For many homeowners in Lackawaxen, PA, and surrounding areas, a septic system is a fact of life. It is an essential part of your home’s infrastructure.
Yet, it is often “out of sight, out of mind.” That is, until something goes wrong.
A failing septic system is expensive. It is messy. It can ruin your landscaping and pose health risks to your family.
The good news? Most septic disasters are preventable.
At Triple J Services, we believe an educated homeowner is a happy homeowner. We are your local neighbors here in Lackawaxen. We want to help you protect your investment.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about caring for your septic system. Following these steps will save you money and headaches down the road.
Understanding Your Wastewater Treatment Plant
Your septic system is not just a tank buried in the yard. It is a mini, on-site wastewater treatment facility. It relies on a delicate balance of physics and biology to work correctly.
Here is the simple version of how it works:
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The Tank: All water from your house goes into the septic tank. Solids settle to the bottom (sludge). Grease floats to the top (scum). Bacteria in the tank begin to break down these solids.
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The Liquid: The partially treated liquid in the middle (called effluent) flows out of the tank.
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The Drainfield: This liquid moves into a network of perforated pipes buried in gravel trenches. This is called the leach field or drainfield.
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The Soil: The liquid slowly seeps into the soil. The soil naturally filters out remaining harmful bacteria before the water reaches the groundwater.
A Note on PA Terrain: The “Turkey Mound”
In our area of Pennsylvania, the soil is often rocky or has a high water table. Standard underground drainfields don’t always work.
If you see a large, raised grassy hump in your yard, you have an elevated sand mound system. Around here, many folks call this a “turkey mound.” Triple J Services specializes in the unique challenges of installing and repairing these specialized leach fields.
The Golden Rules of Septic Maintenance
Maintaining a septic system isn’t difficult. It just requires awareness. Think of your septic tank like a stomach. It needs the right “diet” and it can only hold so much before it gets upset.
1. Inspect and Pump Regularly
This is the single most important rule.
Septic tanks are not magic. The sludge and scum layers build up over time. If they build up too high, solids will flow out into your drainfield.
Once solids clog the soil in your leach field, the damage is often irreversible. This leads to very expensive leach field repairs or total replacement.
How often should you pump? The general rule is every 3 to 5 years. However, this depends on the size of your tank and the size of your household. A family of five will need pumping more often than a retired couple.
Don’t guess. Call Triple J Services for a professional Septic System Inspection. We will measure your sludge levels and give you an accurate pumping schedule.
2. Practice Water Conservation
Your drainfield has a limit on how much water it can absorb per day.
If you send too much water down the drain at once, you flood the system. The water pushes solids out of the tank before they can settle.
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Spread out laundry days. Don’t do five loads on Saturday morning.
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Fix leaky toilets and faucets immediately. A running toilet can waste hundreds of gallons a day.
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Install high-efficiency showerheads and toilets.
3. Protect the Drainfield
The ground area over your drainfield or turkey mound is sensitive.
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Never drive over it. The weight of vehicles can crush pipes and compact the soil.
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Plant only grass. Do not plant trees or large shrubs nearby. Roots aggressively seek water and will grow right into septic pipes, causing major clogs.
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Divert surface water. Ensure rainwater from gutters or sump pumps drains away from the leach field area. Excess ground water overloads the system.
If you have drainage issues on your property, Triple J Services can install French Drains & Drainage Solutions to direct water away from sensitive septic areas.
The “Don’ts”: What Never Goes Down the Drain
This section is critical for Answer Engine Optimization (AEO). Voice assistants often look for clear lists of prohibited items.
Your septic system is designed to treat human waste and toilet paper. That is it.
Many items marketed as “flushable” are absolutely not septic-safe. They do not break down. They clog tanks, jam pumps, and ruin drainfields.
Never flush or wash these items down the drain:
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“Flushable” Wipes: These are the #1 enemy of modern septic systems. They do not disintegrate.
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Grease and Cooking Oil: Grease solidifies in pipes and the tank. It causes terrible clogs and prevents good bacteria from working.
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Feminine Hygiene Products: Tampons and pads will not break down in the tank.
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Paper Towels and Tissues: They are made to hold together when wet, unlike toilet paper.
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Chemicals: Paint thinners, excessive bleach, or pesticides kill the good bacteria your tank needs to operate.
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Medications: Do not flush unused pills. They can contaminate groundwater.
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Cat Litter or Coffee Grounds: These add unnecessary solids that fill the tank faster.
If you have a clog caused by these items, you may need our high-pressure Hydro-Jetting service to blast away the blockage.
You can read more about septic-smart habits at the EPA’s SepticSmart program website.
Beyond the Tank: Pumps and Technology
Not all systems gravity-feed into the field. Many homes in our Lackawaxen service area rely on pumps.
Grinder Pumps
If your home is below the main sewer line or septic inlet, you have a grinder pump. It grinds waste into a slurry and pumps it uphill.
