Allegheny County

Allegheny County septic questions often come down to steep hills, clay and shale soils and townships beyond Pittsburgh’s sewers. Typical work here includes pumping, inspections, on-lot system repair and replacement.

Grassy clearing in a wooded lot considered for a drain field — Photo: Soil Science from Raleigh, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0

Soils and ground conditions in Allegheny County

Allegheny County’s hills have clay and shale soils that drain slowly, and steep slopes limit space for absorption areas.

Outer townships around Pittsburgh still have many on-lot systems, often on sloping lots.

Climate and what it means for a septic system

Wet springs, heavy rain and freeze–thaw cycles affect drain fields.

A tank only works as well as the drain field after it: saturated, compacted or root-filled soil is the most common reason for slow drains, odors and wet spots, so the soil and the water table are checked as well as the tank.

Local approvals and rules

The Allegheny County Health Department administers on-lot sewage permits.

Pennsylvania’s Sewage Facilities Act (Act 537) requires a permit from the local agency before a new or repaired on-lot system is installed. A Sewage Enforcement Officer (SEO) carries out soil probes and percolation tests, and systems must meet PA DEP Chapter 73 standards.

Typical septic work in Allegheny County

Pumping, inspections, on-lot system repair and replacement. Every property is different, so the system is located, opened and inspected on site before any repair is recommended or quoted.

Know where your tank, lids and drain field are, keep vehicles and new structures off them, and have pumping or permit records ready before the visit.

Pennsylvania Septic Pro in Allegheny County

We take septic enquiries from Allegheny County and surrounding areas around the clock. Tell us the address, when the tank was last pumped and what is happening, and we will arrange a visit.