To learn more, check out our 3D septic system models. Keep water runoff away from your system. Records of its size and location may be available at your local health department. Harsh chemicals including acids, bases, pesticides, herbicides, oils, paints, and varnishes should never be drained into any fixture that leads to your septic system. Regular evaluation of your On- Site Septic System (OSS) is required by State (WAC 246-272A-0270) and local (SCC 12.05.160) health regulations. The bigger the tank, the more capacity it has to handle solids and water, which could allow for more time between pumpings. You may find junction boxes, wires, or other electrical connections in the pump chamber. For homeowners who conduct their own inspections, it is a good idea to hire a professional to conduct a septic system inspection at the time of system pumping. Public health licenses these professionals, and maintains a list of System Maintenance Providers. Household size. Washington Administrative Code chapter 246-272A and Clark County Code 24.17 requires homeowners whose property is not connected to a municipal sewer system to ensure that the property includes an approved, correctly functioning on-site septic system. Septic tanks are settling chambers that allow time for solids and scum to separate out from wastewater, so clear liquid can safely filter into the drainfield. These small bits of ground-up material are often difficult to settle out and these unsettled particles can pass through your septic tank, eventually damaging pumps or clogging the soil beneath your drainfield. The Drainfield The drainfield receives septic tank effluent. Most of the on-site sewage system (OSS) records including site designs, historic inspection reports, record drawings (also known as as-builts) in King County records are available online. Previously, Craft3 offered Clean Water Loans on a more-limited basis in partnership with specific counties. Keep vehicles, heavy equipment, and livestock off your septic tank, drainfield, and drainfield replacement area. *: Regional On-Site Sewage System Loan Program, Copyright Washington State Department of Ecology. As-built drawings can be obtained at the Skagit County Online Septic Search. If you cannot locate your drainfield, please contact public health or a certified O&M provider for help finding your drainfield. Maintenance
Grease is a common household waste product that many people flush or rinse down the drain. A properly functioning septic system helps remove these pollutants so well water and nearby surface water doesn't get contaminated. Curtain drains may require some maintenance themselves. The next step required to maintain your system is to dig up and remove your septic tank lids. Septic Systems (Onsite Sewage Systems) - co.thurston.wa.us Protective clothing should be worn whenever you maintain your septic system. Make sure the nursery understands you need plants that are shallow rooted and require little watering. A homeowner maintaining a pump system should minimize electrical hazards where appropriate. While trouble-shooting, water can be used to simulate normal water flow through the septic system. The lids on the tank are circular, 20"-24" in diameter and 5'-5 ' apart. Onsite Sewage (Septic) Systems Real Estate Fact Sheet Be sure to: Complete additional routine maintenance that is required for some system types. Tanks installed after 1976 are two compartment tanks and both compartments will need to be pumped out. Septics 101 Clinics - Skagit County, Washington Your septic system is not a trash can. That way, they can perform any required maintenance while on site. Local landscapers or nurseries can help you select plants that are appropriate for the areas around your septic system. A 2006 state law (RCW 70.118A) required Puget Sound counties (including King County) to designate MRAs where shellfish growing areas are closed due to bacterial pollution (or if closure is likely), or where bacteria or nitrogen are seriously affecting water quality. Whether you're at the kitchen sink, bathtub, or utility sink: Septic tank additives sold in stores aren't necessary to keep your septic tank working properly and they don't reduce or eliminate the need for routine pumping. A "how to" guide is available on the online permitting portal when applying for a septic permit. Exposing these areas to sewage increases a persons risk of contracting an illness. The first step in maintaining your septic system is obtaining your septic permit. Septic Applications in 3 Easy Steps. Contact information; Hours & location This document is called an "as-built," and it is a drawing of the location of your system when it was inspected by our office. Anyone can access those records by searching our online records database. Washington State Department of Health. Many of these products can clog your plumbing and septic system. The online septic case records include, if available, the permit application, the approved permit and conditions, the asbuilt or record drawing and construction report, the approved design, the soil report, and letters from JCPH since septic system installation. Household bleach is a very effective sanitizer for killing bacteria and viruses. 