. Maintenance Septic Systems | Washington State Department of Health If there is a slow leak, the food coloring will show up in the toilet bowl. Install flow restrictors on all or select faucets. There are many different types of systems. Learn how to obtain sewage permit information. Septic Systems | Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department 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. Baby wipes, cleaning wipes, or any moist towelettes. Please note- many other septic systems exist, we are only discussing those allowed to be inspected by homeowners through this course. For this reason, equipment, clothing, and tools that have been splashed with or immersed in effluent or sewage, must be decontaminated. 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. Protecting your face, eyes, and mouth will minimize your risk of illness. Curtain drains may require some maintenance themselves. Household Hazardous Waste Facility: 14104 Ovenell Road, Mount Vernon, WA 98273 In these cases, it may be increasingly difficult to maintain your septic system without a significant amount of effort. Mailing Address 615 Sheridan Street Port Townsend, WA . 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. Septic Maintenance & Repair | Snohomish County Health Department, WA Subtract the smaller number from the larger; the difference is the amount of water you used since the previous time you read the meter. Septic systems use a combination of nature and time-tested technology to treat wastewater from household plumbing produced by bathrooms, kitchen drains, and laundry. Washington State Department of Health. Tools can be used to further minimize your exposure to the sewage contained in your septic system. Using a garbage disposal on a septic system is not recommended. Lids will likely be located near both ends of the tank. Public health licenses these professionals, and maintains a list of System Maintenance Providers. On-site Sewage Systems Chapter 246-272A WAC. . 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. Are you a robot? Some are simple, using only a tank and a drainfield. 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 . Grease is a common household waste product that many people flush or rinse down the drain. Exposing these areas to sewage increases a persons risk of contracting an illness. Larger tools may require the use of a brush and a small rinse cup to completely clean areas that cannot be immersed in the bucket. The bigger the tank, the more capacity it has to handle solids and water, which could allow for more time between pumpings. 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 2006 state law (RCW 70.118A) required Puget Sound counties (including King County) to designate MRAs where shellfish growing areas are closed due to bacterial pollution (or if closure is likely), or where bacteria or nitrogen are seriously affecting water quality. All other types of systems are required to be inspected at least once every year. Share & Bookmark, Press Enter to show all options, press Tab go to next option, Informacion sobre la vacuna contra la COVID-19, COVID-19 Information for Food Establishments, Selling Your Property - Report of System Status. 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. Many flow restrictors have no mechanical parts while others reduce flow based upon pressure. 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. They include both new construction and repairs to failing systems. Splashing or spraying can and will occur. Your as-built or record drawing should describe the location of your drainfield. 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. 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. 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. No other OSS may be inspected by the homeowner. Thank you for your patience as we continue to update our new website. This process may require the use of a stiff bristled brush to remove all contaminants. Requesting Records - Environmental Health - Public Health 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. Discharging effluent onto the ground's surface or into surface and ground water is against Washington State law. Please enable JavaScript in your browser for a better user experience. 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. Septic Systems | Jefferson County, WA On-site Sewage System (OSS) Program - King County - King County, Washington At a minimum, wash your hands using soap and hot water. 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. The scale should be described on your as-built. Report. 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. The final step to evaluating your system is completing the appropriate Skagit County Health Department On-Site Sewage System (OSS) Homeowner Report. . See Ecology's. Garbage disposals are frequently installed in new homes. Reducing water use will limit the demand you place on your septic system. Gloves are the first line of defense for the average do-it-yourselfer. The Snohomish County Health Department works to ensure that septic systems are located and installed correctly, and kept in good working condition. The On-site System Maintainer (OSM) will inspect your system components: Septic and pump tanks. 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. Complete a septic application using the online permitting portal. Thurston County also performs this service for a fee. Septic systems lacking records are considered "suspected" o r "assumed" and are colored RED on the . A hose with a nozzle can be used to pre-clean risers, plumbing, and inspection ports. An inspection report from a homeowner will only be accepted if the report is for that property owners OSS system. The wastewater leaving the septic tank is a liquid called effluent. Get email alerts based on your topic preferences like news releases, job openings, emergency updates and more! Please allow up to five business days for a response. The lids on the tank are circular, 20"-24" in diameter and 5'-5 ' apart. . This program supports healthy shellfish and fisheries, and helps ensure Washingtonians have access to swimming beaches and recreation.. You may find junction boxes, wires, or other electrical connections in the pump chamber. 