The Fort Wayne Allen County Department of Health

Pollution Control

Director: Gary Chapple, BS, REHS • Phone: (260) 449-7530 • FAX: (260) 449-3010 • Email: gary.chapple@co.allen.in.us
Location: 1 E. Main St., 5th Floor, Fort Wayne IN 46802 • Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday - Friday
Meet the Staff: Mark Herber, REHS, Asst. Director; Kathy Doseck, REHS, Plan Review Coord.; Jack Gensic, Env. Health Specialist; Mike Jones, Env. Technician; Josh Blauvelt, Env. Health Specialist; John McCue, Env. Technician; Jim Mohr, Env. Technician • Amanda Woenker, Support Staff; Alena Currington, Support Staff

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I as a homeowner install my own septic system?
Allen County code allows a homeowner, at the home he or she lives in, to install a spetic system. However, a construction permit is still required from the Department of Health prior to beginning any work. Septic system installation is complex, and most homeowners do not possess the knowledge of the septic code or correct tools to design and install a system properly, resulting in mistakes that end up being costly to repair.

Do I need to have two acres to put in a septic system?
The two-acre minimum lot size is for parcels created after Feb. 16, 1999. Smaller parcels that existed prior to that date must meet all other provisions of the code, so there is not a guarantee a home can be built, but it does not have to meet the two-acre minimum. Any lot with an existing home, regardless of lot size, is exempt from the two-acre mimimum and has options for update of the septic system.

If I want to make improvements to my property do I have to update my septic system?
The answer is: that depends on your system. An improvement location permit application with the Department of Planning Services will trigger an update to the septic for any system not on file with the Department of Health. In addition, any proposed improvement that comes within ten feet of a component of the septic system, as well as any improvement that increases the number of bedrooms in the home, will require a system update, even if the system is on file with the Department of Health.

What do I do if some component of my septic system breaks or quits working, and I need to make a repair (d-box, pump, tank, etc.)?
Call the Department of Health. Any repair to the system requires a permit before work is begun and some systems may need to be updated instead of repaired.

How often should I pump my tank?
There are a lot of factors that figure in such as size of tank, number of people in the home, if a garbage disposal is in use, and even the cooking habits in the home. If you are not checking the actual sludge and scum layers, every 2 to 3 years, depending on usage, is a rough guide.

My system is 75 years old, isn't it grandfathered in?
There are no grandfather clauses regarding septic systems, due to the public health risks associated with failed systems. The homeowner is responsible for maintaining a properly functioning system at all times.

More Articles: General Information • Septic Systems • Swimming Pools & Spas • Phase I Assessments • Air Quality • Water Quality