3020 Rucker Avenue Suite 104 Everett, WA 98201 Phone: : 425-339-5250 Fax: : 425-339-5254 Hours Regular hours: Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Public Health and Social Services | Thurston County Maintaining your septic system will save you money as well as help maintain or improve surface and groundwater quality in Skagit County. Environmental Health 415 N. 6th Street Shelton, WA 98584. Septic Systems Resources - Washington If your washing machine has load settings, make sure you select the proper load size. It does not mean that you do not have a septic system or that it is failed or illegal. A Pressure Distribution system will have all of the following major components, each of which should be thoroughly inspected: plumbing; septic tank(s); pump tank; and a drainfield. This is called vertical separation, and you can see in the figure how the vertical separation determines the type of system needed for a specific site. The phone number is 360-385-9444. If still warm and in liquid form, the grease can be poured off easily into a water-tight container such as a coffee can and disposed of in the trash. Adam Zimmerman, President and CEO of Craft3. It is imperative that you take all necessary precautions to minimize the risk of becoming sick or injured when conducting your inspection. The Snohomish County Health Department works to ensure that septic systems are located and installed correctly, and kept in good working condition. Public Health continues to work with Vashon-Maury Island residents to document improvements to water quality, find sources of excessive bacteria, and, where possible, eliminate these sources. Learn the basics of septic system design, maintenance, and dos and donts to keep your septic system working well as long as possible. A garbage disposal adds more solid material to your septic system. Smaller problems can be fixed during the inspection. Septic systems treat wastewater when homes and buildings are not connected to public sewer systems. Educate property owners to make sure their septic system gets proper maintenance. These cases may require the help of a licensed O&M Specialist. Common in rural areas without centralized sewer systems, septic systems are underground wastewater treatment structures that you own and operate. About us; Jobs - Work@Health; Public health connection blog; BienestarWA blog (espaol) Request public records; Rule Making; Topics A-Z; Ver contenido in Espaol; Browse publications; Contact Us. Don't wait until you have a problem. A Sanitarian of the Day is available Monday through Friday from 9 to 10:30 a.m. on a first come, first served basis either by . Online portal submissions There is one for gravity systems and a different form for pump/pressure systems: Your form must be completed in its entirety. Electrical connections are typically buried and run underground from the dwelling to the pump tank. Due to differences in elevations, on some occasions, a pump is needed to get the sewage to the drainfield. It is not uncommon for a new septic system to cost $20,000 or more, making it a substantial investment that many homeowners cannot afford on their own, especially when the problems are unexpected. If your system was installed before 1975, no records may be available. Chelan-Douglas Health District200 Valley Mall ParkwayEast Wenatchee, WA 98802, Hours9AM - 5PM | Monday - Thursday9AM - 12PM | Friday, After HoursTo report an urgent public health concern call:(509) 886-6499. Care must be taken to properly clean electronic tools such as drills or screw drivers. Washington Permits and Inspections Directory Advertising Search WA Public Records WA Marriage Records WA Divorce Records WA Criminal Records WA Death Records WA Birth Records WA Background Search Search Records By Name Find Permits and Inspections Resources in Washington Return to Top Return to Top Return to Top Return to Top Return to Top Monitoring Inspection Record | Jefferson County, WA The Atrium (Environmental Health) 3000 Pacific Ave Olympia, WA 98501 Phone: 360-867-2685 Mailing Address . Materials that are flushed may get caught up on this congealed ooze and the blockage worsens. Your local health agency may have a more stringent inspection requirement. Discharging effluent onto the ground's surface or into surface and ground water is against Washington State law. Simply take the rebar and pound it into the ground with a mallet. Protecting your face, eyes, and mouth will minimize your risk of illness. Public Records Requests When a failing septic system is fixed, the benefits go beyond the home. Related Links The loan program is a partnership between the Department of Ecology, the Department of Health, local county and health departments, and