Septic System Maintenance FAQs

The drainfield is a vital part of your septic system. Having the right landscaping on and around your system is important, as tree and shrubbery roots can grow into the drain lines. Also, other heavy items like cars and livestock can break drain lines. Strong roots and heavy items can cause the drainfield to fail. And if the drainfield fails, your system fails.  Read More

A cesspool is a shallow, underground system for disposing of sanitary waste. Although structures vary, most cesspools consist of a concrete cylinder with an open bottom and/or perforated sides. Sanitary waste from toilets, sinks, and washing machines enters the cesspool and percolates out.  While cesspools are designed to capture sanitary waste, they do not treat waste.   Read More

A septic tank is a buried, water-tight container usually made of concrete, fiberglass, or polyethylene. Its job is to hold the wastewater long enough to allow solids to settle down to the bottom forming sludge, while the oil and grease floats to the top as scum. Compartments and a T-shaped outlet prevent the sludge and scum from leaving the tank and traveling into the drainfield area. The liquid wastewater (effluent) then exits the tank into the drainfield Read More

Yes, you can be fined, legally penalized, or face legal action for not maintaining your septic system.  Your local Sewage Enforcement Officer will have the exact legal proceedings for your area.  Learn More

According to Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) guidelines and standard recommendations, septic tanks should generally be pumped every 3 to 5 years. However, many PA townships mandate pumping and inspection every 2 to 4 years. Read More

We recommend letting our PSMA field techs, pump and give a recommendation Schedule Now. 

A properly operating septic tank should have a liquid level even with the bottom of the outlet pipe, allowing wastewater to flow out while scum and sludge are retained. It is normal for the tank to remain "full" of liquid, with levels typically sitting just below the inlet pipe  Watch Video

A properly functioning septic system safely treats household wastewater, but a failing or poorly maintained system threatens the environment and public health by discharging untreated waste, pathogens, and excess nutrients into groundwater and surface waters. This can cause severe illnesses in humans, contaminate drinking water, and trigger harmful algal blooms that deplete oxygen and kill fish. Read More

Septic tank additives containing bacteria or chemicals are commonly marketed to improve system performance. However, use of these additives is not recommended for domestic wastewater treatment because there is already a significant presence of bacteria, enzymes, yeasts, fungi, and other microorganisms in onsite wastewater treatmentsystems   Read More 

• cigarette butts
• disposable diapers
• sanitary napkins & tampons
• wipes
• condoms
• pop-off toilet wand scrubbers 

Do's & Don't of your septic system. 

Five Basic Practices to Protect Your Septic System

Feminine products, such as tampons and pads, are designed to expand and absorb liquid, which causes immediate blockages in pipes and septic tank baffles.

Baby wipes do not break down in water and accumulate in the tank, forming a thick crust that interferes with the natural bacterial breakdown of solid waste.

These items can pass into the drain field, causing catastrophic failures and piping clogs.   Watch Video 

While some property owners may consider DIY solutions, septic system repairs often require specialized knowledge, equipment. Attempting repairs without professional expertise can worsen problems, cause environmental contamination, & increase long-term expenses.  Many repairs also require inspections and permiting from your local Sewage Enforcement Officer.   

We highly reccommend scheduling one of our repair techs. 

The cost of installing a new septic system varies depending on the size of the tank, the type of system, and the location of your property. 

Getting a new septic system is 3(4) steps 

1. Soil Testing (perc/probe)- This determines that size and type of septic system you will need.  

2. Some properties may require a property surveyor, if so this fee will be additional, and determined by the surveying company.  

3. Design -This is a very detailed drawing of your new septic system. 

4. Installation- This will be quoted when the design is complete. when you agree to the installation quote, we will schedule a pre-construction meeting to go over all the details of the install. 

We take care of all communication with your Sewage Enforcement Officer as well as obtaining and submitting all permit and documents required. 

If you already have a Perc/Probe results, or design and are looking for a quote Email Us: sales@finsenvironmentalservice.com 

Check our education section for funding options. 

If your septic system fails, contact Fins Environmental Service immediately. We offer emergency repair services to get your system back up and running as soon as possible.

Signs of a failing septic system

A septic tank baffle is a protective barrier at the inlet and outlet pipes that manages wastewater flow to prevent solids from leaving the tank and clogging the drain field. It directs influent downward to minimize disturbance of settled solids and holds back floating scum (oils/grease). Baffles are crucial for maintaining proper separation.

A septic tank gas deflector attaches to the outlet baffle (often a Tee) to prevent rising methane bubbles from carrying tiny solid particles into the drain field. By deflecting gas bubbles away from the outlet and toward the center of the tank, it reduces clogging at the soil-stone interface and extends the life of the drain field.

The best way to determine of the type of septic system you have is to schedule a site visit with one of our PSMA field techs.  Septic system types