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. The pressure can compact the soil and damage pipes. All other types of systems are required to be inspected at least once every year. 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. - Manage notification subscriptions, save form progress and more. The pump tank will store the effluent until it is conveyed to a drainfield. Prescription medication. Assemble the following items when decontaminating your equipment and tools: Decontamination of equipment or tools should include a four-step process. Some plumbing (like toilets) can leak so slowly that it is difficult to hear or see signs of a leak. Using a garbage disposal will increase the amount of solids entering the septic tank, requiring more frequent pumping. The first step in maintaining your septic system is obtaining your septic permit. Records of its size and location may be available at your local health department. 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. NOTICE OF DATA SECURITY INCIDENT (SPANISH). The septic tank will provide room for the solids to settle out and begin to decompose. If you have a water meter on your property, you can easily figure out how much water you and your family are using. . No other OSS may be inspected by the homeowner. The average size of a 1000 gallon tank is 5'x8'. Four major factors influence how often you need to pump your septic: Practice water conservation. 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. Once these products congeal, they can cause blockages in your system. Tanks installed after 1976 are two compartment tanks and both compartments will need to be pumped out. Instead, use boiling water or a drain snake. Mailing Address 615 Sheridan Street Port Townsend, WA . . In the plumbing, liquids will carry solid materials out of your dwelling towards downstream components. Smaller problems can be fixed during the inspection. Environmental Health 415 N. 6th Street Shelton, WA 98584. Fortunately, help is now available in every Washington county. Septic systems use a combination of nature and time-tested technology to treat wastewater from household plumbing produced by bathrooms, kitchen drains, and laundry. *: Regional On-Site Sewage System Loan Program, Copyright Washington State Department of Ecology. There are many different types of systems. 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. This requirement went into effect September 1, 2010. OSS records. 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. Septic systems lacking records are considered "suspected" o r "assumed" and are colored RED on the . If you hear a hollow thud and the rebar stops going deeper, you may have found a tank. 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. You can check for leaks in your toilet too. Environmental Health records (including on-site sewage records) are available online. To learn more, check out our 3D septic system models. Mailing Address 615 Sheridan Street Port Townsend, WA 98368. Tacoma, WA 98418-6813 (253) 649-1500 (800) 330-1844 TDD (253) 649-1400. They protect your eyes and mouth from the liquids in your septic system. While leaning over the system, be sure to recognize that gases may have accumulated around where you are breathing. Install flow restrictors on all or select faucets. Your septic system is not capable of handling many wastes that you may generate in your home. 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. Remove the equipment and tools from the soap and water mixture. 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. For information on failing septic systems, please see our Septic Failure Brochure. The Atrium (Environmental Health) 3000 Pacific Ave Olympia, WA 98501 Phone: 360-867-2685 Mailing Address . The effluent is distributed via pressure throughout the drainfield by utilizing small diameter pipes with small holes to distribute the liquid throughout the drainfield. Department of Ecology News Release - Sept. 21, 2021. Using a garbage disposal on a septic system is not recommended. Search for previous service and inspection reports online. Website Design by Granicus - Connecting People and Government. Find a certified O&M provider. 400 Belfair: 360-275-4467, Ext. Reduce the risk of people getting sick from untreated sewage. 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. 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. ), all septic system parts should be vented thoroughly. Get email alerts based on your topic preferences like news releases, job openings, emergency updates and more! coming into our offices, or calling us at 509.460.4205. Statewide access to this program is a win for homeowners, public health, and clean water. The system type will be noted in multiple places within the permit. Eliminate or limit the use of a garbage disposal. The bigger the tank, the more capacity it has to handle solids and water, which could allow for more time between pumpings. Vince McGowan, water quality program manager for Ecology. 3020 Rucker AvenueEverett, WA 98201Phone: 425-339-5200. Septic systems produce gases that can be explosive or are capable of displacing oxygen. 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. For more information, click the buttons below. 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. 