Are you a robot? Four major factors influence how often you need to pump your septic: Practice water conservation. Total wastewater generated. Lists of certified professionals 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. 3020 Rucker AvenueEverett, WA 98201Phone: 425-339-5200. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Landscape your system properly. Prescription medication. If your system was installed before 1975, no records may be available. Phone: : 360-385-9444. Septic systems lacking records are considered "suspected" o r "assumed" and are colored RED on the . Thank you for your patience as we continue to update our new website. 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. Now with statewide access, our Clean Water Loan is poised to support thousands of new households and contribute to improving shared water resources across the Evergreen State,. The pressure can compact the soil and damage pipes. The scale is typically depicted in inches to feet. The system type will be noted in multiple places within the permit. Washington State on-site sewage (septic) system rules & regulations (WAC 246-272A) On-Site Sewage Basics A conventional septic system consists of two main parts: the septic tank and the soil drainfield (also referred to as a leachfield, absorption bed or absorption field). 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. The pump tank will store the effluent until it is conveyed to a drainfield. Health Information Privacy Information Commercial properties and non-owner occupied properties may also qualify. A hose with a nozzle can be used to pre-clean risers, plumbing, and inspection ports. Website Design by Granicus - Connecting People and Government. Volume of solids in wastewater. The best way to determine your system type is to review your septic permit. 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. Get the latest on local COVID-19 trends, news and helpful resources from Chelan-Douglas Health District, weekly in your inbox. The phone number is 360-385-9444. Using a garbage disposal on a septic system is not recommended. Cat litter, pet poop, condoms, tampons, sanitary napkins, disposable diapers, paper towels, facial tissue, hand wipes, hair, cigarette butts, and coffee grounds are only some of the items people flush into their septic systems, but shouldnt. However, it can take up to 60 days to fulfill your request. Environmental Health records (including on-site sewage records) are available online. 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. 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. The drainfield is the final and the most downstream component in your septic system. What is a septic system? Baby wipes, cleaning wipes, or any moist towelettes. 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. It is also recommended the first inspection of any OSS be done professionally. If there is no record drawing for your septic system you will need to contact a certified O&M Provider to request a record drawing be completed and submitted to public health along with their inspection. 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. Proper hygienic practices minimize the risk of exposure to disease causing agents that are found in sewage. Reducing water use will limit the demand you place on your septic system. Some tanks have smaller lids on each end of the tank to allow for inspection of inlet and outlet baffles. This program supports healthy shellfish and fisheries, and helps ensure Washingtonians have access to swimming beaches and recreation.. In addition, the dirt used to cover the tank will settle over time, creating a shallow depression. The bigger the tank, the more capacity it has to handle solids and water, which could allow for more time between pumpings. Please enable JavaScript in your browser for a better user experience. In addition, some garbage disposals are capable of grinding or shredding material to a very fine size. . Directory Septic Application Turnaround Times 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. will be sent back to the homeowner for revision. 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. . Building remodel permits If the as-built is accurate, this will allow you to find plumbing stubs, tank lids, distribution boxes, drainfield lines and observation ports. Septic systems treat wastewater when homes and buildings are not connected to public sewer systems. For example, a scale of 1 = 20 means that every inch on the paper is equal to 20 feet in your yard. 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 Green grass or depressions in your yard may be indications of where your tank is located. A property owner with a pump system must have additional training to demonstrate competency with pump systems. Customer service counter opens at 9:30 a.m. the first and third Thursdays of every month. You can check for leaks in your toilet too. Rinse: Start by rinsing the equipment and tools with water from your garden hose. To learn more, check out our 3D septic system models. Forms and photographs may be emailed to EH@co.skagit.wa.us or sent to 1800 Continental Place, Mount Vernon, WA 98273. 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. Then, they will submit a report to Public Health about the status of your system. Many older systems may vary in their configuration and construction. Departments / Elected . 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. On A septic system evaluation can be performed by a septic system professional. It has been partially treated but still contains disease-causing bacteria and other pollutants. Some household products are advertised as septic safe. These gases can be odorless and may deprive you of oxygen. Before you plant a garden, landscape your yard, construct a building, or install a pool, check on the location of your septic system and replacement area. Let the equipment soak as needed. SepticSmart EPA offers advice on proper septic care and brochures and factsheets for homeowners. Patient information should not be disclosed to the answering service. Directions. 