Statewide access to this program is a win for homeowners, public health, and clean water. 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. Keep accurate records of your septic system. 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. Board of Health Meetings; Fee Schedule; . Learn how to obtain sewage permit information. Most tanks are covered by 12 to 18" of soil. Sanitize: After thoroughly rinsing the tools, immerse the equipment in a sanitizer solution. 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 average size of a 1000 gallon tank is 5'x8'. 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. Food Safety, Land Development, Environmental Hazards, Water Recreation & Public Schools . Discharging effluent onto the ground's surface or into surface and ground water is against Washington State law. If electrical problems are identified, a homeowner should contact a licensed Electrician. Keeping drains free from blockage ensures that surface water is being moved properly around your septic system. 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 If documents are not available please contact Clark County Public Health at (360) 397-8428. Health Programs, Healthy Communities, WIC, Nurse/Family Partnership. Four major factors influence how often you need to pump your septic: Practice water conservation. As of Sept. 1, the Regional On-Site Sewage System Loan Program has expanded state-wide, adding 17 counties to this successful program. 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. Soil over your system should be slightly mounded to help surface water runoff. 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. If the meter has moved, yet you have used no water during that time, you may have a very slow leak. 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 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. If you have been watering lawns and other landscaping on your property, your readings may not accurately reflect all of the water processed by your septic system. Records of its size and location may be available at your local health department. Proper decontamination of equipment is an important task that will minimize your risk of becoming ill. We Issue Septic Permits, Inspect Final Septic Installations, And Investigate Complaints Associated With On-Site Sewage Systems Septic System Failure Gloves are the first line of defense for the average do-it-yourselfer. Customer service counter opens at 9:30 a.m. the first and third Thursdays of every month. As-builts are drawings that oftentimes are drawn to scale or otherwise help describe the location of your septic system. Ideally these connections, when found in the pump tank, will be located in a junction box that keeps wire connections protected from breakage, while keeping the wires organized. 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. In addition, the dirt used to cover the tank will settle over time, creating a shallow depression. Curtain drains may require some maintenance themselves. This program supports healthy shellfish and fisheries, and helps ensure Washingtonians have access to swimming beaches and recreation.. 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. Make sure the nursery understands you need plants that are shallow rooted and require little watering. 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. Properly built and maintained septic systems have many benefits. Lists of certified professionals The bigger the tank, the more capacity it has to handle solids and water, which could allow for more time between pumpings. It provides Washingtonians access to affordable financing for the repair and replacement of septic systems. 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. If you do not know where your system is located, you may be able to obtain this information from our offices. A typical conventional gravity system will not have any mechanical devices to convey water or material; gravity will do all of the required work. Repair leaky faucets and plumbing fixtures. If you cannot remove the lid, contact a licensed O&M Specialist. Paper Application. Concrete lids may become cemented into place due to the shrinking and swelling of concrete. Links. 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. Fully immerse the tools and equipment in the solution as much as you can, let stand for 3 minutes or longer. Green grass or depressions in your yard may be indications of where your tank is located. Flushing them will increase the need to pump, maintain and repair your system. 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. Keep vehicles, heavy equipment, and livestock off your septic tank, drainfield, and drainfield replacement area. Since 2008, Washington state law and Island County code have required that all septic systems be inspected at the time of property transfer. 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. Let it cool, harden, and then throw it away in the trash. records on any property. 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 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. Please arrive no later than 3:30 p.m. Remove the equipment and tools from the soap and water mixture. The environmentalists investigate complaints of septic system failures that contribute to land pollution. 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. Assemble the following items when decontaminating your equipment and tools: Decontamination of equipment or tools should include a four-step process. Don't select the large-load cycle if you're washing a small amount of laundry. Lids may be square, round or rectangular, and are typically large enough to allow for the tank to be pumped out. 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.). Probe suspected tank locations first, rather than digging up the soil only to find nothing. Rinse: Spraying down portions of your septic system may result in exposure to sewage. Providers 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. 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. Look for a medication take-back program in your area. They include both new construction and repairs to failing systems. Certifications - Manage notification subscriptions, save form progress and more. The scale should be described on your as-built. You must be able to observe the inlet and outlet of your septic tank. Landscape your system properly. 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. Thank you for your patience as we continue to update our new website. Applications, permits and fees, Buying and selling properties After completing your inspection and necessary maintenance, you should shower or bathe, even if you dont feel like youve been exposed to sewage. In these cases, the owner will find it easier to utilize the services of a licensed O&M Specialist. If shellfish filter polluted water, they can become unsafe for humans to eat. You can hire a septic professional to do the inspection or, if your local health department allows it, you can do the inspection yourself. The final treatment occurs in the soil of your drainfield. Faucets and toilets should be free of any leakage. 