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. Directory Septic Application Turnaround Times Septic Permitting Department of Ecology News Release - Sept. 21, 2021. 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. 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. 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. Food Safety, Land Development, Environmental Hazards, Water Recreation & Public Schools . Get email alerts based on your topic preferences like news releases, job openings, emergency updates and more! It 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. Your septic system contains a collection of living organisms that digest and treat household waste. Search for Records. 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. If your system was installed before 1975, no records may be available. Properly operating and maintaining your system is required by State and local regulations to ensure that our wastewater is not creating a source of pollution to local waterways or causing disease from contact with contaminated water. Some gases found in properly functioning septic systems have different densities. Eliminate or limit the use of a garbage disposal. Repair leaky faucets and plumbing fixtures. Lids are heavy and may be difficult to remove. Grass may grow greener in these disturbed areas. What is a septic system? 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. A leaky toilet can waste hundreds of gallons of water a day. Electrical connections should need very little maintenance if your pump controls and alarms are functioning as designed. A. Proper hygienic practices minimize the risk of exposure to disease causing agents that are found in sewage. coming into our offices, or calling us at 509.460.4205. If youd like a reply, please provide an email address. They can be purchased at your local hardware store and are fairly easy to install in a typical faucet. 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. 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. If electrical problems are identified, a homeowner should contact a licensed Electrician. Curtain drains may require some maintenance themselves. We Issue Septic Permits, Inspect Final Septic Installations, And Investigate Complaints Associated With On-Site Sewage Systems Septic System Failure It is likely that methane will also be found in your septic system. To learn more, check out our 3D septic system models. These gases can sink or rise, displacing oxygen that you need to breathe. Lids may be square, round or rectangular, and are typically large enough to allow for the tank to be pumped out. For example, a scale of 1 = 20 means that every inch on the paper is equal to 20 feet in your yard. State law (Chapter 246-272A-0270) requires that homeowners inspect and maintain their septic systems to ensure it is functioning properly. The lids on the tank are circular, 20"-24" in diameter and 5'-5 ' apart. Washington County Septic Systems The Environmental Health section issues permit for private sewage disposal systems and inspect new construction of private sewage septic disposal systems. See Department of Health Gravity Septic System inspection guide for a complete checklist and necessary tools. Wash only full loads of dishes and laundry. Please allow up to five business days for a response. To search for septic or drinking water records, you'll need to enter your property ID number or GeoID or parcel number. The wastewater leaving the septic tank is a liquid called effluent. There is one for gravity systems and a different form for pump/pressure systems: Your form must be completed in its entirety. 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. A typical conventional gravity system will not have any mechanical devices to convey water or material; gravity will do all of the required work. Instead, use boiling water or a drain snake. 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. As of Sept. 1, the Regional On-Site Sewage System Loan Program has expanded state-wide, adding 17 counties to this successful program. 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). Shovels can be used to evaluate the depth of the scum and sludge found in your septic tank. If not, please do not enter anything in this field. 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. Operation and maintenance of your home septic system begins with your actions inside the home. If heavy rains cause water to sit around your septic system, avoid putting water down your drains. These inspections can identify small issues and fix them before they become big, costly repairs. Septic tanks are settling chambers that allow time for solids and scum to separate out from wastewater, so clear liquid can safely filter into the drainfield. Directions. Plant trees and shrubs away from your septic tank and drainfield to keep roots from growing into your septic system. Combined, these systems treat 154 million gallons of wastewater annually. In the plumbing, liquids will carry solid materials out of your dwelling towards downstream components. Related Links The pressure can compact the soil and damage pipes. Septic systems use a combination of nature and time-tested technology to treat wastewater from household plumbing produced by bathrooms, kitchen drains, and laundry. Keep vehicles, heavy equipment, and livestock off your septic tank, drainfield, and drainfield replacement area. Probe suspected tank locations first, rather than digging up the soil only to find nothing. The effluent is distributed via pressure throughout the drainfield by utilizing small diameter pipes with small holes to distribute the liquid throughout the drainfield. INFORMATIONAL Faucets and toilets should be free of any leakage. Previously, Craft3 offered Clean Water Loans on a more-limited basis in partnership with specific counties. 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. No other OSS may be inspected by the homeowner. To assist in this process, please have your address and/or your parcel ID number available. . Water from roofs drains, driveways, patios, or sump pumps should be diverted away from the septic tank and drainfield area. 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. These materials do not decompose or breakdown easily, if at all. It is also recommended the first inspection of any OSS be done professionally. Old homes may not have a septic permit or the as-built may be unreliable. Wash: Next, immerse the equipment into the 5-gallon bucket containing a soap and water mixture. 