No other OSS may be inspected by the homeowner. If you successfully locate your septic tank and remove its lids, the next step is to locate your drainfield. The probe can be used to identify the size and orientation of the tank (rectangle vs. round, 4 X 8 foot, etc). Public Health and Social Services | Thurston County Local Health Department Your local health agency can help you locate your septic system, provide a list of certified septic pumpers, and if available, certify you to do your own septic system inspections. The environmentalists investigate complaints of septic system failures that contribute to land pollution. Septic Resources The Purpose Of On-Site Septic System (OSS) Program Is To Ensure Proper Treatment And Disposal Of Wastewater To Protect Our Drinking Water And The Environment. Monitoring Inspection Record | Jefferson County, WA & 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 Our reply (from PAEGAT25) may go to your email's Spam folder. This requirement went into effect September 1, 2010. Your groundwater and Puget Sound lakes, rivers, and beaches benefit, too! The drainfield is the final and the most downstream component in your septic system. A person should never, for any reason, enter the confines of a septic system, especially tanks. Washington County Septic Systems The Environmental Health section issues permit for private sewage disposal systems and inspect new construction of private sewage septic disposal systems. Links. Don't avoid the signs of septic system failure. Septic Systems | Jefferson County, WA OSS records Search for septic and drinking water records in our online search tool. Missing information, photographs, etc. Options for inspecting your system include: Pump out your septic tank when needed. The term on-site sewage system is used in the state and county code, on permit application forms, and by industry professionals to refer to different types of septic systems. Let it cool, harden, and then throw it away in the trash. Port Townsend, WA 98368. Please enable JavaScript in your browser for a better user experience. The first step in maintaining your septic system is obtaining your septic permit. Site Sewage Every owner of an on-site sewage system needs to know where their on-site sewage system is located in order to properly maintain it. . Curtain drains may require some maintenance themselves. records on any property. Failing septic systems can leak into nearby ditches or streams where the sewage eventually ends up on our beaches where we swim, boat, and fish. Anyone can access those records by searching our online records database. Directions. Open the lid to your toilet tank and pour enough food coloring into the tank water to color the water. Many of these products can clog your plumbing and septic system. Well-functioning and properly maintained septic systems can effectively treat household wastewater for many years. View your Septic System Information Online | Clark County A failing septic system is usually a costly and urgent situation for homeowners. Your septic permit will include an as-built or record drawing; this is a drawing that shows where your septic system is located and what parts or components make up your septic system. 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 Brochures Real estate professionals need to inform both the buyer and seller of this requirement. Most people perceive a slow dripping faucet as nothing more than a nuisance; however, a septic system will be burdened by additional water going down the drain. Directory Septic Application Turnaround Times Septic Permitting Any exceptions to the above conditions must have written approval of Skagit County Environmental Public Health staff. Proper decontamination of equipment is an important task that will minimize your risk of becoming ill. Guidelines, Standards, Rules & Regulations Brochures, OSS records While the Septics 201 online program provides the basic information necessary to operate and maintain most gravity septic systems, it cannot address every condition and situation that may be encountered. 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. Yakima. . Discharging effluent onto the ground's surface or into surface and ground water is against Washington State law. Septic systems use a combination of nature and time-tested technology to treat wastewater from household plumbing produced by bathrooms, kitchen drains, and laundry. A homeowner maintaining a pump system should minimize electrical hazards where appropriate. Garbage disposals are frequently installed in new homes. The average size of a 1000 gallon tank is 5'x8'. It has been partially treated but still contains disease-causing bacteria and other pollutants. View your operations and maintenance report on onlineRMEOn Site Septic formsReport a public health concern, 2023 Clark County Washington Providers Most household wastes, such as harsh chemicals, paints, and oils can be disposed of at your To search for septic or drinking water records, you'll need to enter your property ID number or GeoID or parcel number. Materials that are flushed may get caught up on this congealed ooze and the blockage worsens. Many older systems may vary in their configuration and construction. Wastewater Rules and Regulations | Washington State Department of Health Wastewater Rules and Regulations Fees Chapter 246-272 WAC, Wastewater and Reclaimed Water Use Fees On-site Sewage Systems Chapter 246-272A WAC, On-Site Sewage Systems Chapter 246-273 WAC, On-Site Sewage Additives 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. Be sure to: Complete additional routine maintenance that is required for some system types. Septic Systems (Onsite Sewage Systems) - co.thurston.wa.us Onsite Sewage (Septic) Systems Real Estate Fact Sheet 14350 SE Eastgate Way The septic tank will provide room for the solids to settle out and begin to decompose. Well reports also contain information about location, owner name, driller name, and the quantity of water a well produces. The next step required to maintain your system is to dig up and remove your septic tank lids. A. Applications, permits and fees, Buying and selling properties Harsh chemicals including acids, bases, pesticides, herbicides, oils, paints, and varnishes should never be drained into any fixture that leads to your septic system. In the area near your drainfield, arrange products and tools where you can: Septic systems that contain a pump also include an electrical element. 