Septic Frequently Asked Questions Answered

Some municipalities have an ordinance that require your septic pumped every 3-4 years. For those in municipalities that do not have an ordinance, we recommend going no more than 4 years between pumpings, if your system is adequate for your household size. If your system size is inadequate, more frequent pumping may be necessary.

Click here for a complete list of municipalities that we service and their ordinance requirements.

Typically, an alarm goes off because there is something wrong with the pump. Most times, it’s an indication that the pump has stopped functioning. Sometimes it could be an electrical issue. Be sure to check your breaker to make sure it hasn’t been tripped. You’ll want to limit your water usage until you have a professional assess your system to avoid back-ups or an overflowing tank.

Septic Systems are designed to operate at a full level. After being pumped out, septic systems will typically be back to their full operating level within 3-4 days of normal usage. Full operating level would be approximately 3-4” below the inlet line.

The average indoor water use in a typical single-family home is nearly 70 gallons per individual, per day. Just a single leaky or running toilet can waste as much as 200 gallons of water per day.

The cost for septic pumping is dependent upon the number of gallons your system holds, the location of the tank, and whether or not the solids have broken down. For the best quote, please call our office at 717-846-1642. 

We do not recommend driving over your absorption area. The weight of your vehicle could damage the drain lines.

We do not recommend planting any trees, shrubs, or other vegetation that would have a deep, widespread root system near your septic system or absorption area.

If you see lush green grass or ponding/swampy areas near your system, your absorption area may not be working as it should or there could be a leak in your septic tank. You will want to get this looked at ASAP to avoid your system backing up. 

We do not recommend putting any grease, chemicals, or coffee grounds down the drains, nor do we recommend flushing feminine products, condoms, dental floss, diapers, wipes, cigarette butts, cat litter, paper towels, or pharmaceuticals in the toilet. It’s best to use single ply toilet paper as it breaks down much easier than other toilet papers with a heavier ply.

Flushing Toilet Paper

On average, a septic system will last approximately 30 years. How long it lasts is influenced by a variety of factors such as design, installation, and overall maintenance.

All of the water a household sends down its pipes winds up in its septic system. The more water a household conserves, the less water enters the septic system. Efficient water use improves the operation of a septic system and reduces the risk of failure.

EPA’s WaterSense program has many simple ways to save water and water-efficient products.

High-efficiency toilets.

Toilet use accounts for 25 to 30 percent of household water use. Many older homes have toilets with 3.5- to 5-gallon reservoirs, while newer, high-efficiency toilets use 1.6 gallons of water or less per flush. Replacing existing toilets with high-efficiency models is an easy way to reduce the amount of household water entering your septic system.

Faucet aerators and high-efficiency shower heads.

Faucet aerators, high-efficiency shower heads, and shower flow restrictors help reduce water use and the volume of water entering your septic system.

Washing machines.

Washing small loads of laundry on your washing machine’s large-load cycle wastes water and energy. By selecting the proper load size, you will reduce water waste. If you are unable to select a load size, run only full loads of laundry.

Try to spread washing machine use throughout the week. Doing all household laundry in one day might seem like a time-saver; but it can harm your septic system, not allow your septic tank enough time to treat waste, and could flood your drainfield.

Clothes washers that bear the ENERGY STAR   label use 35 percent less energy and 50 percent less water than standard models. Other Energy Star appliances provide significant energy and water savings.