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. Some plumbing (like toilets) can leak so slowly that it is difficult to hear or see signs of a leak. Avoid chemical drain openers for a clogged drain. OSS evaluations must be performed and filed with the public health at least once every three years for all systems consisting solely of a septic tank and gravity drainfield, and annually for all other system types. To assist in this process, please have your address and/or your parcel ID number available. Assemble the following items when decontaminating your equipment and tools: Decontamination of equipment or tools should include a four-step process. Statewide access to this program is a win for homeowners, public health, and clean water. If you successfully locate your septic tank and remove its lids, the next step is to locate your drainfield. If you put a lot of water down the drain (from inefficient or leaky toilets, washers, showerheads, and sink faucets), the tank can't settle completely and you may need to pump more often. As-built drawings can be obtained at the Skagit County Online Septic Search. 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. . Caring for Your Septic System | Washington State Department of Health Caring for Your Septic System Inspect Your System If your system is only a septic tank and drainfield, commonly called a gravity system, you need to inspect it at least once every three years. A person should never, for any reason, enter the confines of a septic system, especially tanks. Shovels can be used to evaluate the depth of the scum and sludge found in your septic tank. Some gases found in properly functioning septic systems have different densities. Electrical connections should need very little maintenance if your pump controls and alarms are functioning as designed. LISTINGS, System See Department of Health Gravity Septic System inspection guide for a complete checklist and necessary tools. 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. The Health District maintains records of existing on-site sewage systems for your convenience. Proper maintenance is defined in the code as: Search for septic and drinking water records in our online search tool. Food Safety, Land Development, Environmental Hazards, Water Recreation & Public Schools . Entry page for Thurston County Environmental Health Septic System Program: Permits, Operational Certificates, Septic System Operation and Maintenance, Septic System Evaluation of Properties for Sale, Rules and Regulations Enforcement, List of Certified Septic Contractors, Low-interest Loan Program . Maintenance A septic contractor installs a new drain field for a homeowner. Mailing Address 615 Sheridan Street Port Townsend, WA . The rule of thumb for planting is to use only shallow-rooted plants such as grasses. Email Environmental Public Health . see the Washington State Department of . see the Washington State Department of . Mailing Address 615 Sheridan Street Port Townsend, WA 98368. If you prefer, download and print a paper application (PDF), and mail to: Washington County Government Center Public Health . This is a cheap and easy way of assessing your toilet for leaks, which may otherwise be difficult to detect visually. Birth & Death Certificates, Food Worker Cards, Public Records Request, Report a Complaint & Fees. INFORMATIONAL In these cases, the owner will find it easier to utilize the services of a licensed O&M Specialist. Proper care and maintenance of your septic system also occurs around the area where your system is installed. A leaky toilet can waste hundreds of gallons of water a day. 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. Whitman. Tanks installed after 1976 are two compartment tanks and both compartments will need to be pumped out. Public health licenses these professionals, and maintains a list of System Maintenance Providers. 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. Training of the homeowner by a Skagit County certified O&M provider or attendance at a Washington State On-Site Sewage Association (WOSSA) or similarly approved training class on pumps is required. Read the meter once all faucets are off, and then wait a few hours and check the meter again. This requirement went into effect September 1, 2010. To search for septic or drinking water records, you'll need to enter your property ID number or GeoID or parcel number. Any exceptions to the above conditions must have written approval of Skagit County Environmental Public Health staff. In the area near your drainfield, arrange products and tools where you can: Septic systems that contain a pump also include an electrical element. Combined, these systems treat 154 million gallons of wastewater annually. If the meter has moved, yet you have used no water during that time, you may have a very slow leak. OSS records For information on failing septic systems, please see our Septic Failure Brochure. Some are simple, using only a tank and a drainfield. You can hire a septic professional to do the inspection or, if your local health department allows it, you can do the inspection yourself. Previously, Craft3 offered Clean Water Loans on a more-limited basis in partnership with specific counties. There is a 25 gallon / household / month limit, for free! Proper decontamination of equipment is an important task that will minimize your risk of becoming ill. This process may require the use of a stiff bristled brush to remove all contaminants. Work with septic system professionals to approve system design,location and installation. *: Which best describes your role in visiting our site today? Septic systems use a combination of nature and time-tested technology to treat wastewater from household plumbing produced by bathrooms, kitchen drains, and laundry. Use a brush to clean the hard to reach portions of the tools. Besides human poop and pee, toilet paper, and soap used for washing, not much else should be going down your drain. Your as-built or record drawing should describe the location of your drainfield. Wash: Next, immerse the equipment into the 5-gallon bucket containing a soap and water mixture. 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. It does not mean that you do not have a septic system or that it is failed or illegal. Thurston County also performs this service for a fee. 