Reduce the risk of people getting sick from untreated sewage. Your as-built or record drawing should describe the location of your drainfield. If your washing machine has load settings, make sure you select the proper load size. Departments / Elected . 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 . Learn more about water conservation and water recycling. Instead, use boiling water or a drain snake. 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. 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. SepticSmart EPA offers advice on proper septic care and brochures and factsheets for homeowners. 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. When a failing septic system is fixed, the benefits go beyond the home. Prior to using any electrical device (screwdrivers, drills, flashlights, etc. These gases can sink or rise, displacing oxygen that you need to breathe. A leaky toilet can waste hundreds of gallons of water a day. If electrical problems are identified, a homeowner should contact a licensed Electrician. 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 include both new construction and repairs to failing systems. 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. 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. Protect your system from damage. Garbage disposals are frequently installed in new homes. Get email alerts based on your topic preferences like news releases, job openings, emergency updates and more! 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. Search for records on any property. Operation and maintenance of your home septic system begins with your actions inside the home. A person should never, for any reason, enter the confines of a septic system, especially tanks. Expanding the program statewide was made possible with funding support from the state legislature. Mason County, WA. Common in rural areas without centralized sewer systems, septic systems are underground wastewater treatment structures that you own and operate. Get the latest on local COVID-19 trends, news and helpful resources from Chelan-Douglas Health District, weekly in your inbox. Read the meter once all faucets are off, and then wait a few hours and check the meter again. Terms of Use Additional water, clean or not, taxes your soils ability to accept all of the liquids landing on the soil. We recommend searching by the 12-digit tax parcel number. After completing your inspection and necessary maintenance, you should shower or bathe, even if you dont feel like youve been exposed to sewage. . . Many older systems may vary in their configuration and construction. Commercial properties and non-owner occupied properties may also qualify. Any exceptions to the above conditions must have written approval of Skagit County Environmental Public Health staff. Rinse: Start by rinsing the equipment and tools with water from your garden hose. If you do not know where your system is located, you may be able to obtain this information from our offices. Please note this is the number of our answering service, and you will receive a call back from Public Health. Previously, Craft3 offered Clean Water Loans on a more-limited basis in partnership . OSS records. See Department of Health Gravity Septic System inspection guide for a complete checklist and necessary tools. As-built drawings can be obtained at the Skagit County Online Septic Search. Septic systems use a combination of nature and time-tested technology to treat wastewater from household plumbing produced by bathrooms, kitchen drains, and laundry. Household chemicals like gasoline, oil, pesticides, antifreeze, and paint. Four major factors influence how often you need to pump your septic: Practice water conservation. Don't avoid the signs of septic system failure. 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. Altering the biological balance may discourage the natural proliferation and growth of bacteria found in your system and will not allow for normal and productive decomposition of the wastes you put into your septic system. These materials do not decompose or breakdown easily, if at all. Protective clothing should be worn whenever you maintain your septic system. A long piece of rebar can be pounded into the ground to look for a tank. Wash: Next, immerse the equipment into the 5-gallon bucket containing a soap and water mixture. Proper decontamination of equipment is an important task that will minimize your risk of becoming ill. Educate property owners to make sure their septic system gets proper maintenance. Hygienic practices mentioned here will help you protect yourself. 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. 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. In addition, some garbage disposals are capable of grinding or shredding material to a very fine size. Septic systems produce gases that can be explosive or are capable of displacing oxygen. Pouring toxins down your drain can kill these organisms and harm your septic 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. Customer service counter opens at 9:30 a.m. the first and third Thursdays of every month. 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. 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. For more information, click the buttons below. Once you submit your quiz and contact information, we will have a record of you completing Septics 101. Search for Records. They allow for development in outlying communities, help protect groundwater and waterways, and reduce exposure to untreated sewage. NOTICE OF DATA SECURITY INCIDENT (SPANISH). Vince McGowan, water quality program manager for Ecology. 