What is the best septic system for a small lot?

Building your dream home in the country is exciting, but if your lot is small, choosing the right septic system can be a real challenge.

Small septic systems offer a practical solution for properties with limited space, ensuring effective wastewater treatment where larger systems won’t fit. Whether you're constructing a year-round residence or a holiday retreat, finding the best septic system for your small lot is crucial.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key considerations for septic systems with small footprints and explain why the Ecoflo compact biofilter stands out as the smart choice compared to other alternatives in Canada.

Table of contents

1.	Why you might need a small septic system
2.	Minimum lot size for septic systems
3.	Why Ecoflo is best for small lots
4.	Ecoflo vs. other alternative systems for small lots
	4.1.	Geotextile sand filters (GSFs)
	4.2.	Flatbed biofilters
	4.3.	Basket biofilters

Why would you need a small septic system?

If you have a small property, several challenges can limit the space available for a traditional septic system:

Required distances from property lines
Local regulations require septic systems to be installed at a minimum distance from property lines (3 m in most provinces). Keeping this distance is important for safety and to ensure your system functions properly. For small lots, these distances further reduce the available space for traditional septic systems, which require a sizable drain field (also known as a leach field).
Required distances from wells and streams
Local regulations also require minimum distances between septic systems and water sources. These regulations are meant to protect public health. Again, these distances further limit space for septic systems on small lots, especially when they’re near a lake or river.
Yard features
Septic systems need a dedicated area that is clear of heavy objects, which can damage your tank or pipes. If you plan to build a driveway, pool, gazebo, or similar feature on your small lot, you may not have the space required for a septic tank with a conventional drain field.
Established trees
Septic systems need to be installed a certain distance from trees. Although leafy canopies look great in your yard, roots from certain trees can damage septic tanks and pipes. For small properties, the minimum required distance may make a traditional septic system impossible unless you clear your established trees.

Septic installation on a narrow lot with mature trees.

Installing a small septic system on a narrow lot with mature trees.

What is the minimum lot size for a septic system?

There’s no quick answer for how much space you need to install a septic system. That’s because the minimum amount of space is determined by criteria that are specific to each property. They include:

Soil type and permeability
Wastewater needs to percolate through soil at a specific rate to be properly treated. Some soils percolate water too slowly, too quickly, or not at all. You could have 100 acres, but still not be able to install a septic system if you don’t have the right soil.
Household size and water usage
A septic system designer will use the number of bedrooms in your home to estimate your water usage. Larger homes generate higher volumes of wastewater, which means they need bigger septic tanks and drain fields.
Local regulations
Regulations around septic systems are different in each province. They can even vary at the municipal level. These regulations determine everything needed to safely install a septic system on your property, including required setbacks and lot sizes.

Minimum lot size for a septic system in British Columbia

The British Columbia Ministry of Health enforces a minimum lot size of 1 hectare (10,000 m² or about 2.47 acres) for installing a septic system in B.C.

This minimum requirement ensures adequate space for the septic system, a well (if applicable), and any required setbacks from property lines, water sources, or buildings.

Again, this minimum can change based on your soil conditions, the type of septic system you choose, and local regulations. For requirements tailored to your property, reach out to our team or consult a Registered Onsite Wastewater Practitioner (ROWP) in your municipality.

Minimum lot size for a septic system in Nova Scotia

The Nova Scotia Department of Environment and Climate Change mandates that a lot must be at least 0.9 hectares (9,000 m² or about 2.22 acres) and have a width of 72 m to install a septic system.

This ensures compliance with environmental and safety standards, as well as setbacks from wells and property lines.

This minimum can change based on your soil type, water table depth, septic system type, and local regulations. For more information about your property’s specific requirements, contact our team or a septic designer in your area.

Minimum lot size for a septic system in Ontario

The Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing sets a minimum lot size of 0.9 hectares (9,000 m² or about 2.22 acres) for installing a septic system.

However, this can vary depending on factors such as soil conditions, the type of septic system, and municipal regulations. For requirements specific to your property, get in touch with us or consult an engineer in your municipality.

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Why is the Ecoflo compact biofilter the best septic system for small lots?

Ecoflo septic system installation on a small lot near a river.

Ecoflo compact biofilter installation for a small riverfront property.

If you have a small area where a traditional septic system won’t fit, you need to look for an alternative system to treat your wastewater.

The Ecoflo compact biofilter, manufactured by Premier Tech Water and Environment, is the perfect solution for small lots due to its space-saving design and efficient performance.

Compact size

Traditional septic systems have drain fields that take up a lot of space. This makes it hard to fit them onto small lots.

That isn’t a problem with the Ecoflo compact biofilter, which can be installed with a smaller drain field than traditional systems. This means you can often avoid clearing mature trees to make room for the installation.

Let’s compare drain field requirements for traditional septic systems versus the Ecoflo compact biofilter in a few different provinces. We’ll assume that each installation is for a three-bedroom home with clay soil.

Province	Traditional drain field minimum (m²)	Ecoflo compact biofilter drain field minimum (m²)	Space saved with Ecoflo
British Columbia	60	40	33%
Nova Scotia	60	32	46%
Ontario	200	100	50%

Installed for life

Sludge is a natural byproduct of wastewater treatment. With other systems, it can accumulate in the drain field over time. This eventually causes the drain field to clog. Once that happens, you need to dig up the drain field and find space to install a new one.

Finding space for a drain field on small lots is already hard. Finding space for a second one can be impossible.

Thanks to the Ecoflo compact biofilter’s coco filter, that isn’t a problem. The filter acts as a physical barrier that traps pollutants. Any built-up sludge stays there, which protects your drain field from clogging.

