Waterloo Biofilter Systems Inc

Septic Tank Cleaning, Repair & Installation
Rockwood ON
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52%

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Reviews for Waterloo Biofilter Systems Inc

Average customer rating:
5.4 10 (19 reviews)

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Private User
Private User
Private User reviews Kingston, ON
6/10

Less than impressed

We have had this system for about 7 years and have had various issues. As others have mentioned, we have experienced a sewage smell intermittently. We have recently had to have the entire system re-wired at a significant cost because the original design created points in the wiring that were prone to wear and eventually it shorted out. We were told when that work was done to expect to have to replace the pump sometime soon, as they typically only last about 7 years. This is all to say that there are a lot of moving parts in this system that are not part of a typical septic system, so be prepared for the cost of repairs in addition to the annual maintenance fees of about $300/year.
My biggest concern is the lack of local service available to support these systems when the fail. There are lots of contractors who are willing to install the system, but few that are willing to do the ongoing maintenance. This has meant that we have a service contract with a company that is hours away from us. So when something goes wrong, there isn't anyone available to come onsite immediately and I assume that the cost of that travel is incorporated into the fees we pay.
At the end of the day we feel like we have paid for a premium product that is somewhat lacking in design and the company has not sufficiently invested in the service infrastructure needed to support it.

Approximate cost of services:
$35,000.00
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Company Response

Thank you for your review! If there is anyway we can be of service in addressing your issues or helping you locate a service provider in your area, please contact us at 1-866-366-4329

Diane in Rockwood
Diane in Rockwood
1 review Guelph, ON
10/10

Septic system installation

My septic system went at the cottage and I needed a new one. Due to the new environmental rules I couldn't get just an old septic tank installed I had to get one that was more bio-friendly. This company was recommended to me and I've been nothing but happy with them. Their product is superior to my old system it's maintenance-free other than having a yearly inspection to make sure everything is running right. I don't need to put anything into it to keep the bacteria up. I just use it like a normal septic system. And it takes up much less land then my old one. I'm the second person on my street to get this and I would recommend it to all my neighbors.

Approximate cost of services:
$27,000.00
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Company Response

Thank you for your review, Diane! I am glad that our system met the nutrient requirements for your cottage lot!

Private User
Private User
Private User reviews Orillia, ON
0/10

Septic system

This system was installed in March of 2015.
We have had nothing problems since....smell, alarm go off daily, and internal water in the tank running constantly.
The installer has listened to our contemplates and has tried to work on the issues.
Had a Rep from Waterloo come and inspect....It was for not ..... he pointed everything on us ( not proper use ). The system sucks and I would highly recommend another system.

Approximate cost of services:
$25,000.00
What could this company do to improve their services?
Any advice to offer fellow homeowners facing a similar project?
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Company Response

It was recently brought to our attention the concerns you are having with your septic system. As an Advanced Onsite Wastewater Treatment manufacturer for over 20 years and thousands of our treatment systems installed over those years, we take pride in the systems that we produce. We would like to work with you to make sure your Waterloo Biofilter treatment unit is functioning properly and meeting your expectations. I apologize if our field team has been unable to find the source of your odour problems.

I would ask if you would please call our office at 1 866-366-4329 so we can continue to work with you to try and resolve the odour issues you are having with your system.

ShaneenZzee in Arkona
ShaneenZzee in Arkona
1 review Arkona, ON
10/10

System works great, staff is helpful

I have had my Waterloo for 3 years now. We have a property by the river (GRCA) which posed some difficulty. Waterloo staff helped me understand some of the setbacks and rules. I saw the above reviews about odours, but I haven't had any.

Approximate cost of services:
$25,000.00
What could this company do to improve their services?
Any advice to offer fellow homeowners facing a similar project?
0 of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Company Response

Thanks for your review! Glad we were able to fit something on your lot. If you are interested, please feel free to leave us a Google review as well!

Vicky M in Ottawa
Vicky M in Ottawa
3 reviews Ottawa, ON
10/10

Had problems with the smell, company was quick to follow up and fix it.

We had this system installed in 2016. We have a half acre lot we could smell it from the other end of the lot every time the pump ran. Posted a negative review and the company followed up with us immediately. Came out to change/check filters and added some extra ones for good measure. Was also very proactive and followed up with us. We love the system now and were very pleased with the level of service.