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. You can check for leaks in your toilet too. Work with septic system professionals to approve system design,location and installation. List of certified septic pumpers, installers, and monitoring and maintenance professionals, List of designers and engineers certified to work in Snohomish County, Planning and Development Services Map Portal, Septic Contractors & Certification Services. Repair leaky faucets and plumbing fixtures. Lids are heavy and may be difficult to remove. This program has continued with funding from the Washington State Department of Health to perform public education and outreach activities, offer rebates to encourage septic system inspections, and improve tracking and reporting capabilities. LISTINGS, System Health Information Privacy Information With just a few simple steps, you can protect your septicand avoid costly repairs. Selling Your Property? | Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department The rule of thumb for planting is to use only shallow-rooted plants such as grasses. While trouble-shooting, water can be used to simulate normal water flow through the septic system. If you do not know where your system is located, you may be able to obtain this information from our offices. Again, using the garden hose, rinse the soap from the equipment; this will ensure the soaps do not bind with the sanitizer. Then, they will submit a report to Public Health about the status of your system. 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. Keep accurate records of your septic system. 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. 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. Proper maintenance is defined in the code as: In the past there were no standards for septic systems and permits were not required. Keeps You and Your Neighbors Healthy Household wastewater is loaded with disease-causing bacteria and viruses, as well as high levels of nitrogen and phosphorus. There are many different types of systems. For more information, click the buttons below. Lids may be square, round or rectangular, and are typically large enough to allow for the tank to be pumped out. Every drip, drop, sprinkle, or spray of water that goes down a shower, sink, toilet, or drain will end up being processed by your septic system. Adam Zimmerman, President and CEO of Craft3. Routine pumping can prevent expensive failures such as a clogged drainfield or sewage backing up into the home. The Atrium (Environmental Health) 3000 Pacific Ave Olympia, WA 98501 Phone: 360-867-2685 Mailing Address . There may be circumstances where it will be difficult, dangerous, or even impossible for a homeowner to properly evaluate and maintain their OSS by themselves. Wash: Next, immerse the equipment into the 5-gallon bucket containing a soap and water mixture. If your system was installed before 1975, no records may be available. . Statewide access to this program is a win for homeowners, public health, and clean water. Regardless of the method you use to request this document, you will need to provide the following information: *If your address was once a "route #, box #" please include the roads/streets that the property is located on and by. The Washington state well report (log) viewer, our most popular online resource, allows you to search for and view detailed records of the construction and subsurface characteristics of individual wells. Some are simple, using only a tank and a drainfield. While leaning over the system, be sure to recognize that gases may have accumulated around where you are breathing. These materials do not decompose or breakdown easily, if at all. Find a certified O&M provider. The completed form must include photos of. System Summary County Code, The septic system is a conventional gravity septic system, The OSS is a conventional gravity, a pump to gravity, or conventional pressure system, The property is not immediately adjacent to a marine shoreline, The inspection is not for the purpose of a real estate transfer or sale, The homeowner has completed Skagit County Septics 101, The homeowner has completed a Septics 201 Field Training Class, The homeowner can supply an as-built of their septic system, The homeowner must agree to allow a possible follow-up quality assurance visit by public health staff at a mutually agreeable time. Routine inspections save time and money in the long run. The descriptions below may also help you determine your system type. We recommend searching by the 12-digit tax parcel number. Septic Applications, Forms & Resources Browse applications, forms, and resources for septic systems. Clean these tools in accordance with the manufacturers instructions. Flow restrictors on showers and other high volume water fixtures can dramatically reduce your consumption of water. Think of inspections like oil changes and routine maintenance for your car, you do a little here and there to keep it running for as long as possible. Fortunately, help is now available in every Washington county. 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. Many flow restrictors have no mechanical parts while others reduce flow based upon pressure. 3020 Rucker AvenueEverett, WA 98201Phone: 425-339-5200. Phone: : 360-385-9444. Don't wait until you have a problem. 