Craft3, a nonprofit community lender. Free viewers are required for some of the attached documents.They can be downloaded by clicking on the icons below. Common in rural areas without centralized sewer systems, septic systems are underground wastewater treatment structures that you own and operate. Never pour oil-based paints, solvents, or large volumes of toxic cleaners down the drain. If you successfully locate your septic tank and remove its lids, the next step is to locate your drainfield. . Options for inspecting your system include: Pump out your septic tank when needed. Privacy Policy| Alternate Format Requests | Notice of Nondiscrimination, File Complaint About Provider or Facility, Healthcare Enforcement and Licensing Modernization Solution, Healthcare Professional Credentialing Requirements, Veterans, Service Members and their Families, Emergency Information for Specific Groups, For Public Health & Health Care Providers, Public Health System Resources and Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Local Health Jurisdictions and Tribal Directories, Northwest Center for Public Health Practice. (Not compatible with Internet Explorer.) Don't avoid the signs of septic system failure. Most household wastes, such as harsh chemicals, paints, and oils can be disposed of at your
On-site Sewage Systems Chapter 246-272A WAC. Selling Your Property? | Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department Only the liquid sewage without solids called effluent should flow out of your septic tank; this clear effluent will be conveyed by gravity to the drainfield. Regular evaluation of your On- Site Septic System (OSS) is required by State (WAC 246-272A-0270) and local (SCC 12.05.160) health regulations. The environmentalists investigate complaints of septic system failures that contribute to land pollution. Installers, Designers
Search for records on any property. If your system was installed before 1975 and no records are available, here are some tips to help you locate your system: Communicable Disease Prevention & Control, HIV Case Management and Prevention Services, Children & Youth with Special Healthcare Needs, School Inspection Guidelines and Resources, Community Health Needs Assessment & Improvement Plan, Sr. Face shields or goggles are recommended. Sept. 21 Septic Loans - Washington State Department of Ecology Once these products congeal, they can cause blockages in your system. At a minimum, wash your hands using soap and hot water. Mailing Address 615 Sheridan Street Port Townsend, WA . Providers
If electrical problems are identified, a homeowner should contact a licensed Electrician. The pump tank will store the effluent until it is conveyed to a drainfield. Washington County: Septic Systems - The Official Website of the State Let the equipment soak as needed. Certifications This system is called Pump to Gravity Distribution. Your as-built or record drawing should describe the location of your drainfield. The On-site System Maintainer (OSM) will inspect your system components: Septic and pump tanks. There are many different types of systems. Gloves are the first line of defense for the average do-it-yourselfer. Scaling, like on a map, allows you to find things accurately. Rinse: Spraying down portions of your septic system may result in exposure to sewage. Inspecting your septic system - King County - King County, Washington Evaluating, maintaining, or troubleshooting your septic system can expose you to the many pathogens or disease causing organisms found in human waste. OSS records Regardless of the method you use to request this document, you will need to provide the following information: Physical address of the system or road name, Requestor phone number: (So we can call you if there is a question or need for more information.). Interested homeowners can apply for a Clean Water Loan by visiting the Craft3 website. If your system was installed before 1975, no records may be available. records on any property. View your Septic System Information Online | Clark County Some gases found in properly functioning septic systems have different densities. Avoid chemical drain openers for a clogged drain. Let it cool, harden, and then throw it away in the trash. During the 2020-2022 Project, we are sampling water quality, performing visual surveys, and providing free technical assistance and rebates. These gases can sink or rise, displacing oxygen that you need to breathe. Don't select the large-load cycle if you're washing a small amount of laundry. As-Built Records Northeast Tri County Health District maintains records of permits for completed on-site sewage systems. The newest counties to join the program are: Established in 2016, the Regional On-Site Sewage System Loan Program has helped nearly 1,200 homeowners repair or replace their septic systems, a value of $26.7 million. Complete a septic application using the online permitting portal. A Marine Recovery Area (MRA) was established