Unlike your drain field, the Ecoflo compact biofilter is fully accessible. When its coco filter clogs (usually after 13 to 15 years of use), we remove it and install a new one in the same tank. The system itself is installed for life.

Learn more about how the Ecoflo compact biofilter works.

Renewal of coconut husk filtering media for the Ecoflo compact biofilter.

Installing a new coco filter in the Ecoflo compact biofilter.

Efficient treatment, even during periods of non-use

Some properties with small lots, such as cabins and holiday homes, aren’t occupied year-round. Because of this, they don’t use their septic systems all the time.

Unlike other septic systems, the Ecoflo compact biofilter is perfectly adapted for intermittent use.

Because it doesn’t use electricity for treatment, it doesn’t need to be turned on or off. And since it has no mechanical parts, you don’t need to worry about it malfunctioning when you’re not there.

Another reason is its coco filter. Coco has a high capacity for water retention and absorption. Thanks to this, the filter maintains a humid environment inside the biofilter unit, which sustains essential microorganisms during periods of non-use.

When you get back to your property after an absence, the Ecoflo compact biofilter will be just as you left it and ready to treat your property’s wastewater.

How does the Ecoflo compact biofilter compare with other alternative systems for small lots?

Septic systems are a long-term investment. That's why it's important to make the right choice for your property, now and for years to come.

To help you make your decision, let’s compare the Ecoflo compact biofilter with popular alternatives in a few different provinces: British Columbia, Nova Scotia, and Ontario.

Scenario 1: Ecoflo compact biofilter vs. geotextile sand filters in British Columbia

In British Columbia, geotextile sand filters (GSFs) are a popular alternative for rural properties with small lots.

These systems work by pumping septic tank effluent to the top of a sand mound. Wastewater trickles through a geotextile module and continues through the sand layer. It then percolates into the underlying drain field, which completes treatment before effluent returns to native soil.

Because geotextile sand filters can be configured for narrow spaces, they are easy to install on properties with space constraints.

Why is the Ecoflo compact biofilter the better choice?

Height
Geotextile sand filters have a sand mound and a geotextile module that protrude on your property, creating an eyesore. The Ecoflo compact biofilter requires only an underlying stone layer, which is 33 cm (13”) shorter and far less obtrusive.
Accessibility
Geotextile sand filters are buried with no way to access or monitor them. You won’t know if there’s a problem until the system starts to fail. By then, its too late to do anything except replace it. The Ecoflo compact biofilter has an easily accessible lid. When its filter clogs after 13 to 15 years of use, all we need to do is pop open the lid, remove the old filter, and install a new one.
Components
Geotextile sand filters rely on control panels and pumps to treat wastewater, which means they can’t function if either of these malfunctions or breaks. The Ecoflo compact biofilter is a passive system that works 24/7 in all seasons. It does not need these extra components to treat your wastewater.

Installation of the polyethylene Ecoflo compact biofilter.

Ecoflo compact biofilter: fully accessible, 24/7 treatment in all seasons, and far more discreet than mounded GSF systems.

Scenario 2: Ecoflo compact biofilter vs. flatbed biofilters in Nova Scotia

Flatbed biofilters are a popular alternative for rural properties with small lots in Nova Scotia.

These systems receive wastewater from your septic tank and disperse it over a synthetic filtering medium. Microorganisms attached to the filtering medium break down pollutants as wastewater trickles through. Effluent then flows into your drain field, where it returns to native soil.

Flatbed biofilters function much like the Ecoflo compact biofilter. Both systems are also installed for life.

So, what’s the difference?

Warranty
Nova Scotia’s leading flatbed biofilter comes with a filtering medium warranty that ends after 20 years — no matter what. The Ecoflo compact biofilter is different. Its filtering medium has a 10-year warranty that resets each time you renew your filter. This means you can extend your warranty indefinitely and protect your investment.
Number of components
Unlike flatbed biofilters, the Ecoflo compact biofilter does not need additional pumps to operate. With fewer components to worry about, you save the hassle of needing a long list of replacement parts.
Quick access to important information
As the manufacturer of the Ecoflo compact biofilter, Premier Tech keeps all your system records in one place. This includes details like when it was installed, how it has been maintained, and its filter-replacement history. Flatbed biofilter companies don’t centralize these kinds of records, which can make it harder for you to track down important information when you need it.

Installation of the Ecoflo compact biofilter's Pack model.

Ecoflo Pack model: combining the septic tank and biofilter in one configuration, which is not possible with flatbed biofilter systems.

Scenario 3: Ecoflo compact biofilter vs. basket biofilters in Ontario

Basket biofilters are a popular septic system choice for small lots in Ontario.

These systems work a bit like flatbed biofilters. They collect wastewater from your septic tank and distribute it over a synthetic filtration material. As wastewater moves through the filter, microorganisms living on the surface break down contaminants. Treated effluent is then directed into your drain field, where it is absorbed back into native soil.

Basket biofilters share a few advantages with the Ecoflo compact biofilter, including a design that allows for long-term installation.

What is it that sets Ecoflo apart?

Warranty protection
The most popular basket biofilter in Ontario comes with a warranty that lasts for 20 years, but it doesn't offer any coverage after that. On the other hand, the Ecoflo compact biofilter is covered by a 10-year warranty that resets each time you renew the filter. In this way, you can keep your warranty active for as long as you own your system.
Simple operation with fewer parts
Basket biofilter systems need extra pumps to work. The Ecoflo compact biofilter does not. That means it has fewer parts and takes up less space on your property.
Easy access to records
Premier Tech, the manufacturer of the Ecoflo compact biofilter, keeps all records of your system, including its installation date, maintenance history, and filter history. Your files are available whenever you need them. Since basket biofilter manufacturers do not offer the same level of service, tracking down the information you need can be tricky.