Reliable Holding Tank Pumping — When You Need It

Living on a holding tank means pumping is a regular part of life — and it never seems to happen at a convenient time. We get it. Our crew shows up on time, pumps the full tank, and handles disposal at a licensed facility so you can get back to your day. No hassle, no surprises.

What's a Holding Tank — And How Is It Different From a Septic Tank?

A holding tank collects and stores all of your household wastewater — it provides no treatment and has no drain field. Every drop that goes down your drains stays in the tank until it’s pumped out by a licensed sewage hauler. This makes holding tanks fundamentally different from septic systems, which treat wastewater on-site and release it into the soil.

Under the Ontario Building Code, holding tanks are classified as Class 5 sewage systems. They’re common on properties where soil conditions, lot size, or proximity to water make a conventional septic system impractical — particularly waterfront properties, small lots, and older rural homes in the Kawartha Lakes region.

The key difference for you as a homeowner? Frequency and cost. A septic tank might need pumping every 3-5 years. A holding tank needs pumping every few weeks to every couple of months, depending on household size and water usage. Over time, that adds up. Since 1998, the Ontario Building Code has only permitted holding tanks where a Class 4 septic system can’t be installed — meaning most properties with holding tanks have them for a reason. That said, some older properties may have options worth exploring.

Holding Tank vs. Septic Tank

Holding Tank:

Stores ALL wastewater (no treatment)
No drain field or leaching bed
Pumping needed every 2-8 weeks
Class 5 under Ontario Building Code
Higher long-term operating costs

Septic Tank:

Treats wastewater on-site
Releases treated effluent to drain field
Pumping needed every 3-5 years
Class 4 under Ontario Building Code
Lower long-term operating costs

Not sure if your property could support a septic system? We’ll give you an honest answer →

How Holding Tank Pumping Works

Getting started is simple:

Step 1: Book Your Pump-Out

Call us or request a quote online. We’ll confirm your tank size, location, and access details. Same-day and next-day service available when you need it.

Step 2: We Pump and Dispose

Our crew arrives on time and pumps the full contents of your holding tank. All waste is transported to a licensed disposal facility in compliance with Ontario regulations — because protecting the groundwater and lakes in our community matters to us.

Step 3: Plan Ahead

We’ll give you an honest read on your usage and help you understand how often you’ll likely need service based on your household size and water habits. If you’d like, we can set up a reminder so you’re never caught off guard.

Honest Pricing. No Surprises.

We believe you should know what you’re paying before we show up. Here’s what to expect for holding tank pumping in the Kawartha Lakes and Durham regions:

Holding Tank Pump-Out (up to 1,000 gal): Starting at $425

Standard Holding Tank (2,000 gal): Starting at $575

Larger Tanks (3,000+ gal): Call for pricing

Emergency / After-Hours Service: Call for pricing

Final pricing depends on tank size, accessibility, distance, and current conditions. We provide exact pricing before any work begins — no surprises on your invoice.

Tired of Pumping Every Month?

If you’re spending hundreds of dollars every few weeks on holding tank pump-outs, you’re not alone. Since 1998, the Ontario Building Code has only permitted new holding tank installations where a Class 4 septic system can’t be installed — so most properties with holding tanks have them because of lot size, soil conditions, or setback limitations. That said, some older properties — particularly those where the holding tank was installed before the current building code took effect — may be able to support a properly designed septic system. A septic system treats your wastewater on-site, which means pumping only every 3-5 years instead of every few weeks.

Not every property qualifies, and we’ll tell you that upfront. We’ll assess your site and give you an honest answer — including telling you if conversion isn’t feasible. If a septic system does make sense for your property, we’ll walk you through the design, permitting, and installation process from start to finish.

Holding Tank Questions, Answered

What's the difference between a holding tank and a septic tank?

A septic tank treats wastewater on-site through natural bacterial breakdown and releases treated effluent into a drain field. A holding tank stores all household wastewater with no treatment — everything stays in the tank until it’s pumped out. Under the Ontario Building Code, septic systems are Class 4 and holding tanks are Class 5. The practical difference is cost and frequency — septic tanks need pumping every 3-5 years, while holding tanks need pumping every few weeks.

How often does a holding tank need pumping?

It depends entirely on your tank size and household water usage. For a typical 2,000 gallon tank: a household of 1-2 people usually needs pumping every 4-6 weeks,3-4 people every 2-4 weeks, and 5+ people may need weekly or bi-weekly service. Water-saving habits — fixing leaks, spreading laundry loads, low-flow fixtures — can meaningfully extend the time between pump-outs and reduce your costs.

How do I know when my holding tank is getting full?

Most holding tanks have a high-level alarm that sounds when the tank is approaching capacity. If your alarm goes off, call us — don’t wait. If you don’t have an alarm, watch for slow drains, gurgling pipes, or sewage odours. The best approach is to track your usage and schedule pump-outs before you reach capacity.

What should I never put down my drains if I have a holding tank?

Everything that goes down your drains ends up in your holding tank — and stays there until we pump it. Avoid flushing cooking oils, food waste, pharmaceuticals, cigarette butts, feminine hygiene products, or household chemicals. Don’t use garbage disposals unless absolutely necessary. The less non-essential waste goes in, the less frequently you need to pump — and the lower your costs.

Can I switch from a holding tank to a septic system?

It depends on your property — and honestly, most holding tank properties can’t. Since 1998, the Ontario Building Code has only permitted holding tanks where a Class 4 septic system isn’t feasible due to lot size, soil conditions, slope, or setback limitations. If your holding tank was installed under those rules, your property was already evaluated and a septic system was ruled out at that time. However, if your holding tank predates the 1998 code change, or if your property conditions have changed (for example, adjacent land was acquired), it may be worth a fresh assessment. A septic system installation typically costs $15,000-$35,000+ depending on conditions, but pays for itself within a few years through dramatically reduced pumping costs. We’ll give you an honest answer about what’s possible — including telling you if it’s not.

Do you pump holding tanks in the winter?

Yes. We operate year-round across the Kawartha Lakes region. Winter access depends on driveway and ground conditions, but in most cases we can reach your tank without issue.

Need Your Holding Tank Pumped?

Give us a call or request a quote. Same-day and next-day service available.

Imrie Septic — Your Complete Septic Partner