Municipal Authority

Homeowner’s Guide to Reporting Grinder Pump Alarms

• First, check the electrical control panel in your basement to be sure the circuit breaker for the grinder pump is “ON” and not tripped.
• Silence the alarm by opening the panel and pressing the “alarm silence” button.
• Report the alarm to the Operator IMMEDIATELY at (610) 942-2053. Delays in reporting the alarm may cause irreparable damage to the equipment which, in turn, causes increased operational costs that must be passed on to the users.
• Operator will assess the cause of the alarm over the phone to determine whether an immediate response is necessary or whether it can wait until his normal daily visit. Again, this avoids overtime costs which ultimately must be passed on to the users. The grinder pump has an 80 gallon capacity to keep you on line under normal operation. If you have an overflow situation, the Operator will respond immediately.

Maintenance Tips for Individual On-Lot Septic Systems

Out of sight, out of mind. That’s what many people think after the toilet flushes or the sink drains. But that wastewater may be seen again if the household’s septic system fails. A correctly designed and installed on-lot sewage disposal system can still malfunction if the homeowner does not properly operate and maintain it. There are some very simple measures to prevent malfunctions, ensure long-term use of on-lot systems, and protect our streams and groundwater from pollution as follows:

• Conserve water and reduce wastewater flow into the septic tank, especially during rainy, wet seasons when the ground is saturated.
• Have the septic tank pumped at least every 3 years, depending upon tank and household size.
• Avoid putting harsh chemicals in the septic system. Use non-toxic cleaning products such as baking soda to scrub toilets or boiling water to clear clogged drains.
• Keep a grease can handy and compost food garbage or put it in the trash. A garbage disposal adds 50% more solids to your system.
• Do not use the toilet to dispose of bulky, slow decomposing wastes.
• Inspect the septic tank, pipes, and drainage field annually.
• Maintain accurate records of the septic system, including design, installation, location, inspections, pumpings, malfunctions, and repairs.
• Prevent run-off from downspouts, sump pumps and paved surfaces from getting into the septic system.
• Keep heavy vehicles, equipment, and livestock away from the septic system.
• Do not plant trees and shrubs on or near the septic system.
• Don’t wait—if your septic system shows signs of problems, act immediately. Regular septic tank pumping will prolong the life of your septic system. Keep in mind that a septic system usually costs less than $200 to pump, but several thousands to replace.

A healthy on-lot sewage disposal system is crucial to preservation of safe drinking water. Therefore, the Township will soon require that every individual on-lot sewage system be checked by a qualified sewage service contractor to determine the condition of the system. If it needs pumping, that must be done. If it does not, a statement to that effect must be supplied to the Township Office. It is proposed that one third of the Township be required to be checked in one year so that the entire Township will have been checked in a three year period.