Food Safety, Land Development, Environmental Hazards, Water Recreation & Public Schools . Using a garbage disposal will increase the amount of solids entering the septic tank, requiring more frequent pumping. Well-functioning and properly maintained septic systems can effectively treat household wastewater for many years. 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. Options for inspecting your system include: Pump out your septic tank when needed. Protects the Environment Malfunctioning septic systems release bacteria, viruses, and chemicals that eventually enter streams, rivers, lakes, Puget Sound, and the ocean. records on any property. Thank you for your patience as we continue to update our new website. On-site Sewage Systems Chapter 246-272A WAC. . If you successfully locate your septic tank and remove its lids, the next step is to locate your drainfield. Lids may be square, round or rectangular, and are typically large enough to allow for the tank to be pumped out. Tacoma, WA 98418-6813 (253) 649-1500 (800) 330-1844 TDD (253) 649-1400. Adam Zimmerman, President and CEO of Craft3. On
If heavy rains cause water to sit around your septic system, avoid putting water down your drains. Scaling, like on a map, allows you to find things accurately. If you have a water meter on your property, you can easily figure out how much water you and your family are using. 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. Work with septic system professionals to approve system design,location and installation. Remove gross contamination from your equipment. 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. Whitman. Be sure to: Complete additional routine maintenance that is required for some system types. Don't put concrete or plastic over your septic system. Care must be taken to properly clean electronic tools such as drills or screw drivers. Rinse: Start by rinsing the equipment and tools with water from your garden hose. Washington Permits and Inspections Directory Advertising Search WA Public Records WA Marriage Records WA Divorce Records WA Criminal Records WA Death Records WA Birth Records WA Background Search Search Records By Name Find Permits and Inspections Resources in Washington Return to Top Return to Top Return to Top Return to Top Return to Top Directions. Anyone can access those records by searching our online records database. Feminine hygiene products such as tampons or pads. The On-site System Maintainer (OSM) will inspect your system components: Septic and pump tanks. 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. 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. It Site Sewage
Search for septic and drinking water records in our online search tool. Fortunately, help is now available in every Washington county. 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. 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. Covering the eyes, mouth, and any open cuts is particularly important. A person should never, for any reason, enter the confines of a septic system, especially tanks. Septic Applications, Forms & Resources Browse applications, forms, and resources for septic systems. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. If the label says, Danger, Warning or Caution bring it to the facility for proper disposal. Combined, these systems treat 154 million gallons of wastewater annually. 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. Old homes may not have a septic permit or the as-built may be unreliable. . Contact information; Hours & location Expanding the program statewide was made possible with funding support from the state legislature. Hygienic practices mentioned here will help you protect yourself. The Health District maintains records of existing on-site sewage systems for your convenience. 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. Your septic system is not capable of handling many wastes that you may generate in your home. Previously, Craft3 offered Clean Water Loans on a more-limited basis in partnership with specific counties. Grease is a common household waste product that many people flush or rinse down the drain. Some gases found in properly functioning septic systems have different densities. When a failing septic system is fixed, the benefits go beyond the home. 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. Most tanks are covered by 12 to 18" of soil. Flow restrictors are an easy and effective means to reduce water consumption. Your local health agency may have a more stringent inspection requirement. 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. Get email alerts based on your topic preferences like news releases, job openings, emergency updates and more! Bellevue, WA 98007, Phone: 206-477-8050 (answered until 3:00 pm), Link/share our site at www.kingcounty.gov/oss, Find certified small business contractors and suppliers, Private wells, plumbing and onsite sewage systems, Pollution Identification and Correction Program (PIC), On-site Sewage System Technical Advisory Committee Bylaws, On-site Sewage System Technical Advisory Committee Membership Application, Quarter 1 OSS TAC Meeting March 30, 2022, 9-11am on Zoom. Since 2008, Washington state law and Island County code have required that all septic systems be inspected at the time of property transfer. Electrical connections are typically buried and run underground from the dwelling to the pump tank. Chronic Disease, Communicable Diseases, &Immunizations. Related Links There is a 25 gallon / household / month limit, for free! 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. They include both new construction and repairs to failing systems. The completed form must include photos of. NOTE:Before 1975, permits were not required by law. Exposing these areas to sewage increases a persons risk of contracting an illness. OSS records If at any time you do not feel comfortable or confident in your ability to evaluate and maintain your septic system without the risk of becoming ill or injured, you should hire a licensed O&M Specialist to perform the work for you. Treatment component (if applicable) Distribution system. There are a number of things you can do to check for leaks. This is a cheap and easy way of assessing your toilet for leaks, which may otherwise be difficult to detect visually. The Washington state well report (log) viewer, our most popular online resource, allows you to search for and view detailed records of the construction and subsurface characteristics of individual wells. 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). The pump tank will store the effluent until it is conveyed to a drainfield. Harsh chemicals including acids, bases, pesticides, herbicides, oils, paints, and varnishes should never be drained into any fixture that leads to your septic system. 400 Belfair: 360-275-4467, Ext. . 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. While trouble-shooting, water can be used to simulate normal water flow through the septic system.