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 . Protects the Environment Malfunctioning septic systems release bacteria, viruses, and chemicals that eventually enter streams, rivers, lakes, Puget Sound, and the ocean. Another way to dispose of grease is to let the grease cool in the pan, where it can be scraped off using a paper towel. The grease laden paper towel can then be disposed of in your trash. Create a Website Account - Manage notification subscriptions, save form progress and more. Remove the equipment and tools from the soap and water mixture. Treatment component (if applicable) Distribution system. 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. Rinse: Spraying down portions of your septic system may result in exposure to sewage. For these reasons, a person should do everything possible to minimize risk of exposure to gas. RSS Guidance for properties with multiple structures. Approved OSS site design applications submitted online since May 2019 are also available. Protect your system from damage. The more wastewater you produce, the more wastewater the soil must treat and dispose. Keep accurate records of your septic system. 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. Island County code requires these inspections be completed by an Island County Licensed Maintenance Service Provider. Port Townsend, WA 98368. Grass is the best cover. It should be noted that at the time of a property transfer, a licensed O&M Specialist must conduct the inspection. An O&M Specialist is going to inspect operational components such as a flow test, a drawdown to verify that timer settings are correct, and a pressure test if applicable. Don't put concrete or plastic over your septic system. Old homes may not have a septic permit or the as-built may be unreliable. 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. The pollutants harm local ecosystems by killing native plants, fish, and shellfish. Using a garbage disposal will increase the amount of solids entering the septic tank, requiring more frequent pumping. 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. Rakes, shovels, and poles can be used to reach components that are well below ground or out of reach. Combined, these systems treat 154 million gallons of wastewater annually. Older septic tanks might not be sized appropriately for your home, especially if your home has been remodeled and is now larger. Fortunately, help is now available in every Washington county. Covering the eyes, mouth, and any open cuts is particularly important. If your system was installed before 1975, no records may be available. A typical conventional gravity system will not have any mechanical devices to convey water or material; gravity will do all of the required work. Directions. Tacoma, WA 98418-6813 (253) 649-1500 (800) 330-1844 TDD (253) 649-1400. 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. Your septic system is not capable of handling many wastes that you may generate in your home. Don't avoid the signs of septic system failure. Your septic system contains a collection of living organisms that digest and treat household waste. Check your OSS Application status 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. Once you submit your quiz and contact information, we will have a record of you completing Septics 101. 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. Site Sewage Drainfield and the reserve areas. Oftentimes, the metal handle used to remove the lid may become rotted, and will not support the weight of the lid, nor be usable for popping off the lid. If not, please do not enter anything in this field. 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. There are many different types of systems. Do-It-Yourself Septic System Inspection Video. These materials do not decompose or breakdown easily, if at all. Directing surface water away from your tanks and drainfield will help your drainfield function as well as possible. The On-Site Sewage Program provides educational, advisory and permitting services for owners of septic systems and certifications for septic system installers, operations and monitoring specialists and septic pumpers. To find out what type of system you have, take a look at your propertys as built records. 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. 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. Evaluating, maintaining, or troubleshooting your septic system can expose you to the many pathogens or disease causing organisms found in human waste. 14350 SE Eastgate Way Grass may grow greener in these disturbed areas. How to take care of septic systems 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. Remember, the soil where your drainfield is located, is capable of disposing of only so much liquid. 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. Most tanks are covered by 12 to 18" of soil. . Fax: : 360-379-4487. Splashing or spraying can and will occur. . An inspection report from a homeowner will only be accepted if the report is for that property owners OSS system. Others are more complex, requiring pumps, filters, or specially designed materials. The lids on the tank are circular, 20"-24" in diameter and 5'-5 ' apart. What you flush, how much you flush, and how much water you run down the drain will affect the function and performance of your septic system. 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. With just a few simple steps, you can protect your septicand avoid costly repairs. Minor septic system issues can turn into big costly problems. Make sure the nursery understands you need plants that are shallow rooted and require little watering. Financial assistance It is a 40 minute narrated presentation followed by a 20 question quiz on septic system basics. Once these products congeal, they can cause blockages in your system. I can't find my record drawingrequest Health Department search for a record you can't locate. This does not mean that such a system is illegal or failed; it just means that a homeowner may have trouble conducting the evaluation. They store, treat and dispose of the things you flush or send down drains. The scale should be described on your as-built. On-site Sewage System (OSS) Program The Public Health On-site Sewage System (OSS) Program helps to ensure that over 85,000 septic systems including 192 septic systems in Seattle are safe.