Septic Pump-Out Program

Program Purpose

Smith Mountain Lake is a resource of great importance to Franklin County and the surrounding region. Franklin County is doing its part to assure that the lake remain clean so that residents and visitors alike can enjoy the breath-taking waterscape.

Once such program is the Pump-Out Program. With concern mounting over improperly maintained septic systems and its effect on lake water quality, Franklin County adopted an ordinance in July of 2006 requiring citizens with a septic system located within 500 feet of the shoreline of Smith Mountain Lake to pump or inspect their septic every 5 years.

The complete Mandatory Septic Tank Pump-Out Program can be found here: https://library.municode.com/va/franklin_county/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COCO_CH17SESEDI_ARTIINGE_S17-8MASETAPUT

Service Providers

Who should I hire to maintain my septic system?

Finding the right provider can be overwhelming. A number of area service companies can be found in the yellow pages or use search engines (like Google) to find septic pumping companies.

You may contract with any septic service company provided that they are certified by the Virginia Department of Health to pump and inspect septic systems. We highly recommend confirming your selected provider is properly certified by either asking for a copy of their certification or looking on the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation.

Registration Process

You must register any septic system located within 500 feet of the shoreline of Smith Mountain Lake. The Registration Form (PDF) must be filled out and returned with a $35 registration fee. See the form for further instructions.

You will need to mark the location of your system. If you are unsure where your septic system is located, the Virginia Department of Health can you help you with that. Contact the Virginia Department of Health or call the Rocky Mount, Virginia office at 540-484-0292. Some septic service companies offer location services for a fee.

Provide documentation (such as a receipt from an approved septic provider) with the date of your most recent pump-out or inspection. Completed forms may be emailed to septic.pumpout@franklincountyva.gov.

Program Compliance

The County Septic Program Ordinance requires that you pump out or inspect your septic every 5 years. Once your septic is registered, the County will send a notification letter on the anniversary date of service as a reminder that pump-out or inspection is due.

Once you have serviced your system, return the bottom portion of your notification along with the receipt from the septic company to the County. Or print and return this Compliance Form (PDF) with your receipt. Follow the instructions on the form.

Proof of septic maintenance may be emailed to septic.pumpout@franklincountyva.gov. 

Pump-Out Zone

Citizens can view their parcel in relation to Smith Mountain Lake using the Franklin County GIS parcel viewer. Enter the address or parcel ID number, turn on the "Planning & Zoning (Layer Group)," and make sure only the "SML 500Ft Septic Buffer" layer is turned on.

If you received a notice and you believe that your system is not within the designated pump-out zone, provide satisfactory documentation that will show that your system is located outside the 500-foot zone. Follow the instructions on the Compliance Form (PDF) and return it to the Septic Pump-Out coordinator.

How Your Septic System Works

You can read A Homeowners' Guide to Septic Systems to learn all about your septic system, the do's and don'ts, and how to properly maintain your system.

For more frequently asked questions about septic systems, please visit the US Environmental Protection Agency's webpage.

Benefits of Septic Maintenance

Keeping your septic maintained has benefits not only to the homeowner and the community, but to the environment as well. See our "Maintaining Your Septic System" Brochure (PDF) for tips to keeping your septic system working for you. For additional information on taking care of your septic, go to the Environmental Protection Agency's Septic Smart website or the Virginia Department of Health On-Site Septic System Information website.