To ensure that septic systems in Innisfil are working, the Town of Innisfil follows a mandatory septic system re-inspection program outlined in the Ontario Building Code.

Program areas

Mandatory inspections apply to properties located within 100 m of:

  • The Lake Simcoe shoreline
  • A municipal well
  • A river, stream, lake or pond that is contained within the Lake Simcoe watershed

View our Mandatory Septic System Re-Inspection Program Brochure for a map of the program areas.

Inspection schedule

We'll inspect all properties located in the mandatory program areas once every five years. If your property is selected, you will receive a notification in the mail. You don't need to be present during the inspection, however, if you'd like to be present, you can book a septic inspection.

Fee

It costs $142.00 for a regular five-year septic system inspection. 

You can contact Lake Simcoe Conservation Authority and Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority to find out if they have funding available to help cover this cost.

What to expect

An inspector will then visit your property to conduct a visual surface inspection of your septic system. We will not dig up or disturb the ground during the inspection.

Here are the steps we take during the re-inspection process:

  1. Identify the systems to re-inspect
  2. Determine if the system has a permit or any health unit septic records on file
  3. Review and assess any septic information (if no information is on file, we will contact you to collect information)
  4. Conduct the re-inspection to ensure compliance
  5. Enter septic system and inspection results into our database

What happens if the inspection fails?

If your septic system is functioning properly, but the inspector finds minor deficiencies, your system may not pass the inspection. You'll need to fix the minor deficiencies before you can pass the inspection. This could be as simple as replacing a broken tank lid or removing excessive vegetation from the septic bed.

If there are signs that the system is failing, we may require a third party to conduct a more complete inspection. You will need to cover the cost of the additional inspection. Depending on the results, your system may need to be repaired or replaced.

Common septic system issues and warning signs

Common problems that we find during inspections include:

  • Vehicles parking or driving on the septic tank or leaching bed
  • Structures, trees, roots or other excessive vegetation in the leaching bed
  • Deficient septic or holding tanks
  • Fire pits dug into the leaching bed
  • Outhouses in disrepair
  • Deck posts on septic or holding tanks

Common signs that you may have a septic system issue include:

  • Slow drains
  • Sewage backup
  • Black or brown water pooling
  • Soft or spongy ground over septic bed area
  • Sewage smell

Visit the Ontario Septic Smart Guide to learn more about how your septic system works.