14350 SE Eastgate Way 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. Options for inspecting your system include: Pump out your septic tank when needed. Contact information; Hours & location A person should never, for any reason, enter the confines of a septic system, especially tanks. Public health licenses these professionals, and maintains a list of System Maintenance Providers. While leaning over the system, be sure to recognize that gases may have accumulated around where you are breathing. 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. Please arrive no later than 3:30 p.m. Materials that are flushed may get caught up on this congealed ooze and the blockage worsens. Approved OSS site design applications submitted online since May 2019 are also available. Port Townsend, WA 98368. Avoid chemical drain openers for a clogged drain. Water coming from roof drains, driveways or other surfaces should be directed away from your septic system. Install flow restrictors on all or select faucets. 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. . Commercial properties and non-owner occupied properties may also qualify. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 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. 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. Washington State Department of Health. The completed form must include photos of. 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. Many flow restrictors have no mechanical parts while others reduce flow based upon pressure. Prescription medication. Total wastewater generated. Think of them like a sewage treatment plant, only much smaller. See Department of Health Gravity Septic System inspection guide for a complete checklist and necessary tools. For information on failing septic systems, please see our Septic Failure Brochure. Most household wastes, such as harsh chemicals, paints, and oils can be disposed of at your If your system was installed before 1975, no records may be available. Approved OSS site design applications submitted online since May 2019 are also available. 400 . The Health District maintains records of existing on-site sewage systems for your convenience. Use water-saving devices such as faucet aerators and high-efficiency toilets, showerheads, dishwashers, and washing machines. After reviewing this information and the training videos listed below, homeowners may evaluate their own on-site sewage system (OSS). What is a septic system? NOTE:Before 1975, permits were not required by law. Never pour oil-based paints, solvents, or large volumes of toxic cleaners down the drain. If you cannot locate your drainfield, please contact public health or a certified O&M provider for help finding your drainfield. They protect your eyes and mouth from the liquids in your septic system. These gases can be odorless and may deprive you of oxygen. For a typical household, septic tanks are usually pumped every three to five years. 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. 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. Please enable JavaScript in your browser for a better user experience. Splashing or spraying can and will occur. We recommend searching by the 12-digit tax parcel number. For example, a scale of 1 = 20 means that every inch on the paper is equal to 20 feet in your yard. Even latex paint waste should be minimized. 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. 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. Save your money from septic tank additives. Many things you do in your yard or on your property can affect the systems function and performance. Many of these products can clog your plumbing and septic system. Lids are heavy and may be difficult to remove. Know where the system is and keep a diagram of its location. Approximately a third of Washington homes use septic systems for wastewater treatment. Fax: : 360-379-4487. Septic Applications, Forms & Resources Browse applications, forms, and resources for septic systems. 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 . Flow restrictors are an easy and effective means to reduce water consumption. Our reply (from PAEGAT25) may go to your email's Spam folder. Learn the basics of septic system design, maintenance, and dos and donts to keep your septic system working well as long as possible. View Map 3020 Rucker Avenue Suite 104 Everett, WA 98201 Directions Phone: : 425-339-5250 Fax: : 425-339-5254 Hours Regular hours: Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. 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. Department of Ecology News Release - Sept. 21, 2021. By reducing and balancing your use, you can extend the life of your drainfield, decrease the possibility of system failure, and avoid costly repairs. 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. Clean these tools in accordance with the manufacturers instructions. Failing septic systems can result in sewage backing up in the home or entering local waterways and groundwater supplies posing a public health threat. OSS records 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. . Tank lids come in different shapes and sizes. If you hear a hollow thud and the rebar stops going deeper, you may have found a tank. Tools can be used to further minimize your exposure to the sewage contained in your septic system. 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. 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. SepticSmart EPA offers advice on proper septic care and brochures and factsheets for homeowners. A properly functioning septic system helps remove these pollutants so well water and nearby surface water doesn't get contaminated. 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. The rule of thumb for planting is to use only shallow-rooted plants such as grasses. Departments / Elected . Septic systems lacking records are considered "suspected" o r "assumed" and are colored RED on the . Proper hygienic practices minimize the risk of exposure to disease causing agents that are found in sewage. 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. For more information, click the buttons below. 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. Planning Read the meter once all faucets are off, and then wait a few hours and check the meter again. The pressure can compact the soil and damage pipes. A. 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. When a failing septic system is fixed, the benefits go beyond the home. Site Sewage Expanding the program statewide was made possible with funding support from the state legislature. Plant trees and shrubs away from your septic tank and drainfield to keep roots from growing into your septic system.