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. Repair leaky faucets and plumbing fixtures. Once these products congeal, they can cause blockages in your system. Tacoma, WA 98418-6813 (253) 649-1500 (800) 330-1844 TDD (253) 649-1400. Landscape your system properly. 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. 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. Don't select the large-load cycle if you're washing a small amount of laundry. 311 Grand Avenue | Bellingham, WA 98225 | Phone: 360-778-5000 [] . The best way to determine your system type is to review your septic permit. The next step required to maintain your system is to dig up and remove your septic tank lids. Most tanks are covered by 12 to 18" of soil. Be aware that your meter readings may represent all of the water used, including irrigation. Using a garbage disposal on a septic system is not recommended. 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. 3020 Rucker AvenueEverett, WA 98201Phone: 425-339-5200. Septic systems use a combination of nature and time-tested technology to treat wastewater from household plumbing produced by bathrooms, kitchen drains, and laundry. will be sent back to the homeowner for revision. Some household products are advertised as septic safe. Your septic system contains a collection of living organisms that digest and treat household waste. Green grass or depressions in your yard may be indications of where your tank is located. 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. Check your OSS Application status Discharging effluent onto the ground's surface or into surface and ground water is against Washington State law. Your groundwater and Puget Sound lakes, rivers, and beaches benefit, too! Materials that are flushed may get caught up on this congealed ooze and the blockage worsens. 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. There is one for gravity systems and a different form for pump/pressure systems: Your form must be completed in its entirety. Others are more complex, requiring pumps, filters, or specially designed materials. Household bleach is a very effective sanitizer for killing bacteria and viruses. Again, using the garden hose, rinse the soap from the equipment; this will ensure the soaps do not bind with the sanitizer. At a minimum, wash your hands using soap and hot water. The scale is typically depicted in inches to feet. Reduce the risk of people getting sick from untreated sewage. 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. 14350 SE Eastgate Way Smaller problems can be fixed during the inspection. Garbage disposals are frequently installed in new homes. 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. Report. 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. Flushing them will increase the need to pump, maintain and repair your system. Rakes can be used to lift floats and screens. Brochures 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. Are you a robot? This will be located downhill from the septic tank outlet baffle (unless there is a pump). Plant trees and shrubs away from your septic tank and drainfield to keep roots from growing into your septic system. If shellfish filter polluted water, they can become unsafe for humans to eat. Interested homeowners can apply for a Clean Water Loan by visiting the Craft3 website. 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. Environmental Health 415 N. 6th Street Shelton, WA 98584. Household size. Water coming from roof drains, driveways or other surfaces should be directed away from your septic system. As of Sept. 1, homeowners with septic systems in every Washington county have access to affordable financing for septic repair and replacement. Subtract the smaller number from the larger; the difference is the amount of water you used since the previous time you read the meter. Learn the basics of septic system design, maintenance, and dos and donts to keep your septic system working well as long as possible. Craft3's Clean Water Loans - Craft3 offers financing for replacement of septic systems in many areas of Washington. Your local health agency may have a more stringent inspection requirement. 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. A septic system, also known as an on-site sewage system (OSS), stores, treats, and disposes of the things you flush and send down drains. In gravity plumbing, liquids will carry solid materials out of your dwelling towards downstream components. Installers, Designers Board of Health Meetings; Fee Schedule; . Prior to using any electrical device (screwdrivers, drills, flashlights, etc. 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. If you cannot remove the lid, contact a licensed O&M Specialist. Contact information; Hours & location If electrical problems are identified, a homeowner should contact a licensed Electrician. I can't find my record drawingrequest Health Department search for a record you can't locate. 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. INFORMATIONAL 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 septic system parts should be vented thoroughly. A septic system, also known as an on-site sewage system (OSS), stores, treats, and disposes of the things you flush and send down drains. Department of Ecology News Release - Sept. 21, 2021. See Ecology's. The septic tank will provide room for the solids to settle out and begin to decompose. Approved OSS site design applications submitted online since May 2019 are also available. It does not mean that you do not have a septic system or that it is failed or illegal. A garbage disposal adds more solid material to your septic system. Proper maintenance is defined in the code as: They allow for development in outlying communities, help protect groundwater and waterways, and reduce exposure to untreated sewage. Household chemicals like gasoline, oil, pesticides, antifreeze, and paint. Every drip, drop, sprinkle, or spray of water that goes down a shower, sink, toilet, or drain will end up being processed by your septic system. 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. Environmental Health records (including on-site sewage records) are available online. Our reply (from PAEGAT25) may go to your email's Spam folder. . Phone: : 360-385-9444. The drainfield is the final and the most downstream component in your septic system. 