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. Email Environmental Public Health . Birth & Death Certificates, Food Worker Cards, Public Records Request, Report a Complaint & Fees. Shovels can be used to evaluate the depth of the scum and sludge found in your septic tank. The grease laden paper towel can then be disposed of in your trash. It is also recommended the first inspection of any OSS be done professionally. Septic Systems (Onsite Sewage Systems) - co.thurston.wa.us Common in rural areas without centralized sewer systems, septic systems are underground wastewater treatment structures that you own and operate. Pumpers may charge you extra to locate and/or dig up the lids to the septic tank so that they are able to pump the septic tank. Remove gross contamination from your equipment. 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. Once the sewage is at the drainfield, it is dispersed via gravity within the drainfield. 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. The Atrium (Environmental Health) 3000 Pacific Ave Olympia, WA 98501 Phone: 360-867-2685 Mailing Address . Your septic system contains a collection of living organisms that digest and treat household waste. 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. Soil over your system should be slightly mounded to help surface water runoff. Read the meter once all faucets are off, and then wait a few hours and check the meter again. Interested homeowners can apply for a Clean Water Loan by visiting the Craft3 website. The chemicals can alter the natural biological conditions found in your septic system. If heavy rains cause water to sit around your septic system, avoid putting water down your drains. Records of its size and location may be available at your local health department. 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. Adam Zimmerman, President and CEO of Craft3. Tacoma, WA 98418-6813 (253) 649-1500 (800) 330-1844 TDD (253) 649-1400. On-site Program staff review and comment on land development projects and activities such as Subdivisions, Special Use Permits, Boundary . Some gases found in properly functioning septic systems have different densities. Onsite Sewage & Septics - Environmental Health - Public Health 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. Manager of Healthy People & Communities. Rakes can be used to lift floats and screens. It is likely that methane will also be found in 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, 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. OSS records Directory Septic Application Turnaround Times 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. Environmental Health Services 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. 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. If shellfish filter polluted water, they can become unsafe for humans to eat. In addition, the dirt used to cover the tank will settle over time, creating a shallow depression. 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. . 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. To assist in this process, please have your address and/or your parcel ID number available. Brochures . Please arrive no later than 3:30 p.m. It does not mean that you do not have a septic system or that it is failed or illegal. Fortunately, help is now available in every Washington county. These inspections can identify small issues and fix them before they become big, costly repairs. For these reasons, a person should do everything possible to minimize risk of exposure to gas. Public Records; Smoke-Free Housing Information; View. 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. Tacoma, WA 98418-6813 (253) 649-1500 (800) 330-1844 TDD (253) 649-1400. If the as-built is accurate, this will allow you to find plumbing stubs, tank lids, distribution boxes, drainfield lines and observation ports. Since 2008, Washington state law and Island County code have required that all septic systems be inspected at the time of property transfer. Find a certified O&M provider. 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. Our reply (from PAEGAT25) may go to your email's Spam folder. Financial assistance 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. If youd like us to call you, please provide a phone number. Learn the basics of septic system design, maintenance, and dos and donts to keep your septic system working well as long as possible. This is a cheap and easy way of assessing your toilet for leaks, which may otherwise be difficult to detect visually. You may get splashed or sprayed with raw sewage. Septic Program - Lewis County, Washington 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,. These gases can be odorless and may deprive you of oxygen. Keep vehicles, heavy equipment, and livestock off your septic tank, drainfield, and drainfield replacement area. These materials do not decompose or breakdown easily, if at all. Include the parcel number and street address and we will search our files for the drawings. The pressure can compact the soil and damage pipes. It has been partially treated but still contains disease-causing bacteria and other pollutants. 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. We recommend searching by the 12-digit tax parcel number. Electrical connections are typically buried and run underground from the dwelling to the pump tank. Protects the Environment Malfunctioning septic systems release bacteria, viruses, and chemicals that eventually enter streams, rivers, lakes, Puget Sound, and the ocean. 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. Environmental Health 415 N. 6th Street Shelton, WA 98584. They allow for development in outlying communities, help protect groundwater and waterways, and reduce exposure to untreated sewage. 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. Landscape your system properly. Simply take the rebar and pound it into the ground with a mallet. For information on failing septic systems, please see our Septic Failure Brochure. 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. If not, please do not enter anything in this field. Once you submit your quiz and contact information, we will have a record of you completing Septics 101. Be sure to: Complete additional routine maintenance that is required for some system types. 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. Look for a medication take-back program in your area. 