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. Departments / Elected . An inspection report from a homeowner will only be accepted if the report is for that property owners OSS system. 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. If at any time during the evaluation process you have questions, do not hesitate to call public health staff for assistance at (360) 416-1500 or e-mail eh@co.skagit.wa.us. Household size. Keeping drains free from blockage ensures that surface water is being moved properly around your septic system. The grease laden paper towel can then be disposed of in your trash. The Snohomish County Health Department works to ensure that septic systems are located and installed correctly, and kept in good working condition. will be sent back to the homeowner for revision. 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. RSS Guidance for properties with multiple structures. A property owner with a pump system must have additional training to demonstrate competency with pump systems. Materials that are flushed may get caught up on this congealed ooze and the blockage worsens. 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. 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. In gravity plumbing, liquids will carry solid materials out of your dwelling towards downstream components. A septic system is a huge property investment, so maintaining the one youve got is cheaper than replacing the entire system. Once you submit your quiz and contact information, we will have a record of you completing Septics 101. Your septic system contains a collection of living organisms that digest and treat household waste. Protect your system from damage. All other types of systems are required to be inspected at least once every year. The longevity of your on-site septic system relies heavily on the way that you care for it. SEPTIC SYSTEM
Were you able to find what you were looking for today? You must be able to observe the inlet and outlet of your septic tank. Providers
Lids will likely be located near both ends of the tank. 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. Lists of certified professionals NOTICE OF DATA SECURITY INCIDENT (SPANISH). 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. - Manage notification subscriptions, save form progress and more. Grass may grow greener in these disturbed areas. At a minimum, wash your hands using soap and hot water. The more wastewater you produce, the more wastewater the soil must treat and dispose. Fully immerse the tools and equipment in the solution as much as you can, let stand for 3 minutes or longer. However, it can take up to 60 days to fulfill your request. Port Townsend, WA 98368. A. Figuring out how many gallons of water per day that you have consumed, will allow you to evaluate if your septic system is operating per the original design. . Thank you for your patience as we continue to update our new website. A long piece of rebar can be pounded into the ground to look for a tank. Others are more complex, requiring pumps, filters, or specially designed materials. Some plumbing (like toilets) can leak so slowly that it is difficult to hear or see signs of a leak. Environmental Health 415 N. 6th Street Shelton, WA 98584. If your system was installed before 1975, no records may be available. Subtract the smaller number from the larger; the difference is the amount of water you used since the previous time you read the meter. Once these products congeal, they can cause blockages in your system. Health Information Privacy Information The Drainfield The drainfield receives septic tank effluent. & 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
The system type will be noted in multiple places within the permit. Maintenance
Household chemicals like gasoline, oil, pesticides, antifreeze, and paint. Public Records; Smoke-Free Housing Information; View. Learn the basics of septic system design, maintenance, and dos and donts to keep your septic system working well as long as possible. . The probe can be used to identify the size and orientation of the tank (rectangle vs. round, 4 X 8 foot, etc). 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. Tank lids come in different shapes and sizes. The Atrium (Environmental Health) 3000 Pacific Ave Olympia, WA 98501 Phone: 360-867-2685 Mailing Address . Protective clothing should be worn whenever you maintain your septic 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. Maintaining your system will require the use of your hands to do many things including lifting lids, operating sludge judges, lifting floats, pulling filters, and adjusting valves. Don't wait until you have a problem. Soil over your system should be slightly mounded to help surface water runoff. Learn how to obtain sewage permit information. Be aware that your meter readings may represent all of the water used, including irrigation. . Never mix sanitizers! How to take care of septic systems Install flow restrictors on all or select faucets. Customer service counter opens at 9:30 a.m. the first and third Thursdays of every month. Records of its size and location may be available at your local health department. *: Regional On-Site Sewage System Loan Program, Copyright Washington State Department of Ecology. As-builts are drawings that oftentimes are drawn to scale or otherwise help describe the location of your septic system. 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. Links. By reducing and balancing your use, you can extend the life of your drainfield, decrease the possibility of system failure, and avoid costly repairs. coming into our offices, or calling us at 509.460.4205. Protects Your Property Value An unusable septic system or one in disrepair will lower your property value and poses a potentially costly legal liability. 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. 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. Pouring toxins down your drain can kill these organisms and harm your septic system. Tanks installed after 1976 are two compartment tanks and both compartments will need to be pumped out. Shellfish that grow in marine waters are harvested from our beaches and can become contaminated by failing septic systems. Greases can congeal anywhere in your plumbing or septic system. Generally, the more people in the home, the more often you need to pump. OSS records. The wastewater leaving the septic tank is a liquid called effluent. Food waste from garbage disposals fill the septic tank and can clog the drainfield. A properly functioning septic system helps remove these pollutants so well water and nearby surface water doesn't get contaminated. 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.
