Month: June 2025

When properly maintained, septic tanks can save homeowners thousands of dollars on sewage bills over the system’s life. 

According to Penn State, nearly 26% of homes in Pennsylvania have septic tank systems–most commonly found in rural areas, such as Northeast Pennsylvania. 

With a little basic maintenance and care at the sink, you can greatly extend the life of your system. However, you will have to service your septic tank system every few years and get it inspected to ensure it works properly and has no clogs or backflows. 

Whether you own a septic system or are looking to buy a home with a septic tank and are a first-time owner, this guide will cover basic septic tank maintenance to help you prolong the life of your system. 

Understand How Your Septic System Works

Septic tanks may seem foreign to folks from Scranton or Wilkes-Barre, but they are fairly simple systems. 

At its heart, a septic system is a wastewater conveyance designed to separate solids from liquids and disperse the resulting mixture into a drain field (i.e., your backyard or separate field). 

The solids float to the bottom of the tank where they decompose and the scum floats to the top. The clarified liquid (effluent) then flows into the drainfield, where it percolates into the soil for final treatment, helping to enrich the soil with nutrients. 

By understanding this process and identifying where each component lies, you can avoid costly mistakes, such as parking a vehicle over your drain pipes, and identify issues as they arise at the source.

Basic Septic Tank Maintenance: How Homeowners Can Help Their Septic

Septic tank maintenance doesn’t have to be expensive;, by practicing just a few housekeeping steps, you can greatly extend the life of your septic system.

Watch What You Flush

Whether you have a sewage system or a septic tank, you can greatly extend the life of your pipes and wastewater conveyance by limiting the amount of solid materials you flush down the drain. Some of the most common waste products that end up clogging pipes and slowing down drainage include:

• Grease, fats, or oils
• Feminine hygiene products
• Paper towels or wipes (even “flushable” ones)
• Harsh chemicals (bleach, drain cleaners)
  Paints, solvents, or medications

Most experts also caution against using garbage disposals altogether, as residents are more likely to flush solid waste products through their pipes instead of their garbage. 

Additionally, consider switching to septic-safe toilet paper and eco-friendly cleaners.

Conserve Water Usage

Septic systems are designed to process a certain volume of water each day. Overloading the system can flush solids into the drainfield or prevent the tank from properly separating waste.

Some tips to reduce water usage include:

• Fixing leaking faucets and toilets immediately
  
• Spreading out laundry loads during the week
• Using low-flow showerheads and toilets
  
• Only running dishwashers and washing machines when full
  

Overuse can strain an already sensitive system in areas like NEPA with older homes or high water tables, especially during wet months.

Avoid Septic Additives

Some companies market septic additives as a way to eliminate pumping or boost bacterial activity. While these products might sound appealing, most experts, including the EPA, agree they’re unnecessary and sometimes harmful.

Additives can disrupt the natural bacterial balance in the tank, slowing down decomposition. Additives can also push solids into the drainfield prematurely and void your warranty.

Protect the Drainfield

Your drainfield is essential to the system and needs protection from compaction, contamination, and excessive water.

We strongly caution against parking heavy vehicles on the drainfield or planting trees near the drainfield. Limiting erosion in the drainfield and direct downspouts from the house away from the drainfield is also wise. 

Maintain Good Records

Good record keeping can ensure you never miss a routine pump or inspection. Maintain a log of all septic services, including pumping dates, inspection reports, and any repairs or upgrades.

This information is helpful for routine maintenance, home sales, or diagnosing problems. In NEPA, where some systems date back decades, having historical documentation can be a major advantage when selling a house with a septic system.

Professional Septic Tank Maintenance

To truly guarantee a long septic life free of costly repairs, it’s essential to get routine maintenance performed by a professional every so often. 

Getting Your Tank Pumped Regularly

One of the most important steps in septic system care is regular pumping. Over time, solids accumulate in the tank and can overflow into the drainfield if not removed. This can clog the system and lead to failure.

Generally, we recommend pumping your septic tank every 3 to 5 years. However, your pumping schedule depends on your household size, tank size, and water usage habits.

Due to our area’s cold winters and clay-heavy soils, failing to pump your tank can quickly become a costly problem due to poor percolation and frozen drainfields.

