How Much Do Septic Tank Service Business Owners Make Gov? (Solution)

Is a septic tank cleaning pumping business profitable?

Although it may not be the tidiest business startup concept, a septic tank cleaning pumping business can be a highly profitable venture for entrepreneurs who understand the industry. It’s recommended that homeowners have their septic system inspected annually.

Is pumping septic tanks profitable?

A septic tank cleaning company or a septic tank pumping business makes money by charging customers to clean and maintain their septic systems. Depending on local competition and market demand, some septic businesses may struggle to make a 5-percent profit margin, while others easily maintain a 20-percent margin.

How often does a 2000 gallon holding tank need to be pumped?

How often does my holding tank need to be pumped? A holding tank may need to be pumped every 30 to 90 days depending on how much waste is generated and the size of the tank.

How much does it cost to pump a septic tank?

How much does it cost to pump out a septic tank? The average cost is $300, but can run up to $500, depending on your location. The tank should be pumped out every three to five years.

Who owns a septic tank?

Whose responsibility is a shared septic tank? Each resident is equally responsible for the shared drainage system, unless stated otherwise in your property deeds. That means that each household must take responsibility for regular drainage maintenance, septic tank emptying and any problems with the septic tank.

How does a septic tank pump truck work?

Septic pumping trucks are specialized vehicles which combine a powerful vacuum pump with a holding tank for sewage and wastewater. The vacuum pump is activated, suction confirmed, the pumper is connected to a 4″ or larger vacuum line, and the operator uses the line to empty the septic tank.

What is a septic truck?

A septic pumper truck, is a vacuum truck which removes septage wastes from septic tanks, cesspools, and chemical toilets (portable toilets), for disposal at an approved septage disposal location.

What’s the difference between a septic system and a holding tank?

HOLDING TANKS ARE DIFFERENT FROM SEPTIC TANKS However, instead of releasing treated wastewater into the ground through a drainfield, the holding tank temporarily stores the effluent for removal and transportation to a treatment facility.

Can you have a septic tank without a leach field?

The waste from most septic tanks flows to a soakaway system or a drainage field. If your septic tank doesn’t have a drainage field or soakaway system, the waste water will instead flow through a sealed pipe and empty straight into a ditch or a local water course.

How big should a septic tank be for a 3 bedroom house?

The correct size of the septic tank depends mostly on the square footage of the house and the number of people living there. Most residential septic tanks range in size from 750 gallons to 1,250 gallons. An average 3-bedroom home, less than 2500 square feet will probably require a 1000 gallon tank.

How long do septic tanks last?

A septic system’s lifespan should be anywhere from 15 to 40 years. How long the system lasts depends on a number of factors, including construction material, soil acidity, water table, maintenance practices, and several others.

Can I shower if my septic tank is full?

Only the water would get out into the leach field in a proper system unless you run too much water too fast. The thing to do is to run your shower water outside into it’s own drain area, but it may not be allowed where you are. Used to be called gray water system.

How much does it cost to pump a 1500 gallon septic tank?

Up to 750-gallon tank: $175-$300. Up to 1,000-gallon tank: $225-$400. 1,250- to 1,500-gallon tank: $275 -$500. Large tanks over 1,500 gallons: $600.

Who pays to empty septic tank?

It is not unusual for the tenant (you) to be responsible for the upkeep of the tank. That is, you will be responsible for ensuring you maintain the septic system and pay for pump-outs. This is, generally speaking, perfectly normal.

Can I sell a house with a septic tank?

If you currently have a septic tank that discharges to surface water then the sale will trigger the requirement to replace or upgrade the system. Buyers should satisfy themselves that any system is in good working order and does not cause pollution.

Who is responsible for maintaining a septic tank?

Homeowners. If you’re an owner-occupier and your property has a septic tank, it’s very straightforward: you are fully responsible for your septic tank. If there are any issues with it, it is up to you to fix them.

Funding for Septic Systems

Various funding sources, include federal funding, state funding, and funding earmarked for tribal communities

Federal Funding Sources

The CWSRF provides low-interest loans to a diverse range of borrowers to support water quality protection projects such as wastewater treatment, nonpoint source pollution reduction, decentralized wastewater treatment, and watershed and estuary management. Nonpoint source pollution may come from a wide range of sources, including agricultural runoff, mining operations, and malfunctioning onsite septic systems, and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) gives funding to states to prevent this pollution under Section 319 of the Clean Water Act.

Keep in mind that individual homes are not eligible to receive grant help under this program since the awards are normally awarded to watershed groups that are actively executing watershed-based plans to repair degraded waterbodies, rather than to individuals.

The Water Finance Clearinghouse is a user-friendly web-based portal that assists communities in locating information and resources that will assist them in making informed decisions about their drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure needs.
The Environmental Finance Center Network, which was established with grant support from the Environmental Protection Agency, consists of ten university-based environmental finance centers that collaborate with the public and private sectors to fund environmental activities.
The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) gives cash to states through community development block grants.

Economic Development Administration (EDA) manages a number of financial initiatives to encourage collaborative regional innovation and public-private partnerships while also advancing national strategic goals, global competitiveness, and ecologically sustainable growth.

State Funding Sources

Residents of the New York City Watershed in Delaware, Greene, Schoharie, Sullivan, or Ulster Counties who incur acceptable expenditures in the repair or replacement of damaged septic systems are eligible for reimbursement under this program. Low-income homeowners that have straight pipes, outhouses, or failing septic systems might receive financial assistance to install sanitary wastewater treatment systems in their homes. Provides loans to homeowners through the Massachusetts Water Pollution Abatement Trust in order to repair failing septic systems in Massachusetts.

Program for the Replacement of Septic Systems in the State The State Septic System Replacement Fund Program offers financing to municipalities in New York State for the replacement of cesspools and septic systems.

