Can My Township Require Septic Pumping?

Can your township require regular septic pumping? The short answer is yes. Depending on where you live, your township may have a pumping ordinance that requires you to have your tank emptied or "cleaned out" every 2-4 years. The purpose of a septic pumping ordinance is not just to cost you money, but to keep your system working properly and to ensure the local environment remains healthy. You may not know it, but routine maintenance is the number one way to make your septic system last longer! So although it can be a nuisance, your township is doing you a favor.

How do you know if you have a township pumping ordinance?

Good question! If you're not sure whether or not your township has a pumping ordinance, you can check your township or borough website, OR visit our new pricing page here! Our price list is organized by county and further broken down by township, so if your township requires pumping every "x" amount of years, you'll see it noted along with the base service price. If your live in a township with a pumping ordinance you'll receive a notice in the mail when your tank is due to be pumped. When you call us to pump out your septic tank, we'll make a list of any recommendations and get you on a pumping schedule based on your township required frequency.

If I don't have a township pumping ordinance, how do I know when to have my septic tank serviced?

We recommend having your tank pumped every 2-3 years but there are two major factors to consider: 1. How many gallons your septic tank holds, AND 2. How many people are in your household. If you're not sure of your septic tank size, here's a general rule of thumb - most septic tanks are based on the number of bedrooms in your home. If your home has 3 bedrooms, you most likely have a 1000 gallon tank; 4-5 bedrooms is typically a 1500 gallon tank. Older homes have smaller septic tanks so if your home was built prior to the 1980's you may need to have your tank emptied more often. Checkout the chart below to figure out your ideal pumping frequency.

The best thing you can do for your septic tank to keep things flushing smoothly, is to stay on top of your septic pumping schedule and have your tank emptied every 2-4 years. Never go longer than 5 years without a septic tank pumping, and your septic system will thank you! If you follow these general guidelines, your septic system will be functioning properly for years to come. If you're ready to schedule your next Central Pa septic service, contact us today.

Does my township have a fee?

Yes, some do and some do not. Our pricing varies by township as each township has its own requirements. Some townships require a report to be filed after your pumping and we're happy to handle that for you unless guidelines specify the report must be submitted by the homeowner. The fee is typically an "administrative fee" from the township, no more than $25. Our standard rates include up to the first 1000 gallons. Additional gallons are pumped at a rate of $0.10 / gallon. 

For more information about townships and requirements, click here. We've done our best to provide as much information as possible for our customers and we're always happy to answer your questions. When it comes to Lancaster, Pa septic pumping, John Kline is a name you can trust so contact us today to schedule your next service!