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 Wood Stove Rule - Is My Wood Stove Okay to Use? If electrical problems are identified, a homeowner should contact a licensed Electrician. Terms of Use If the label says, Danger, Warning or Caution bring it to the facility for proper disposal. The phone number is 360-385-9444. Combined, these systems treat 154 million gallons of wastewater annually. Septic Applications, Forms & Resources Browse applications, forms, and resources for septic systems. Use approximately 1 cups of bleach per gallon of water (www.osha.gov) Other products, including peroxide sanitizers are effective too. The rule of thumb for planting is to use only shallow-rooted plants such as grasses. 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. outlet baffle, and 3) distribution box (if present) within 30 days of inspection. A septic system is a huge property investment, so maintaining the one youve got is cheaper than replacing the entire system. Proper decontamination of equipment is an important task that will minimize your risk of becoming ill. Generally, the more people in the home, the more often you need to pump. We Issue Septic Permits, Inspect Final Septic Installations, And Investigate Complaints Associated With On-Site Sewage Systems Septic System Failure SepticSmart EPA offers advice on proper septic care and brochures and factsheets for homeowners. Flow restrictors are an easy and effective means to reduce water consumption. This requirement went into effect September 1, 2010. Were you able to find what you were looking for today? 400 . NOTE:Before 1975, permits were not required by law. Remove the equipment and tools from the soap and water mixture. Plant trees and shrubs away from your septic tank and drainfield to keep roots from growing into your septic system. The drainfield is where effluent is discharged into the environment. Faucets and toilets should be free of any leakage. Any exceptions to the above conditions must have written approval of Skagit County Environmental Public Health staff. Washington State Local Health Jurisdictions To learn more, check out these 3D septic system models. Tank lids come in different shapes and sizes. French drains, curtain drains, or shallow diversion ditches can help move water out and around your septic system. If you have a water meter on your property, you can easily figure out how much water you and your family are using. Wash: Next, immerse the equipment into the 5-gallon bucket containing a soap and water mixture. Many older systems may vary in their configuration and construction. A property owner with a pump system must have additional training to demonstrate competency with pump systems. Prescription medication. Free viewers are required for some of the attached documents.They can be downloaded by clicking on the icons below. Search for records on any property. Please arrive no later than 3:30 p.m. Food waste from garbage disposals fill the septic tank and can clog the drainfield. Grease can also clog the pores in your soil, damaging your drainfield and may lead to system failure. Old homes may not have a septic permit or the as-built may be unreliable. A homeowner maintaining a pump system should minimize electrical hazards where appropriate. Feminine hygiene products such as tampons or pads. Forms and photographs may be emailed to EH@co.skagit.wa.us or sent to 1800 Continental Place, Mount Vernon, WA 98273. A typical conventional gravity system will not have any mechanical devices to convey water or material; gravity will do all of the required work. To find out what type of system you have, take a look at your propertys as built records. WA 98368. Electrical connections should need very little maintenance if your pump controls and alarms are functioning as designed. Septic systems treat wastewater when homes and buildings are not connected to public sewer systems. In the plumbing, liquids will carry solid materials out of your dwelling towards downstream components. Lids are heavy and may be difficult to remove. . records on any property. Paper Application. A person should never, for any reason, enter the confines of a septic system, especially tanks. Search for Records. Whitman. Building remodel permits 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. Craft3's Clean Water Loans - Craft3 offers financing for replacement of septic systems in many areas of Washington. Septic Applications in 3 Easy Steps. If youd like a reply, please provide an email address. Let the equipment soak as needed. Environmental Health records (including on-site sewage records) are available online. (Not compatible with Internet Explorer.) Onsite Sewage (Septic) Systems Real Estate Fact Sheet Website Design by Granicus - Connecting People and Government. Sewage related records are typically marked with an "SWG". Septic & Drinking Water Records - Whatcom County, WA Most household wastes, such as harsh chemicals, paints, and oils can be disposed of at your 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. Evaluating, maintaining, or troubleshooting your septic system can expose you to the many pathogens or disease causing organisms found in human waste. Lids may be square, round or rectangular, and are typically large enough to allow for the tank to be pumped out. It is a 40 minute narrated presentation followed by a 20 question quiz on septic system basics. Providers 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. 3020 Rucker AvenueEverett, WA 98201Phone: 425-339-5200. Volume of solids in wastewater. Approved OSS site design applications submitted online since May 2019 are also available. 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. 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. The next step required to maintain your system is to dig up and remove your septic tank lids. Permit Files Online | Jefferson County, WA Vince McGowan, water quality program manager for Ecology. If the meter has moved, yet you have used no water during that time, you may have a very slow leak. If you successfully locate your septic tank and remove its lids, the next step is to locate your drainfield. Protective clothing should be worn whenever you maintain 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. They store, treat and dispose of the things you flush or send down drains. Fax: : 360-379-4487. ), all septic system parts should be vented thoroughly. Healthy septic systems are good for your family, your wallet and the environment.