Scheduling Routine Professional Inspections

Even if your system seems to be working fine, regular septic inspections can catch early warning signs before a minor issue becomes a major repair.

A certified septic professional in NEPA can check for:

• Sludge and scum levels in your tank
  
• Signs of leakage or backup
  
• The condition of the tank, baffles, and pipes
  
• Drainfield saturation or odor issues
  

Aim to have your system inspected at least once every three years, or more often if you have an older system with a history of problems.

Warning Signs Your Septic Needs Repairs

Septic system problems rarely go away on their own and are built to last for decades. Pay attention to the following red flags that your septic system may be in need of repair. 

• Slow-draining sinks or toilets
  
• Gurgling sounds from plumbing
  
• Wet, soggy, or unusually green patches of grass over the drainfield
  
• Sewage odors indoors or outdoors
  
• Backups in the lowest drains of the house
  

If you notice any of these issues, call a septic professional immediately. Delaying repairs can lead to complete system failure, which you don’t want during the winter. 

Caring for Your Septic System Pays Off

Your septic system is one of the most important parts of your home. With proper care, it can last 20 to 40 years or longer with little to no repairs. Unfortunately, neglect can lead to backups, environmental damage, and expensive system replacements.

Whether you live in the backwoods of Wayne County, the hills of Luzerne County, or the farmlands of Lackawanna, taking the time to properly care for your septic system ensures peace of mind, protects your investment, and safeguards NEPA’s groundwater and environment.

FAQs

Is it OK to use a garbage disposal with a septic system?

It’s not recommended. Garbage disposals add extra solids to your tank and can lead to faster sludge buildup.

Can I plant trees near my septic system?

No. Tree roots can invade pipes and tanks, causing damage. Stick to grass and shallow-rooted plants that won’t disrupt pipes underground. 

Are septic tank additives helpful?

Generally, no. Most additives are unnecessary and may harm your system or drainfield.

As Northeast Pennsylvania enters a housing shortage, new construction homes offer a way to relieve an overinflated market. 

Just drive by areas like Dallas, Clarks Summit, and Forty Fort, where demand is sky-high, and you’ll find dozens of new suburban developments and townhouse communities under construction. 

Most new construction homes come with the benefit of a choice location and feature modern appliances and fixtures, such as that ultra-desirable new kitchen. 

Unlike older homes with greater wear and tear, many home buyers trust newer construction homes to be free of defects.

However, new construction homes should always be inspected, as poor craftsmanship and improper foundation settling are common problems that can spread across these properties.

While the home builder warranty may cover you up to a year after construction, these problems can take years to manifest, though they may be spotted early. 

Here are nine common issues found in new construction homes in Northeast Pennsylvania and the importance of new home inspections.

1. Foundation Settling and Grading Problems

How much settling is normal for a house? That’s one of the most common questions from new homeowners who may notice cracks emerge on the walls and foundation of their new home. 

While a small amount of settling is expected in the first year of moving in, if you start to notice any of the following signs, it could indicate more serious foundation issues:

• Horizontal cracks forming in drywall, especially around windows and door frames
• Uneven floors that feel sloped
• Doors and windows that are difficult to open or stick
• Gaps forming between walls and ceilings
• Observable cracks in the foundation
• Water pooling around the foundation, leading to moisture intrusion in the basement or crawl space

While some of these are normal symptoms of advanced settling in older homes, they should ring alarm bells if observed within the first two years of occupying an entirely brand-new building. `

2. Improper Drainage and Water Intrusion

One of the most common builder mistakes we observe throughout all homes in NEPA is poor drainage from downspouts, malfunctioning sump pumps, and improper site grading. The heavy rain and snowfall observed throughout the area could have devastating long-term effects on your foundation, asphalt, and landscaping.

While improper downspouts can be easily fixed, poor or improper grading can be much more costly and should be addressed by builders immediately before their warranty expires. 

3. HVAC System Deficiencies

Energy efficiency is in high demand among home buyers as energy costs continue to skyrocket in NEPA. However, central air systems and new boilers may be among the most expensive and consistent repairs you make if they are improperly installed.

Some common issues we frequently observe with newer HVAC systems are almost always owed to poor workmanship, such as improper ducting, missing return vents, or incorrect sizing. 