Review has 1 previous version
Approximate cost of services:
$30,000.00
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Company Response

Hello Vicky, I am glad we were able to work together to find a solution to your problem and thank you so much for the positive review! If you have any questions or concerns moving forward, please do not hesitate to contact us! Have a great day!

Private User
Private User
Private User reviews Hamilton, ON
4/10

septic tank

when septic goes off the smell is something,, neighbors are 200 ft away and they are complaining,, the tanks are in front of my house and In the summer cant open any windows,, every 5 years must change the sponges ,, I called and its around 1500 dollars to replace,, if I only knew better I would have found another system

Approximate cost of services:
$29,000.00
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Company Response

It was recently brought to our attention the concerns you are having with your septic system. As an Advanced Onsite Wastewater Treatment manufacturer for over 20 years and thousands of our treatment systems installed over those years, we take pride in the systems that we produce. We would like to work with you to make sure your Waterloo Biofilter treatment unit is functioning properly and meeting your expectations. The foam sponges in our system have a 20-year Manufacturer’s Warranty and would only need to be completely replaced under the rarest of circumstances.

I would ask if you would please call our office at 1 866-366-4329 so we can work with you to try and resolve the odour issues you are having with your system and we can provide more information about our warranty program.

Private User
Private User
Private User reviews Toronto, ON
0/10

Waterloo Biofilter Expensive to Maintain

Be careful about getting yourself tied-in to a home with a Waterloo Biofilter. I bought a home with one already installed and then found out it is roughly $300/year for the service contract and almost $200/year for emergency visits. Apparently you have no choice about having the service contract either because the contract is required if you have the unit. After two emergency visits I was told that all kinds of things can screw up the system like long hair and grease from the kitchen. I guess I'll tell my wife to shave her head so I can stop paying for the service guy to come and fix it.

Approximate cost of services:
$300.00
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Company Response

It was recently brought to our attention the concerns you are having with your septic system. As an Advanced Onsite Wastewater Treatment manufacturer for over 20 years and thousands of our treatment systems installed over those years, we take pride in the systems that we produce. We would like to work with you to make sure your Waterloo Biofilter treatment unit is functioning properly and meeting your expectations.

You are correct that under the regulations of the Ontario Building Code any Onsite Wastewater Treatment System is required to have annual maintenance and your Waterloo Biofilter system would be required to follow those regulations.

Under normal conditions and with regular maintenance Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems are very reliable and generally do not require emergency visits. The disposal of large amounts of grease and other solids that don’t decompose in the septic tank can cause clogging issues in the sewer main coming from the house and the effluent filter on the septic tank inlet.

I would ask if you would please call our office at 1 866-366-4329 so we can work with you to try and reduce/eliminate emergency visits. We would be happy to provide you with some maintenance and best practice information to help prevent repetitive alarm calls from happening in the future.

Private User
Private User
Private User reviews Orillia, ON
0/10

Septic

My septic system also smells. Was installed 2 years ago. We have had numerous visits from reps from the company. All told us it was from the roof. But this is at ground level, you can smell sewage around the tank covers. This is a very expensive system to have these kinds of issues.
.

Approximate cost of services:
$20,000.00
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Company Response

It was recently brought to our attention the concerns you are having with your septic system. As an Advanced Onsite Wastewater Treatment manufacturer for over 20 years and thousands of our treatment systems installed over those years, we take pride in the systems that we produce. We would like to work with you to make sure your Waterloo Biofilter treatment unit is functioning properly and meeting your expectations. I apologize if our field team has been unable to find the source of your odour problems.

I would ask if you would please call our office at 1 866-366-4329 so we can continue to work with you to try and resolve the odour issues you are having with your system.

Leslie from Parry Sound
Leslie from Parry Sound
1 review Parry Sound, ON

First Review

1/10

Septic system

If you want the smell of raw sewage around your home, then this system is for you.

Nothing like having family and friends over, have system kick in and the horrible smell of raw sewage wafting through the air

Approximate cost of services:
$25,000.00
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.
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Company Response

Hi Leslie,

It was recently brought to our attention the concerns you are having with your septic system. As an Advanced Onsite Wastewater Treatment manufacturer for over 20 years and thousands of our treatment systems installed over those years, we take pride in the systems that we produce. We would like to work with you to make sure your Waterloo Biofilter treatment unit is functioning properly and meeting your expectations.

A healthy and properly functioning septic system should not give out unpleasant odours, so I would ask if you would please call our office at 1 866-366-4329 so we can work with you to try and resolve any issues you are having with your system.

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