OHIO’S SEPTIC OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE RULES ARE CHANGING.
Summit County has implemented new Ohio rules covering the operation and maintenance of household septic systems. The new rules consist of a more aggressive program of Inspections, Operation Permits and Fees for both tank and dispersal field systems and aeration systems. The type and age of your system will dictate (1) when the Inspections will occur, (2) the frequency of the Inspections, and (3) the costs of the Inspection, and Operation Permit Fees. Newer systems may need additional licenses. For more details and current pricing, visit the Summit County Public Health Department’s web page at ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH CODE OF THE (scph.org)
In addition to the county, the service provider you select will be able to give you specific, detailed information on types and costs of maintenance for your individual, county-mandated system.
Here are some things to do to properly operate your system: First, use water wisely so you don’t overwhelm your system; second, do not put anything in the system that you can put in the trash (including plastics, paper towels, hair, paper, feminine hygiene products, disposable diapers, wipes, etc.); third, limit or eliminate use of a garbage disposal; fourth, do not put hazardous household chemicals (such as paint, oils, leftover antibiotic medications and antimicrobial cleaners, or pesticides) in your septic; and fifth, keep your septic pumped out on a regular schedule based on your service company’s recommendation. A septic clean out can be your best friend.
If you’re still not convinced about the need to protect your system you’ll want to read the Homeowner Resources | Summit County Public Health (scph.org) document that appears on the Summit County Health District web page.
Why do anything since your septic seems to be working OK? Well, consider the cost of the clean outs compared to a possible total replacement. That seems to be a no-brainer. But, what if you still think you can just “fly under the radar” and not get caught with a bad system? There is little chance of that succeeding. You see, when septic systems are cleaned out, the service companies are required to notify the Summit County Department of Health. If there is a problem in your neighborhood, guess where they may look first!
MAINTENANCE CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS FOR SEPTIC SYSTEM OPERATIONS IN SUMMIT COUNTY
Summit County has different maintenance contract requirements for residential owners, based upon their type of septic system and other considerations. If you have one of the older style filter bed systems or an “ET” evaporating system, like the majority of homes in Bath Township, neither the State of Ohio nor Summit County requires an annual maintenance contract. If you have spray irrigation, a drip system, EPA/three tank NPDES system, or a PEAT system, the county requires an annual contract and other provisions. Summit County’s water quality experts are your best guides to septic system maintenance contract requirements. If you are unsure of your system type or need specific advice about your particular system, please contact:
Ali Rogalski, REHS
Water Quality Manager
Summit County Public Health
1867 West Market Street, Akron, OH 44313
Office: (330) 926-5639 Mobile: (330) 208-7359 Fax: (330) 923-6436
arogalski@schd.org
Mrs. Rogalski will have the information you need to keep your systems working properly and in compliance with state and county requirements.
HOW WE CAN HELP YOU WITH SEPTIC MAINTENANCE
OK, here comes the sales pitch! The easiest and least expensive way to get your system pumped out is to join the Bath Homeowners’ Association, which will qualify you for discounts on your septic clean–outs or maintenance. You will help yourself, help us, and help the township’s environment by keeping your system working properly. That’s why BHA offers a special money-saving deal on septic clean-outs or aeration services. Go for it. You’ll even save some money.
Go to our Membership Form page to join BHA and receive the Septic Clean-Out Program discounts. Discounts are set by each participating company. Dynamerican (330-666-8863) and Summit Excavating (330-825-2035) give $20 discounts on normal, residential pump out services. For BHA members with aeration tank systems, Aeration Septic Inc (330-854-4405) offers a $20 discount on a one year aeration system maintenance contract or free septic enzyme treatments. These companies work closely with the county and know the regulations.
Dynamerican (330-666-8863), Dynamerican Est. 1957 Septic Services Call Us First 330-476-2899 (godynamerican.com)
Summit Excavating (330-825-2035) Summit Excavating | Septic Services | Family Owned Septic Services (summitexcavatinginc.com)
Aeration Septic, Inc. (330-854-4405) Aeration Septic. – Septic Tank Services That Fit Your Schedule (aeration-septic.com)
Not a bad return on your $10 membership!
Do not send us any payment for the septic services. As a convenience, we forward your name to Aeration Septic Inc, Dynamerican and Summit Excavating. You pay the company you select directly. Allow 4 weeks for processing of your membership, and then arrange for service with the company of your choice. Membership lists are forwarded regularly to these three companies, but not daily.
BHA does not make any money on the Clean-Out Program. We facilitate this program to encourage septic tank owners to maintain their systems, to protect Bath’s rural residential character, and to “Keep Bath Beautiful.”