FAQ

We strongly recommend that you retain the services of a licensed septic service professional to install your SepticSitter sensors. This is for safety reasons but also to ensure the sensors are installed in a location and at a depth that will be the most beneficial for monitoring your septic system. Tanks contain hazardous gases and sewage contains hazardous bacteria and viruses. Septic professionals are trained and experienced on how to work around septic systems safely. For warranty coverage, the system must be installed by a licensed septic service professional.

• • The SepticSitter system consists of three main components – 1) Non-contact sensors which install in septic tanks, pump tanks, leachfields and cesspools; 2) SepticSitter gateway or Hub which the sensors are connected to and typically installs inside the home or business; and 3) Direct bury rated, CAN power and communications cables with waterproof connectors.
  • The Hub is the part which sends power to, and receives data from the sensors. It sends the data up to our Cloud server via an internet connection (ethernet or cellular).
  • A complete basic system consists of the Hub plus at least one (1) sensor and the necessary number of cables to connect the two. Additional sensors can be connected in a daisy-chain (end to end) configuration with a maximum of six (6) sensors per Hub and a total maximum distance of 160m (525 ft) from the Hub to the last sensor.

The SepticSitter data can be provided to potential buyers (and their septic inspector) to demonstrate the status and proper operation of the sewage system over time and over a range of different weather and usage situations. Without such comprehensive data, a buyer’s septic inspector will typically base their assessment on a single inspection of your system, for a few hours on one day.

The comprehensive data gathered by SepticSitter is invaluable in the event your septic professional ever needs to troubleshoot a problem. They will have a better understanding of how your leachfield or cesspool has been responding to different climate related factors (temperature, rain, snowmelt, groundwater levels). They will also be able to use this data to help predict the future performance and reliability of your septic system, and to determine what types of remedial measures or upgrades could help get your system working better, or extend its life.

Yes, there is a monthly charge which varies depending on your system connection:

Ethernet Hub systems:

US$14/month (US$168 per year/Hub) billed annually).

CDN$15/month (US$180 per year/Hub) billed annually).

Cellular Hub systems:

US$23/month (US$276 per year/Hub) billed annually).

CDN$25/month (US$300 per year/Hub) billed annually).

We are continuously adding more features and value to our web application to help you and your service provider maximize your sewage system’s performance and your peace of mind.

Yes, you can go online at any time and see what the levels are in your septic system where our sensors have been installed. However, there is no need to constantly check levels if you don’t want to. SepticSitter has a comprehensive notification and alert system. You can simply have your service provider set up alerts at any levels that are desired and let SepticSitter keep watch to see if levels in your septic system ever rise above those alert trigger levels. If they do, SepticSitter will send your service provider, and you (if desired) an email to alert you.

Yes, our sensors can be installed in new or existing cesspools. It is easiest if there are access risers already in place on the tank. If there is no access riser for the tank you wish to monitor, we recommend installing one first, although it is not absolutely essential. For further details refer to our tank installation instructions under the Resources page.

Yes, our sensors can be retrofitted to existing tanks. It is easiest if there are already access risers in place on the tank. If there is no access riser for the tank, we recommend installing one first. For further details and drawings refer to our tank installation instructions under the Resources page.

Yes, our sensors can be retrofitted to existing leachfield trenches and beds. If the leachfield already has inspection ports (aka observation tubes) it is very easy. If there are no inspection ports, then these need to be retrofitted first. For plastic leaching chamber trenches (i.e. Infiltrator chambers) it is necessary to dig down to expose the top of the chamber, then drill a hole with a hole saw to insert the 2” (50mm) sensor sonar pipe with cap. For gravel (stone) trenches and beds, we have developed a special tool that makes it easy to retrofit 3” (75mm) inspection ports to these types of leachfields. For further details refer to our leachfield installation drawings and instructions under the Resources page.