How to Choose the Best Septic System for Your Rural Home
Best Plumbing and Drainage Contractors: Trusted for 50+ Years with 20-Year Warranty and 24/7 Emergency Septic Service
If you live outside city limits, in areas like Lambeth, rural London, or outside towns like Chatham, Port Stanley, Goderich, Ilderton, or Stratford, you’re likely not connected to a municipal sewer system. In these rural and semi-rural regions, septic systems are a necessity. Choosing the right system is essential for managing household wastewater safely, effectively, and affordably.
Septic systems do more than just handle waste. They protect your property value, preserve the environment, and contribute to your family’s health. But not all systems are equal, and neither are the people who install them. That’s why it’s critical to hire trusted contractors—like Best Plumbing and Drainage Contractors—who bring over 50 years of experience, 24-hour emergency service, and a 20-year warranty on septic system installations.
Let’s walk through your options for septic systems, how they work, and why hiring the right professionals is key to long-term success.
What Are Septic Systems and Who Needs One?
Septic systems are underground wastewater treatment structures. They are used in areas without centralized sewer systems. Most homeowners in rural areas depend on them daily.
If your home is located in one of these areas, a properly designed and maintained septic system is essential. It will handle everything from your showers and sinks to toilets and washing machines. A poorly installed or maintained system, on the other hand, can lead to foul odors, backups, and even groundwater contamination.
Why Professional Installation of Septic Systems Matters
Professional installation of your septic system isn’t optional—it’s essential. Septic systems must comply with Ontario building codes and environmental standards. Mistakes during installation can result in system failure, pollution, or expensive repairs.
That’s why so many rural homeowners turn to BEST Plumbing and Drainage Contractors, the experts trusted for over 50 years across southwestern Ontario. Their trained technicians perform detailed site assessments, septic system repairs, new septic system installation and maintenance. They ensure your installation meets both performance and legal requirements.
Choosing professionals also gives you access to a 20-year warranty. That means you’ll have peace of mind for decades. And if something does go wrong, Best offers 24-hour emergency service, ensuring you’re never left with a messy problem.
The Three Main Types of Septic Systems
Each home and property have unique needs. The right septic system depends on soil type, property size, local regulations, and your water usage habits. Let’s explore the three most common types:
Conventional Septic Systems
A conventional system is the most widely used type for rural residential properties. It includes a septic tank and a drain field. Wastewater flows from your home into the tank. Solids settle to the bottom, while the liquid effluent drains into a perforated pipe network laid in gravel trenches underground.
Advantages of conventional septic systems:
- Affordable installation: Typically, the least expensive system to install.
- Simple design: Fewer mechanical parts reduce the risk of breakdowns.
- Proven reliability: A trusted choice in many rural areas.
- Long lifespan: With proper care, it can last over 30 years.
Best Plumbing and Drainage Contractors assess your property to determine if a conventional system is suitable. If your soil has good drainage and you have adequate space, this may be your best option.
Chamber Septic Systems
A chamber system is similar to a conventional system but uses plastic or concrete chambers instead of gravel for the drain field. This design is ideal for locations with shallow soil or high water tables—common in parts of Port Stanley or near the Lake Huron shoreline.
Advantages of chamber systems:
- Flexible layout: Great for difficult or uneven terrain.
- Reduced environmental impact: No gravel required.
- Durable components: Strong, long-lasting chambers resist soil compaction.
- Efficient installation: Requires fewer materials and less excavation.
These systems demand proper sizing and alignment. That’s why hiring a professional contractor like Best is so important. Their experience ensures long-term performance and avoids costly errors.
Aerobic Treatment Units (ATUs)
Aerobic systems treat wastewater using oxygen. They break down waste more thoroughly than conventional or chamber systems. These systems are often used on small lots or properties with poor soil. They’re a top choice in Stratford and areas with tighter land parcels.
Advantages of aerobic systems:
- High efficiency: Produces cleaner effluent, ideal for reuse in landscaping.
- Compact design: Fits smaller or constrained properties.
- Advanced treatment: Reduces nitrogen and other pollutants.
- Expandable: Can be tailored for larger homes or high-usage properties.
However, aerobic systems contain moving parts that require regular servicing. BEST Plumbing and Drainage Contractors offer ongoing maintenance and 24/7 support to keep everything running smoothly.
How to Choose the Right System
Choosing the best septic system starts with a proper site evaluation. BEST Plumbing and Drainage Contractors perform detailed assessments, including soil testing and groundwater level checks. Based on the findings, they’ll recommend the ideal system for your location and lifestyle.
Here’s a simple breakdown of what to consider:
Step 1: Soil Type
Different soils absorb water at different rates. Sandy soil drains quickly, while clay retains moisture. Poor soil might need a chamber or aerobic system instead of a conventional setup.
Step 2: Property Size
Larger lots usually accommodate traditional drain fields. Smaller or irregular lots may need compact solutions like aerobic systems.
Step 3: Water Usage
Large families or high water use may overwhelm smaller systems. Professionals will design a system to match your household’s needs.
Step 4: Local Regulations
Your septic system must follow Ontario Building Code and local municipal guidelines. BEST’s experts handle all permitting and inspections for you.
Why Hire BEST Plumbing and Drainage Contractors?
For rural homeowners across southwestern Ontario, the choice is clear. BEST Plumbing and Drainage Contractors offer:
✓ Over 50 Years of Trusted Experience
They’ve served thousands of homeowners from Chatham to Goderich, Woodstock to Port Stanley, and every rural corner in between. Their longevity speaks to their commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.
✓ 20-Year Warranty on Sewer, Waterline Repair or Replacement
BEST offers one of the longest warranties in the industry. Your investment is protected for two full decades, giving you total peace of mind.
✓ 24-Hour Emergency Service
When your system fails at midnight, you need help fast. BEST’s emergency service ensures a technician is always available—no matter the hour or the season.
✓ Full-Service Residential Solutions
From plumbing, drainage, septic system design to excavation, installation, and ongoing maintenance, BEST handles it all. They also offer waterproofing, jetvac, and hyrdovac services too.
✓ Licensed and Insured Professionals
All work is performed by certified professionals. You get safe, code-compliant service that protects your property and the environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I pump my septic tank?
Every 3–5 years, depending on household size and water usage.
Do septic systems work in winter?
Yes, but proper installation and insulation are critical in cold climates.
Can I plant trees near my septic system?
Avoid planting trees close to your drain field, as roots can damage the pipes.
Is DIY installation legal?
Not in most cases. Ontario law requires licensed professionals for septic installation.
How long does a system take to install?
Most installations take 3–5 days, depending on the site and weather.
How long does a septic system last?
A properly installed and maintained septic system can last anywhere from 20 to 40 years—sometimes even longer.
Final Thoughts
For rural homeowners near London, in towns like Lambeth, Chatham, Stratford, Port Stanley, or Goderich, the right septic system makes a world of difference. It protects your family, home, and environment.
But a good system is only as reliable as the team that installs it. That’s why more homeowners trust BEST Plumbing and Drainage Contractors. With over 50 years of proven experience, a 20-year warranty, and 24-hour emergency service, BEST delivers professional installation and peace of mind that lasts.
Whether you’re building new or replacing an aging system, don’t leave anything to chance. Call 519-438-6565 today to speak with a septic system expert, or complete the online form to request your free consultation.
Get expert service from the team rural homeowners have trusted for decades. Choose BEST—and protect your home the right way.
