Sewage Treatment Systems

Yes. Much like changing the engine oil in a vehicle, cleaning a septic tank is preventive maintenance which should be done periodically.

It depends on how large the tank is, how large the family is, and how much extra material (garbage, trash) goes down the drain. On average 3-5 years is about right for most households. For more details see OSU Extension Bulletin AEX-0740-01 Septic Tank Maintenance.

No. Added yeast, enzymes, and bacteria do no harm, but are usually not beneficial to system functioning.

Yes! Partially treated sewage bubbling to the surface is a health hazard to the community and corrective action is needed. Evaluation by a professional will be needed to determine whether the correction will involve a simple repair, an alteration or replacement of the system.

All household sewage system contractors must be registered and bonded with Public Health to perform work in Montgomery County. See the lists of registered installers, septage haulers (tank cleaners) and service providers available above.

A permit is needed to install a new system and to replace or alter an existing system. Tank cleaning or a minor repair does not require a permit.

No. Use of the old-fashioned percolation test was discontinued in Montgomery County effective January 1, 2007. It was replaced with an evaluation by a trained soil scientist to determine the soil characteristics for sewage disposal on a building site. You will also need to employ a consulting designer to design the system based on the soil evaluation.

No. Previous perc tests were honored until January 1, 2012. Design plans approved between January 1, 2007 and January 1, 2015 will be honored until January 1, 2017. Otherwise, sites will need to be reevaluated by a soil scientist to determine what sewage system would match the site.

No. The type of system required depends on the soil characteristics on the site. Leach fields may still be used unless the soil is too shallow over a limiting condition (such as bedrock, heavy clay or water table.)

In Montgomery County, soil evaluators must be professionally certified, and designers must be capable of interpreting soil evaluations and preparing design plans. Public Health has a list available of certified soil scientists and designers active in the area who can perform the necessary consulting work. See 'Consultant List – Sewage Treatment' under 'Files' below.