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. Use approximately 1 cups of bleach per gallon of water (www.osha.gov) Other products, including peroxide sanitizers are effective too. Free viewers are required for some of the attached documents.They can be downloaded by clicking on the icons below. Be sure to: Complete additional routine maintenance that is required for some system types. Options for inspecting your system include: Pump out your septic tank when needed. If you hear a hollow thud and the rebar stops going deeper, you may have found a tank. For example, a scale of 1 = 20 means that every inch on the paper is equal to 20 feet in your yard. Thank you for your patience as we continue to update our new website. The Health District maintains records of existing on-site sewage systems for your convenience. Curtain drains may require some maintenance themselves. Adam Zimmerman, President and CEO of Craft3. Shellfish that grow in marine waters are harvested from our beaches and can become contaminated by failing septic systems. . Public Records Requests To assist in this process, please have your address and/or your parcel ID number available. While leaning over the system, be sure to recognize that gases may have accumulated around where you are breathing. Electrical connections are typically buried and run underground from the dwelling to the pump tank. 400 . See Department of Health Gravity Septic System inspection guide for a complete checklist and necessary tools. You may get splashed or sprayed with raw sewage. A hose with a nozzle can be used to pre-clean risers, plumbing, and inspection ports. Port Townsend, WA 98368. Use water-saving devices such as faucet aerators and high-efficiency toilets, showerheads, dishwashers, and washing machines. They protect your eyes and mouth from the liquids in your septic system. The drainfield is where effluent is discharged into the environment. If youd like us to call you, please provide a phone number. The wastewater leaving the septic tank is a liquid called effluent. Brochures, OSS records Customer service counter opens at 9:30 a.m. the first and third Thursdays of every month. Local Health Department Your local health agency can help you locate your septic system, provide a list of certified septic pumpers, and if available, certify you to do your own septic system inspections. If heavy rains cause water to sit around your septic system, avoid putting water down your drains. Then, they will submit a report to Public Health about the status of your system. Grass may grow greener in these disturbed areas. Thurston County also performs this service for a fee. 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. Every owner of an on-site sewage system needs to know where their on-site sewage system is located in order to properly maintain it. Prescription medication. Routine pumping can prevent expensive failures such as a clogged drainfield or sewage backing up into the home. coming into our offices, or calling us at 509.460.4205. 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. A septic system is a huge property investment, so maintaining the one youve got is cheaper than replacing the entire system. 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. Never pour oil-based paints, solvents, or large volumes of toxic cleaners down the drain. WA 98368. Online portal submissions Properly built and maintained septic systems have many benefits. Anyone can access those records by searching our online records database. 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. If there is a slow leak, the food coloring will show up in the toilet bowl. Patient information should not be disclosed to the answering service. Remove the equipment and tools from the soap and water mixture. Landscaping in and around your septic system is important. 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. Keep accurate records of your septic system. Navigate to the Clark County PropertyInformation Center. Search for septic and drinking water records in our online search tool. Public health licenses these professionals, and maintains a list of System Maintenance 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. Protective clothing should be worn whenever you maintain your septic system. Building remodel permits Manager of Healthy People & Communities. Common in rural areas without centralized sewer systems, septic systems are underground wastewater treatment structures that you own and operate. As-built drawings can be obtained at the Skagit County Online Septic Search. 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. The probe can be used to identify the size and orientation of the tank (rectangle vs. round, 4 X 8 foot, etc). Methane gas is produced by decomposition of organic materials. Please note- many other septic systems exist, we are only discussing those allowed to be inspected by homeowners through this course. 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. Lids may be square, round or rectangular, and are typically large enough to allow for the tank to be pumped out. A person should never, for any reason, enter the confines of a septic system, especially tanks. see the Washington State Department of . The bigger the tank, the more capacity it has to handle solids and water, which could allow for more time between pumpings. 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. Covering the eyes, mouth, and any open cuts is particularly important. There is a 25 gallon / household / month limit, for free! Environmental Health Contact numbers: Shelton: 360-427-9670, Ext. Wash: Next, immerse the equipment into the 5-gallon bucket containing a soap and water mixture. Protecting your face, eyes, and mouth will minimize your risk of illness. Privacy Policy Due to differences in elevations, on some occasions, a pump is needed to get the sewage to the drainfield. 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. All other types of systems are required to be inspected at least once every year. Flow restrictors are an easy and effective means to reduce water consumption. 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. Well-functioning and properly maintained septic systems can effectively treat household wastewater for many years. To learn more, check out our 3D septic system models. 400 Belfair: 360-275-4467, Ext. Open the lid to your toilet tank and pour enough food coloring into the tank water to color the water. Educate property owners to make sure their septic system gets proper maintenance. OSS records. 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. Electrical connections should need very little maintenance if your pump controls and alarms are functioning as designed. Tanks installed after 1976 are two compartment tanks and both compartments will need to be pumped out. The descriptions below may also help you determine your system type. Face shields or goggles are recommended. This program supports healthy shellfish and fisheries, and helps ensure Washingtonians have access to swimming beaches and recreation.. 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. A septic system evaluation can be performed by a septic system professional. Customer service counter opens at 9:30 a.m. the first and third Thursdays of every month. Greases can congeal anywhere in your plumbing or septic system. outlet baffle, and 3) distribution box (if present) within 30 days of inspection. Besides human poop and pee, toilet paper, and soap used for washing, not much else should be going down your drain. Some gases found in properly functioning septic systems have different densities. We Issue Septic Permits, Inspect Final Septic Installations, And Investigate Complaints Associated With On-Site Sewage Systems Septic System Failure Splashing or spraying can and will occur. Rakes, shovels, and poles can be used to reach components that are well below ground or out of reach. 