Individual on-lot sewage disposal systems are available for repair or replacement through PENNVEST, the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency, and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection at reasonable credit rates.

The Nonpoint Source Program of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality develops and implements initiatives to avoid or abate urban and other nonagricultural nonpoint source contamination in Texas waterways.

Funding Targeted for Tribal Communities

Indian tribes and Alaska Native villages can get funds for wastewater infrastructure under this program. The Environmental Protection Agency conducts this program in collaboration with the Indian Health Service (IHS). To be eligible for financing, tribes must submit an application to the IHS Sanitation Deficiency System detailing their wastewater requirements. Provides information to tribes about EPA and other federal grant resources, as well as on the regulations and policies that pertain to submitting a grant application.

Some of these activities include housing development, assistance to housing that has been developed under the Indian Housing Program, housing services to eligible families and individuals, crime prevention and safety, and model approaches to resolving affordable housing issues.

How to Care for Your Septic System

Septic system maintenance is neither difficult or expensive, and it does not have to be done frequently. The maintenance of a vehicle is comprised of four major components:

Inspect and pump your drainfield on a regular basis
Conserve water

Dispose of waste properly
And keep your drainfield in good condition.

Inspect and Pump Frequently

Inspection of the ordinary residential septic system should be performed by a septic service specialist at least once every three years. Household septic tanks are normally pumped every three to five years, depending on how often they are used. Alternative systems that use electrical float switches, pumps, or mechanical components should be examined more frequently, typically once a year, to ensure that they are in proper working order. Because alternative systems contain mechanical components, it is essential to have a service contract.

The size of the household
The total amount of wastewater produced
The amount of solids present in wastewater

The size of the septic tank

Service provider coming? Here is what you need to know.

When you contact a septic service provider, he or she will inspect your septic tank for leaks as well as the scum and sludge layers that have built up over time. Maintain detailed records of any maintenance work conducted on your septic system. Because of the T-shaped outlet on the side of your tank, sludge and scum will not be able to escape from the tank and travel to the drainfield region. A pumping is required when the bottom of the scum layer or the top of the sludge layer is within six inches of the bottom of the outlet, or if the top of the sludge layer is within 12 inches of the bottom of the outlet.

In the service report for your system, the service provider should mention the completion of repairs as well as the condition of the tank.

If additional repairs are recommended, contact a repair professional as soon as possible. An online septic finder from the National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association (NOWRA) makes it simple to identify service specialists in your region.

Use Water Efficiently

In a normal single-family house, the average indoor water consumption is about 70 gallons per person, per day, on average. A single leaking or running toilet can waste as much as 200 gallons of water each day, depending on the situation. The septic system is responsible for disposing of all of the water that a residence sends down its pipes. The more water that is conserved in a household, the less water that enters the sewage system. A septic system that is operated efficiently will operate more efficiently and will have a lower chance of failure.

Toilets with a high level of efficiency. The usage of toilets accounts for 25 to 30% of total home water use. Many older homes have toilets with reservoirs that hold 3.5 to 5 gallons of water, but contemporary, high-efficiency toilets consume 1.6 gallons or less of water for each flush. Changing out your old toilets for high-efficiency versions is a simple approach to lessen the amount of household water that gets into your septic system. Aerators for faucets and high-efficiency showerheads are also available. Reduce water use and the volume of water entering your septic system by using faucet aerators, high-efficiency showerheads, and shower flow restriction devices. Machines for washing clothes. Water and energy are wasted when little loads of laundry are washed on the large-load cycle of your washing machine. By selecting the appropriate load size, you may limit the amount of water wasted. If you are unable to specify a load size, only complete loads of washing should be performed. Washing machine use should be spread throughout the week if at all possible. Doing all of your household laundry in one day may appear to be a time-saving strategy

Nevertheless, it can cause damage to your septic system by denying your septic tank adequate time to handle waste and may even cause your drainfield to overflow. Machines that have earned theENERGY STARlabel consume 35 percent less energy and 50 percent less water than ordinary ones, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Other Energy Star appliances can save you a lot of money on your energy and water bills.

Properly Dispose of Waste

Everything that goes down your drains, whether it’s flushed down the toilet, ground up in the trash disposal, or poured down the sink, shower, or bath, ends up in your septic system, which is where it belongs. What you flush down the toilet has an impact on how effectively your septic system functions.

Toilets aren’t trash cans!

Your septic system is not a garbage disposal system. A simple rule of thumb is to never flush anything other than human waste and toilet paper down the toilet. Never flush a toilet:

Cooking grease or oil
Wipes that are not flushable, such as baby wipes or other wet wipes
Photographic solutions

Feminine hygiene items Condoms
Medical supplies such as dental floss and disposable diapers, cigarette butts and coffee grounds, cat litter and paper towels, pharmaceuticals, and household chemicals such as gasoline and oil, insecticides, antifreeze, and paint or paint thinners

Toilet Paper Needs to Be Flushed! Check out this video, which demonstrates why the only item you should flush down your toilet are toilet paper rolls.

Think at the sink!

Your septic system is made up of a collection of living organisms that digest and treat the waste generated by your household. Pouring pollutants down your drain can kill these organisms and cause damage to your septic system as well as other things. Whether you’re at the kitchen sink, the bathtub, or the utility sink, remember the following:

If you have a clogged drain, avoid using chemical drain openers. To prevent this from happening, use hot water or a drain snake
Never dump cooking oil or grease down the sink or toilet. It is never a good idea to flush oil-based paints, solvents, or huge quantities of harmful cleansers down the toilet. Even latex paint waste should be kept to a bare minimum. Disposal of rubbish should be avoided or limited to a minimum. Fats, grease, and particles will be considerably reduced in your septic tank, reducing the likelihood of your drainfield being clogged.

