Where can I buy these products?
Bio-Sol is distributing the products listed on this web site everywhere in Canada (mostly in Quebec) . We ship the products by mail and there is no transportation cost on orders of $115 or more! You can visit us if you are in the St-Alphonse-de-Granby area (see To Contact us for details).
Do your products work with a sump and a wet well?
Yes indeed! No matter where you find septic wastes, our products are effective. So no matter if you own a drainfield, a sump, a wet well, or even a barrel, the bacteria work for you and digest the organic matter.
Do your products work with advanced systems?
Many of our clients use Septi + to maintain their septic tank even if they own a secondary advanced treatment system. The principal is the same: Septi + digests organic matter that is inside the septic tank and clarifies the effluent. However, some suppliers advise against adding additives for septic tanks. You can always contact your supplier before you start any treatment if you so wish.
What should I do if my system is backing up ?
In the case of blockage and backing up, reduce the amount of water you use. Open your septic tank to verify if the water level stays high or if it goes back down. If it stays high, call us at 1-800-378-6132 and we will give you further directions on what to do. If it goes back down, add a minimum of 10 liters of SeptiDrain directly into the septic tank to treat the drainfield (see the instructions supplied with the product). Then, add some Septi + to clean the septic tank.
How long will it take to see an improvement?
That depends on you septic installation and the severity of the problem you are treating. Each case is unique. However, our clients obtain results in most cases very rapidly (in a few days). Some cases may take a few months and, on occasion, some have had to do a 2nd shock-treatment to correct the problem.
Do you offer a warranty?
The possible causes of problems in septic installations are many. If the problem is not organic, if could be mechanical. Therefore, it is impossible for us to give a warranty. However, we can assure you that we solve 80% of the problems of blockage (the percolating getting clogged being the most common cause of septic system problems). A shock-treatment is therefore the #1 solution to consider. And it's also the least costly solution.
If the cause is not organic, could it be mechanical?
In certain cases the problem is mechanical. The problem may be caused by an obstruction, a breakage or by frost. Did a heavy truck drive near the drainfield? Did you renovate recently? Is it possible that tree roots are close to your drainfield and are causing problems?...
What products should we avoid using?
Here are some of them : antibacterial products, chemical products (especially those showing the ''corrosive'' or ''toxic'' sign), non biodegradable gelatines for the toilet bowl, blue colored products for the toilet, chlorine tablets for the toilet, disposable cloths, bleach (in large quantities), paint and varsol (never rinse your paint brushes or rollers, even water based paint), paper towels, facial tissue, foaming soap, thick toilet paper (difficult to biodegrade) and any other non biodegradable product (dental floss, cue tips, cigarette butts, etc.)
Do your products eliminate odors?
Yes, Septi + also helps control odors.
Do your products unclog interior drains of the house?
In the case of blocked pipes, we recommend adding SeptiDrain in order to clean and eliminate the residues that have accumulated in the pipes. If the problem persists, use a snake and then add SeptiDrain again. After adding SeptiDrain, don't use water for 8 hours minimum (at night).
Should I empty my septic tank?
If your septic tank has not been emptied for a few years, we recommend checking the amount of accumulation of organic matter by using a stick and inserting it in the septic tank. If there is only a few inches (4-5 inches) of scum at the surface and little solids at the bottom of the tank, you can begin using the enzymes to treat your system. If however, you observe there is a large accumulation of solids in the septic tank, emptying it first would be appropriate.
How can I best empty my septic tank?
If you must empty your septic tank, here is how you should proceed : Choice #1 (the best way, according to Bio-Sol) Empty only the scum on the surface if there are no solids on the bottom of the septic tank, choice #2 If the municipality obligates you to empty all the liquid, only pump out the first section of the septic tank (section that holds the solids), fill the tank to 2/3 with water and add the bacteria (Septi +),choice #3 If the truck emptying the tank has a filtration system, put the filtered water back into the septic tank, and then add the bacteria.
Why should I conserve the liquid when I empty the tank?
The water contains bacteria that play a role digesting organic matter. If you take out the liquids as well as the solids when you empty the tank, you deprive the septic tank of its bacterial flora for some time. Also, solids floating on the surface could flow into the drainfield through the openings since the water level rises gradually after the emptying.
When should I consider emptying my septic tank completely?
If your municipality forces you to completely empty your septic tank, we recommend you fill it up with water after. But, if your soil seems very damp, don't fill your tank with water. It will fill up when you use water in the house. That will give your septic installations a break. There is other reasons for completely emptying your septic tank:
#1 the water is black instead of brown, #2 inorganic matter or chemical products have been used and gone into the septic tank, #3 if you have put paint into it!
Can a water softener damage a septic system?
Yes. During a backwash, the septic tank receives a larger quantity of water. Also, salt can damage cement or concrete and hinder percolation.