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. Commercial properties and non-owner occupied properties may also qualify. These materials do not decompose or breakdown easily, if at all. Applications, permits and fees, Buying and selling properties The Health District maintains records of existing on-site sewage systems for your convenience. 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. A homeowner maintaining a pump system should minimize electrical hazards where appropriate. Lists of certified professionals Missing information, photographs, etc. Probe suspected tank locations first, rather than digging up the soil only to find nothing. If the label says, Danger, Warning or Caution bring it to the facility for proper disposal. 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. Report. What is a septic system? Tacoma, WA 98418-6813 (253) 649-1500 (800) 330-1844 TDD (253) 649-1400. Landscape your system properly. Gloves are the first line of defense for the average do-it-yourselfer. Discharging effluent onto the ground's surface or into surface and ground water is against Washington State law. The grease laden paper towel can then be disposed of in your trash. They include both new construction and repairs to failing systems. 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. Any exceptions to the above conditions must have written approval of Skagit County Environmental Public Health staff. Properly built and maintained septic systems have many benefits. Even latex paint waste should be minimized. Forms and photographs may be emailed to [email protected] or sent to 1800 Continental Place, Mount Vernon, WA 98273. 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. Proper care and maintenance of your septic system also occurs around the area where your system is installed. Are You Prepared, Severe Weather, Wildfires, Vulnerable Populations & Limited English Proficiency. Email Environmental Public Health . 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. As of Sept. 1, homeowners with septic systems in every Washington county have access to affordable financing for septic repair and replacement. A leaky toilet can waste hundreds of gallons of water a day. If the meter has moved, yet you have used no water during that time, you may have a very slow leak. Well-functioning and properly maintained septic systems can effectively treat household wastewater for many years. You may find junction boxes, wires, or other electrical connections in the pump chamber. Evaluating, maintaining, or troubleshooting your septic system can expose you to the many pathogens or disease causing organisms found in human waste. Environmental Health Services They store, treat and dispose of the things you flush or send down drains. Don't select the large-load cycle if you're washing a small amount of laundry. Total wastewater generated. Hygienic practices mentioned here will help you protect yourself. Sewage related records are typically marked with an "SWG". Harsh chemicals including acids, bases, pesticides, herbicides, oils, paints, and varnishes should never be drained into any fixture that leads to your septic system. Public Records; Smoke-Free Housing Information; View. Local landscapers or nurseries can help you select plants that are appropriate for the areas around your septic system. Read the meter once all faucets are off, and then wait a few hours and check the meter again. 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. At a minimum, wash your hands using soap and hot water. Customer service counter opens at 9:30 a.m. the first and third Thursdays of every month. Check your OSS Application status Mason County, WA. They can be purchased at your local hardware store and are fairly easy to install in a typical faucet. Directing surface water away from your tanks and drainfield will help your drainfield function as well as possible. Many things you do in your yard or on your property can affect the systems function and performance. We recommend searching by the 12-digit tax parcel number. Educate property owners to make sure their septic system gets proper maintenance. Rinse: Start by rinsing the equipment and tools with water from your garden hose. Household chemicals like gasoline, oil, pesticides, antifreeze, and paint. The rule of thumb for planting is to use only shallow-rooted plants such as grasses. Keep accurate records of 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. . Washington State Department of Health. With just a few simple steps, you can protect your septicand avoid costly repairs. Phone: : 360-385-9444. If electrical problems are identified, a homeowner should contact a licensed Electrician. Meet septic system requirements before you do. 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 [email protected]. It is a 40 minute narrated presentation followed by a 20 question quiz on septic system basics. By reducing and balancing your use, you can extend the life of your drainfield, decrease the possibility of system failure, and avoid costly repairs. 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). Oftentimes, when tanks are installed, the dirt used to cover them has a different texture than the surrounding area. Search for records on any property. Materials that are flushed may get caught up on this congealed ooze and the blockage worsens. A garbage disposal adds more solid material to 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. see the Washington State Department of . You can hire a septic professional to do the inspection or, if your local health department allows it, you can do the inspection yourself. 