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. Thank you for your patience as we continue to update our new website. *: Regional On-Site Sewage System Loan Program, Copyright Washington State Department of Ecology. You can check for leaks in your toilet too. Directory Septic Application Turnaround Times WA 98368. This will be located downhill from the septic tank outlet baffle (unless there is a pump). Island County code requires these inspections be completed by an Island County Licensed Maintenance Service Provider. 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. This does not mean that such a system is illegal or failed; it just means that a homeowner may have trouble conducting the evaluation. Find a certified O&M provider. 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. Septic Applications, Forms & Resources Browse applications, forms, and resources for septic systems. Craft3's Clean Water Loans - Craft3 offers financing for replacement of septic systems in many areas of Washington. How would you like to receive your "as-built": Before 1975, permits were not required by law. Guidelines, Standards, Rules & Regulations Many of these products can clog your plumbing and septic system. 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. 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. Tank lids come in different shapes and sizes. Rinse: Spraying down portions of your septic system may result in exposure to sewage. There are many different types of 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. Use water-saving devices such as faucet aerators and high-efficiency toilets, showerheads, dishwashers, and washing machines. Don't select the large-load cycle if you're washing a small amount of laundry. 411 N 5th St Shelton WA 98584 (360) 427-9670 . As-built drawings can be obtained at the Skagit County Online Septic Search. Applications, permits and fees, Buying and selling properties Board of Health Meetings; Fee Schedule; . Paper Application. Learn more about water conservation and water recycling. Planning . Protecting your face, eyes, and mouth will minimize your risk of illness. 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. Concrete lids may become cemented into place due to the shrinking and swelling of concrete. This process may require the use of a stiff bristled brush to remove all contaminants. Approved OSS site design applications submitted online since May 2019 are also available. Accessibility, View your Septic System Information Online, Community Health Assessment and Improvement Plan, Children and youth w/special health care needs, Nurse-Family Partnership - helping first-time parents succeed, View your Drinking Water Information Online, Food worker testing & manager certification, FAQ's for farmers markets, bazaars & temporary events, Positive and Adverse Childhood Experiences, Environmental health resources for schools, School Health and Safety Technical Advisory Group, View your operations and maintenance report on onlineRME, See if your septic system is documented appropriately, View inspection reports from November 2007 - Present, Get quick access to the same records our staff use: like as-built drawings or permits, As-built: shows location of on-site sewage system, Permit: documentation of permitted system, Previous Inspections: links to onlineRME.com to show recent operation and maintenance inspections. 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. The grease laden paper towel can then be disposed of in your trash. Public Records; Smoke-Free Housing Information; View. Failing septic systems can result in sewage backing up in the home or entering local waterways and groundwater supplies posing a public health threat. Keeping drains free from blockage ensures that surface water is being moved properly around your septic system. Food waste from garbage disposals fill the septic tank and can clog the drainfield. Properly built and maintained septic systems have many benefits. 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. Sanitize: After thoroughly rinsing the tools, immerse the equipment in a sanitizer solution. A person should never, for any reason, enter the confines of a septic system, especially tanks. A "how to" guide is available on the online permitting portal when applying for a septic permit. Scaling, like on a map, allows you to find things accurately. An inspection report from a homeowner will only be accepted if the report is for that property owners OSS system. 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. Face shields or goggles are recommended. It is imperative that you take all necessary precautions to minimize the risk of becoming sick or injured when conducting your inspection. A Sanitarian of the Day is available Monday through Friday from 9 to 10:30 a.m. on a first come, first served basis either by . 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. Pouring toxins down your drain can kill these organisms and harm your septic system. Expanding the program statewide was made possible with funding support from the state legislature. 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. If you have a water meter on your property, you can easily figure out how much water you and your family are using. Open the lid to your toilet tank and pour enough food coloring into the tank water to color the water. The Snohomish County Health Department works to ensure that septic systems are located and installed correctly, and kept in good working condition. 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). Please note- many other septic systems exist, we are only discussing those allowed to be inspected by homeowners through this course. Learn how to obtain sewage permit information. Links. Total wastewater generated. Washington State Department of Health. Four major factors influence how often you need to pump your septic: Practice water conservation. Approximately a third of Washington homes use septic systems for wastewater treatment. Installers, Designers . Routine inspections save time and money in the long run. Failing septic systems can leak into nearby ditches or streams where the sewage eventually ends up on our beaches where we swim, boat, and fish. Ideally these connections, when found in the pump tank, will be located in a junction box that keeps wire connections protected from breakage, while keeping the wires organized. 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. Know where the system is and keep a diagram of its location. In addition, the dirt used to cover the tank will settle over time, creating a shallow depression. 