How can I reduce the quantity of water I use?
If you must reduce the quantity of water that goes into the septic system, here are some tips: #1 Take short baths and avoid filling up the bathtub, #2 Avoid doing consecutive washings, #3 Do not keep the water running unnecessarily, #4 Opt for a low-flow toilet, #5 Redirect the backwash to a sump instead of rejecting it to the septic tank.
How can I best clean my artesian well ?
1. Close the valve on the hot water tank.
2. Close the valve of the water softener so as not to damage the resin (if applicable).
3. Take off the well cover.
4. Fill a pail with about 3 gallons of water.
5. Pour 1 to 2 gallons of bleach into the well.
6. Then empty the pail of water on the electrical wires so they are not damaged by corrosion.
7. Put the well cover back on.
8. Turn on the taps in the sinks and the bathtub until the bleach odor is gone.
9. Wait about 12 hours before using water.
10. Take the watering hose and aim it towards the ditch.
11. Let the water run until the bleach odor has disappeared.
12. Open the valve of the hot water tank and the water softener (if applicable).
Can I use your products to treat my pond?
You can try SeptiMax. We are soon going to be offering a product to treat ponds.
What do you recommend for sealed tanks and gray water tanks?
If you have problems of unpleasant odors from your sealed tank, you can use Septi + and add it monthly to the toilet. For your gray-water tank, we recommend using SeptiDrain and putting it down the sink drains.
How should I use your products if I have a submersible pump?
If the problem is with the pump station, add SeptiDrain directly into the pump station. For regular maintenance of a pump in the basement, flush the toilet until the pump starts, add Septi + to the toilet, and then flush the toilet. Avoid using water in the basement for a few hours.
Can I add the bacteria directly into the septic tank?
Yes. The treatment will work quicker if it is added directly to the septic tank. Example: pour ½ pail of SeptiDrain into a 5 gallon pail and fill it with water. Stir and then pour directly into the discharge pipe going towards the drainfield by using a funnel and a hose.
How can I best keep my drainage pipes from freezing up?
Snow acts as a natural insulation. Avoid shovelling the snow where the pipes are located, and do not pile snow there because it can compact. If you do have freezing problems, you can use insulating polystyrene foam as insulation to protect the pipes from freezing in winter. The digestion of the organic matters warms naturally the septic installation. Therefore, when you add SeptiDrain, you help to keep the installation warm and active.
At what temperature should the bacteria be kept?
Store them at room temperature inside the house. Avoid storing them in unheated areas in winter and in humid areas.
How does my septic tank work?
The standard septic installation is composed of a septic tank and a drainfield. The septic tank holds the solids and the drainfield filters the water. The septic tank is normally made of concrete and has two compartments. The drainfield is made up of pipes lined with holes. Sumps and wet wells can replace a drainfield. Advanced systems add a secondary treatment that permits to better filter water flowing from the septic tank.
What effect does the type of soil have on the performance of my installations?
The more the soil is impermeable, the less it percolates. The more the soil is compacted, the less the water will filter quickly through the soil. If the soil in the drainfield is slow-percolating, you will have problems sooner with you septic installation. For example: when the soil is a clay type soil, some of our customers have problems with their installation after only 7-8 years of use.
What causes problems in septic installations?
On a regular basis, your septic system receives large doses of detergents, cleaning products, hair, fibers, paper, soap, excrement, oil and grease. These affect its delicate balance. This has a direct impact on the natural biodegrading process. The waste accumulates inside the septic tank and slowly forms a black sludge. This will eventually coat and block the pipes of the drainfield and stop the soil from percolating.
What are the warning signs that a drainfield is plugged up?
Normally, septic installations show visible signs of wear. Here are some signs: #1 Water backs up and overflows around the septic tank cover, on the surrounding ground or in the house (in severe problems). #2 The ground is humid, spongy or the vegetation is more dense at the surface of the drainfield. #3 The water level is high in the septic tank. #4 Drains in the bathtub, sink or shower have difficulty evacuating. #5 There is a bad smelling odor.
What is a shock-treatment?
A shock-treatment is a biological way of cleaning a septic installation and of restoring percolation when the drainfield (or sump) is plugged. Two products are used for a shock-treatment: SeptiDrain and SeptiMax.
Why do I need to maintain my septic tank with bacteria?
Your septic system must daily digest large quantities of organic matter sent down the drain. The natural biodegrading process is may be not enough to digest all that organic matter. Science can now give you a helping hand by adding bacteria to your installations.
When is the best time to do a shock-treatment?
You can do a shock-treatment any time.
How can I evaluate what I will need and know what products to order?
Go to our Online Free Evaluation (by clicking on the button of the first section of the Order page) or telephone us at 1-800-378-6132.
How does one reorder after the enzymes are used up?
Fill out a new order form and add your client number (if you have kept your previous invoice).