Septic Tank & Cistern Installation Services Serving Edmonton, Sherwood Park, and Strathcona County, Alberta

The last thing you want to experience following a long day at work is the aftermath of a leaking or faulty cistern or septic tank. At Strathcona Excavating, we have the means to ensure that you and your family aren’t at a complete loss when your wastewater system unexpectedly fails on you.

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 Cistern or Septic Tank

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. However, several factors can reduce that lifespan, and potentially leave your home or property in an enormous mess.

Cisterns are waterproof containers specially purposed to hold liquids such as potable water. While it may be tempting to leave your cistern tank and containers as they are for long periods of time, we generally recommend that you perform basic level maintenance at least once a year.

If you find 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, Which is Better?

There are a number of factors that you should consider when deciding between a plastic or concrete septic tank. To help you determine which product will best meet your needs, we’ve provided a list of important information to consider below.

Concrete Tanks

  • Very durable with a long life expectancy. Concrete septic tanks are much more durable compared to plastic alternatives, and can last as long as 40 years with proper maintenance.
  • Less maintenance required. Due to the fact that concrete septic systems are so durable, they tend to require less maintenance than plastic tanks.
  • Environment-resistant. Again, thanks to the durable nature of concrete tanks, they are much less likely to become compromised by environmental factors. Driving over a buried concrete septic tank will not cause it to be crushed or damaged. Similarly, changes in soil conditions or spreading tree roots will not affect the structure or functionality of the tank.

Plastic Septic Tanks

  • Crushing, breaking, and rupturing. Plastic septic tanks are more susceptible to damage than their concrete counterparts. If someone drives over a buried plastic tank, it could potentially be crushed. They can also break and warp over time, and do not have as long of a lifespan.
  • Maintenance requirements. Plastic septic tanks tend to require more frequent maintenance.
  • Environmental damage. In contrast to concrete systems, plastic tanks can be compromised by changing soil conditions, tree roots, or vibrations.

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
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Emergency Repair Services

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 or sewer systems. Our 24/7 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

There could be a variety of reasons why your septic system is not working as it should be. Some of the common reasons include but are not limited to:

A LACK OF MAINTENANCE: Your septic system needs to be pumped at least once every three years to remove built-up scum and sludge that has settled on the bottom of your tank
DAMAGE: There are many ways in which a sewer line can break or become damaged. Common reasons behind damage can include but are not limited to: tree roots, freezing, corrosion (common in older lines), ground disturbance, and accidental damage from construction
IMPROPER INSTALLATION

Strathcona Excavating can offer a quick, affordable solution regardless of the circumstances.

Depending on the materials used and how it’s been maintained through the years, a septic system can last anywhere between 15 to 40 years.

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
• The daily amount of water used for showers, toilets, dishwashing, laundry, lawn water, faucet, etc
• And more

For more information about our cistern installation or replacement services in Edmonton, Sherwood Park, and Strathcona County, be sure to give us a call!

To ensure the water inside is kept cool and the contents protected from freezing during the icy cold Alberta wintertime, underground cisterns are typically buried at a minimum depth of four feet below the surface of the ground.

  • Our Office
Head Office:
38 Liberty Road, Sherwood Park, Edmonton, AB T8H 2J6, Canada
780.416.9000 (Office)
780.239.9001 (Hydrovac Dispatch)
Hours of Operation: Available 24 Hours
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