to protect especially sensitive marine waters from pollution from poorly functioning or failing on-site sewage systems (OSS). There is a 25 gallon / household / month limit, for free! Sanitize: After thoroughly rinsing the tools, immerse the equipment in a sanitizer solution. There are many different types of systems. State law (Chapter 246-272A-0270) requires that homeowners inspect and maintain their septic systems to ensure it is functioning properly. . There are a number of things you can do to check for leaks. Septic & Drinking Water Records - Whatcom County, WA It is likely that methane will also be found in your septic system. Most tanks are covered by 12 to 18" of soil. In gravity plumbing, liquids will carry solid materials out of your dwelling towards downstream components. For a typical household, septic tanks are usually pumped every three to five years. For example, a scale of 1 = 20 means that every inch on the paper is equal to 20 feet in your yard. Septic systems use a combination of nature and time-tested technology to treat wastewater from household plumbing produced by bathrooms, kitchen drains, and laundry. Flow restrictors on showers and other high volume water fixtures can dramatically reduce your consumption of water. While they may not have a negative effect on your system, they do fill your septic system with wastes that require removal through pumping. Then, they will submit a report to Public Health about the status of your system. If the meter has moved, yet you have used no water during that time, you may have a very slow leak. As of Sept. 1, the Regional On-Site Sewage System Loan Program has expanded state-wide, adding 17 counties to this successful program. Protects Your Property Value An unusable septic system or one in disrepair will lower your property value and poses a potentially costly legal liability. Keep accurate records of your septic system. Chronic Disease, Communicable Diseases, &Immunizations. Program Activities Certification program for all septic system installers, pumpers and operations and monitoring specialists Complaint investigation relating to septic systems Education for homeowners and other professionals interested in septic systems Enforcement of state and local codes Permit Files Online | Jefferson County, WA Look for a medication take-back program in your area.
Address 7102 W Okanogan Pl Kennewick WA 99336 Phone 509.460.4200 Hours of Operation Monday-Friday The Health District maintains records of existing on-site sewage systems for your convenience. Previously, Craft3 offered Clean Water Loans on a more-limited basis in partnership . Link/share our site at www.kingcounty.gov/asbuilt, If you do not find a record drawing, please send an email to, Find certified small business contractors and suppliers, Private wells, plumbing and onsite sewage systems. Flies, rats, and other vectors can encounter sewage from a failing septic system and subsequently pass the diseases found in sewage to humans or infect other animals at locations far from the failing system. They include both new construction and repairs to failing systems. Customer service counter opens at 9:30 a.m. the first and third Thursdays of every month. The drainfield is the final and the most downstream component in your septic system. Landscape your system properly. Department of Ecology News Release - Sept. 21, 2021. Concrete lids may become cemented into place due to the shrinking and swelling of concrete. Total wastewater generated. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Well report gateway - Washington State Department of Ecology These gases can be odorless and may deprive you of oxygen. Website Design by Granicus - Connecting People and Government. Never pour cooking oil or grease down the drain. The system type will be noted in multiple places within the permit. This program supports healthy shellfish and fisheries, and helps ensure Washingtonians have access to swimming beaches and recreation.. ), all septic system parts should be vented thoroughly. Use approximately 1 cups of bleach per gallon of water (www.osha.gov) Other products, including peroxide sanitizers are effective too. Saves You Money Regular maintenance fees of a few hundred dollars every few years is a bargain compared to the cost of repairing or replacing a malfunctioning septic system, which can cost thousands. If you prefer, download and print a paper application (PDF), and mail to: Washington County Government Center Public Health . The average size of a 1000 gallon tank is 5'x8'. Yakima. These inspections can identify small issues and fix them before they become big, costly repairs. Faucets and toilets should be free of any leakage. Brochures, OSS records Contact us at ehsepticsystems@tpchd.orgor (253) 649-1925. Pressure distribution systems are similar to conventional gravity systems, except that only the effluent should flow out of your septic tank and into your pump tank. One way that you can identify