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. Birth & Death Certificates, Food Worker Cards, Public Records Request, Report a Complaint & Fees. Rakes can be used to lift floats and screens. Protecting your face, eyes, and mouth will minimize your risk of illness. 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 wastewater leaving the septic tank is a liquid called effluent. Protective clothing should be worn whenever you maintain your septic system. Remove gross contamination from your equipment. . All other types of systems are required to be inspected at least once every year. Tanks installed after 1976 are two compartment tanks and both compartments will need to be pumped out. Never pour cooking oil or grease down the drain. Green grass or depressions in your yard may be indications of where your tank is located. There is a 25 gallon / household / month limit, for free! Generally, the more people in the home, the more often you need to pump. Hygienic practices mentioned here will help you protect yourself. 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.). Search for your OSS records - King County - King County, Washington coming into our offices, or calling us at 509.460.4205. Scaling, like on a map, allows you to find things accurately. Assemble the following items when decontaminating your equipment and tools: Decontamination of equipment or tools should include a four-step process. Your septic system is not capable of handling many wastes that you may generate in your home. 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 . Property Owners | Clark County Requesting Records - Environmental Health - Public Health For a typical household, septic tanks are usually pumped every three to five years. 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. Olympia, WA 98506-5132 Phone: 360-867-2500 Fax: 360-867-2601 Monday-Friday: 9:00 am-4:00 pm Phone Line Open Daily 8:00am-5:00pm. A properly functioning septic system will allow for the proper venting of these gases, either through a dwellings plumbing system or through vent pipes located near your septic system. The phone number is 360-385-9444. Vince McGowan, water quality program manager for Ecology. Subsurface Sewage Treatment Systems (SSTS) | Washington County, MN There are a number of older homes where something was installed years ago that makes the wastewater go away but where it goes and how it functions is unknown. 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. 311 Grand Avenue | Bellingham, WA 98225 | Phone: 360-778-5000 [] . Rinse: Spraying down portions of your septic system may result in exposure to sewage. Septic | Snohomish County Health Department, WA Washington Permits and Inspections Search Directory - OnlineSearches.com If youd like us to call you, please provide a phone number. The Snohomish County Health Department works to ensure that septic systems are located and installed correctly, and kept in good working condition. This is a cheap and easy way of assessing your toilet for leaks, which may otherwise be difficult to detect visually. 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. Septic Maintenance & Repair | Snohomish County Health Department, WA Inspecting your septic system - King County - King County, Washington Methane gas is produced by decomposition of organic materials. See Department of Health Gravity Septic System inspection guide for a complete checklist and necessary tools. To learn more, check out our 3D septic system models. These areas provide a transmission corridor for viruses and bacteria to enter the body. A typical conventional gravity system will not have any mechanical devices to convey water or material; gravity will do all of the required work. Some plumbing (like toilets) can leak so slowly that it is difficult to hear or see signs of a leak. During the 2020-2022 Project, we are sampling water quality, performing visual surveys, and providing free technical assistance and rebates. Contact us at ehsepticsystems@tpchd.orgor (253) 649-1925. Search for previous service and inspection reports online. Household size. Keeping drains free from blockage ensures that surface water is being moved properly around your septic system. Once you submit your quiz and contact information, we will have a record of you completing Septics 101. A septic system, also known as an on-site sewage system (OSS), stores, treats, and disposes of the things you flush and send down drains. These gases can sink or rise, displacing oxygen that you need to breathe. Certifications . The scale should be described on your as-built. They can be purchased at your local hardware store and are fairly easy to install in a typical faucet. Fax: : 360-379-4487. Use water-saving devices such as faucet aerators and high-efficiency toilets, showerheads, dishwashers, and washing machines. Directions. 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. Check your OSS Application status You may request a copy of your as-built by completing the downloadableAs-built Request Form (coming soon), coming into our offices, or calling us at 509.460.4205. Since 2008, Washington state law and Island County code have required that all septic systems be inspected at the time of property transfer. Fully immerse the tools and equipment in the solution as much as you can, let stand for 3 minutes or longer. If documents are not available please contact Clark County Public Health at (360) 397-8428. If electrical problems are identified, a homeowner should contact a licensed Electrician. Electrical connections are typically buried and run underground from the dwelling to the pump tank. 