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. 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. Many things you do in your yard or on your property can affect the systems function and performance. Search for Records. Four major factors influence how often you need to pump your septic: Practice water conservation. 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. Evaluating, maintaining, or troubleshooting your septic system can expose you to the many pathogens or disease causing organisms found in human waste. Search for records on any property. The pressure can compact the soil and damage pipes. 411 N 5th St Shelton WA 98584 (360) 427-9670 . 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. 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. Please allow up to five business days for a response. 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). Well reports also contain information about location, owner name, driller name, and the quantity of water a well produces. Tools can be used to further minimize your exposure to the sewage contained in your septic system. For information on failing septic systems, please see our Septic Failure Brochure. If you cannot locate your drainfield, please contact public health or a certified O&M provider for help finding your drainfield. They include both new construction and repairs to failing systems. Remove gross contamination from your equipment. View your operations and maintenance report on onlineRMEOn Site Septic formsReport a public health concern, 2023 Clark County Washington These materials do not decompose or breakdown easily, if at all. It is also wise to keep a record of maintenance on the system. A properly functioning septic system helps remove these pollutants so well water and nearby surface water doesn't get contaminated. Septic systems that have a curtain drain installed around them, often are dependent on a functioning curtain drain. Food Safety, Land Development, Environmental Hazards, Water Recreation & Public Schools . Faucets and toilets should be free of any leakage. (Not compatible with Internet Explorer.) As per inspection requirements set forth in SCC 12.05.160 and WAC 246-272A-0270 a homeowner will become eligible to inspect their own septic system only if the following conditions are met: If you meet these conditions, your first step is to take the Septics 101 Class online . 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 step to evaluating your system is completing the appropriate Skagit County Health Department On-Site Sewage System (OSS) Homeowner Report. For this reason, equipment, clothing, and tools that have been splashed with or immersed in effluent or sewage, must be decontaminated. 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. Guidelines, Standards, Rules & Regulations Whitman. Water from roofs drains, driveways, patios, or sump pumps should be diverted away from the septic tank and drainfield area. Environmental Health Services Please arrive no later than 3:30 p.m. Everything you put down your drain or into the toilet will end up in your septic system. However, it can take up to 60 days to fulfill your request. Missing information, photographs, etc. Records of its size and location may be available at your local health department. No other OSS may be inspected by the homeowner. For a typical household, septic tanks are usually pumped every three to five years. To search for septic or drinking water records, you'll need to enter your property ID number or GeoID or parcel number. 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 decontamination of equipment is an important task that will minimize your risk of becoming ill. Don't put concrete or plastic over your septic system. Treatment component (if applicable) Distribution system. 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. The phone number is 360-385-9444. 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. With just a few simple steps, you can protect your septicand avoid costly repairs. Statewide access to this program is a win for homeowners, public health, and clean water. Directions. It is also recommended the first inspection of any OSS be done professionally. It is a 40 minute narrated presentation followed by a 20 question quiz on septic system basics. Generally, the more people in the home, the more often you need to pump. These records will be helpful if problems occur, and will be valuable to the next owner of your home. Look for a medication take-back program in your area. Please note this is the number of our answering service, and you will receive a call back from Public Health. Most people perceive a slow dripping faucet as nothing more than a nuisance; however, a septic system will be burdened by additional water going down the drain. Clean these tools in accordance with the manufacturers instructions. Instead, use boiling water or a drain snake. Healthy septic systems are good for your family, your wallet and the environment. Applications, permits and fees, Buying and selling properties Site Sewage Septic System Records Search; Septic System Maintenance Records Search; Contact. Expect to hear from us within 5 days. Were you able to find what you were looking for today? If your washing machine has load settings, make sure you select the proper load size. Keep water runoff away from your system. There are many different types of systems. As-Built Records Northeast Tri County Health District maintains records of permits for completed on-site sewage systems. Household Hazardous Waste Facility: 14104 Ovenell Road, Mount Vernon, WA 98273 Minor septic system issues can turn into big costly problems. A. On They include both new construction and repairs to failing systems. Find a certified O&M provider. Your septic system is not a trash can. The first step in maintaining your septic system is obtaining your septic permit. Oftentimes, when tanks are installed, the dirt used to cover them has a different texture than the surrounding area. Old homes may not have a septic permit or the as-built may be unreliable. 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. Don't wait until you have a problem. Health Information Privacy Information Many of these products can clog your plumbing and septic system. NOTICE OF DATA SECURITY INCIDENT (SPANISH). Never pour cooking oil or grease down the drain. To find out what type of system you have, take a look at your propertys as built records. . Since 2008, Washington state law and Island County code have required that all septic systems be inspected at the time of property transfer. For more information, click the buttons below. The completed form must include photos of. Program Activities Certification program for all septic system installers, pumpers and operations and monitoring specialists Complaint investigation relating to septic systems Education for homeowners and other professionals interested in septic systems Enforcement of state and local codes The septic tank will provide room for the solids to settle out and begin to decompose. 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.
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