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. Open the lid to your toilet tank and pour enough food coloring into the tank water to color the water. Then, they will submit a report to Public Health about the status of your system. There are many different types of systems. Protective clothing should be worn whenever you maintain your septic system. These inspections can identify small issues and fix them before they become big, costly repairs. Never pour oil-based paints, solvents, or large volumes of toxic cleaners down the drain. Generally, the more people in the home, the more often you need to pump. Building remodel permits There is a 25 gallon / household / month limit, for free! Search for septic and drinking water records in our online search tool. As of Sept. 1, the Regional On-Site Sewage System Loan Program has expanded state-wide, adding 17 counties to this successful program. If Public Health does not have a record for your septic system, it probably means that your system was installed a long time ago, prior to any requirement to create an as-built. If youd like a reply, please provide an email address. The more wastewater you produce, the more wastewater the soil must treat and dispose. The descriptions below may also help you determine your system type. Use approximately 1 cups of bleach per gallon of water (www.osha.gov) Other products, including peroxide sanitizers are effective too. For example, "the property is on 30th Avenue between Spruce and Verbena.". Please enable JavaScript in your browser for a better user experience. The Drainfield The drainfield receives septic tank effluent. 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. When a failing septic system is fixed, the benefits go beyond the home. 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.). Think of them like a sewage treatment plant, only much smaller. Electrical connections are typically buried and run underground from the dwelling to the pump tank. Brochures, OSS records Food waste from garbage disposals fill the septic tank and can clog the drainfield. The completed form must include photos of. Pouring toxins down your drain can kill these organisms and harm your septic system. 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. Septic systems treat wastewater when homes and buildings are not connected to public sewer systems. Many older systems may vary in their configuration and construction. It is likely that methane will also be found in your septic system. Get the latest on local COVID-19 trends, news and helpful resources from Chelan-Douglas Health District, weekly in your inbox. 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. Simply take the rebar and pound it into the ground with a mallet. It is important to keep the solids, called sludge, from building up and coming near the outlet baffles of the system if this happens, solids could plug the pipe to the drainfield, or even worse, clog the drainfield. If heavy rains cause water to sit around your septic system, avoid putting water down your drains. A septic contractor installs a new drain field for a homeowner. Plant trees and shrubs away from your septic tank and drainfield to keep roots from growing into your septic system. SepticSmart EPA offers advice on proper septic care and brochures and factsheets for homeowners. will be sent back to the homeowner for revision. Baby wipes, cleaning wipes, or any moist towelettes. Routine pumping can prevent expensive failures such as a clogged drainfield or sewage backing up into the home. The phone number is 360-385-9444. Most tanks are covered by 12 to 18" of soil. Flies, rats, and other vectors can encounter sewage from a failing septic system and subsequently pass the diseases found in sewage to humans or infect other animals at locations far from the failing system. Privacy Policy Lids may be square, round or rectangular, and are typically large enough to allow for the tank to be pumped out. Make sure the nursery understands you need plants that are shallow rooted and require little watering. Please arrive no later than 3:30 p.m. The septic tank will provide room for the solids to settle out and begin to decompose. Old homes may not have a septic permit or the as-built may be unreliable. Some are simple, using only a tank and a drainfield. Check the Washington Department of Labor and Industries to find information about electricians. Grease can also clog the pores in your soil, damaging your drainfield and may lead to system failure. Subtract the smaller number from the larger; the difference is the amount of water you used since the previous time you read the meter. 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. . Older septic tanks might not be sized appropriately for your home, especially if your home has been remodeled and is now larger. In addition, some garbage disposals are capable of grinding or shredding material to a very fine size. Some gases found in properly functioning septic systems have different densities. 