Pennsylvania Septic ProPennsylvania

Lehigh Valley

Lehigh Valley septic questions often come down to limestone valley floor, shale ridges and suburban growth. Typical work here includes pumping, inspections, repairs and system replacement.

Grassed soakaway area serving new houses in England
Photo: Hugh Venables, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0

Soils and ground conditions in Lehigh Valley

The Lehigh Valley floor is limestone with karst, while the ridges are shale and sandstone.

Townships outside Allentown and Bethlehem still have many on-lot systems.

Climate and what it means for a septic system

Snow, spring thaw and heavy summer storms affect groundwater levels.

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 Lehigh Valley

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 Lehigh Valley

We take septic enquiries from Lehigh Valley 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.

Sources

  1. Lehigh County
  2. PA DEP — On-lot disposal systems (Act 537)
  3. US EPA — SepticSmart

Slow drains, odors or a backup? Tell us what is happening. Request septic service