Some tanks have smaller lids on each end of the tank to allow for inspection of inlet and outlet baffles. On *: Regional On-Site Sewage System Loan Program, Copyright Washington State Department of Ecology. Use a brush to clean the hard to reach portions of the tools. Fortunately, help is now available in every Washington county. Mailing Address 615 Sheridan Street Port Townsend, WA . Report. 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. You may find junction boxes, wires, or other electrical connections in the pump chamber. Since 2008, Washington state law and Island County code have required that all septic systems be inspected at the time of property transfer. A properly functioning septic system helps remove these pollutants so well water and nearby surface water doesn't get contaminated. Assemble the following items when decontaminating your equipment and tools: Decontamination of equipment or tools should include a four-step process. Probe suspected tank locations first, rather than digging up the soil only to find nothing. The more wastewater you produce, the more wastewater the soil must treat and dispose. This program supports healthy shellfish and fisheries, and helps ensure Washingtonians have access to swimming beaches and recreation.. Properly built and maintained septic systems have many benefits. Contact information; Hours & location Caring for Your Septic System | Washington State Department of Health Caring for Your Septic System Inspect Your System 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. Well reports also contain information about location, owner name, driller name, and the quantity of water a well produces. 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. Phone: : 360-385-9444. Approved OSS site design applications submitted online since May 2019 are also available. It has been partially treated but still contains disease-causing bacteria and other pollutants. outlet baffle, and 3) distribution box (if present) within 30 days of inspection. These gases can sink or rise, displacing oxygen that you need to breathe. This requirement went into effect September 1, 2010. 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. A hose with a nozzle can be used to pre-clean risers, plumbing, and inspection ports. Gloves are the first line of defense for the average do-it-yourselfer. When a failing septic system is fixed, the benefits go beyond the home. The lids on the tank are circular, 20"-24" in diameter and 5'-5 ' apart. Expanding the program statewide was made possible with funding support from the state legislature. Discharging effluent onto the ground's surface or into surface and ground water is against Washington State law. OSS records. What is a septic system? A typical conventional gravity system will not have any mechanical devices to convey water or material; gravity will do all of the required work. If your system was installed before 1975, no records may be available. Lids will likely be located near both ends of the tank. Thurston County also performs this service for a fee. Your septic system contains a collection of living organisms that digest and treat household waste. The pollutants harm local ecosystems by killing native plants, fish, and shellfish. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. Don't select the large-load cycle if you're washing a small amount of laundry. Covering the eyes, mouth, and any open cuts is particularly important. Household Hazardous Waste Facility: 14104 Ovenell Road, Mount Vernon, WA 98273 RSS Guidance for properties with multiple structures. Rinse: Start by rinsing the equipment and tools with water from your garden hose. 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. Others are more complex, requiring pumps, filters, or specially designed materials. Garbage disposals are frequently installed in new homes. Thank you for your patience as we continue to update our new website. Tanks installed after 1976 are two compartment tanks and both compartments will need to be pumped out. 411 N 5th St Shelton WA 98584 (360) 427-9670 . The Snohomish County Health Department works to ensure that septic systems are located and installed correctly, and kept in good working condition. Guidelines, Standards, Rules & Regulations Oftentimes, when tanks are installed, the dirt used to cover them has a different texture than the surrounding area. Financial assistance 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. You can hire a septic professional to do the inspection or, if your local health department allows it, you can do the inspection yourself. View your operations and maintenance report on onlineRMEOn Site Septic formsReport a public health concern, 2023 Clark County Washington 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. . Any exceptions to the above conditions must have written approval of Skagit County Environmental Public Health staff. 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 . 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 . 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. They allow for development in outlying communities, help protect groundwater and waterways, and reduce exposure to untreated sewage. There are a number of things you can do to check for leaks. The Drainfield The drainfield receives septic tank effluent. Using gloves will minimize your exposure risk. see the Washington State Department of . Greases can congeal anywhere in your plumbing or 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. 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 Poor landscaping can cause septic system problems, including premature failure of your septic system. . Septic systems treat wastewater when homes and buildings are not connected to public sewer systems. The chemicals can alter the natural biological conditions found in your septic system. 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. Failing septic systems can result in sewage backing up in the home or entering local waterways and groundwater supplies posing a public health threat. Directory Septic Application Turnaround Times If electrical problems are identified, a homeowner should contact a licensed Electrician. Your septic system is not capable of handling many wastes that you may generate in your home. Do-It-Yourself Septic System Inspection Video. Adam Zimmerman, President and CEO of Craft3. You can check for leaks in your toilet too. 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. see the Washington State Department of . These cases may require the help of a licensed O&M Specialist. Well-functioning and properly maintained septic systems can effectively treat household wastewater for many years. 