Own a recreational vehicle (RV), boat or mobile home?

If you have ever spent any time in an RV or boat, you are undoubtedly familiar with the issue of aromas emanating from sewage holding tanks.

The National Small Flows Clearinghouse’s Septic System Care hotline, which may be reached toll-free at 800-624-8301, has a factsheet on safe wastewater disposal for RV, boat, and mobile home owners and operators.

Maintain Your Drainfield

It is critical that you maintain the integrity of your drainfield, which is a component of your septic system that filters impurities from the liquid that emerges from your septic tank once it has been installed. Here are some things you should do to keep it in good condition:

Parking: Do not park or drive on your drainfield at any time. Plan your tree plantings so that their roots do not grow into your drainfield or septic system. An experienced septic service provider can recommend the appropriate distance for your septic tank and surrounding landscaping, based on your specific situation. Locating Your Drainfield: Keep any roof drains, sump pumps, and other rainfall drainage systems away from the drainfield area. Excess water causes the wastewater treatment process to slow down or halt completely.

Basics for Septic Systems

On-site sewage facilities, also known as OSSFs, must be developed on the basis of a site evaluation that takes into consideration the specific requirements of the location. The system of choice for around 20% of new homes being built in Texas is the radon mitigation system. An On-Site Sewage Facility (OSSF), sometimes known as a “septic system,” is a sewage treatment system that is located on a property. As a result of the unexpected surge in new housing construction in suburban and rural regions, more Texas families are reliant on an OSSF for the treatment and disposal of their domestic sewage.

Systems that accomplish their jobs well while also protecting the environment are made possible by new methods to design and oversight of OSSFs.

A number of soil tests are ruling out traditional systems, which separate liquids from solid waste in a holding tank and then distribute them throughout a drainfield using underground pipes or other proprietary items in many regions of the state.

However, because the majority of Texas soils are incapable of adequately absorbing contaminants, different treatment procedures are necessary.

Any work on an OSSF must be done by a licensed installer or, in the case of a single-family property, by the homeowner himself or herself. If someone is compensated for any portion of the procedure, that person must be licensed by the state in which the process is taking place.

Who checks to make sure the requirements are followed?

Local governments in most parts of the state have taken on the obligation of ensuring that OSSFs in their jurisdictions comply with all applicable state regulations and procedures. There are several local governments that serve as “authorized agents” (AA) of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, which is in charge of managing the OSSF Program. A “designated representative” (DR) assists the AA in carrying out their tasks, which include examining plans for constructing, changing, extending, or repairing each OSSF; granting permits; and checking the system’s installation, among others.

The OSSF’s authorized agents and representatives also investigate and respond to complaints to verify that the OSSF is in compliance with minimal requirements.

After that, the agent can file a criminal complaint with the local judge of the peace, who will then investigate the matter.

Industrial or hazardous waste cannot be introduced into an OSSF; instead, this waste will be handled in the soil, destroying the OSSF by actually killing the microorganisms that break down the biosolids and causing it to fail.

Maintenance

All OSSFs will require maintenance at some point in their lives. Conventional anaerobic systems require the septic tank to be pumped out on a regular basis in order to remove sediments and prevent the system from backing up. It is advised that you pump your septic tank once every three to five years in order to avoid short circuiting the treatment process and causing damage. To acquire a list of registered sludge transporters in your region, go to theSludge Transporter Queryonline. Aerobic systems are more complicated and require more upkeep than anaerobic ones do.

A number of regulatory authorities have enacted more strict rules, which may include homeowner training or even prohibiting homeowners from performing upkeep on their properties.

In order to guarantee that the system runs appropriately, it is recommended that you contract with a licensed maintenance provider to verify, debug, and test the system as required by 30 TAC 285.91(4).
Once every six months if the system employs an electronic monitor, automated radio, or telephone to alert the maintenance provider of system or component failure as well as to monitor the quantity of disinfection remaining in the system, reporting might be lowered to once every six months.
If any needed repairs are not completed, the permitting authority will be notified of the failure.

The pills are extremely reactive, and within 10 minutes, they will have killed 99 percent of the germs present in the effluent.
AVOID USING TABLETS DESIGNED FOR SWIMMING POOL USE DUE TO THE POSSIBILITY THAT THEY MAY RELEASE A HIGHLY EXPLOSIVE GAS KNOWN AS NITROGEN CHLORIDE.

Please contact us at (800) 447-2827. For further information, please see the following website:

Where can I find more information and assistance?

The Small Business and Local Government Assistance Section of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) provides free, confidential assistance to small enterprises and local governments seeking to comply with state environmental requirements. Call us at (800) 447-2827 or visit our website at TexasEnviroHelp.org for more information.

State License Search – Septic Tank Waste Removal, Transport and Land Application Licenses

According to Part 117 of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act of 1994 PA 451, as amended, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) is responsible for giving licenses and permits to individuals and businesses in Michigan. A primary goal of this Part is to regulate the disposal of septagewaste by licensing those individuals who are engaged in the servicing of portable toilets, septic tanks, seepage pits, cesspools, sewage lift stations, or other regulated enclosures; licensing their vehicles; and issuing permits authorizing the land application of septagewaste to agricultural land.

Part 117 also regulates the inspection of vehicles used to convey septage waste and land application sites, as well as the inspection of other vehicles.

NAME OF PERMIT OR APPROVAL: Authorization for Land Application ofSeptageWasteLicense to Remove and Transport Septic Tank WasteAuthorization for Land Application ofSeptageWasteLicense to Remove and Transport Septic Tank Waste The Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, Public Act 451 of 1994, as amended, grants authority under Part 117 of the SeptageWaste and Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act.

