Centre County

Centre County septic questions often come down to limestone valleys, karst and ridge-and-valley soils around State College. Typical work here includes pumping, inspections, repairs and system replacement.

Cleared and graded route through a wooded slope for a sewer line — Photo: Soil Science from Raleigh, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0

Soils and ground conditions in Centre County

Centre County lies in ridge-and-valley country, with limestone valleys and karst under farmland and shale and sandstone on the ridges.

Rural homes and farms outside State College rely on on-lot systems.

Climate and what it means for a septic system

Cold winters, spring thaw and summer storms affect groundwater.

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

Township Sewage Enforcement Officers issue on-lot permits under Act 537.

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 Centre County

Pumping, inspections, repairs and system 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 Centre County

We take septic enquiries from Centre 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.