In these cases, it may be increasingly difficult to maintain your septic system without a significant amount of effort. Know where the system is and keep a diagram of its location. LISTINGS, System Read the meter once all faucets are off, and then wait a few hours and check the meter again. Garbage disposals are frequently installed in new homes. Tank lids come in different shapes and sizes. Gloves are the first line of defense for the average do-it-yourselfer. Proper hygienic practices minimize the risk of exposure to disease causing agents that are found in sewage. In the area near your drainfield, arrange products and tools where you can: Septic systems that contain a pump also include an electrical element. Complete a septic application using the online permitting portal. Never pour cooking oil or grease down the drain. Include the parcel number and street address and we will search our files for the drawings. 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. 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. *: Which best describes your role in visiting our site today? 311 Grand Avenue | Bellingham, WA 98225 | Phone: 360-778-5000 [] . It does not mean that you do not have a septic system or that it is failed or illegal. A leaky toilet can waste hundreds of gallons of water a day. 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. Septic systems use a combination of nature and time-tested technology to treat wastewater from household plumbing produced by bathrooms, kitchen drains, and laundry. Public Records Requests 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. 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. This process may require the use of a stiff bristled brush to remove all contaminants. NOTICE OF DATA SECURITY INCIDENT (SPANISH). 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. Contact us at [email protected] (253) 649-1925. Septic systems use a combination of nature and time-tested technology to treat wastewater from household plumbing produced by bathrooms, kitchen drains, and laundry. 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. 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. Protective clothing should be worn whenever you maintain your septic system. A homeowner maintaining a pump system should minimize electrical hazards where appropriate. That way, they can perform any required maintenance while on site. See Department of Health Gravity Septic System inspection guide for a complete checklist and necessary tools. Please note- many other septic systems exist, we are only discussing those allowed to be inspected by homeowners through this course. 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. 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. Septic systems treat wastewater when homes and buildings are not connected to public sewer systems. Meet septic system requirements before you do. As-built drawings can be obtained at the Skagit County Online Septic Search. The rule of thumb for planting is to use only shallow-rooted plants such as grasses. Search for septic and drinking water records in our online search tool. Greases can congeal anywhere in your plumbing or septic system. Real estate professionals need to inform both the buyer and seller of this requirement. They allow for development in outlying communities, help protect groundwater and waterways, and reduce exposure to untreated sewage. Combined, these systems treat 154 million gallons of wastewater annually. If not, please do not enter anything in this field. The scale should be described on your as-built. Assemble the following items when decontaminating your equipment and tools: Decontamination of equipment or tools should include a four-step process. A garbage disposal adds more solid material to your septic system. Reduce the risk of contaminating groundwater and surface water. If the meter has moved, yet you have used no water during that time, you may have a very slow leak. Customer service counter opens at 9:30 a.m. the first and third Thursdays of every month. It Mason County, WA. Septic systems lacking records are considered "suspected" o r "assumed" and are colored RED on the . Green grass or depressions in your yard may be indications of where your tank is located. The Health District maintains records of existing on-site sewage systems for your convenience. . Install flow restrictors on all or select faucets. Flow restrictors on showers and other high volume water fixtures can dramatically reduce your consumption of water. 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. Proper maintenance is defined in the code as: If electrical problems are identified, a homeowner should contact a licensed Electrician. If still warm and in liquid form, the grease can be poured off easily into a water-tight container such as a coffee can and disposed of in the trash. Let it cool, harden, and then throw it away in the trash. For this reason, equipment, clothing, and tools that have been splashed with or immersed in effluent or sewage, must be decontaminated. If youd like us to call you, please provide a phone number. 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. 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. The average size of a 1000 gallon tank is 5'x8'. Commercial properties and non-owner occupied properties may also qualify. Lids are heavy and may be difficult to remove. 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 . 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. . Birth & Death Certificates, Food Worker Cards, Public Records Request, Report a Complaint & Fees. 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. A septic system is a huge property investment, so maintaining the one youve got is cheaper than replacing the entire system. . 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. Failing septic systems can result in sewage backing up in the home or entering local waterways and groundwater supplies posing a public health threat. 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. 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. Save your money from septic tank additives. For a typical household, septic tanks are usually pumped every three to five years. 411 N 5th St Shelton WA 98584 (360) 427-9670 . Lids may be square, round or rectangular, and are typically large enough to allow for the tank to be pumped out. There are a number of older homes where something was installed years ago that makes the wastewater go away but where it goes and how it functions is unknown. INFORMATIONAL Fortunately, help is now available in every Washington county. Directory Septic Application Turnaround Times Total wastewater generated. Wastewater Rules and Regulations | Washington State Department of Health Wastewater Rules and Regulations Fees Chapter 246-272 WAC, Wastewater and Reclaimed Water Use Fees On-site Sewage Systems Chapter 246-272A WAC, On-Site Sewage Systems Chapter 246-273 WAC, On-Site Sewage Additives Rakes can be used to lift floats and screens. 