D.SUMMARY OF THE PERMIT/APPROVAL PROCESS: PERMITS AND APPROVALS

1.Applicability (activities that require the permit)

Individuals or businesses involved in the business of maintaining portable toilets, septic tanks, seepage pits, or cesspools, or who own or operate vehicles that transport waste from these enclosures

Any site that has been utilized for the terrestrial application of septage wastes
And

Any location where septage wastes are applied to the ground

2.Pre-Application Requirements

All personnel engaged in the service of portable toilets, septic tanks, seepage pits, cesspools, sewage lift stations, or other regulated enclosures, as well as the vehicles used to transfer waste from these enclosures, are needed to be properly licensed.

Licenses are valid for five years from the date of issuance

However, they are not renewable.

Each licensed company is required to pay an annual fee in order to keep their licenses.

The Department requires that all wastes collected from any portable toilet, septic tank, seepage pit, or cesspool be disposed of in a publicly owned wastewater treatment facility or other Department-authorized receiving station, provided that such a facility is available to receive the waste and is located within 15 road miles of where the waste is collected.

Septagewaste may be disposed of by land application to designated locations, which must be approved by either a municipal health agency or the MEQ. The EGLE grants permits for the usage of these sites.

Licensed persons are required to have on hand at their place of business at all times a detailed record of the amount of septic waste that they have carried and disposed of, as well as the site where any septic waste disposal has taken place.

A new business license as well as a car license application can be obtained upon request.

A new business license as well as a car license application can be obtained on request.

3.Application Submission Requirements

The MEQ must be notified of the application for license through the use of form EQP 5836, which needs the following information:

Name and mailing address of the applicant

Name and mailing address of the applicant’s business
Vehicles to be utilized for carrying septage trash are described in detail.

Signatures of superintendents from all wastewater treatment facilities that are available to take septagewaste collected by the hauler are required on the document (in the areas where the licensed hauler collectsseptagewaste). All expenses that may be incurred If the applicant plans to dispose of septagewaste on land, he or she must additionally complete form EQP 5837 (Authorization for Land Application of SeptageWaste) as well. The following information is required on the EQP 5837 form:

Business name and postal address
Property description
Landowner agreement

Information on the disposal site
And other pertinent information.

4.Procedures and Time-Frame for Obtaining Permit or Approval

The applicant completes and submits the application form with all of the relevant information (EQP 5836 and EQP 5837). To apply for a license or permit, all septagewaste forms are available on the program’s website, and they should be utilized only while doing so.

The applicant will be contacted by the local health department or the EGLE to schedule an examination of the vehicle(s) and the property location to see if all of the requirements of Part 117 have been satisfied

The applicant will be contacted by the local health department or the EGLE to schedule an examination of the vehicle(s) and the land site in order to evaluate whether or not all of the requirements of Part 117 have been satisfied.

The application shall simultaneously send a notice of application to the certified health department with jurisdiction, the clerk of the city, village, or township where the site is located, each person who owns a lot, parcel, or tract on which the proposed site is located or that would be contiguous except for the presence of a highway, road, or street, and the person to contact if there is an objection to the proposal.

The applicant obtains signatures from all superintendents of publicly owned wastewater treatment plants (in the areas where the business collects septagewaste) and from the owners of private septagewaste receiving facilities (SWRFs) that accept septagewaste for treatment before proceeding with the application. In order to take septage waste for treatment, only EGLE authorized facilities can do so, and each facility has a different service area that can stretch as far as 15 radial miles from the center of the facility (this can extend as far out as 25 radial miles beginning FY 2010). Waste generated within the service area of an EGLE-authorized SWRF must be transported to that facility or another EGLE-authorized SWRF where it will undergo treatment. Septage and waste receiving facility operating plans are available on the program’s website, which may be accessed by selecting ‘ApprovedSeptageWaste Receiving Facility Operating Plans.’ In addition, the licensedseptagefirm should be aware that the county ordinance controlling septagewaste pumping and disposal may be more restricted than the state regulation.

A completed application form and costs are sent to EGLE and DWEHD by the applicant.

The application form(s) are reviewed by EGLE employees to ensure that they are complete and that the required payments have been submitted.

EGLEstaff will return any form(s) that are not completed or that are not submitted with the required fees to the business, along with a note describing the problem. To remedy the situation, the applicant is urged to rectify it.

If the application is considered to be complete, EGLE contacts the local health department if the department has a contract with EGLE for the purpose of implementing the provisions of Part 117 of the Occupational Safety and Health Act. The EGLESeptageProgram has contracted with the health department to conduct program inspections and provide suggestions to the program. EGLE takes these recommendations into account and is ultimately responsible for determining whether or not to issue licenses or land application permits.

Employees of the EGLE give suitable licenses and car decals to applicants once it has been established by staff that all of the relevant information has been supplied, fees have been paid, and there is no other reason why a license should not be issued.

Expect a wait of up to six weeks for individuals in the newsprint industry, as well as those requiring a license for new cars and land application sites.

5.Operational Requirements

Every part of Part 117 that applies to the licensee as well as any requirements contained in either the license or the land application permission must be followed to the letter.

6.Fees

The owner of thisptagewaste company is needed to pay a yearly fee in order to keep his/her license active. It is customary for invoices to be sent during the second week of January of a given year.

The cost of a vehicle license is $480 per car if the septagewaste business disposes of septage on land, and $350 per vehicle otherwise.

Sites for new construction are priced at $500 per site. This is a one-time payment
There will be no more payments.

When a recognized health department performs functions under Part 117, it has the authority to charge a fee to pay the costs of carrying out such functions.

7.Appeal Process

Administrative Procedures Act, 1969 Pennsylvania Act 306, as modified

A new application has been filed for a contested case hearing and Judicial Review.

The hearing on Roger’s license, the hearing on a contested matter, and the Judicial Review are all ongoing.

