Septic Maintenance

This page is for all residents of New Garden Township that have on-lot (or on-site) septic systems. If you are not connected to the New Garden Township Sewer System then you have an onlot system.

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What is an on-lot sewage system?

If you have recently moved from an urban environment, you are probably unfamiliar with the on-lot sewage system. In highly developed areas the usual method of sewage disposal is a public sewage system. The wastes from your home move through a pipe out of your house to a common sewer line which ultimately is treated at a municipal sewage treatment plant. In most cases, the treated waste is then discharged into a nearby creek or river. In Chester County, less than 40% of the residents are served by such public sewerage facilities. The other 60% of Chester County residents have onlot systems.

The septic tank is a watertight chamber constructed of a durable material that is not subject to corrosion or decay. Most septic tanks used in Chester County have one compartment, but some are designed with two compartments. The two-compartment tanks or two single-compartment tanks in series is now required and provide better settling of the solids. One of the most important components of the septic tank is the baffle. The inlet baffle forces the wastewater from the building sewer line down into the tank instead of across the surface of the tank and into the outlet pipe leading to the absorption area. The outlet baffle prevents the scum layer from moving into the soil absorption area. Each septic tank has an inspection port for checking the condition of each baffle as well as a manhole access port for cleaning the tank. State law requires that the manhole cover be no deeper than 12 inches below grade. Older homes may need access risers placed on the tanks to bring the manhole opening closer to the surface to allow for proper maintenance.

Residents with Septic Systems must have their septic tanks pumped out every 3 years and submit proof of pumping to the Township. Receipts from your septic pumping company are Acceptable.

How the system works

The septic system is a natural sewage treatment and disposal system. By natural, we mean that it relies on bacteria to digest and clean the wastewater. The bacteria in the septic tank literally eat the solids in the tank turning them into liquids and gasses. As you might expect these gasses have a foul odor. To avoid these bad odors they are vented off through pipes on the house roof. The liquid wastes flow to the drain field. The final purification occurs by organisms living in the soil.

The bacteria in the septic tank eat and digest most of the waste. But there's always some waste that doesn't even appeal to these critters. As a result, the Township requires pumping out the tank every three years. This will remove excess sludge that has accumulated.

Why additives don't work?

Some of the solids in the tank are sand, grit, bits of plastic, and similar materials. No enzyme or bacteria can digest these. Other organic solids are not very digestible. Hence they accumulate. Bacteria that are added must compete with bacteria that are adapted to living in your septic tank. These adapted bacteria have the home-field advantage. The newly added organisms can't compete and become dinner for the resident organisms. Enzymes on the other hand are not living and cannot reproduce. Whatever is added to the tank is all that will ever be there. Most septic tanks are 1,000 gallons or larger and the quantity of enzymes added is too low to be helpful.

In short, adding enzymes or bacteria usually won't cause a problem but they won't help either. The solution is simple. Pump your tank every three. This solution is easy, safe, and often cheaper than buying septic tank additives.

Kitchen Grease

Do not pour grease, fats, or oils from cooking down the drain, and do not use the sinks to dispose of food scraps. Grease can cause serious and costly problems for your septic system. Practice dry cleanup: Use rubber scrapers to remove fats, oils, and grease from cookware, utensils, chafing dishes, and serving ware. Use food-grade paper to soak up oil and grease under fryer baskets. Use paper towels to wipe down work areas. Cloth towels will accumulate grease that will eventually end up in your drains from towel washing/rinsing. Grease is the worst thing you can put down your drains whether you have an onlot system or are hooked to the Sewer System. Please follow these suggestions if you are hooked to the Township sewer system or are on septic. Grease causes big problems for the sewer system and costs everybody money.

How to know if your system is failing

These symptoms tell you that you have a serious problem:

  • Sewage backup in your drains or toilets. This is often a black liquid with a disagreeable odor.
  • Slow flushing of your toilets. Many of the drains in your house will drain much slower than usual, despite the use of plungers or drain cleaning products.
  • Surface flow of wastewater. Sometimes you will notice liquid seeping along the surface of the ground near your septic system.
  • Lush green grass over the absorption field, even during dry weather. Often, this indicates that an excessive amount of liquid from your system is moving up through the soil, instead of downward, as it should. While some upward movement of liquid from the absorption field is good, too much could indicate major problems.
  • The presence of nitrates or bacteria in your drinking water well. This indicates that liquid from the system may be flowing into the well through the ground or over the surface. Water tests available from your local health department will indicate if you have this problem.
  • The buildup of aquatic weeds or algae in lakes or ponds adjacent to your home. This may indicate that nutrient-rich septic system waste is leaching into the surface water. This may lead to both inconvenience and possible health problems.
  • Unpleasant odors around your house. Often, an improperly vented plumbing system or a failing septic system causes a buildup of disagreeable odors around the house.

Failing Septic Systems are one of the largest sources of pollution in Pennsylvania.

A failing septic system is considered an illicit discharge and is subject to Federal, State, and Local laws.

A failing system can pollute local creeks and streams and is a serious health hazard.