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Adam Zimmerman, President and CEO of Craft3. Septic systems lacking records are considered "suspected" o r "assumed" and are colored RED on the . Healthy septic systems are good for your family, your wallet and the environment. Providers As-built drawings can be obtained at the Skagit County Online Septic Search. Make sure the nursery understands you need plants that are shallow rooted and require little watering. 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. If you do not know where your system is located, you may be able to obtain this information from our offices. Use a brush to clean the hard to reach portions of the tools. For homeowners who conduct their own inspections, it is a good idea to hire a professional to conduct a septic system inspection at the time of system pumping. This is a cheap and easy way of assessing your toilet for leaks, which may otherwise be difficult to detect visually. Many of these products can clog your plumbing and septic system. INFORMATIONAL Septic tank size. Oftentimes, when tanks are installed, the dirt used to cover them has a different texture than the surrounding area. Face shields or goggles are recommended. OSS evaluations must be performed and filed with the public health at least once every three years for all systems consisting solely of a septic tank and gravity drainfield, and annually for all other system types. Were you able to find what you were looking for today? These gases can sink or rise, displacing oxygen that you need to breathe. Avoid chemical drain openers for a clogged drain. Anyone can access those records by searching our online records database. Let the equipment soak as needed. Keep vehicles, heavy equipment, and livestock off your septic tank, drainfield, and drainfield replacement area. Share & Bookmark, Press Enter to show all options, press Tab go to next option, Informacion sobre la vacuna contra la COVID-19, COVID-19 Information for Food Establishments, Selling Your Property - Report of System Status. Protect your system from damage. Pumpers may charge you extra to locate and/or dig up the lids to the septic tank so that they are able to pump the septic tank. 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. WA 98368. To assist in this process, please have your address and/or your parcel ID number available. A failing septic system is usually a costly and urgent situation for homeowners. Please allow up to five business days for a response. The scale should be described on your as-built. 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.). . Proper care and maintenance of your septic system also occurs around the area where your system is installed. A Conventional Gravity system will likely have all of the following major components, each of which should be thoroughly inspected: plumbing; septic tank(s); and a drainfield. Methane gas is produced by decomposition of organic materials. 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. Pouring toxins down your drain can kill these organisms and harm your septic system. Eliminate or limit the use of a garbage disposal. If not, please do not enter anything in this field. 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. With just a few simple steps, you can protect your septicand avoid costly repairs. There are many different types of systems. Sanitize: After thoroughly rinsing the tools, immerse the equipment in a sanitizer solution. Once the sewage is at the drainfield, it is dispersed via gravity within the drainfield. Manager of Healthy People & Communities. Online portal submissions Minor septic system issues can turn into big costly problems. The environmentalists investigate complaints of septic system failures that contribute to land pollution. Grass is the best cover. Learn the basics of septic system design, maintenance, and dos and donts to keep your septic system working well as long as possible. Read the meter once all faucets are off, and then wait a few hours and check the meter again. Please enable JavaScript in your browser for a better user experience. LISTINGS, System Water from roofs drains, driveways, patios, or sump pumps should be diverted away from the septic tank and drainfield area. *: Regional On-Site Sewage System Loan Program, Copyright Washington State Department of Ecology. The Health District maintains records of existing on-site sewage systems for your convenience. Please note- many other septic systems exist, we are only discussing those allowed to be inspected by homeowners through this course. Your septic system is not a trash can. This will be located downhill from the septic tank outlet baffle (unless there is a pump). A homeowner maintaining a pump system should minimize electrical hazards where appropriate. 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. Brochures Certifications [Ver este comunicado de prensa en Espaol]. A leaky toilet can waste hundreds of gallons of water a day. Yakima. For a typical household, septic tanks are usually pumped every three to five years. Check the Washington Department of Labor and Industries to find information about electricians. Find a certified O&M provider. Reduce the risk of contaminating groundwater and surface water. On This requirement went into effect September 1, 2010. Related Links See Department of Health Gravity Septic System inspection guide for a complete checklist and necessary tools. 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. Previously, Craft3 offered Clean Water Loans on a more-limited basis in partnership with specific counties. It is likely that methane will also be found in your septic system. These cases may require the help of a licensed O&M Specialist. Applications, permits and fees, Buying and selling properties If the as-built is accurate, this will allow you to find plumbing stubs, tank lids, distribution boxes, drainfield lines and observation ports. Fortunately, help is now available in every Washington county. Routine pumping can prevent expensive failures such as a clogged drainfield or sewage backing up into the home. Protective clothing should be worn whenever you maintain your septic system. Washington State Department of Health. Scaling, like on a map, allows you to find things accurately. No other OSS may be inspected by the homeowner. The drainfield is where effluent is discharged into the environment. Many things you do in your yard or on your property can affect the systems function and performance. Terms of Use Generally, the more people in the home, the more often you need to pump. A "how to" guide is available on the online permitting portal when applying for a septic permit. Baby wipes, cleaning wipes, or any moist towelettes. Tools can be used to further minimize your exposure to the sewage contained in your septic system. Check your OSS Application status Care must be taken to properly clean electronic tools such as drills or screw drivers. Some household products are advertised as septic safe. 