8.Public Input Opportunities

It is the EGLESeptageProgram Coordinator in the DWEHD who is in charge of making decisions in this process. Complaints or comments against a hauler may be made with the EGLE at any time without penalty. When a hauler submits an application for renewal or for the first time, the complaints are evaluated and taken into consideration throughout the decision-making process. Furthermore, a notice of application must be sent simultaneously to the certified health department with jurisdiction, the clerk of the city, village, or township where the site is located, each person who owns a lot, parcel, or tract on which the proposed site is located or that would be contiguous except for the presence of a highway, road, or street, and the person who should be contacted if an objection to the proposal is raised.

The EGLE program website has a list of active land application locations, which may be accessed by clicking here.

ADMINISTRATORY AGENCY: Drinking Water and Environmental Health Division, Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, P.O.

Box 30273, Lansing, Michigan 48909-7773, Drinking Water and Environmental Health Division, Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, P

.O. Box 30273, Lansing, Michigan 48909-7773, Drinking Water and Environmental Health Division, Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, P

Michigan’s Environmental Assistance Center can be reached at (800) 662-9278 or by email at [email protected].

Date of creation and revision: 12/2019

Caring for Your Septic System

It is important not to flush any sort of wipe down the toilet, regardless of whether the box specifically states that they are “flushable.” These objects have the potential to block your home’s plumbing, as well as the pipes in the street and the important machinery at the wastewater treatment facility. The water in which personal care wipes, dental floss, paper towels, and tissues are flushed does not dissolve them rapidly – or at all – therefore they are not safe to flush down the toilet. Personal care items, cleaning supplies, and other home garbage should be disposed of appropriately, either in the trash, the recycling bin, or at your local domestic hazardous waste disposal facility.

The term “septic system” refers to an individual wastewater treatment system (conventional septic systems, innovative/alternative (I/A) systems, or cesspools) that uses the soil to treat tiny wastewater flows, which are typically generated by a single residence.
Septic systems are available in a variety of configurations today.
In a normal septic system, there are three main components: the septic tank, a distribution box, and a drainfield, which are all connected by pipes known as conveyance lines.

Primary treatment is the term used to describe this separation procedure.
Flowing from the tank into a distribution box, which distributes the wastewater uniformly into a network of drainfield trenches, is how partially treated effluent is removed from the environment.
Once in the subsurface soil, this effluent is further cleaned and filtered before being released back into the environment (secondary treatment).

Additional Resources for What is a Septic System?

According to the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, a properly maintained septic system should be pumped out at least once every three years! Regular maintenance is the most crucial factor in ensuring that your septic system is in good working order. Pumping on a regular basis helps to keep particles from leaking into the drainfield and blocking the soil pores. While the frequency of pumping depends on the amount of consumption, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection advises that systems be pumped at least once every three years for households without a trash disposal.

The frequency with which you pump should be determined by the amount of water that has accumulated and the amount of water that has been pumped in the past.
It is astounding how many system owners assume that if they have not experienced any difficulties with their systems, they do not need to pump out their tanks.

Solid materials sink to the bottom of the tank when your system is utilized, resulting in the formation of a sludge layer.
In most cases, correctly engineered tanks have adequate room to safely store sludge for up to three to five years at a time.
As the amount of sludge in the system rises, more solid wastes are allowed to escape into the soil absorption system (SAS).

When hiring a pumper, be certain that they are licensed by the local Board of Health, and always insist on receiving a paid receipt from the pumper that clearly outlines the terms of the transaction and the amount you paid (how many gallons were pumped out of the tank, the date, the charges, and any other pertinent results).

Keep a copy of this receipt as proof of purchase. In addition, a copy of this report is forwarded to the local Board of Health by the pumper.

Additional Resources for How often should I pump out my septic system?

Once every 3 to 5 years, have the system examined and pumped out. If the tank becomes overburdened with sediments, the wastewater will not have enough time to settle before it overflows down the drain. After that, the extra solids will be carried to the leach field, where they will block the drain pipes and the soil. Always know where your septic system and drain field are in relation to your house and keep a detailed record of all inspections, pumpings, repairs, contract or engineering work for future reference. Keep a sketch of it on hand for when you go to the service center. The drain field should be planted above the septic system with grass or small plants (not trees or bushes) to help keep the system in place. Controlling runoff through imaginative landscaping may be an effective method of reducing water consumption. Install water-saving devices in faucets, showerheads, and toilets to limit the amount of water that drains into the septic system and into the environment. Replace any dripping faucets or leaking toilets, and only use washing machines and dishwashers when they are completely full. Avoid taking long showers. Roof drains as well as surface water from roads and slopes should be diverted away from the septic system. Maintain a safe distance between the system and sump pumps and home footing drains as well. Take any remaining hazardous substances to a hazardous waste collection station that has been approved by the local government. Use bleach, disinfectants, drain and toilet bowl cleaners sparingly and in line with the directions on the product labels. Only utilize septic system additives that have been approved for use in Massachusetts by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP). In Massachusetts, it has been found that the additives approved for use have no detrimental effect on the particular system or its components, or on the environment in general.