311 Grand Avenue | Bellingham, WA 98225 | Phone: 360-778-5000 [] . Baby wipes, cleaning wipes, or any moist towelettes. To search for septic or drinking water records, you'll need to enter your property ID number or GeoID or parcel number. You may get splashed or sprayed with raw sewage. Get email alerts based on your topic preferences like news releases, job openings, emergency updates and more! NOTE:Before 1975, permits were not required by law. If you cannot locate your drainfield, please contact public health or a certified O&M provider for help finding your drainfield. Public Records; Smoke-Free Housing Information; View. Care must be taken to properly clean electronic tools such as drills or screw drivers. Learn the basics of septic system design, maintenance, and dos and donts to keep your septic system working well as long as possible. The Health District maintains records of existing on-site sewage systems for your convenience. Pouring toxins down your drain can kill these organisms and harm your septic system. Install flow restrictors on all or select faucets. 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. Using a garbage disposal on a septic system is not recommended. To assist in this process, please have your address and/or your parcel ID number available. 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. 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. 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. Some plumbing (like toilets) can leak so slowly that it is difficult to hear or see signs of a leak. As of Sept. 1, homeowners with septic systems in every Washington county have access to affordable financing for septic repair and replacement. Tacoma, WA 98418-6813 (253) 649-1500 (800) 330-1844 TDD (253) 649-1400. Reducing water use will limit the demand you place on your septic system. Eliminate or limit the use of a garbage disposal. 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. This is called vertical separation, and you can see in the figure how the vertical separation determines the type of system needed for a specific site. Tacoma, WA 98418-6813 (253) 649-1500 (800) 330-1844 TDD (253) 649-1400. Directions. It does not mean that you do not have a septic system or that it is failed or illegal. With just a few simple steps, you can protect your septicand avoid costly repairs. NOTICE OF DATA SECURITY INCIDENT (SPANISH). As-built drawings can be obtained at the Skagit County Online Septic Search. Wood Stove Rule - Is My Wood Stove Okay to Use? Then, they will submit a report to Public Health about the status of your system. In the area near your drainfield, arrange products and tools where you can: Septic systems that contain a pump also include an electrical element. Chronic Disease, Communicable Diseases, &Immunizations. Certifications 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 These records will be helpful if problems occur, and will be valuable to the next owner of your home. 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. French drains, curtain drains, or shallow diversion ditches can help move water out and around your septic system. Instead, use boiling water or a drain snake. Save you money and extend the life of your system. 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. In addition, the dirt used to cover the tank will settle over time, creating a shallow depression. Include the parcel number and street address and we will search our files for the drawings. Use approximately 1 cups of bleach per gallon of water (www.osha.gov) Other products, including peroxide sanitizers are effective too. The final step to evaluating your system is completing the appropriate Skagit County Health Department On-Site Sewage System (OSS) Homeowner Report. 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. records on any property. The scale should be described on your as-built. In the plumbing, liquids will carry solid materials out of your dwelling towards downstream components. Were you able to find what you were looking for today? Exposing these areas to sewage increases a persons risk of contracting an illness. 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. See Department of Health Gravity Septic System inspection guide for a complete checklist and necessary tools. *: Which best describes your role in visiting our site today? Options for inspecting your system include: Pump out your septic tank when needed. Missing information, photographs, etc. . Check the Washington Department of Labor and Industries to find information about electricians. Learn more about water conservation and water recycling. Some are simple, using only a tank and a drainfield. Environmental Health Contact numbers: Shelton: 360-427-9670, Ext. 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. LISTINGS, System Pressure distribution systems are similar to conventional gravity systems, except that only the effluent should flow out of your septic tank and into your pump tank. Healthy septic systems are good for your family, your wallet and the environment. Harsh chemicals including acids, bases, pesticides, herbicides, oils, paints, and varnishes should never be drained into any fixture that leads to your septic 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. To find out what type of system you have, take a look at your propertys as built records. Shovels can be used to evaluate the depth of the scum and sludge found in your septic tank. 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. Oftentimes, the metal handle used to remove the lid may become rotted, and will not support the weight of the lid, nor be usable for popping off the lid. Proper decontamination of equipment is an important task that will minimize your risk of becoming ill. Approximately a third of Washington homes use septic systems for wastewater treatment. 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. See Ecology's. These inspections can identify small issues and fix them before they become big, costly repairs. 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. Septic systems produce gases that can be explosive or are capable of displacing oxygen. Maintenance The Atrium (Environmental Health) 3000 Pacific Ave Olympia, WA 98501 Phone: 360-867-2685 Mailing Address . Septic Applications in 3 Easy Steps. 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. Search for septic and drinking water records in our online search tool. At a minimum, wash your hands using soap and hot water. For information on failing septic systems, please see our Septic Failure Brochure. The next step required to maintain your system is to dig up and remove your septic tank lids. 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. Your groundwater and Puget Sound lakes, rivers, and beaches benefit, too! 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. Health Information Privacy Information Tools can be used to further minimize your exposure to the sewage contained in your septic system. Never mix sanitizers! Port Townsend, WA 98368. Household bleach is a very effective sanitizer for killing bacteria and viruses. While the Septics 201 online program provides the basic information necessary to operate and maintain most gravity septic systems, it cannot address every condition and situation that may be encountered. 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. Environmental Health Services Create a Website Account - Manage notification subscriptions, save form progress and more. 