If left unchecked, your HVAC system could end up driving up your utility costs and lead to more costly repairs down the road. 

4. Insufficient Insulation and Air Sealing

While newer homes tend to have better insulation than older homes, poor contractor work can lead to a bevy of issues. Chief among them is improper air sealing, allowing for outside air and pests to get in and settling if blown-in insulation is used. 

Not only can improper insulation lead to higher utility bills, but it can also lead to faster degradation and moisture issues if proper ventilation is not installed.

5. Roofing and Siding Issues

Unfortunately, virtually any home with a new roof or siding can suffer from issues related to poor construction.

Exposed nails, rising shingles, and poor decking are among some of the most common issues we see, even in recently installed newer roofs. 

Likewise, if the same roofing contractor was used for siding the house, poor workmanship can easily allow water to enter behind the panels, leading to a whole host of issues behind your walls. 

Again, we strongly urge buyers to inspect new roofs and siding just as you would an older roof and siding, as these are complicated projects that are subject to human errors. 

6. Electrical System Problems

Modern homes have greater electrical demands than ever, but in some new construction houses, the wiring doesn’t reflect that. Builders may use minimal circuits to save money or fail to include enough outlets, leading to the following issues:

• Breakers that frequently trip
  
• Insufficient kitchen or bathroom outlets
  
• Missing GFCI protection near water sources
  
• Loose or poorly installed switches and outlets
  

In fact, one home inspector from Arizona recently went viral for exposing many of these same issues found in new builds around the Phoenix area. 

7. Plumbing Concerns

Hand-in-hand with electrical concerns tend to come from plumbing concerns. While not as common in newer homes, cheap materials and rushed work can still lead to leaks, low water pressure, and slow-draining pipes that can aggravate homeowners long-term.

Unfortunately, these issues may not be visible during an initial home walk-through but can easily be spotted by your home inspector. 

8. Cosmetic Defects and Inconsistent Finishes

One of the most telltale signs of rushed work or poor builder quality is cosmetic defects found throughout the home. This may be noticeable on the trim, paint lines, or caulking of important fixtures. In extreme cases, we’ve observed cabinets and appliance doors that don’t close properly due to poor work. 

9. Window and Door Problems

Finally, diagnosing window and door seal problems may be difficult for homeowners without a proper inspection, but they can result in heat loss and other issues throughout the year. For example, you may start to witness window fog due to poor seals or doors that don’t open or close properly. 

Over time, these issues will get worse, either requiring an entirely new frame or fixture for your door or window.

Why Multiple Inspections Are Important for New Builds

Most experts recommend that at least three home inspections be conducted during the home construction process:

• Pre-Construction Inspection: Observes the foundation and grading of the site property.
• Frame Inspection: Analyzes the framing of the home. 
• Pre-Drywall Inspection: Analyzes interior components, such as electrical work and plumbing. 

Afterwards, home buyers should conduct their final walk-through inspection covering the home’s totality from the foundation to the roof. 

Remember, mistakes can happen even if you work with a reputable builder. Plus, much of the work involved in constructing a home is outsourced to subcontractors, so all it takes is one mistake by any of these companies to put you on the hook for thousands of dollars in repairs. 

How Much Does a Builder’s Warranty Cover?

Unfortunately, many home buyers forgo an inspection on new construction, trusting the builder’s warranty to cover any defects that may manifest. However, most standard builder’s warranties only last 6 months to a year, covering workmanship and materials.

Long-term warranties, such as a 2-year warranty, may be purchased to cover repairs to electrical, HVAC, or plumbing work, but you could also save more money by getting a qualified home inspection in NEPA. 

Even getting a post-sale inspection can help cover any issues listed under the warranty so that you do not have to pay out of pocket in the future. 

FAQs

How much settling is normal for a house?

Most homes will settle slightly within the first year—up to 1/2 inch is generally considered normal. Horizontal cracks or cracks wider than 1/4 inch may signal more serious issues.

Are foundation cracks in a new home serious?

Hairline cracks are common due to settling, but wider or stair-step cracks may indicate structural problems and should be evaluated by a professional.

Can I negotiate repairs with a builder?

Yes. Most builders will address punch-list items before closing. Having an inspection report can help you make a stronger case.