Non-biodegradables (cigarette butts, diapers, feminine items, and so on) and grease should not be disposed of down the toilet or sink. The use of non-biodegradable materials can clog the pipes, and grease can thicken and block the pipes as well. Cooking oils, fats, and grease should be stored in a container and disposed of in the garbage

Paint thinner, polyurethane, antifreeze, insecticides, certain dyes, disinfectants, water softeners, and other harsh chemicals should all be added to the system to ensure that it works properly. Septic tank malfunctions can be caused by the death of the biological component of your septic system and the contamination of groundwater. Typical home cleaners, drain cleaners, and detergents, for example, will be diluted in the tank and should not do any damage to the system
And Make use of a garbage grinder or disposal that drains into the septic tank to eliminate waste. If you do have one in your home, you should use it only in extremely limited circumstances. The addition of food wastes or other solids lowers the capacity of your system and increases the frequency with which you must pump your septic tank. If you utilize a grinder, you will have to pump the system more frequently. Trees should be planted within 30 feet of your system, and vehicles should not be parked or driven over any section of the system Tree roots may block your pipes, and heavy cars may cause your drainfield to collapse
However, you can prevent this from happening. You should not allow anybody to work on your system or pump it without first ensuring that they are licensed system specialists

Wash an excessive number of loads of clothing in your washing machine. Doing load after load deprives your septic tank of the time it needs to properly process wastes and causes the entire system to become overwhelmed with surplus wastewater. As a result, you might be overflowing your drain field without giving yourself enough time to recover from the inundation. To calculate the gallon capacity and the number of loads per day that may be safely pumped into the system, you should speak with a tank specialist. Cleaning the plumbing or septic system using chemical solvents is recommended. Microorganisms that devour toxic wastes will be killed by “miracle” chemicals that have been developed. These items have the potential to pollute groundwater as well.

Key Actions for Septic System Do’s and Don’ts

Septic systems that have been properly maintained can assist in preventing the spread of disease and other illnesses. System failures can have serious consequences.

Your failure to maintain your water system could pose a serious health hazard to your family and neighbors, degrade the environment, particularly lakes, streams and groundwater, reduce the value of your property while also being extremely expensive to repair

And put thousands of water supply users at risk if you live in a public water supply watershed and fail to maintain your system.

Keep an eye out for the following warning signals of a malfunctioning system:

Surface sewage over the drainfield (particularly after storms)
Sewage backups in the home
Lush, green vegetation over the drainfield sewage smells
Toilets or drains that are difficult to empty

If your system fails, the first thing you should do is call your local board of health, which must authorize all modifications and the majority of repairs before they can be carried out or installed. The board of health will inform you of the steps that must be taken. In the event that your system fails, call your local Board of Health immediately!

Key Actions for Failing Septic Systems Can Be Hazardous to Your Health

In order to assist households in replacing cesspools and septic systems, the Septic System Replacement Fund Program provides financial assistance to local governments. According to the information provided below, participating counties will award grants to property owners to pay them for up to 50% of the expenses (up to a maximum of $10,000) of their qualified septic system projects. In order to select priority geographic regions in which property owners are eligible to participate, the state Department of Environmental Conservation and the Department of Health considered the following factors:

The presence of a single-source aquifer that provides drinking water
And Water quality impairments associated with failed septic systems that have been documented, and/or the ability of septic system modifications to reduce water quality problems

In future financing rounds, the DEC and the Department of Health and Human Services will re-evaluate priority waterbodies.

Eligibility

In accordance with program requirements, participating counties are responsible for assessing and analyzing the applications and determining whether or not to offer financial assistance. In making this determination, the following factors are taken into account: the position of the property in respect to a waterbody, the influence on groundwater that is utilized for drinking water, and the state of the property owner’s present septic system Following the evaluation of the applications and the determination of funding decisions, the participating counties notify the property owners of their grant awards by mailing them grant award letters.

Eligible Projects

Installation, replacement, or upgrading of a septic system or septic system components
Or, replacement of a cesspool with a septic system
Or Installation of modern treatment technologies, including a nitrogen removal system, to improve water quality.

Eligible Costs

Costs associated with system design and installation
System costs
System components
Enhanced treatment methods
Costs of design (limited exclusively to the effort required to complete the approved design)
And

Ineligible Costs

Maintenance on a regular basis, such as pumping out a septic tank
Expenditures that have not been properly reported
Fees charged by the government
Interest and late fees
Fines and penalties are levied. Payment of sales tax
Site beautifying or internal plumbing changes that aren’t absolutely necessary
The engineer is in charge of the administrative tasks. if the engineer, or a business owned, managed, or employed by the engineer, is also responsible for the repair or replacement, the engineer will observe the construction process

Participating Counties

County participation in the Septic System Replacement Fund is limited to the following counties: Funding is only available for the counties and priority waterbodies that have been identified by the DEC and are shown in the table below. If you have any queries regarding whether your property is eligible for grant financing, please contact the local program contact listed on your grant application.

