ACT 537 – AN OVERVIEW OF THE SEWAGE FACILITIES PROGRAM (Source: PA DEP) History of the Act 537 Program Domestic sewage and wastewater are treated and disposed of by various methods, ranging from large municipally-owned sewage treatment plants to community or...
Where can I find information on my septic system?Please contact your local health department for additional advice and assistance. For more information on onsite/decentralized wastewater systems, you can visit EPA’s Septic Systems Web site. Do I pump my tank during...
Common in rural areas without centralized sewer systems, septic systems are underground wastewater treatment structures that use a combination of nature and time-tested technology to treat wastewater from household plumbing produced by bathrooms, kitchen drains, and...
Inspect and Pump Frequently The average household septic system should be inspected at least every three years by a septic service professional. Household septic tanks are typically pumped every three to five years. Alternative systems with electrical float switches,...
Fact Sheets available from Penn State Extension: On-lot Sewage Systems — The purpose of this fact sheet is to describe the parts and function of on-lot sewage systems and the regulatory system governing their use. Septic Tank Pumping — Septic tanks should be...
Why Septic Systems FailMost septic systems fail because of inappropriate design or poor maintenance. Some soil-based systems (those with a drain field) are installed at sites with inadequate or inappropriate soils, excessive slopes, or high ground water tables. These...
