Rakes, shovels, and poles can be used to reach components that are well below ground or out of reach. 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. Look for a medication take-back program in your area. Educate property owners to make sure their septic system gets proper maintenance. Let it cool, harden, and then throw it away in the trash. 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. 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. These gases can be odorless and may deprive you of oxygen. SEPTIC SYSTEM Health Programs, Healthy Communities, WIC, Nurse/Family Partnership. The longevity of your on-site septic system relies heavily on the way that you care for it. A failing septic system is usually a costly and urgent situation for homeowners. Please enable JavaScript in your browser for a better user experience. Greases can congeal anywhere in your plumbing or septic system. The more wastewater you produce, the more wastewater the soil must treat and dispose. See Department of Health Gravity Septic System inspection guide for a complete checklist and necessary tools. Materials that are flushed may get caught up on this congealed ooze and the blockage worsens. Rakes can be used to lift floats and screens. Guidelines, Standards, Rules & Regulations Grass is the best cover. Public Records; Smoke-Free Housing Information; View. Subtract the smaller number from the larger; the difference is the amount of water you used since the previous time you read the meter. 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. Volume of solids in wastewater. The Washington State Legislature, Departments of Ecology and Health and many counties have put in significant and consistent work over past two decades to create this program. All other types of systems are required to be inspected at least once every year. Make sure the nursery understands you need plants that are shallow rooted and require little watering. Know where the system is and keep a diagram of its location. Wood Stove Rule - Is My Wood Stove Okay to Use? See Ecology's. Installers, Designers . Properly built and maintained septic systems have many benefits. Commercial properties and non-owner occupied properties may also qualify. Assemble the following items when decontaminating your equipment and tools: Decontamination of equipment or tools should include a four-step process. Board of Health Meetings; Fee Schedule; . 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. Grease is a common household waste product that many people flush or rinse down the drain. Harsh chemicals including acids, bases, pesticides, herbicides, oils, paints, and varnishes should never be drained into any fixture that leads to your septic system. 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. Site Sewage Certifications Thurston County also performs this service for a fee. 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. 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. Read the meter once all faucets are off, and then wait a few hours and check the meter again. 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. 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. Directions. If you have a water meter on your property, you can easily figure out how much water you and your family are using. Mailing Address 615 Sheridan Street Port Townsend, WA . The drainfield is where effluent is discharged into the environment. A garbage disposal adds more solid material to your septic system. Environmental Health records (including on-site sewage records) are available online. System Summary Garbage disposal and food waste going down the drain, and RV and boat waste dumped into your system, will fill the tank up quicker with solids. While exposure to raw sewage is readily evident, exposure to residues from contaminated equipment or clothing may not be apparent, yet can still result in illness. 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. Septic tank size. Approximately a third of Washington homes use septic systems for wastewater treatment. 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 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. 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). Use water-saving devices such as faucet aerators and high-efficiency toilets, showerheads, dishwashers, and washing machines. For more information, click the buttons below. These materials do not decompose or breakdown easily, if at all. Free viewers are required for some of the attached documents.They can be downloaded by clicking on the icons below. Building remodel permits 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). Your as-built or record drawing should describe the location of your drainfield. 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. A homeowner maintaining a pump system should minimize electrical hazards where appropriate. Some tanks have smaller lids on each end of the tank to allow for inspection of inlet and outlet baffles. Reducing water use will limit the demand you place on your septic system. Using a garbage disposal on a septic system is not recommended. A septic system is a huge property investment, so maintaining the one youve got is cheaper than replacing the entire system. The pump tank will store the effluent until it is conveyed to a drainfield. For example, "the property is on 30th Avenue between Spruce and Verbena.". The grease laden paper towel can then be disposed of in your trash. Previously, Craft3 offered Clean Water Loans on a more-limited basis in partnership . Please note- many other septic systems exist, we are only discussing those allowed to be inspected by homeowners through this course. Contact information; Hours & location 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 . 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. 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,. 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. Eliminate or limit the use of a garbage disposal. Department of Ecology News Release - Sept. 21, 2021. Food Safety, Land Development, Environmental Hazards, Water Recreation & Public Schools . Common in rural areas without centralized sewer systems, septic systems are underground wastewater treatment structures that you own and operate. The Atrium (Environmental Health) 3000 Pacific Ave Olympia, WA 98501 Phone: 360-867-2685 Mailing Address . Interested homeowners can apply for a Clean Water Loan by visiting the Craft3 website. With just a few simple steps, you can protect your septicand avoid costly repairs. 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 does not mean that such a system is illegal or failed; it just means that a homeowner may have trouble conducting the evaluation. Covering the eyes, mouth, and any open cuts is particularly important. As-Built Records Northeast Tri County Health District maintains records of permits for completed on-site sewage systems. Septic Applications in 3 Easy Steps. 