Pumping reminders on way for septic users

YOUNGSTOWN -- The Mahoning County District Board of Health will begin mailing pumping reminders to nearly 900 Berlin and Ellsworth township residents with septic systems.
"There is no law that requires homeowners to get their septic tanks pumped," said Matthew Stefanak, Mahoning County health commissioner. "But reminding homeowners to get their septic systems serviced regularly can save them thousands of dollars in repair costs."
According to board of health records, 455 households in Berlin Township and 440 households in Ellsworth Township rely on septic systems to treat their household sewage.
Health officials said that septic tanks should be pumped at different intervals depending on household size and water usage. A four-person household with a 1,000-gallon septic tank should have its septic tank pumped every three years.
Homeowners will receive a list of licensed pumpers with their reminder letter.
The board of health reminder program has prompted thousands of homeowners in Mahoning County to do preventive maintenance on their septic systems since the program began in 1997.