Regular Pumping:

• Schedule Regular Inspections and Pumping: Typically, septic tanks should be inspected and pumped every 3 to 5 years. However, this can vary based on usage, tank size, and household size. An inspection can determine if pumping is necessary.

Proper Usage:

• Water Conservation: Use water efficiently to reduce the flow to your septic system. Fix leaks, install low-flow toilets, and take shorter showers. Too much water can overload the system.

• Waste Disposal:

  • Do Not Flush: Non-degradable items like wipes, diapers, cigarette butts, coffee grounds, or feminine hygiene products.

  • Chemicals and Grease: Minimize or eliminate the use of garbage disposals, which can add too much solid waste. Avoid pouring grease, oil, or large amounts of chemicals down the drain.

System Care:

• Maintain the Drain Field:

  • Avoid driving or parking over the drain field, as this can compact the soil and damage the field lines.

  • Snow coverage on a drain field is NOT a bad thing! Snow is an excellent insulator and allows the field to function normally. Compacting the snow, which can them turn to ice, leaves the field at risk for freezing.

  • Keep trees with large root systems away from the drain field to prevent roots from invading pipes.

  • Ensure runoff from roofs, patios, or driveways doesn't flow over the drain field as this can cause erosion or saturation.

• Protect the System from Damage:

  • Be cautious about where you install landscaping or plant trees. Roots can infiltrate septic tanks or pipes.

  • If you have a septic alarm, respond to it immediately as it might indicate a problem.

Monitoring:

• Watch for Signs of Trouble:

  • Odours, slow drainage, backups, or lush, green grass over the drain field outside the normal growing season can indicate issues with your septic system.

• Keep Records: Keep records of all maintenance, inspections, and pumping so you have a history of your septic system's care.

• Adhere to re-inspection programs and local bylaws to ensure your system doesn’t become an issue if selling your property. 

Emergency Preparedness:

• Know Your System: Understand where your septic tank and drain field are located. This knowledge is invaluable if you need to address an emergency or explain issues to a service provider.

• Have a Backup Plan: Know who to call in case of a septic system emergency.

Environmental Considerations:

• Protect Groundwater: Be mindful of what goes into your septic system to avoid contamination of groundwater.

• Permits and Regulations: Check local regulations regarding septic system maintenance, repairs, or modifications. You might need permits for some activities.

By adhering to these maintenance practices, you can extend the life of your septic system, prevent costly repairs, and protect the environment. Remember, if you're unsure about anything or notice problems, it's wise to consult with a professional septic service provider.

by Shannon Donnelly

As more and more seniors embrace technology and the ability to connect with family and friends at the touch of a button or with a few texted words, the more they are vulnerable to scams targeting them because of their naivety. Just the other day, my own mother received a text message from an unrecognizable phone number saying ‘Hi, Mom! It’s me… I dropped my phone in the pool and I’m texting you from a friend’s phone…’ Now, here in Muskoka it’s been a bitter -20 C for quite some time, and I can assure you there are no pools to drop a phone into. So it was quite easy to identify this as an attempt to deceive her into believing one of her kids sent it. But sometimes these scammers get quite creative and can be very convincing, with the ultimate goal of trying to persuade the target to send money, click a link or otherwise divulge information that puts them at risk.

So how do you protect yourself?  First, recognize the telltale ‘scam’ signs:

The intro wording will vary from scam to scam, and the scammer will often use very vague references to avoid being easily exposed, but usually the text starts with ‘Hey, Mom/Dad’ and comes from a number that’s not recognized. Typically, these messages share some common clues that will help you identify them.

• The message comes from an unknown number, often with an area code not local to you

• There’s an element of urgency associated with the message

• They don’t identify themselves with a name, but use wording like ‘It’s me…’ hoping the recipient will provide the name of the person they think is texting

• A plausible reason for them using a strange phone is provided, such as ‘My phone went for a swim…’

• The recipient is then asked to use an alternative or unfamiliar communication app, such as WhatsApp

• Then they are asked to send money or provide personal bank account details

• As many of these scams originate in foreign countries, the messages are often laden with poor spelling and grammar

If you’ve been the target of a scam attempt, there are some things you should do, and some things you should NOT do!

DO:

• Block the number from which the text originated. This is the easiest and most direct way to ensure there are no further attempts from that number

• Let your family and friends know what happened so they are clear when text you who they are

• Review where your phone number and other contact information can be found, and limit who can see it

• Learn about the various ways scammers and crooks are trying to dupe you - there’s truly no end to their creativity, but the best way to identify the is to know what they’re up to before they attempt to scam you

• Report the event to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, which uses the information for public awareness and anti-fraud technology

DO NOT:

• Under no circumstances should you click a link, image or otherwise interact with the text

• Don’t engage in conversation with the person as you may inadvertently open yourself up to risk

by Shannon Donnelly

Welcome to our Real Estate Blog! Here you can find timely updates of my latest properties, open houses, just solds and much more.

Whether you are interested in buying or selling real estate, I am here to help guide you every step of the way.

If you have any questions about real estate from home evaluations to mortgages to searching for properties in your area, don't hesitate to contact me today!