Participating County	Eligible Waterbodies	Local Program Contact
Allegany	*Canacadea Creek, Upper, and minor tribs (0503-0005)	Tyler J. Shaw585-268-9254
Broome	Park Creek and tribs (0601-0031)Whitney Point Lake/Reservoir (0602-0004)Fly Pond, Deer Lake, *Sky Lake (1404-0038)	Creig Hebdon607-778-2863
Cayuga	Owasco Lake (0706-0009)Lake Como (0705-0029)Cayuga Lake, Main Lake, Mid-South (0705-0050)Cayuga Lake, Main Lake, Mid-North (0705-0025)Cayuga Lake, Northern End (0705-0030)Skaneateles Lake (0707-0004)	Eileen O’Connor315-253-1244
Chautauqua	*Findley Lake (0202-0004)Chautauqua Lake, North (0202-0072)	William T. Boria, P.G.P: 716.753.4772F: 716.753.4344
Chenango	Chenango Lake (0601-0013)Guilford Lake (0601-0012)	Isaiah SuttonP: 607-337-1673 F: 607-337-1720
Clinton	*Upper Chateauguay Lake (0902-0034)Isle LaMotte (1000-0001)	Ryan Davies518-565-4870
Columbia	Robinson Pond (1308-0003)Copake Lake (1310-0014)	Edward Coons
Cortland	Skaneateles Lake (0707-0004)	Michael J. Ryan
Delaware	Susquehanna River, Main Stem (0601-0020)	Nick Carbone607-832-5434
Dutchess	Hillside Lake (1304-0001)Sylvan Lake (1304-0029)	Marie-Pierre Brule845-486-3464
Essex	Willsboro Bay (1001-0015)Lake George (1006-0016)	Hannah Neilly518-873-3686
Genesee	Tonawanda Creek, Middle, Main Stem (0102-0002)Bowen Brook and tribs (0102-0036)Bigelow Creek and tribs (0402-0016)Oatka Creek, Middle and minor tribs (0402-0031)	Thomas Sacco585-344-2580 Ext. 5496
Hamilton	Lake Eaton (0903-0056)	Erica Mahoney
Herkimer	North Winfield Creek and Tribs (0601-0035)	Jim Wallace
Jefferson	Moon Lake (0905-0093)Guffin Bay (0303-0025)Saint Lawrence River, Main Stem (0901-0004)Red Lake (0906-0039)Indian River, Lower, and minor tribs (0906-0021)Indian River, Middle, and minor tribs (0906-0005)Indian River, Middle, and minor tribs (0906-0030)Indian River, Middle, and minor tribs (0906-0031)Indian River, Middle, and minor tribs (0906-0032)	Sara Freda315-785-3144
Lewis	Beaver River, Lower, and tribs (0801-0187)	Casandra Buell
Livingston	Conesus Lake (0402-0004)	Mr. Mark Grove585-243-7280
Monroe	Irondequoit Bay (0302-0001)Mill Creek and tribs (0302-0025)Shipbuilders Creek and tribs (0302-0026)Minor Tribs to Irondequoit Bay (0302-0038)Hundred Acre Pond (0302-0034)	Gerry Rightmyer585-753-5471
Nassau	County Wide	Brian Schneider516-571-6725
Onondaga	Skaneateles Lake (0707-0004)Seneca River, Lower, Main Stem (0701-0008)	Jeffrey Till315-435-6623 Ext. 4503
Ontario	Honeoye Lake (0402-0032)Canadice Lake (0402-0002)Canandaigua Lake (0704-0001)Hemlock Lake (0402-0011)Seneca Lake, Main Lake, North (0705-0026)*Seneca Lake, Main Lake, Middle (0705-0021)	Megan Webster585-396-1450
Oswego	Lake Ontario Shoreline, Eastern (0303-0030)Lake Ontario Shoreline, Eastern (0303-0031)Lake Ontario Shoreline, Eastern (0303-0017)Lake Ontario Shoreline, Oswego (0302-0040)*Lake Ontario Shoreline, Central (0302-0041)	Donna Scanlon315-349-8292
Otsego	Goodyear Lake (0601-0015)Susquehanna River, Main Stem (0601-0020)	Tammy Harris607-547-4228
Putnam	Oscawana Lake (1301-0035)East Branch Croton, Middle, and tribs (1302-0055)Palmer Lake (1302-0103)	Joseph Paravati845-808-1390 Ext. 43157
Rensselaer	Nassau Lake (1310-0001)	Richard Elder
Saint Lawrence	Saint Lawrence River, Main Stem (0901-0004)Raquette River, Lower, and minor tribs (0903-0059)Little River and tribs (0905-0090)	Jason Pfotenhauer315-379-2292
Saratoga	Dwaas Kill and tribs (1101-0007)	Dustin Lewis518-885-6900
Schoharie	Summit Lake (1202-0014)	Shane Nickle518-295-8770.us
Schuyler	Waneta Lake (0502-0002)Lamoka Lake and Mill Pond (0502-0001)	Darrel Sturges607-535-6868
Seneca	Cayuga Lake, Main Lake, Mid-North (0705-0025)Cayuga Lake, Northern End (0705-0030)Cayuga Lake, Main Lake, Mid-South (0705-0050)	Tom Scoles315-539-1947
Steuben	Smith Pond (0502-0012)Almond Lake (0503-0003)Waneta Lake (0502-0002)Lamoka Lake and Mill Pond (0502-0001)*Keuka Lake (0705-0003)	Matthew Sousa607-664-2268
Suffolk	County Wide	Joan Crawford631-852-5811
Tompkins	Cayuga Lake, Southern End (0705-0040)Cayuga Lake, Main Lake, Mid-South (0705-0050)	Liz Cameron607-274-6688
Warren	Lake George (1006-0016)	Claudia Braymer
Washington	Cossayuna Lake (1103-0002)Lake George (1006-0016)	Corrina Aldrich
Wayne	Blind Sodus Bay (0302-0021)Lake Ontario Shoreline, Central (0302-0044)	Lindsey Gusterslagn315-946-7200
Westchester	Lake Meahagh (1301-0053)Truesdale Lake (1302-0054)	Heather McVeigh
Wyoming	Java Lake (0104-0004)Silver Lake (0403-0002)Oatka Creek, Middle, and minor tribs (0402-0031)	Stephen Perkins585-786-8857 ext. 5163

* Only eligible for funding in Round 1 of the competition.

Program SummaryOutline

Last updated on October 19, 2021

Frequently Asked Questions

The program is handled by participating counties, and each county has a Local Program Contact who can assist in determining eligibility and the following stages in the program’s administration and implementation. Please refer to the Participating Counties section of this website to identify your county’s Local Program Contact and make contact with them directly.

My county is not listed on the eligible county list, am I eligible?

You are not eligible for the program if your county is not mentioned in the Participating Counties section of the website.

However, you may wish to contact your local County Health or Planning Department to see if there are any additional services available to you that the county may be able to provide.

I do not see my waterbody listed as one of the Eligible Waterbodies, can it be added to the program?

The finalized list of qualifying waterbodies for Round 2 has been released. The law that established the program was aimed at improving water quality in waterbodies that had recorded deficiencies due to septic system contamination at the time of its inception. In order to comply with the legislative intent of the program, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation developed screening criteria for Round 2 that were focused on documented water quality impairments and the potential for septic replacement to improve water quality to improve water quality.