A leaky toilet can waste hundreds of gallons of water a day. If at any time during the evaluation process you have questions, do not hesitate to call public health staff for assistance at (360) 416-1500 or e-mail eh@co.skagit.wa.us. 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. See Ecology's. Missing information, photographs, etc. see the Washington State Department of . A septic system evaluation can be performed by a septic system professional. 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. Any exceptions to the above conditions must have written approval of Skagit County Environmental Public Health staff. 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. You may find junction boxes, wires, or other electrical connections in the pump chamber. Some are simple, using only a tank and a drainfield. The chemicals can alter the natural biological conditions found in your septic system. How would you like to receive your "as-built": Before 1975, permits were not required by law. 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. Free viewers are required for some of the attached documents.They can be downloaded by clicking on the icons below. State law (Chapter 246-272A-0270) requires that homeowners inspect and maintain their septic systems to ensure it is functioning properly. If not, please do not enter anything in this field. 14350 SE Eastgate Way Green grass or depressions in your yard may be indications of where your tank is located. Applications, permits and fees, Buying and selling properties It is imperative that you take all necessary precautions to minimize the risk of becoming sick or injured when conducting your inspection. 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. Fax: : 360-379-4487. Statewide access to this program is a win for homeowners, public health, and clean water. System Summary
Curtain drains may require some maintenance themselves. 411 N 5th St Shelton WA 98584 (360) 427-9670 . Wood Stove Rule - Is My Wood Stove Okay to Use? If your washing machine has load settings, make sure you select the proper load size. While they may not have a negative effect on your system, they do fill your septic system with wastes that require removal through pumping. 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. Skagit Countys Septics 201 Online Training program is designed to help property owners maintain and use their septic system, as well as conduct regular evaluations of their OSS. Educate property owners to make sure their septic system gets proper maintenance. 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 Read the meter once all faucets are off, and then wait a few hours and check the meter again. 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. It does not mean that you do not have a septic system or that it is failed or illegal. 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. Use a brush to clean the hard to reach portions of the tools. That way, they can perform any required maintenance while on site. They include both new construction and repairs to failing systems. Prior to using any electrical device (screwdrivers, drills, flashlights, etc. To learn more, check out our 3D septic system models. Flow restrictors on showers and other high volume water fixtures can dramatically reduce your consumption of water. There are many different types of systems. Septic tank size. Mailing Address 615 Sheridan Street Port Townsend, WA . Stay . For information on failing septic systems, please see our Septic Failure Brochure. Grass is the best cover. Birth & Death Certificates, Food Worker Cards, Public Records Request, Report a Complaint & Fees. Environmental Health records (including on-site sewage records) are available online. Reducing water use will limit the demand you place on your septic system. 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. Besides human poop and pee, toilet paper, and soap used for washing, not much else should be going down your drain. It is likely that methane will also be found in your septic system. 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. 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. To search for septic or drinking water records, you'll need to enter your property ID number or GeoID or parcel number. Save your money from septic tank additives. Please note this is the number of our answering service, and you will receive a call back from Public Health. Lids are heavy and may be difficult to remove. Privacy Policy Board of Health Meetings; Fee Schedule; . Use approximately 1 cups of bleach per gallon of water (www.osha.gov) Other products, including peroxide sanitizers are effective too. It is also wise to keep a record of maintenance on the system. Customer service counter opens at 9:30 a.m. the first and third Thursdays of every month. 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. Discharging effluent onto the ground's surface or into surface and ground water is against Washington State law. The environmentalists investigate complaints of septic system failures that contribute to land pollution. Guidelines, Standards, Rules & Regulations Volume of solids in wastewater. Paper Application. Plant trees and shrubs away from your septic tank and drainfield to keep roots from growing into your septic system. If documents are not available please contact Clark County Public Health at (360) 397-8428. As-built drawings can be obtained at the Skagit County Online Septic Search. Certifications Splashing or spraying can and will occur. see the Washington State Department of . Additional water, clean or not, taxes your soils ability to accept all of the liquids landing on the soil. Your as-built or record drawing should describe the location of your drainfield. One way that you can identify a very slow leak is by shutting all faucets off and keeping them off for a period of time. 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. Are you a robot? Again, using the garden hose, rinse the soap from the equipment; this will ensure the soaps do not bind with the sanitizer. 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. Many older systems may vary in their configuration and construction. During the 2020-2022 Project, we are sampling water quality, performing visual surveys, and providing free technical assistance and rebates. In these cases, the owner will find it easier to utilize the services of a licensed O&M Specialist. Due to differences in elevations, on some occasions, a pump is needed to get the sewage to the drainfield. Rakes, shovels, and poles can be used to reach components that are well below ground or out of reach. 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. Faucets and toilets should be free of any leakage. This does not mean that such a system is illegal or failed; it just means that a homeowner may have trouble conducting the evaluation. The next step required to maintain your system is to dig up and remove your septic tank lids. 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. Healthy septic systems are good for your family, your wallet and the environment.