Septic system laws in PA (insurance, vacation home, buyer)

[tinman01]

I currently have a sand mound. Hate it.... It still works just fine but I was wondering if anyone had any info on alternatives to a sand mound?

[poconoproud]

Does the community you live in offer central sewer that you can tap into? If not, you need an on lot system. Before it was installed, a perc test was done, and yours did not pass, that is why a septic system was designed for your lot. this first link is from the Dpt. Environmental Protection, PA
Onlot Sewage Program - Home Buyer's / Builders Guide


Here is a link the explains the types of septic systems available today.
Septic System Design

and info about maintaining your system
Onlot System Operation and Maintenance

good luck!

ps...if you ever do remove your sand mound, be sure to get the proper permits...it is an issue of environmental concern to dismantle a septic system.

[BLUEDIAMOND64]

Good post Poconoproud, very informative.

I can tell you that the septic laws in Dingmans are changing and from little what I have read from the papers, it will be a cost to the homeowner. Something to keep in mind before you buy.

[Dorothy Boatman]

What I am trying to find out is....if there is a law that says you have to have your septic system pumped every 6 years or so. We live in a rural area in a township where there is a municipal sewer system in the town itself, but we are not included in that, but are told that it is a state law that we heave to have our tank pumped every 6 years. Trying to find out if that is true.

[akpls]

I didn't find a specific law, but there is good info here:

http://www.age.psu.edu/extension/factsheets/f/F161.pdf (broken link)

[ki0eh]

Originally Posted by Dorothy Boatman

What I am trying to find out is....if there is a law that says you have to have your septic system pumped every 6 years or so. We live in a rural area in a township where there is a municipal sewer system in the town itself, but we are not included in that, but are told that it is a state law that we heave to have our tank pumped every 6 years. Trying to find out if that is true.

There is a state law (Act 537 of 1966) that requires each municipality to have a curent sewage facilities plan, often referred to as "Act 537" plans. "Sewage facilities" means not only the central sewers but also on-lot aka septic systems.

Within the last 10 years or so, DEP has generally not approved such plans for rural municipalities that don't call for some sort of mandatory inspection and pumping. It would be interesting to see where your municipality falls on this list: Act 537 Official Plans Aging - home and test my supposition regarding a date since 2000.

The model ordinance the state suggests calls for a 3-year mandatory pumping interval so somebody representing your township counter-proposed fairly hard to get a 6-year interval accepted.

The short answer is, yes this is a state policy mandate, but implemented by local municipal ordinance and the details of those ordinances vary.

[DE_NePA]

Originally Posted by Dorothy Boatman

What I am trying to find out is....if there is a law that says you have to have your septic system pumped every 6 years or so. We live in a rural area in a township where there is a municipal sewer system in the town itself, but we are not included in that, but are told that it is a state law that we heave to have our tank pumped every 6 years. Trying to find out if that is true.

Six years is a long time between pumpings, and a pumping only costs about $250. Cheap insurance, usually recommended every 2-3 years.

[JamMan]

Heck, I have an old cesspool on my property that was grandfathered in years ago. If you don't know what a cesspool is, it is nothing but a hole in the ground lined with rocks. I've lived here for over 15 years...never had it pumped once, and have never had a problem. I had it inspected when I moved in by a company (a honeypot company). At that time, the guy who inspected it said the old cesspools are far superior and would probably outlive me.

[yorickshead]

Some of the newer septic treatment units (like aerobic systems) actually process the septic mass so thoroughly that you can pump the effluent into a sprinkler system and use it to water your lawn. I have an aerobic system - was required to install one by my HOA. Unfortunately, the local septic enforcement officer still wanted me to pump to a sand mound. As a result, I'm obligated to install a much costlier system and still have a big ol' sand mound taking up space on my property. Oh well...*hit happens. (pardon the pun.)

[nepadaisy]

Wow, 6 years seems like a short interval to me. Seems like growing up, my parents was only ever pumped once, when I was 8 or 9. Maybe it was old enough that it's a very large or efficient system?

And what about vacation homes? If you're only here and using it a few weekends a year, I don't think you'd fill it in 20 years!