to be emptied every 3 to 5 years. However, your tank might need to be emptied more frequently depending on your system’s specific usage. Factors such as the size of your system’s tank, and how much waste is produced by your home on a daily, monthly, or yearly basis will determine how often your tank should be emptied.
For more information on pumping your septic tank, connect with us online, or by phone at 780-416-9000.
Proper maintenance is the key to ensuring a long-lasting and fully functioning septic tank and system.
We’ve compiled a list of tips to help you keep your septic system in good working order:
Regular Cleaning: Ensure your tank is regularly pumped based on the needs of your specific septic system.
Water Conservation: Conserving water is a great step you can take to ensure your septic system is not overwhelmed by wastewater.
Proper Waste Disposal: Avoid blockages by only flushing human waste and toilet paper.
Use Septic-Safe Products: Try to use only septic-safe products and chemicals, such as septic-safe laundry detergent and cleaning chemicals. This will help limit the effects of harsh chemicals in your tank.
Other Services
- Our Office
- Service Regions