How do I provide NYSDEC water quality data that my local group collects?

Please keep in mind that the links in this response will take you away from the EFC website. During the data solicitation period, all information should be sent to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. The data solicitation period for the 2020/2022 Integrated Report/(303(d) List) is now ongoing. Making Waves, a monthly e-newsletter from the DEC Division of Waters, published an announcement in the Environmental Notice Bulletin on May 19th and the Environmental Notice Bulletin on May 21st.

Making Waves will be delivered to your inbox on a regular basis.

I live in one of the five NYC Boroughs, is my property eligible for the program?

Because New York City is still in the process of expanding its sewage infrastructure, none of the five boroughs (Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, or Staten Island) are eligible for the State Septic Replacement Program at this time. Sewerage is the most effective method of improving water quality. People who have septic systems on their properties or who are considering installing septic systems are invited to contact the New York City Department of Environmental Protection to learn about their alternatives.

SEWER CERTIFICATION AND CONNECTION PERMITS FROM THE NYCDEP (EXternal Link)

Forms for County Use

Septic systems on private land are used by approximately 26% of Pennsylvania houses for the treatment of domestic sewage. The majority of these residences also have their own private well for drinking water. If you have a septic system, be sure to operate it properly! If you understand how your system operates and how to maintain it, you will be able to do the following:

Safeguard your drinking water supply and your health
Maintain the longevity of your system—and prevent spending thousands of dollars for a new system
Protect the value of your home
And contribute to the protection of Pennsylvania’s groundwater, streams, rivers, and lakes
And

Because of Pennsylvania’s geology, soils, land development patterns, and outdated septic systems, there is a danger that poor septic systems may contaminate our groundwater and surface waters—our streams, rivers, and lakes—as well as our groundwater and surface waters Surface waters that have been polluted with viruses and bacteria from sewage pose a greater risk of swimmers being ill with eye and ear infections, acute gastroenteritis, hepatitis, and other infectious disorders.

It is possible that groundwater contamination will poison your own and others’ drinking water supplies, resulting in the transmission of illness to humans and animals.

In 2020, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection stated that septic system failure was responsible for 202 impaired stream miles and 3,192 damaged lake acres in the state.

Septic system maintenance should be performed in accordance with industry standards to preserve your health, your money, and Pennsylvania’s waterways.

Who Has Oversight of Your Septic System?

In Pennsylvania, local governments (for example, boroughs and townships) are responsible for ensuring that private septic systems with a capacity of 10,000 gallons or less comply with Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) regulations. In the event that you have any queries regarding an existing septic system on your land, or about the construction of a new system on your property, you should contact your local government office first. Many towns have a Sewage Enforcement Officer who ensures that all septic systems are correctly sited, permitted, and inspected throughout their installation to verify that they follow all regulations.

Soil Is Your Best Friend: How Your Septic System Operates

Not only does your household transmit human waste into your septic system, but it also sends all other liquid wastes into it, including bath water, kitchen and bathroom sink water, laundry water, and water softener backwash. Consequently, here’s what occurs underground when you flush the toilet, wash your clothes, use the sink or bath: The heavier solid stuff descends to the bottom of the septic tank, where microorganisms feed on the waste and break it down as a result of their activity. Fatty oils and greases that are lighter in weight float to the top of the tank, where they congeal to create a scum that may ultimately break down or be skimmed off during system maintenance.

Disease-causing bacteria and viruses are present in the wastewater as it exits the tank, in addition to other impurities.

Sewage travels through a pipe to a drainfield, which is a bed of gravel or other material used to collect the waste.

Therefore, soil is the most significant component of a septic system because of its filtering abilities and the bacteria that it contains!

Several factors influence the sort of septic system that may be installed, including the soil depth to bedrock or groundwater, how fast or slowly water travels through soil, and soil type and texture, to mention a few.

Keep Things Moving Underground

It is believed that the typical lifespan of a septic system is between 15 and 40 years, although it may live much longer if it is properly maintained. Maintaining your septic system is similar to changing the oil in your automobile. It is a low-cost investment compared to the high cost of constructing a new system, which may cost up to $15,000 and more. Don’t overburden the commode with your thoughts when you’re at the sink.

Take into consideration what you flush down the toilet and down the sink. Reduce the amount of time you use your garbage disposal. It is best to avoid utilizing common household objects that might clog your system or kill the bacteria underground that are necessary for wastewater treatment.

D diapers, baby wipes (including those labeled as “flushable”), cat litter, cigarettes, coffee grounds, fats and grease, solids (including feminine hygiene items), and prophylactic devices are all examples of “system cloggers.” “TreatmentKillers” include household chemicals, gasoline, oil, pesticides, antifreeze, paint, and excessive concentrations of anti-bacterial soaps and detergents, among other things.

Diapers, baby wipes (including those promoted as “flushable”), cat litter, cigarettes, coffee grinds, fats and grease, solids (including feminine hygiene items), and prophylactic devices are all examples of “system cloggers.” “TreatmentKillers” include household chemicals, gasoline, oil, pesticides, antifreeze, paint, and excessive concentrations of anti-bacterial soaps and detergents, among other substances.

Backing up or bubbling of wastewater into residential drains
There is an unpleasant smell, or there is some black sludge surrounding the septic tank or drainfield. In the vicinity of your drainfield, you may notice bright green vegetation or spongy conditions.

If your sewage system is not operating properly, contact your local Sewage Enforcement Officer right away. It is important to respond quickly since the less pollution that occurs, as well as the lower the expense of repair work, the better. Your septic system will serve your house and contribute to the protection of Pennsylvania’s waterways for many years to come if it is operated and maintained properly. Do your part and learn about septic systems!