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. Probe suspected tank locations first, rather than digging up the soil only to find nothing. 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. For more information, click the buttons below. Many things you do in your yard or on your property can affect the systems function and performance. Health Programs, Healthy Communities, WIC, Nurse/Family Partnership. Prescription medication. 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.). coming into our offices, or calling us at 509.460.4205. Paper Application. With just a few simple steps, you can protect your septicand avoid costly repairs. outlet baffle, and 3) distribution box (if present) within 30 days of inspection. After completing your inspection and necessary maintenance, you should shower or bathe, even if you dont feel like youve been exposed to sewage. In addition, some garbage disposals are capable of grinding or shredding material to a very fine size. It has been partially treated but still contains disease-causing bacteria and other pollutants. Minor septic system issues can turn into big costly problems. 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. 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. In the past there were no standards for septic systems and permits were not required. 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. 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. Thank you for your patience as we continue to update our new website. Septic systems produce gases that can be explosive or are capable of displacing oxygen. A failing septic system is usually a costly and urgent situation for homeowners. Please allow up to five business days for a response. Expect to hear from us within 5 days. 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. Some tanks have smaller lids on each end of the tank to allow for inspection of inlet and outlet baffles. 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). 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. On-site Sewage Systems Chapter 246-272A WAC. Some plumbing (like toilets) can leak so slowly that it is difficult to hear or see signs of a leak. 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. Lids will likely be located near both ends of the tank. Wood Stove Rule - Is My Wood Stove Okay to Use? Get email alerts based on your topic preferences like news releases, job openings, emergency updates and more! These materials do not decompose or breakdown easily, if at all. will be sent back to the homeowner for revision. Maintaining your septic system will save you money as well as help maintain or improve surface and groundwater quality in Skagit County. Any exceptions to the above conditions must have written approval of Skagit County Environmental Public Health staff. Protecting your face, eyes, and mouth will minimize your risk of illness. ), all septic system parts should be vented thoroughly. Grease can also clog the pores in your soil, damaging your drainfield and may lead to system failure. To search for septic or drinking water records, you'll need to enter your property ID number or GeoID or parcel number. Approved OSS site design applications submitted online since May 2019 are also available. Feminine hygiene products such as tampons or pads. Reduce the risk of people getting sick from untreated sewage. Tacoma, WA 98418-6813 (253) 649-1500 (800) 330-1844 TDD (253) 649-1400. One of the main site characteristics that determines the type of system you have is the depth of native, unsaturated soil beneath the drainfield and above a water table or other restrictive layer. 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. If your washing machine has load settings, make sure you select the proper load size. How to take care of septic systems Remove gross contamination from your equipment. The chemicals can alter the natural biological conditions found in your septic system. As-builts are drawings that oftentimes are drawn to scale or otherwise help describe the location of your septic system. View your operations and maintenance report on onlineRMEOn Site Septic formsReport a public health concern, 2023 Clark County Washington OSS records The system type will be noted in multiple places within the permit. Learn the basics of septic system design, maintenance, and dos and donts to keep your septic system working well as long as possible. If youd like a reply, please provide an email address. Common in rural areas without centralized sewer systems, septic systems are underground wastewater treatment structures that you own and operate. This will be located downhill from the septic tank outlet baffle (unless there is a pump). 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. SepticSmart EPA offers advice on proper septic care and brochures and factsheets for homeowners. Rakes, shovels, and poles can be used to reach components that are well below ground or out of reach. Customer service counter opens at 9:30 a.m. the first and third Thursdays of every month. Privacy Policy Flow restrictors are an easy and effective means to reduce water consumption. 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 . 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. Rinse: Spraying down portions of your septic system may result in exposure to sewage. These inspections can identify small issues and fix them before they become big, costly repairs. Pouring toxins down your drain can kill these organisms and harm your septic system. Once these products congeal, they can cause blockages in your system. Departments / Elected . . Search for previous service and inspection reports online. 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. Make sure the nursery understands you need plants that are shallow rooted and require little watering. The scale is typically depicted in inches to feet. Financial assistance How would you like to receive your "as-built": Before 1975, permits were not required by law. We Issue Septic Permits, Inspect Final Septic Installations, And Investigate Complaints Associated With On-Site Sewage Systems Septic System Failure Grease is a common household waste product that many people flush or rinse down the drain. This program supports healthy shellfish and fisheries, and helps ensure Washingtonians have access to swimming beaches and recreation.. 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. Thank you for your patience as we continue to update our new website. The next step required to maintain your system is to dig up and remove your septic tank lids. Materials that are flushed may get caught up on this congealed ooze and the blockage worsens. To learn more, check out our 3D septic system models. Proper decontamination of equipment is an important task that will minimize your risk of becoming ill.