Local Township Pumping Guidelines & Requirements

rachel.highley • August 10, 2016

A Resource for Central PA Homeowners

Many Central PA townships have mandatory pumping ordinances to make sure homeowners are emptying their septic tanks every "x" amount of years. The purpose of a septic pumping ordinance is not just to cost you money, but to keep your system working properly and to ensure the local environment remains healthy. You may not know it, but routine maintenance is the number one way to make your septic system last longer! So although it can be a nuisance, your township is doing you a favor.

If you're not sure whether or not your township has a pumping ordinance, you can always check your township or borough website, OR take a look at the list below.

*Remember, routine maintenance is necessary to keep things flushing smoothly so if you don't see your township on this list, it doesn't mean you don't need to have your septic system pumped regularly - it just means you aren't required by law. Trust us, septic repairs and backups will cost a lot more than a legal citation, so whether you're required to or not, make sure you have your septic tank cleaned at least every 2-4 years! If you're not sure of your septic tank size or how to tell if you're ready to be pumped, click here for more info.

If you live in any of these Lancaster, Dauphin or Lebanon County townships, you are required to have your septic tank pumped every 3 years :

  • Conewago
  • Drumore
  • East Cocalico
  • East Hanover
  • East Hempfield
  • Elizabeth
  • Heidelberg
  • Manor
  • North Annville
  • North Cornwall
  • North Lebanon
  • North Londonderry
  • Paradise
  • Penn
  • Pequea
  • South Annville
  • South Londonderry
  • Susquehanna
  • Swatara
  • Warwick
  • West Cocalico
  • West Cornwall
  • West Donegal
  • West Earl
  • West Hempfield
  • West Lampeter
York County:
  • Springettsbury
  • York

If you live in any of these Lancaster, Dauphin or Lebaon County townships, you are required to have your septic tank pumped every 4 years :
  • Conestoga
  • Londonderry
  • Rapho
York County:
  • Dover
  • East Manchester
  • Hellam
  • Lower Windsor
  • Windsor
If you live in *Chanceford Township in York County, your township ordinance is every 5 years .


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