20/07/2023
Septic System Seepage Pits
A seepage pit is a well that is lined with a porous masonry in which the household waste discharges from a septic tank and is collected for gradual seepage into the ground, sometimes used as a substitute for a drain field.
Seepage pits were designed for use in area’s were there wasn’t access to the metropolitan sewer system or where a conventional septic system would not function properly because of soil conditions or limited space. In many conditions there were not any other alternatives to dispose of the household waste. Seepage pits on average are 20ft to 30ft in depth.Below is an example how the system works:
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The use of seepage pits was halted in October of 1991 in Jefferson County because of the concerns about polluting ground water.
The majority of homes have been taken off seepage pits as a result of upgrades to the Metropolitan Sewer District infrastructure over the past 40 years. After the residence was connected to the sanitary sewer, the seepage system (pit) was disconnected from the home and, in many cases, left in the ground. There are no regulations that require the homeowner to collapse the septic tank or seepage pit and fill them in with soil or rock, even though it is recommended by the Department of Public Health and Wellness. Many times the lids have become covered by grass and are unable to be seen. We recommend that you verify what type of system you had and be careful when walking around your property if you are unsure.
If you have concerns about your home having a seepage pit, you can contact the Department of Public Health and Wellness, at 574-6650, to see if we have records that indicate if you had a pit in the past and the location of the pit.