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. 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.). Household Hazardous Waste Facility: 14104 Ovenell Road, Mount Vernon, WA 98273 No other OSS may be inspected by the homeowner. 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. Complete a septic application using the online permitting portal. Old homes may not have a septic permit or the as-built may be unreliable. 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. Even latex paint waste should be minimized. Your groundwater and Puget Sound lakes, rivers, and beaches benefit, too! 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 probe can be used to identify the size and orientation of the tank (rectangle vs. round, 4 X 8 foot, etc). Feminine hygiene products such as tampons or pads. Let the equipment soak as needed. Skagit Countys Septics 201 Online Training program is designed to help property owners maintain and use their septic system, as well as conduct regular evaluations of their OSS. You can check for leaks in your toilet too. 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. 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. Navigate to the Clark County PropertyInformation Center. It is up to you to use whatever techniques you feel necessary to adequately protect yourself from exposure to raw sewage, and to seek medical assistance if you are exposed. If you prefer, download and print a paper application (PDF), and mail to: Washington County Government Center Public Health . It is also recommended the first inspection of any OSS be done professionally. Tacoma, WA 98418-6813 (253) 649-1500 (800) 330-1844 TDD (253) 649-1400. If you cannot locate your drainfield, please contact public health or a certified O&M provider for help finding your drainfield. coming into our offices, or calling us at 509.460.4205. Lids may be square, round or rectangular, and are typically large enough to allow for the tank to be pumped out. Real estate professionals need to inform both the buyer and seller of this requirement. 400 Belfair: 360-275-4467, Ext. Once the sewage is at the drainfield, it is dispersed via gravity within the drainfield. Create a Website Account - Manage notification subscriptions, save form progress and more. 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. Sewage related records are typically marked with an "SWG". Shellfish that grow in marine waters are harvested from our beaches and can become contaminated by failing septic systems. Were you able to find what you were looking for today? Older septic tanks might not be sized appropriately for your home, especially if your home has been remodeled and is now larger. . The On-site Sewage Program is responsible for evaluating site conditions for onsite septic systems, characteristics of soil in test pits, setting permitting conditions, and issuing permits for septic systems. Drainfield and the reserve areas. Are you a robot? During this time when many are staying at home, it is important to keep a careful eye on actions that may affect your sewer or septic system. I can't find my record drawingrequest Health Department search for a record you can't locate. Septic systems that have a curtain drain installed around them, often are dependent on a functioning curtain drain. The rule of thumb for planting is to use only shallow-rooted plants such as grasses. 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. Check the Washington Department of Labor and Industries to find information about electricians. You may get splashed or sprayed with raw sewage. Electrical connections are typically buried and run underground from the dwelling to the pump tank. 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. 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. Remove gross contamination from your equipment. If your system was installed before 1975, no records may be available. It is imperative that you take all necessary precautions to minimize the risk of becoming sick or injured when conducting your inspection. Statewide access to this program is a win for homeowners, public health, and clean water. Departments / Elected . 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. Directions. The final treatment occurs in the soil of your drainfield. Instead, use boiling water or a drain snake. Don't avoid the signs of septic system failure. There are many different types of systems. The bigger the tank, the more capacity it has to handle solids and water, which could allow for more time between pumpings. 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. Search for your record drawing using the following steps: Some common reasons that record drawings are not available online: If you do not find a record drawing, please send an email to as-built.help@kingcounty.gov. For a typical household, septic tanks are usually pumped every three to five years. As of Sept. 1, the Regional On-Site Sewage System Loan Program has expanded state-wide, adding 17 counties to this successful program. Yakima. Routine inspections save time and money in the long run. Garbage disposals are frequently installed in new homes. 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. A person should never, for any reason, enter the confines of a septic system, especially tanks. In the past there were no standards for septic systems and permits were not required. Applications, permits and fees, Buying and selling properties It does not mean that you do not have a septic system or that it is failed or illegal. In these cases, the owner will find it easier to utilize the services of a licensed O&M Specialist. The final step to evaluating your system is completing the appropriate Skagit County Health Department On-Site Sewage System (OSS) Homeowner Report. The On-site System Maintainer (OSM) will inspect your system components: Septic and pump tanks. Four major factors influence how often you need to pump your septic: Practice water conservation. Operation and maintenance of your home septic system begins with your actions inside the home. 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. Check your OSS Application status Flow restrictors are an easy and effective means to reduce water consumption. Many of these products can clog your plumbing and septic system. Stay . View your operations and maintenance report on onlineRMEOn Site Septic formsReport a public health concern, 2023 Clark County Washington 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. For example, a scale of 1 = 20 means that every inch on the paper is equal to 20 feet in your yard. Health Information Privacy Information Fortunately, help is now available in every Washington county. 