The ideal system depends on your site’s unique characteristics. Contact us through our [Contact Form] for expert guidance.

A Type 1 septic tank is a basic holding system that relies on naturally occurring bacteria in the soil to treat about 60% of the sewage effluent. As a result, the tank typically needs to be pumped out every 3 to 5 years, depending on its working capacity and usage.

In contrast, the Biocycle treatment plant uses a four-chamber system to break down approximately 99% of the sewage effluent, leaving only 1% of contaminants to be treated by soil bacteria. Thanks to this advanced treatment process, the tank usually requires pumping only every 6 to 20 years, depending on household usage.

Essentially, the system operates like the human immune system. When something is introduced, bacteria attach and break it down.

1. All waste from the residents or business enter the Biocycle’s primary chamber where anaerobic bacteria initiate the digestion process

2. From the primary chamber, wastewater flows into the Aerobic chamber where bacteria continue the digestion of organic material. An air blower diffuses air into the chamber, supplying the necessary oxygen for the bacteria to grow.

3. After the Aerobic chamber, a significantly clearer wastewater flows into the clarification chamber, where a sludge return system captures any remaining organic material and returns it to the primary chamber for re-processing. From the clarifier, if necessary, wastewater flows through the system’s disinfection unit before moving into the Dosing/Pump chamber.

4. The Dosing/Pump chamber is the final process where the treated effluent is stored before being periodically and automatically discharged into the field.

Costs vary based on your site’s specific conditions, Daily Design Flow and facility being serviced. Please use our [Contact Form] to get a personalized quote.

Sewerage systems in British Columbia are subject to provincial regulations and must follow the required registration and installation process.

As part of BioHarmony's design and installation process, the wastewater system design and required paperwork are submitted to the applicable Health Authority for registration. After installation, the installed system is documented and registered, and the homeowner receives information including system drawings and a maintenance plan.

ROWP stands for Registered Onsite Wastewater Practitioner.

A ROWP has specialized training and certification related to onsite wastewater systems. Depending on their qualifications, a ROWP may be involved in assessing properties, planning and designing systems, installing systems, and maintaining onsite wastewater systems.

BioHarmony has ROWP-certified professionals and provides wastewater system design, installation, and maintenance services.

Wastewater planning should begin early in the building process.

Building location, bedrooms, bathrooms, occupancy, landscaping, topography, soil conditions, and other site features can influence the wastewater system design and the amount of usable space available on the property.

Planning early allows the wastewater system to be considered alongside the overall property design rather than trying to fit it in after everything else has already been decided.

Yes, like all sewerage systems, regular maintenance is required. The frequency depends on your system’s design and usage. By BC law, system owners must maintain their sewage system according to the maintenance plan and keep records of all maintenance activities. BioHarmony maintains any system that holds poop!

Septic System Do's!

Water & Appliance Use

• Spread out washing machine loads throughout the week.

• Use water-saving devices, such as low-flush toilets and efficient shower heads.

• Install and regularly clean lint traps in your washing machine.

• Use a garbage disposal only if your tank is oversized and pumped more frequently.

• Compost kitchen waste instead of using a garbage disposal whenever possible.

Maintenance & Monitoring

• Keep records of all pump-outs and maintenance.

• Regularly check pumps, siphons, and any other moving parts.

• Keep a permanent record of the location of key system components for future servicing.

Land & Drain Field Care

• Keep large-rooted trees away from the drain (disposal) field.

• Maintain healthy grass over the drain field to absorb water and prevent erosion.

• Prevent roof and surface water from flowing into the drain field.

• Regularly inspect your interceptor drain to ensure it’s flowing properly.

Septic System Don'ts!

Water & Wastewater

• Don’t overload the system with large volumes of water all at once.

• Don’t connect sump pumps or water softener backwash to the septic system without professional guidance.

• Don’t divert greywater (from sinks, tubs, or washers) to ditches or wooded areas—it can carry disease.

Chemicals & Additives

• Don’t use septic tank additives. They are unnecessary and may harm your system.

• Don’t pour chemicals, fats, solvents, or plastics down the drain.

Hazardous Flushing

Never flush!

• Wipes of any kind — even those labeled “flushable.” 

• Coffee grounds

• Diapers or sanitary napkins

• Cigarette butts

• Fats, oils, or grease

• Medications or pills

• Photographic chemicals

• Disinfectants

• Dental floss

• Kitty litter

• Tampons or condoms

• Paper towels

• Pesticides or chemical cleaners

• Paints, varnishes, thinners, or waste oils

• Poisons

Safety Hazards

• Never enter a septic tank without proper ventilation and a second person present—gases can be deadly.

Land Use Around the System

• Don’t drive or park over the drain field—this can crush pipes and compact soil.

• Don’t plant anything but grass over the drain field—roots can interfere with the system.

• Don’t cover the tank or field with asphalt, concrete, or any material that blocks airflow or water absorption.

Maintenance

• Don’t ignore your system. Check it regularly—don’t wait for signs of failure before taking action.

Contact us through our contact form for expert guidance on how to keep your system running at optimal performance

Reduce unnecessary water use and arrange to have the system assessed.

Septic and wastewater systems contain different treatment, electrical, pumping, and dispersal components, so determining the actual cause of a problem is important before repairs are made.

BioHarmony provides troubleshooting, maintenance, and repair services for many different types of wastewater systems.

Absolutely. BioHarmony’s certified technicians provide reliable septic system maintenance and wastewater treatment plant servicing for all residential and commercial systems. Whether you have a Biocycle, FAST, RBC, EcoFlo, or traditional septic tank, our team ensures optimal performance, compliance, and long-term peace of mind.

BioHarmony currently sells and installs systems in British Columbia. We can ship to select regions in the USA at the shipper’s expense. Certification is pending for some other parts of Canada. Contact us through our contact form for expert guidance.