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. These gases can be odorless and may deprive you of oxygen. . Generally, the more people in the home, the more often you need to pump. & 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 Manager of Healthy People & Communities. Thank you for your patience as we continue to update our new website. Find a certified O&M provider. Please allow up to five business days for a response. Lists of certified professionals Plant trees and shrubs away from your septic tank and drainfield to keep roots from growing into your septic system. Water usage is likely the biggest contributor to a failed septic system. Patient information should not be disclosed to the answering service. Look for a medication take-back program in your area. An inspection report from a homeowner will only be accepted if the report is for that property owners OSS system. These materials do not decompose or breakdown easily, if at all. 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. Let it cool, harden, and then throw it away in the trash. A failing septic system is usually a costly and urgent situation for homeowners. 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 If documents are not available please contact Clark County Public Health at (360) 397-8428. Minor septic system issues can turn into big costly problems. Customer service counter opens at 9:30 a.m. the first and third Thursdays of every month. This process may require the use of a stiff bristled brush to remove all contaminants. To learn more, check out these 3D septic system models. How would you like to receive your "as-built": Before 1975, permits were not required by law. Septic tank size. Washington State Department of Health. As of Sept. 1, the Regional On-Site Sewage System Loan Program has expanded state-wide, adding 17 counties to this successful program. The descriptions below may also help you determine your system type. 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 . Flushing them will increase the need to pump, maintain and repair your system. On-site Program staff review and comment on land development projects and activities such as Subdivisions, Special Use Permits, Boundary . Concrete lids may become cemented into place due to the shrinking and swelling of concrete. There are many different types of systems. Common in rural areas without centralized sewer systems, septic systems are underground wastewater treatment structures that you own and operate. . The best way to determine your system type is to review your septic permit. 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. 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. Are You Prepared, Severe Weather, Wildfires, Vulnerable Populations & Limited English Proficiency. It provides Washingtonians access to affordable financing for the repair and replacement of septic systems. The online septic case records include, if available, the permit application, the approved permit and conditions, the asbuilt or record drawing and construction report, the approved design, the soil report, and letters from JCPH since septic system installation. For these reasons, a person should do everything possible to minimize risk of exposure to gas. Drainfield and the reserve areas. Please note this is the number of our answering service, and you will receive a call back from Public Health. Paper Application. We recommend searching by the 12-digit tax parcel number. On-site Sewage Systems Chapter 246-272A WAC. They include both new construction and repairs to failing systems. . If you have a water meter on your property, you can easily figure out how much water you and your family are using. If heavy rains cause water to sit around your septic system, avoid putting water down your drains. After reviewing this information and the training videos listed below, homeowners may evaluate their own on-site sewage system (OSS). Methane gas is produced by decomposition of organic materials. The drainfield is the final and the most downstream component in your septic system. Old homes may not have a septic permit or the as-built may be unreliable. 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. The completed form must include photos of. 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. Septic systems that have a curtain drain installed around them, often are dependent on a functioning curtain drain. System Summary 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. Wash only full loads of dishes and laundry. Again, using the garden hose, rinse the soap from the equipment; this will ensure the soaps do not bind with the sanitizer. The system type will be noted in multiple places within the permit. Flow restrictors on showers and other high volume water fixtures can dramatically reduce your consumption of water. If your system was installed before 1975, no records may be available. How to take care of septic systems Remove gross contamination from your equipment. If you prefer, download and print a paper application (PDF), and mail to: Washington County Government Center Public Health . will be sent back to the homeowner for revision. A homeowner maintaining a pump system should minimize electrical hazards where appropriate. A person should never, for any reason, enter the confines of a septic system, especially tanks. The pressure can compact the soil and damage pipes. Keep accurate records of your septic system. . Maintaining your septic system will save you money as well as help maintain or improve surface and groundwater quality in Skagit County. 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. Septic System Records Search; Septic System Maintenance Records Search; Contact. They include both new construction and repairs to failing systems. If the meter has moved, yet you have used no water during that time, you may have a very slow leak. Anyone can access those records by searching our online records database. You may be able to use a metal detector to help you locate the tanks as they are made of concrete with rebar, and the handles on the lids are usually made of metal wire. 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). Lids are heavy and may be difficult to remove. If shellfish filter polluted water, they can become unsafe for humans to eat. Faucets and toilets should be free of any leakage. Brochures Your local health agency may have a more stringent inspection requirement. Some household products are advertised as septic safe. 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. A garbage disposal adds more solid material to your septic system. Craft3's Clean Water Loans - Craft3 offers financing for replacement of septic systems in many areas of Washington. Prescription medication. 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. Previously, Craft3 offered Clean Water Loans on a more-limited basis in partnership with specific counties. Materials that are flushed may get caught up on this congealed ooze and the blockage worsens.