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. There are many different types of systems. Learn how to obtain sewage permit information. Concrete lids may become cemented into place due to the shrinking and swelling of concrete. Reduce the risk of contaminating groundwater and surface water. Healthy septic systems are good for your family, your wallet and the environment. Forms and photographs may be emailed to EH@co.skagit.wa.us or sent to 1800 Continental Place, Mount Vernon, WA 98273. In gravity plumbing, liquids will carry solid materials out of your dwelling towards downstream components. If the as-built is accurate, this will allow you to find plumbing stubs, tank lids, distribution boxes, drainfield lines and observation ports. A "how to" guide is available on the online permitting portal when applying for a septic permit. If the meter has moved, yet you have used no water during that time, you may have a very slow leak. If your washing machine has load settings, make sure you select the proper load size. Think of them like a sewage treatment plant, only much smaller. It How would you like to receive your "as-built": Before 1975, permits were not required by law. 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. However, it can take up to 60 days to fulfill your request. This requirement went into effect September 1, 2010. Please arrive no later than 3:30 p.m. Many things you do in your yard or on your property can affect the systems function and performance. 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. Open the lid to your toilet tank and pour enough food coloring into the tank water to color the water. Plant trees and shrubs away from your septic tank and drainfield to keep roots from growing into your septic system. Thank you for your patience as we continue to update our new website. Failing septic systems can result in sewage backing up in the home or entering local waterways and groundwater supplies posing a public health threat. Bellevue, WA 98007, Phone: 206-477-8050 (answered until 3:00 pm), Link/share our site at www.kingcounty.gov/oss, Find certified small business contractors and suppliers, Private wells, plumbing and onsite sewage systems, Pollution Identification and Correction Program (PIC), On-site Sewage System Technical Advisory Committee Bylaws, On-site Sewage System Technical Advisory Committee Membership Application, Quarter 1 OSS TAC Meeting March 30, 2022, 9-11am on Zoom. Maintaining your septic system will save you money as well as help maintain or improve surface and groundwater quality in Skagit County. Routine pumping can prevent expensive failures such as a clogged drainfield or sewage backing up into the home. Flow restrictors on showers and other high volume water fixtures can dramatically reduce your consumption of water. Get email alerts based on your topic preferences like news releases, job openings, emergency updates and more! . Care must be taken to properly clean electronic tools such as drills or screw drivers. Baby wipes, cleaning wipes, or any moist towelettes. Fully immerse the tools and equipment in the solution as much as you can, let stand for 3 minutes or longer. We Issue Septic Permits, Inspect Final Septic Installations, And Investigate Complaints Associated With On-Site Sewage Systems Septic System Failure Directory Septic Application Turnaround Times Septic Permitting Oftentimes, when tanks are installed, the dirt used to cover them has a different texture than the surrounding area. see the Washington State Department of . Septic systems produce gases that can be explosive or are capable of displacing oxygen. Wash only full loads of dishes and laundry. 411 N 5th St Shelton WA 98584 (360) 427-9670 . Washington State Department of Health. Port Townsend, WA 98368. Splashing or spraying can and will occur. Prescription medication. This is a cheap and easy way of assessing your toilet for leaks, which may otherwise be difficult to detect visually. There are a number of things you can do to check for leaks. Never pour cooking oil or grease down the drain. Additional water, clean or not, taxes your soils ability to accept all of the liquids landing on the soil. Learn the basics of septic system design, maintenance, and dos and donts to keep your septic system working well as long as possible. These gases can sink or rise, displacing oxygen that you need to breathe. They can be purchased at your local hardware store and are fairly easy to install in a typical faucet. 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. Protects the Environment Malfunctioning septic systems release bacteria, viruses, and chemicals that eventually enter streams, rivers, lakes, Puget Sound, and the ocean. The average size of a 1000 gallon tank is 5'x8'. Your septic system contains a collection of living organisms that digest and treat household waste. Accessibility, View your Septic System Information Online, Community Health Assessment and Improvement Plan, Children and youth w/special health care needs, Nurse-Family Partnership - helping first-time parents succeed, View your Drinking Water Information Online, Food worker testing & manager certification, FAQ's for farmers markets, bazaars & temporary events, Positive and Adverse Childhood Experiences, Environmental health resources for schools, School Health and Safety Technical Advisory Group, View your operations and maintenance report on onlineRME, See if your septic system is documented appropriately, View inspection reports from November 2007 - Present, Get quick access to the same records our staff use: like as-built drawings or permits, As-built: shows location of on-site sewage system, Permit: documentation of permitted system, Previous Inspections: links to onlineRME.com to show recent operation and maintenance inspections. Common in rural areas without centralized sewer systems, septic systems are underground wastewater treatment structures that you own and operate. The Health District maintains records of existing on-site sewage systems for your convenience. Many flow restrictors have no mechanical parts while others reduce flow based upon pressure. Environmental Health Services OSS records Grass may grow greener in these disturbed areas. Healthy septic systems are good for your family, your wallet and the environment. Sanitize: After thoroughly rinsing the tools, immerse the equipment in a sanitizer solution. It is likely that methane will also be found in your septic system. If you successfully locate your septic tank and remove its lids, the next step is to locate your drainfield. The descriptions below may also help you determine your system type. Lids are heavy and may be difficult to remove. Curtain drains may require some maintenance themselves. Approved OSS site design applications submitted online since May 2019 are also available. To search for septic or drinking water records, you'll need to enter your property ID number or GeoID or parcel number. 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. Never mix sanitizers! Tools can be used to further minimize your exposure to the sewage contained in your septic system.