FortWest Engineering

How Does an Onsite Sewerage (Septic) System Project Work?

Many property owners are surprised to learn that installing or replacing an onsite sewerage system involves much more than excavation. A properly designed system follows a structured process from site investigation through final certification.

The infographic below summarizes the typical project sequence in British Columbia:

• Site investigation and soil assessment

• System design by an Authorized Person

• Filing the design with the local Health Authority

• Installation in accordance with the filed design

• Construction supervision by the Authorized Person

• Letter of Certification following completion

Property owners generally have two options:

1. Turnkey Project** – One contractor coordinates both the design and installation.

2. Owner-Managed Project** – The owner engages an Authorized Person for the design and Health Authority filing, then selects an installation contractor.

Understanding the process helps property owners make informed decisions before construction begins.

Infographic below is explaining the typical process for designing, installing and certifying an onsite sewerage system in British Columbia.

Have questions about onsite sewerage systems? Leave a comment below or visit:

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How Does a House Carry Loads?

The structural framing plan shown below is an example of how a house transfers loads safely to its foundation.

Although many walls simply divide interior spaces, others are load-bearing and play an important structural role. Floor joists transfer loads to beams, beams transfer loads to posts or load-bearing walls, and the loads are ultimately carried down to the foundation. Shear walls provide additional resistance against wind and earthquake forces.

Understanding this load path is essential when planning renovations. Removing or modifying a load-bearing wall often requires structural analysis and permit drawings to ensure the building continues to perform safely.

Whether you're planning a home renovation, addition, or new construction, understanding how structural loads are carried can help you make informed decisions early in the design process.

Learn more about structural engineering and permit drawing packages at fortwestengineering.com

Ever wondered what a plumbing isometric drawing looks like?

A plumbing isometric drawing is a three-dimensional schematic representation of a building's plumbing system. Unlike a floor plan, it shows how plumbing components connect vertically and horizontally throughout the building.

The example shown is a plumbing isometric prepared for a basement bathroom addition. It illustrates the drainage and vent piping serving a water closet, lavatory and shower, including a wet vent arrangement used to provide proper system venting.

Depending on the project, a plumbing isometric may also include potable hot and cold water distribution systems. These drawings are commonly required for commercial tenant improvements such as cafés, restaurants, salons and other projects involving plumbing modifications.

Plumbing isometric drawings help permit reviewers, plumbers and inspectors understand how drainage, venting and water distribution systems are intended to function before construction begins.

Understanding permit drawing requirements early in a project can help avoid delays during the permit review process.

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Septic System Design Packages

Professional onsite wastewater system design packages for residential and development projects.

Design packages may include:

• Site assessment & evaluation
• Septic field layouts
• Treatment system layouts
• Design documentation
• Filing package preparation
• Construction installation details
• Record drawings

Suitable for:

• New homes
• Rural properties
• Property development projects
• Replacement septic systems
• Home additions requiring septic review
• Subdivision & development projects

Prepared by qualified design professionals in accordance with BC onsite wastewater regulations.

Digital delivery available.

fortwestengineering.com

Plumbing Isometric & Ventilation Drawings

Permit-ready plumbing and ventilation drawing packages for tenant improvement and building permit applications.

Drawing packages may include:

• Plumbing isometric drawings
• Drainage & vent system layouts
• Water supply layouts
• Fixture schedules
• Ventilation layouts
• Mechanical permit drawings
• Permit submission drawings

Suitable for:

• Restaurants
• Cafes & coffee shops
• Hair salons & barber shops
• Commercial kitchens
• Retail tenant improvements
• Office renovations
• Personal service establishments
• Commercial building alterations
• Secondary suites
• Home additions
• Residential renovations

Prepared by licensed Professional Engineers and designed to support municipal permit applications.

Digital delivery available.

fortwestengineering.com

Structural Engineering for Renovations

Need a structural engineer for your renovation or building project?

FortWest Engineering provides professional structural engineering services for:

• Load-bearing wall removal
• Beam & column design
• Floor framing modifications
• Home additions
• Garage & deck structures
• Renovation permit applications

Services may include:
• Structural analysis & calculations
• Engineered framing plans
• Permit-ready structural drawings
• Site review & engineering support
• Coordination with architectural drafting packages

Prepared by licensed Professional Engineers and designed to support municipal building permit applications.

Serving Sunshine Coast, Lower Mainland & Vancouver Island.

Digital delivery available across BC.

Contact FortWest Engineering for project review and quotation.

Secondary Suite Drawing Packages

Permit-ready drawing packages for secondary suite projects.

Drawing packages may include:

• Existing & proposed floor plans
• Building elevations
• Structural drawings (where required)
• Plumbing isometric drawings
• Ventilation layouts
• Permit submission drawings

Suitable for:

• New secondary suites
• Basement suite conversions
• Secondary suite renovations
• Legalization projects

Digital delivery available.

fortwestengineering.com