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. Contact us at ehsepticsystems@tpchd.orgor (253) 649-1925. The On-site System Maintainer (OSM) will inspect your system components: Septic and pump tanks. What is a septic system? 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. Protects the Environment Malfunctioning septic systems release bacteria, viruses, and chemicals that eventually enter streams, rivers, lakes, Puget Sound, and the ocean. 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 . Flow restrictors are an easy and effective means to reduce water consumption. 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. Some tanks have smaller lids on each end of the tank to allow for inspection of inlet and outlet baffles. Tanks installed after 1976 are two compartment tanks and both compartments will need to be pumped out. Once you submit your quiz and contact information, we will have a record of you completing Septics 101. Septic Applications in 3 Easy Steps. 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. Properly built and maintained septic systems have many benefits. Don't select the large-load cycle if you're washing a small amount of laundry. 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. Do-It-Yourself Septic System Inspection Video. Keep water runoff away from your system. 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. If youd like a reply, please provide an email address. A septic contractor installs a new drain field for a homeowner. While trouble-shooting, water can be used to simulate normal water flow through the septic system. Common in rural areas without centralized sewer systems, septic systems are underground wastewater treatment structures that you own and operate. This program supports healthy shellfish and fisheries, and helps ensure Washingtonians have access to swimming beaches and recreation.. OSS records 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. 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. Please note this is the number of our answering service, and you will receive a call back from Public Health. During the 2020-2022 Project, we are sampling water quality, performing visual surveys, and providing free technical assistance and rebates. Using a garbage disposal on a septic system is not recommended. ), all septic system parts should be vented thoroughly. View your operations and maintenance report on onlineRMEOn Site Septic formsReport a public health concern, 2023 Clark County Washington 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. There are a number of things you can do to check for leaks. 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. See Ecology's. Grass may grow greener in these disturbed areas. You can check for leaks in your toilet too. Volume of solids in wastewater. 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. Proper maintenance is defined in the code as: The completed form must include photos of. 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. Wood Stove Rule - Is My Wood Stove Okay to Use? 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. Never pour cooking oil or grease down the drain. Be aware that your meter readings may represent all of the water used, including irrigation. Be sure to: Complete additional routine maintenance that is required for some system types. Septic systems use a combination of nature and time-tested technology to treat wastewater from household plumbing produced by bathrooms, kitchen drains, and laundry. Prior to using any electrical device (screwdrivers, drills, flashlights, etc. It is imperative that you take all necessary precautions to minimize the risk of becoming sick or injured when conducting your inspection. 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. Harsh chemicals including acids, bases, pesticides, herbicides, oils, paints, and varnishes should never be drained into any fixture that leads to 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. 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. The Drainfield The drainfield receives septic tank effluent. Department of Ecology News Release - Sept. 21, 2021. 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. 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. Know where the system is and keep a diagram of its location. These areas provide a transmission corridor for viruses and bacteria to enter the body. Directing surface water away from your tanks and drainfield will help your drainfield function as well as possible. Environmental Health Services Tacoma, WA 98418-6813 (253) 649-1500 (800) 330-1844 TDD (253) 649-1400. This system is called Pump to Gravity Distribution. Your septic system contains a collection of living organisms that digest and treat household waste. The scale is typically depicted in inches to feet. Again, using the garden hose, rinse the soap from the equipment; this will ensure the soaps do not bind with the sanitizer. Household Hazardous Waste Facility: 14104 Ovenell Road, Mount Vernon, WA 98273 Stay . 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. Olympia, WA 98506-5132 Phone: 360-867-2500 Fax: 360-867-2601 Monday-Friday: 9:00 am-4:00 pm Phone Line Open Daily 8:00am-5:00pm. 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. 14350 SE Eastgate Way If the label says, Danger, Warning or Caution bring it to the facility for proper disposal. For information on failing septic systems, please see our Septic Failure Brochure. . All other types of systems are required to be inspected at least once every year. Proper hygienic practices minimize the risk of exposure to disease causing agents that are found in sewage. Now with statewide access, our Clean Water Loan is poised to support thousands of new households and contribute to improving shared water resources across the Evergreen State,. On-site Program staff review and comment on land development projects and activities such as Subdivisions, Special Use Permits, Boundary . 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. . They store, treat and dispose of the things you flush or send down drains. Most tanks are covered by 12 to 18" of soil. Septic systems that have a curtain drain installed around them, often are dependent on a functioning curtain drain. If shellfish filter polluted water, they can become unsafe for humans to eat. Financial assistance Your as-built or record drawing should describe the location of your drainfield. 