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. Get email alerts based on your topic preferences like news releases, job openings, emergency updates and more! Once these products congeal, they can cause blockages in your system. Lids will likely be located near both ends of the tank. The average size of a 1000 gallon tank is 5'x8'. This system is called Pump to Gravity Distribution. . 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. For this reason, equipment, clothing, and tools that have been splashed with or immersed in effluent or sewage, must be decontaminated. Environmental Health 415 N. 6th Street Shelton, WA 98584. will be sent back to the homeowner for revision. Poor landscaping can cause septic system problems, including premature failure of your septic system. To assist in this process, please have your address and/or your parcel ID number available. Contact information; Hours & location . At a minimum, wash your hands using soap and hot water. Proper decontamination of equipment is an important task that will minimize your risk of becoming ill. The system type will be noted in multiple places within the permit. Public Records Requests The bigger the tank, the more capacity it has to handle solids and water, which could allow for more time between pumpings. Garbage disposals are frequently installed in new homes. While they may not have a negative effect on your system, they do fill your septic system with wastes that require removal through pumping. Septic systems produce gases that can be explosive or are capable of displacing oxygen. . The drainfield is where effluent is discharged into the environment. Many flow restrictors have no mechanical parts while others reduce flow based upon pressure. 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 . Avoid chemical drain openers for a clogged drain. If you successfully locate your septic tank and remove its lids, the next step is to locate your drainfield. These areas provide a transmission corridor for viruses and bacteria to enter the body. Public health licenses these professionals, and maintains a list of System Maintenance Providers. SEPTIC SYSTEM You may get splashed or sprayed with raw sewage. Think of inspections like oil changes and routine maintenance for your car, you do a little here and there to keep it running for as long as possible. Methane gas is produced by decomposition of organic materials. Thurston County also performs this service for a fee. A homeowner maintaining a pump system should minimize electrical hazards where appropriate. If your system was installed before 1975, no records may be available. Make sure the nursery understands you need plants that are shallow rooted and require little watering. Using a garbage disposal on a septic system is not recommended. [Ver este comunicado de prensa en Espaol]. 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. Navigate to the Clark County PropertyInformation Center. 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. After completing your inspection and necessary maintenance, you should shower or bathe, even if you dont feel like youve been exposed to sewage. Flow restrictors are an easy and effective means to reduce water consumption. In gravity plumbing, liquids will carry solid materials out of your dwelling towards downstream components. Harsh chemicals including acids, bases, pesticides, herbicides, oils, paints, and varnishes should never be drained into any fixture that leads to your septic system. The environmentalists investigate complaints of septic system failures that contribute to land pollution. A properly functioning septic system helps remove these pollutants so well water and nearby surface water doesn't get contaminated. For a typical household, septic tanks are usually pumped every three to five years. & 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 Work with septic system professionals to approve system design,location and installation. Well reports also contain information about location, owner name, driller name, and the quantity of water a well produces. Please enable JavaScript in your browser for a better user experience. When a failing septic system is fixed, the benefits go beyond the home. Rakes can be used to lift floats and screens. Reduce the risk of people getting sick from untreated sewage. 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. Many things you do in your yard or on your property can affect the systems function and performance. The scale should be described on your as-built. There are many different types of systems. Directing surface water away from your tanks and drainfield will help your drainfield function as well as possible. Contact us at ehsepticsystems@tpchd.orgor (253) 649-1925. The next step required to maintain your system is to dig up and remove your septic tank lids. Create a Website Account - Manage notification subscriptions, save form progress and more. A property owner with a pump system must have additional training to demonstrate competency with pump systems. Common in rural areas without centralized sewer systems, septic systems are underground wastewater treatment structures that you own and operate. See Ecology's. Search for previous service and inspection reports online. On-site Sewage Systems Chapter 246-272A WAC. 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. I can't find my record drawingrequest Health Department search for a record you can't locate. Search for your record drawing using the following steps: Some common reasons that record drawings are not available online: If you do not find a record drawing, please send an email to as-built.help@kingcounty.gov. Search for septic and drinking water records in our online search tool. Sewage related records are typically marked with an "SWG". Building remodel permits Water coming from roof drains, driveways or other surfaces should be directed away from your septic system. Once the sewage is at the drainfield, it is dispersed via gravity within the drainfield. 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. Stay . System Summary Please arrive no later than 3:30 p.m. 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. French drains, curtain drains, or shallow diversion ditches can help move water out and around your septic system. Mason County, WA. Healthy septic systems are good for your family, your wallet and the environment. In these cases, it may be increasingly difficult to maintain your septic system without a significant amount of effort. 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. As-builts are drawings that oftentimes are drawn to scale or otherwise help describe the location of your septic system.