a very slow leak is by shutting all faucets off and keeping them off for a period of time. Search for septic and drinking water records in our online search tool. In the past there were no standards for septic systems and permits were not required. Additional water, clean or not, taxes your soils ability to accept all of the liquids landing on the soil. Create a Website Account - Manage notification subscriptions, save form progress and more. A homeowner will become eligible to complete an evaluation of their own OSS only if the following conditions are met: Once all the above conditions are met, the homeowner is required to submit a completed On Site Sewage Summary Report form, provided by public health. Directing surface water away from your tanks and drainfield will help your drainfield function as well as possible. Work with septic system professionals to approve system design,location and installation. Shovels can be used to evaluate the depth of the scum and sludge found in your septic tank. Brush for cleaning grime and grit from tools with hard to reach places, 5 Gallon bucket containing water with a good splash of bleach, Plastic cup for rinsing large tools with the sanitizer. Any homeowner with a pump included in their system is required to obtain additional training with a certified Operations & Maintenance (O&M) provider to sign off on the additional training provided for these system types. Rinse: Start by rinsing the equipment and tools with water from your garden hose. Septic Systems | Jefferson County, WA . Plant trees and shrubs away from your septic tank and drainfield to keep roots from growing into your septic system. 400 Belfair: 360-275-4467, Ext. Garbage disposals are frequently installed in new homes. OSS records. A septic contractor installs a new drain field for a homeowner. Failing septic systems can result in sewage backing up in the home or entering local waterways and groundwater supplies posing a public health threat. Septic systems that have a curtain drain installed around them, often are dependent on a functioning curtain drain. If at any time during the evaluation process you have questions, do not hesitate to call public health staff for assistance at (360) 416-1500 or e-mail eh@co.skagit.wa.us. A system where there is no record drawing, no access, or if location is difficult to determine, may require a homeowner to hire a licensed O&M Specialist to assist them. Septic Program - Lewis County, Washington The septic tank will provide room for the solids to settle out and begin to decompose. will be sent back to the homeowner for revision. Expect to hear from us within 5 days. Environmental Health Code, Chapter 1, General Provisions, Environmental Health Code, Chapter 2, On-Site Sewage, Environmental Health Code, Chapter 3,Water Regulation, Appeals Process of Orders and Decisions of the Health Officer. If shellfish filter polluted water, they can become unsafe for humans to eat. Tacoma, WA 98418-6813 (253) 649-1500 (800) 330-1844 TDD (253) 649-1400. A Conventional Gravity system will likely have all of the following major components, each of which should be thoroughly inspected: plumbing; septic tank(s); and a drainfield. It is a 40 minute narrated presentation followed by a 20 question quiz on septic system basics. Please arrive no later than 3:30 p.m. & Development Services, Washington State Department of Healths OSS Program, Do-It-Yourself Septic System Inspection Video, Read the Department of Health Gravity Septic System inspection guide, Fill out the checkist form and return it to Public Health, Department of Health Gravity Septic System inspection guide, Pressure/Pump to Gravity On Site Sewage Summary Report, Check the Washington Department of Labor and Industries to find information about electricians, Skagit
Septic Applications, Forms & Resources Browse applications, forms, and resources for septic systems. Grass is the best cover. Shellfish that grow in marine waters are harvested from our beaches and can become contaminated by failing septic systems. Please enable JavaScript in your browser for a better user experience. Proper maintenance is defined in the code as: You may be able to use a metal detector to help you locate the tanks as they are made of concrete with rebar, and the handles on the lids are usually made of metal wire. Expanding the program statewide was made possible with funding support from the state legislature. For more information, click the buttons below. It provides Washingtonians access to affordable financing for the repair and replacement of septic systems. Routine pumping can prevent expensive failures such as a clogged drainfield or sewage backing up into the home. Do-It-Yourself Septic System Inspection Video. This process may require the use of a stiff bristled brush to remove all contaminants. Washington State Local Health Jurisdictions In addition, some garbage disposals are capable of grinding or shredding material to a very fine size.