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 septic system evaluation can be performed by a septic system professional. Health Programs, Healthy Communities, WIC, Nurse/Family Partnership. The grease laden paper towel can then be disposed of in your trash. The bigger the tank, the more capacity it has to handle solids and water, which could allow for more time between pumpings. In addition, some garbage disposals are capable of grinding or shredding material to a very fine size. 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. Keeping drains free from blockage ensures that surface water is being moved properly around your septic system. The average size of a 1000 gallon tank is 5'x8'. Public Records Requests The effluent is distributed via pressure throughout the drainfield by utilizing small diameter pipes with small holes to distribute the liquid throughout the drainfield. A property owner with a pump system must have additional training to demonstrate competency with pump systems. 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. Electrical connections are typically buried and run underground from the dwelling to the pump tank. 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 . To assist in this process, please have your address and/or your parcel ID number available. Routine inspections save time and money in the long run. Operation and maintenance of your home septic system begins with your actions inside the home. Expect to hear from us within 5 days. Treatment component (if applicable) Distribution system. Tacoma, WA 98418-6813 (253) 649-1500 (800) 330-1844 TDD (253) 649-1400. 311 Grand Avenue | Bellingham, WA 98225 | Phone: 360-778-5000 [] . Install flow restrictors on all or select faucets. Work with septic system professionals to approve system design,location and installation. NOTE:Before 1975, permits were not required by law. If electrical problems are identified, a homeowner should contact a licensed Electrician. Protects Your Property Value An unusable septic system or one in disrepair will lower your property value and poses a potentially costly legal liability. The best way to determine your system type is to review your septic permit. . . 3020 Rucker Avenue Suite 104 Everett, WA 98201 Phone: : 425-339-5250 Fax: : 425-339-5254 Hours Regular hours: Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. 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. Your local health agency may have a more stringent inspection requirement. The final treatment occurs in the soil of your drainfield. Include the parcel number and street address and we will search our files for the drawings. In addition, the dirt used to cover the tank will settle over time, creating a shallow depression. SepticSmart EPA offers advice on proper septic care and brochures and factsheets for homeowners. see the Washington State Department of . Septic System Records Search; Septic System Maintenance Records Search; Contact. *: Which best describes your role in visiting our site today? The Snohomish County Health Department works to ensure that septic systems are located and installed correctly, and kept in good working condition. Open the lid to your toilet tank and pour enough food coloring into the tank water to color the water. At a minimum, wash your hands using soap and hot water. SEPTIC SYSTEM That way, they can perform any required maintenance while on site. Common in rural areas without centralized sewer systems, septic systems are underground wastewater treatment structures that you own and operate. Public Health continues to work with Vashon-Maury Island residents to document improvements to water quality, find sources of excessive bacteria, and, where possible, eliminate these sources. Subtract the smaller number from the larger; the difference is the amount of water you used since the previous time you read the meter. You must be able to observe the inlet and outlet of your septic tank. Using a garbage disposal will increase the amount of solids entering the septic tank, requiring more frequent pumping. It does not mean that you do not have a septic system or that it is failed or illegal. 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. Hygienic practices mentioned here will help you protect yourself. After completing your inspection and necessary maintenance, you should shower or bathe, even if you dont feel like youve been exposed to sewage. Grease can also clog the pores in your soil, damaging your drainfield and may lead to system failure. Port Townsend, WA 98368. 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. OSS records. In the area near your drainfield, arrange products and tools where you can: Septic systems that contain a pump also include an electrical element. Instead, use boiling water or a drain snake. Patient information should not be disclosed to the answering service. 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. They can be purchased at your local hardware store and are fairly easy to install in a typical faucet. If the meter has moved, yet you have used no water during that time, you may have a very slow leak. 400 Belfair: 360-275-4467, Ext. Real estate professionals need to inform both the buyer and seller of this requirement. These gases can be odorless and may deprive you of oxygen. In these cases, the owner will find it easier to utilize the services of a licensed O&M Specialist. For these reasons, a person should do everything possible to minimize risk of exposure to gas. Rinse: Start by rinsing the equipment and tools with water from your garden hose. Shellfish that grow in marine waters are harvested from our beaches and can become contaminated by failing septic systems. Forms and photographs may be emailed to EH@co.skagit.wa.us or sent to 1800 Continental Place, Mount Vernon, WA 98273. . Septic systems produce gases that can be explosive or are capable of displacing oxygen. 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. Use water-saving devices such as faucet aerators and high-efficiency toilets, showerheads, dishwashers, and washing machines. Saves You Money Regular maintenance fees of a few hundred dollars every few years is a bargain compared to the cost of repairing or replacing a malfunctioning septic system, which can cost thousands. With just a few simple steps, you can protect your septicand avoid costly repairs. Save you money and extend the life of your system. Complete a septic application using the online permitting portal. Poor landscaping can cause septic system problems, including premature failure of your septic system. 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.