Laws on On-site Sewage Systems in Pennsylvania

Installer

Your system must be installed, modified and maintained by a certified septic system installer. Inspections are required to ensure proper installations. Contact the PDEP for a list of professional installers. Ask for references to ensure quality workmanship and maintenance.

Site

A comprehensive site analysis must be preformed to determine the ideal placement of the system. A Sewage Enforcement Officer (SEO) will work with the installer to ensure proper soil type and drainage before issuing a permit. Distance from the house, large trees and driveways will be considered.

Maintenance

In properly functioning septic tanks, approximately half of the collected waste decomposes. The other accumulates and must be pumped out every one to five years. A typical three-bedroom home requires a 900-gallon tank. At a two-person occupancy, this home's tank should be pumped every 5.2 years. At a six-person occupancy, the same volume tank might be pumped as often as 1.3 years. Know the location of your connections and port hole in case you need maintenance during the winter when they may be snow-covered. Use biodegradable products whenever possible.