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. Scaling, like on a map, allows you to find things accurately. Garbage disposals are frequently installed in new homes. If your system was installed before 1975, no records may be available. Since 2008, Washington state law and Island County code have required that all septic systems be inspected at the time of property transfer. WA 98368. This program supports healthy shellfish and fisheries, and helps ensure Washingtonians have access to swimming beaches and recreation.. & Development Services, Washington State Department of Healths OSS Program, Do-It-Yourself Septic System Inspection Video, Read the Department of Health Gravity Septic System inspection guide, Fill out the checkist form and return it to Public Health, Department of Health Gravity Septic System inspection guide, Pressure/Pump to Gravity On Site Sewage Summary Report, Check the Washington Department of Labor and Industries to find information about electricians, Skagit Grass is the best cover. Previously, Craft3 offered Clean Water Loans on a more-limited basis in partnership with specific counties. 311 Grand Avenue | Bellingham, WA 98225 | Phone: 360-778-5000 [] . 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. It does not mean that you do not have a septic system or that it is failed or illegal. Water from roofs drains, driveways, patios, or sump pumps should be diverted away from the septic tank and drainfield area. If you cannot remove the lid, contact a licensed O&M Specialist. It is imperative that you take all necessary precautions to minimize the risk of becoming sick or injured when conducting your inspection. Anyone can access those records by searching our online records database. Olympia, WA 98506-5132 Phone: 360-867-2500 Fax: 360-867-2601 Monday-Friday: 9:00 am-4:00 pm Phone Line Open Daily 8:00am-5:00pm. . Approximately a third of Washington homes use septic systems for wastewater treatment. Septic System Records Search; Septic System Maintenance Records Search; Contact. The loan program is a partnership between the Department of Ecology, the Department of Health, local county and health departments, and Craft3, a nonprofit community lender. Directions. With just a few simple steps, you can protect your septicand avoid costly repairs. Planning Combined, these systems treat 154 million gallons of wastewater annually. Septic systems that have a curtain drain installed around them, often are dependent on a functioning curtain drain. Environmental Health Contact numbers: Shelton: 360-427-9670, Ext. How to take care of septic systems A hose with a nozzle can be used to pre-clean risers, plumbing, and inspection ports. Chelan-Douglas Health District200 Valley Mall ParkwayEast Wenatchee, WA 98802, Hours9AM - 5PM | Monday - Thursday9AM - 12PM | Friday, After HoursTo report an urgent public health concern call:(509) 886-6499. A septic system evaluation can be performed by a septic system professional. On-site Sewage Systems Chapter 246-272A WAC. . Approved OSS site design applications submitted online since May 2019 are also available. 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. Keeping drains free from blockage ensures that surface water is being moved properly around your septic system. Proper hygienic practices minimize the risk of exposure to disease causing agents that are found in sewage. 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 [email protected]. Protect your system from damage. Remove gross contamination from your equipment. Household size. Please arrive no later than 3:30 p.m. Rinse: Spraying down portions of your septic system may result in exposure to sewage. Health Programs, Healthy Communities, WIC, Nurse/Family Partnership. In the past there were no standards for septic systems and permits were not required. How would you like to receive your "as-built": Before 1975, permits were not required by law. 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. 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. These areas provide a transmission corridor for viruses and bacteria to enter the body. Maintaining your septic system will save you money as well as help maintain or improve surface and groundwater quality in Skagit County. It is also wise to keep a record of maintenance on the system. Others are more complex, requiring pumps, filters, or specially designed materials. A property owner with a pump system must have additional training to demonstrate competency with pump systems. If at any time you do not feel comfortable or confident in your ability to evaluate and maintain your septic system without the risk of becoming ill or injured, you should hire a licensed O&M Specialist to perform the work for you. Well reports also contain information about location, owner name, driller name, and the quantity of water a well produces. Avoid chemical drain openers for a clogged drain. 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. Certifications Don't wait until you have a problem. 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. outlet baffle, and 3) distribution box (if present) within 30 days of inspection. The chemicals can alter the natural biological conditions found in your septic system. The final treatment occurs in the soil of your drainfield. It . It provides Washingtonians access to affordable financing for the repair and replacement of septic systems. 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. Additives and old cures such as using cabbage, hamburger, yeast, etc., have no beneficial effect on your septic system, but will lead to more frequent pumping of your septic system. 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. Thank you for your patience as we continue to update our new website. If youd like us to call you, please provide a phone number. During the 2020-2022 Project, we are sampling water quality, performing visual surveys, and providing free technical assistance and rebates.
washington state septic records