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. Caring for Your Septic System - Washington State Department of Health Planning 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. Reduce the risk of contaminating groundwater and surface water. Face shields or goggles are recommended. For this reason, equipment, clothing, and tools that have been splashed with or immersed in effluent or sewage, must be decontaminated. Maintaining your system will require the use of your hands to do many things including lifting lids, operating sludge judges, lifting floats, pulling filters, and adjusting valves. 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. Prior to using any electrical device (screwdrivers, drills, flashlights, etc. Grass may grow greener in these disturbed areas. You can hire a septic professional to do the inspection or, if your local health department allows it, you can do the inspection yourself. (Not compatible with Internet Explorer.) As per inspection requirements set forth in SCC 12.05.160 and WAC 246-272A-0270 a homeowner will become eligible to inspect their own septic system only if the following conditions are met: If you meet these conditions, your first step is to take the Septics 101 Class online . At a minimum, wash your hands using soap and hot water. . 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. 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. Learn how to obtain sewage permit information. Besides human poop and pee, toilet paper, and soap used for washing, not much else should be going down your drain. 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, Asking your local health department if they can inspect your system at a lower cost, Do-It-Yourself Septic System Inspection Video, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Local Health Jurisdictions and Tribal Directories, Northwest Center for Public Health Practice. Fixing minor problems and paying maintenance fees of a few hundred dollars every few years is a bargain compared to the cost of repairing or replacing a malfunctioning system, which can cost thousands of dollars. Everything you put down your drain or into the toilet will end up in your septic system. WA 98368. The goal is to protect public health, to evaluate all septic systems, to identify and repair failing systems, and make records available to the public. Your as-built or record drawing should describe the location of your drainfield. *: Which best describes your role in visiting our site today? In these cases, the owner will find it easier to utilize the services of a licensed O&M Specialist. Septic Systems | Jefferson County, WA The Drainfield The drainfield receives septic tank effluent. Grease is a common household waste product that many people flush or rinse down the drain. NOTE:Before 1975, permits were not required by law. 400 Belfair: 360-275-4467, Ext. Environmental Health records (including on-site sewage records) are available online. Don't put concrete or plastic over your septic system. In gravity plumbing, liquids will carry solid materials out of your dwelling towards downstream components. . If your water meter has a counter, all you need to do is write the number down, along with the time and date and a few days later, look at the meter again. Directory Septic Application Turnaround Times Complete a septic application using the online permitting portal. The pressure can compact the soil and damage pipes. The pollutants harm local ecosystems by killing native plants, fish, and shellfish. If you have a water meter on your property, you can easily figure out how much water you and your family are using. Electrical connections should need very little maintenance if your pump controls and alarms are functioning as designed. Septic system records can be requested for viewing during office hours at the Health Department from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday. . A garbage disposal adds more solid material to your septic system. Board of Health Meetings; Fee Schedule; . Please arrive no later than 3:30 p.m. Figuring out how many gallons of water per day that you have consumed, will allow you to evaluate if your septic system is operating per the original design. Terms of Use Some are simple, using only a tank and a drain field, and others are more complex, requiring pumps, filters, blowers, UV lights, or specially designed materials. Let the equipment soak as needed. There is one for gravity systems and a different form for pump/pressure systems: Your form must be completed in its entirety. As-Built Records Northeast Tri County Health District maintains records of permits for completed on-site sewage systems. With just a few simple steps, you can protect your septicand avoid costly repairs. Operation and maintenance of your home septic system begins with your actions inside the home. Local landscapers or nurseries can help you select plants that are appropriate for the areas around your septic system. Septic | Northeast Tri County Health District, WA 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. Environmental Health Services Approximately a third of Washington homes use septic systems for wastewater treatment. Department of Ecology News Release - Sept. 21, 2021. This does not mean that such a system is illegal or failed; it just means that a homeowner may have trouble conducting the evaluation. Washington State Local Health Jurisdictions Health Programs, Healthy Communities, WIC, Nurse/Family Partnership. Combined, these systems treat 154 million gallons of wastewater annually. If you cannot locate your drainfield, please contact public health or a certified O&M provider for help finding your drainfield. Please note- many other septic systems exist, we are only discussing those allowed to be inspected by homeowners through this course. The septic tank will provide room for the solids to settle out and begin to decompose. The final step to evaluating your system is completing the appropriate Skagit County Health Department On-Site Sewage System (OSS) Homeowner Report. Using gloves will minimize your exposure risk.