DIY SEPTIC SYSTEMS

Save Thousands – With the Right Professional Support

Want to save thousands of dollars on your new septic system?

You can take control of your project and reduce installation costs, without cutting corners on compliance or safety.

North Blue Septic bridges the gap between DIY and professional requirements.

How It Works

We provide everything you need to confidently manage your own installation, while ensuring the system meets BC Regulatory Standards.

What We Provide

• Stamped Septic System Design
  • Designed by a Registered Onsite Wastewater Practitioner (ROWP)
  • Compliant with:
    • BC Sewerage System Regulations
    • BC Standard Practice Manual
    • Local Health Authority requirements
  • Filed with your local health authority

• Complete Materials & Component List
  • Detailed, construction-ready list of all required materials
  • Eliminate guesswork and costly mistakes

• Access to Discounted Materials
  • Contractor-level pricing on key components
  • Savings not typically available to the public

• Installation Cost Savings
  • You provide the majority of labour
  • Manage your own excavation and scheduling
  • Reduce contractor costs significantly

• Final Certification & Filing
  • System reviewed upon completion
  • Documentation submitted to the Health Authority
  • Legal certification of your septic system

Typical DIY Package

Starting at: $5,000

Includes:

• Septic system design
• Health Authority submission
• Complete material list
• Letter of Certification
• Maintenance plan
• 2 days onsite supervision + labour

Additional Costs & Responsibilities

Homeowner Responsibilities

The homeowner is responsible for:

• Health Authority filing fees (~$200)
• Soil testing/Lab fees (~$200)
• All excavation and machine costs
• Electrical costs (if required)
• Procuring and delivering all materials to site

Additional Site Visits

• Additional supervision beyond included time ($1000/day)

Typical Installation Timelines

Timelines depend heavily on site conditions, equipment, and homeowner experience.

Required Supervision (Critical Stages)

Homeowner installation must be supervised during key phases:

• Placement and connection of the septic tank
• Prior to backfilling the dispersal field
• System testing and final inspection

This ensures:

• Proper elevations and grading
• Correct pipe slope and alignment
• All joints are properly glued and sealed

North Blue Septic will be in the trench with you during critical work.

Labour Expectations

This is a true DIY assisted installation.

• The homeowner is expected to provide the majority of labour
• North Blue Septic provides:
  • Technical oversight
  • Critical installation support
  • Quality control

DIY Eligibility & Approval

Not all projects or homeowners are suitable for a DIY assisted septic installation.

Approval will be based on factors including:

• Site conditions and system complexity
• Type of system (gravity vs pressurized)
• Access to appropriate equipment and qualified trades
• Homeowner capability, availability, and understanding of the process
• Ability to follow design specifications and regulatory requirements

North Blue Septic reserves the right to determine whether a project is appropriate for a DIY approach.

In some cases, a full service installation may be recommended to ensure compliance, efficiency, and long-term system performance.

DIY Pre-Qualification Checklist

You may be a good candidate if:

• You have access to excavation equipment or a qualified operator
• You are comfortable performing physical labour on-site
• You can follow detailed design drawings and instructions precisely
• You are available during construction and key inspection stages
• You understand the importance of elevations, grading, and pipe slope
• You are willing to coordinate:
  • Materials
  • Equipment
  • Trades (eg, electrician if required)

You may NOT be a good candidate if:

• You are unfamiliar with construction or excavation work
• You cannot commit the time required during installation
• You are not comfortable working in trenches or around equipment
• You are unable to follow strict specifications and instructions
• Your site has:
  • Difficult access
  • Complex design requirements
  • Tight timelines

Minimum requirements:

To proceed with a DIY package, homeowners must:

• Follow the approved design exactly as provided
• Be present during all critical installation stages
• Coordinate all required equipment, labour, and materials
• Allow for required onsite supervision and inspections

Final consideration

The homeowner must determine whether the potential cost savings justify the time, effort, and responsibility involved.

DIY septic installation can provide significant savings – but only when done correctly!

Important

DIY does not mean cutting corners.

All systems must:

• Be installed exactly as designed
• Meet all setback and construction requirements
• Pass final inspection and certification

Improper installation can result in:

• System failure
• Expensive repairs
• Regulatory non-compliance

Why Work With North Blue Septic?

• ROWP certified design and oversight
• Experience with Northern Health and Interior Health
• Practical, buildable designs
• Hands-on support during critical installation stages

Start Saving Today!

Take control of your septic project – without risking compliance.

Call North Blue Septic today to get started!

Professional design. Real savings. Built right the first time.