The Springfield Township Sewer Department maintains over 88 miles of sewer line in the Township. We are fortunate in that we do not have the maintenance and liability costs associated with pumping stations and sewage treatment facilities. All publicly-owned sewer lines are gravity-fed, with the majority of all sewage treated by the City of Philadelphia.

Presently, the Township is continuing several capital improvement projects to ensure the long-term use of our aging sewer system. Under this ambitious program, the Township seeks to minimize storm water infiltration, repair and stabilize all manholes, and eliminate illegal connections to the sewer system.

Most Township residents will be surprised to learn that it is illegal under the Township Code to connect a sump-pump to the sanitary sewer system. A sump-pump connected to the sewer system discharges "clean" groundwater, normally during a rainfall event, into the sanitary system. This scenario presents two problems. First, the rainwater flowing through the sanitary facilities occupies a volumetric portion of the sewer pipe, preventing true wastewater from flowing efficiently to the treatment plant. When too many sump pumps are connected to the sanitary sewer system, backflow may occur through house drains and water closets. Second, rainwater discharged to the sanitary sewer system is treated in the same manner as wastewater. Township residents pay almost $1 million per year to have their sewage waste, and any illegally discharged storm water treated at wastewater treatment facilities. If you have a sump-pump in your home, please verify that it is not connected to the sanitary sewer system.

Also, if you have a floor drain in your home, please verify that it is not connected to the sanitary sewer system. Blockages within the sewer main rarely occur, however when they do, wastewaters will seek relief at the lowest point, usually a floor drain if one is present. For this reason the Township asks that you abandon or disconnect all floor drains from the sanitary sewer system.

Sanitary Sewer Caps Required for all Properties

In the interest of eliminating stormwater infiltration into the sanitary sewer system, Springfield Township is now requiring all vented sanitary sewer laterals to be capped with a lateral insert. Inserts are available free of charge at the Township Building during normal business hours. When properly installed the insert is extremely effective in preventing rainwater and other foreign materials such as sticks, stones, grass and paper from entering your sewer lateral. Excessive amounts of rainwater entering the sanitary system results in surcharging and may cause the system to back up into your home. Other foreign objects can inhibit the flow of sewage away from your home and create a blockage.

Backflow Prevention Devices Required for Below Grade Fixtures

Springfield Township’s new building and plumbing code requires all below-grade plumbing fixtures to be protected with backflow prevention devices.

Despite the township’s best efforts to prevent sanitary sewer surcharging, illegal sump pump connections and other sources of inflow sometimes result in sanitary waste backing up into private residences at their lowest point of entry. Most back-ups occur during severe rain events and enter residences through utility washtub drains or basement lavatories. A backflow prevention device is an effective way to prevent sewage back-ups.

Backflow devices can be installed at individual fixtures or at the main house drain. They can also be activated manually or automatically (each has its own advantages and disadvantages). If you are unsure which type is the best for your home, please contact your plumber to obtain his or her advice. Please note that backflow prevention device must be installed by a registered plumber and a permit is required.

Township residents are encouraged to review their homeowners insurance policy to see if their property is insured against damages resulting from a sanitary sewer back up.