400 . 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. 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. Keep vehicles, heavy equipment, and livestock off your septic tank, drainfield, and drainfield replacement area. The environmentalists investigate complaints of septic system failures that contribute to land pollution. 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. If not, please do not enter anything in this field. 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. 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. If you have been watering lawns and other landscaping on your property, your readings may not accurately reflect all of the water processed by your septic system. The Atrium (Environmental Health) 3000 Pacific Ave Olympia, WA 98501 Phone: 360-867-2685 Mailing Address . Tacoma, WA 98418-6813 (253) 649-1500 (800) 330-1844 TDD (253) 649-1400. Our reply (from PAEGAT25) may go to your email's Spam folder. Landscaping in and around your septic system is important. Septic System Records Search; Septic System Maintenance Records Search; Contact. The phone number is 360-385-9444. Electrical connections should need very little maintenance if your pump controls and alarms are functioning as designed. Protects the Environment Malfunctioning septic systems release bacteria, viruses, and chemicals that eventually enter streams, rivers, lakes, Puget Sound, and the ocean. 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. Create a Website Account - Manage notification subscriptions, save form progress and more. In gravity plumbing, liquids will carry solid materials out of your dwelling towards downstream components. Most tanks are covered by 12 to 18" of soil. Remove the equipment and tools from the soap and water mixture. 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. 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. It is also wise to keep a record of maintenance on the system. It is a 40 minute narrated presentation followed by a 20 question quiz on septic system basics. . 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. Look for a medication take-back program in your area. Septic Applications in 3 Easy Steps. As per inspection requirements set forth in SCC 12.05.160 and WAC 246-272A-0270 a homeowner will become eligible to inspect their own septic system only if the following conditions are met: If you meet these conditions, your first step is to take the Septics 101 Class online . 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. The final treatment occurs in the soil of your drainfield. Complete a septic application using the online permitting portal. Real estate professionals need to inform both the buyer and seller of this requirement. For example, "the property is on 30th Avenue between Spruce and Verbena.". Baby wipes, cleaning wipes, or any moist towelettes. Yakima. Board of Health Meetings; Fee Schedule; . 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. Install flow restrictors on all or select faucets. Then, they will submit a report to Public Health about the status of your system. If documents are not available please contact Clark County Public Health at (360) 397-8428. Due to differences in elevations, on some occasions, a pump is needed to get the sewage to the drainfield. 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. Septic systems lacking records are considered "suspected" o r "assumed" and are colored RED on the . To assist in this process, please have your address and/or your parcel ID number available. Be aware that your meter readings may represent all of the water used, including irrigation. 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. Eliminate or limit the use of a garbage disposal. This program supports healthy shellfish and fisheries, and helps ensure Washingtonians have access to swimming beaches and recreation.. outlet baffle, and 3) distribution box (if present) within 30 days of inspection. Flow restrictors on showers and other high volume water fixtures can dramatically reduce your consumption of water. 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. A. 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.). Expect to hear from us within 5 days. Wood Stove Rule - Is My Wood Stove Okay to Use? Never pour cooking oil or grease down the drain. It has been partially treated but still contains disease-causing bacteria and other pollutants. 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. Probe suspected tank locations first, rather than digging up the soil only to find nothing. Include the parcel number and street address and we will search our files for the drawings. Were you able to find what you were looking for today? For example, a scale of 1 = 20 means that every inch on the paper is equal to 20 feet in your yard. Missing information, photographs, etc. You may get splashed or sprayed with raw sewage. Guidelines, Standards, Rules & Regulations No other OSS may be inspected by the homeowner. By reducing and balancing your use, you can extend the life of your drainfield, decrease the possibility of system failure, and avoid costly repairs. . All other types of systems are required to be inspected at least once every year. The grease laden paper towel can then be disposed of in your trash. Sanitize: After thoroughly rinsing the tools, immerse the equipment in a sanitizer solution. see the Washington State Department of . Department of Ecology News Release - Sept. 21, 2021. 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. 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.