Septic Tank Maintenance

To avoid septic system malfunctions, it is important to have your septic tanks routinely pumped and cleaned. It is recommended that septic tanks are pumped and cleaned every two to three years, but this can vary with the size of the tank and number of people in the household.

When you have your tank(s) pumped, it must be done through the manhole cover and not through the inspection port. Pumping through the manhole cover allows for all the solids to be removed, not just the liquids. To extract all the materials from the tank, the scum and grease layer must be broken up and the sludge layer stirred up into the liquids portion of the tank. This is done by a process called backflushing. During this, the pumper will pump the liquid from the tank, then forcing it back into the tank. Once this process is complete, the tank should be free of all material.

Chemical or bacterial additives are not necessary for your septic system to function properly. There are naturally occurring bacteria in waste that aids in the breaking down of solids, so adding extra is just not necessary. Additives are not a substiture for routine pumping and cleaning!

Mandatory Pumping

A few townships in Lancaster County have enacted a mandatory pumping ordinance. This means that residents of these townships are required to have their septic systems (called on-lot sewage or wastewater systems) pumped, cleaned, and inspected every 3 years. The goal of these ordinances is ensure everyone in the area is maintaining their septic system properly and the risk of sewage seeping into the ground water is reduced. Make sure you check with your township to find out the specific requirements and inspection schedule.

Drumore Township  Leacock Township    Manor Township    Rapho Township    West Lampeter Township

Absorption Area Maintenance

The absorption area of a septic system requires very little maintenance provided that the effluent being discharged into it is nearly free of solids. Solids entering the absorption area can cause considerable damage to the system by clogging the openings in the pipes and forming an impermeable layer over the stones. To insure that solids do not enter the absorption area, it is imperative that the septic tanks are pumped and maintained properly.

To further insure that the absorption area functions properly, follow these guidelines:

• Do not allow any vehicles or heavy equipment on the area of the absorption area. The weight of the vehicles and equipment can break the pipes and compact the soil.
• Do not plant trees or shrubs in the area of the absorption area. The roots from these plants can pentrate the pipes, causing costly damage.
• Do not use drain cleaners or other additives containing chemicals that can destroy the natural bacteria in the septic tank.
• Do not build any structures (including swimming pools) on or near the absorption area.
• Check plumbing fixtures for leaks that can add a substaintial amount of water to the absorption area.
• Direct rainwater away from the absorption area. This can add additional water to the absorption area.
• Grass should be planted on an absorption area to prevent erosion.