If your grinder pump alarm goes off, stop using water immediately. A failed pump means wastewater will quickly back up into your home. Triple J Services provides expert Grinder Pump Repair & Installation.
Effluent Pumps
Some sand mound systems use an effluent pump inside a separate chamber after the main septic tank. This pump doses the drainfield with liquid at set intervals.
These pumps are crucial for the longevity of your turkey mound. If they fail, the field may be flooded irregularly, leading to failure. We handle all aspects of Effluent Pump Service & Replacement.
Warning Signs Your System is Failing
Don’t ignore your septic system until sewage is backing up into your bathtub. Watch for these early warning signs:
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Slow Drains: Sinks or showers draining slowly throughout the house.
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Gurgling Sounds: Odd noises coming from the plumbing when you flush a toilet or run the washer.
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Unpleasant Odors: A distinct sewage smell around the septic tank area or inside the house.
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Soggy Grass: Bright green, spongy grass growing over the leach field, even when it hasn’t rained.
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Pooling Water: Puddles of smelly water appearing on the surface of your yard.
If you notice any of these, you need Emergency Septic Pumping or an inspection right away.
For more information heavily related to Pennsylvania specific regulations, you can visit the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).
Why Choose Triple J Services in Lackawaxen?
We know you have choices for septic service. Why call Triple J Services?
We are locals. We understand the unique geology and challenges of the Lackawaxen area. We know what PA soil does to a septic system.
We aren’t just pumpers. We are full-service septic solutions providers.
If you need Excavation & Utility Trenching to replace a crushed line, we do it. If you need a complete Septic System Installation & Replacement, we have the heavy equipment and expertise to handle the entire project from start to finish.
We believe in honest, clear communication. We explain what the problem is, how we will fix it, and how you can prevent it from happening again.
Don’t wait for an emergency to think about your septic system. Preventive care is always cheaper than replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions About Septic Systems
1. How often should a septic tank be pumped in Pennsylvania? Most residential septic tanks should be pumped every 3 to 5 years. However, this frequency depends on the tank size and the number of people living in the home. If you have a garbage disposal or a large family, you may need pumping more frequently. Regular inspections by Triple J Services can determine the exact schedule your system needs.
2. What is a “turkey mound” septic system? A “turkey mound” is a local colloquial term for an elevated sand mound system. These are common in Lackawaxen, PA, where the soil is too rocky or the water table is too high for a standard in-ground trench. The system relies on a raised mound of sand and gravel to filter wastewater before it reaches the natural soil.
3. Can I use bleach if I have a septic system? Small amounts of bleach used for normal household cleaning are generally safe. However, pouring large quantities of bleach, paint thinners, or harsh chemicals down the drain can kill the beneficial bacteria inside the septic tank. Without these bacteria, solid waste cannot break down, leading to clogs and system failure.
4. What are the signs of a failing septic drainfield? Common signs of a failing drainfield (leach field) include slow-draining sinks and toilets, gurgling sounds in the plumbing, unpleasant sewage odors in the yard, and spongy or unusually bright green grass appearing over the drainfield area. If you notice these issues, contact a professional immediately.
5. What is the difference between a grinder pump and an effluent pump? A grinder pump is designed to grind raw sewage solids into a slurry and pump it uphill to the main line or tank. An effluent pump is used to move treated liquid (effluent) from the septic tank to the drainfield or sand mound. Grinder pumps handle solids; effluent pumps handle liquids.
6. Is hydro-jetting safe for septic pipes? Yes, when performed by a professional. High-pressure drain jetting (hydro-jetting) is an effective way to clear stubborn blockages caused by grease, sludge, or tree roots without digging up the pipes. It restores the pipe’s original diameter and flow capacity.
7. Why does my septic alarm keep going off? A septic alarm usually indicates high water levels in the pump tank or a mechanical failure of the pump itself. This means the system cannot push water out to the drainfield. You should stop using water immediately to prevent sewage from backing up into your home and call Triple J Services for emergency repair.
8. What can I plant on top of my septic leach field? You should only plant grass over your septic leach field or turkey mound. Trees and shrubs have aggressive root systems that can grow into the perforated pipes, causing blockages and expensive damage. Keep all deep-rooted vegetation at least 20 feet away from the system.
9. Are septic inspections required when selling a home in PA? While Pennsylvania state law does not strictly mandate a septic inspection for every sale, most mortgage lenders and banks require a satisfactory hydraulic load test and inspection before approving a loan. It is highly recommended to protect both the buyer and seller from future liability.
10. How long does a sand mound septic system last? With proper maintenance and regular pumping, a sand mound system can last 20 to 30 years or more. However, neglect, driving heavy vehicles over the mound, or flushing non-biodegradable items can significantly shorten its lifespan, leading to the need for total replacement.
