washington state septic records

Check the Washington Department of Labor and Industries to find information about electricians. It is a 40 minute narrated presentation followed by a 20 question quiz on septic system basics. Know where the system is and keep a diagram of its location. Thurston County | Public Health & Social Services | Septic System Many things you do in your yard or on your property can affect the systems function and performance. The effluent is distributed via pressure throughout the drainfield by utilizing small diameter pipes with small holes to distribute the liquid throughout the drainfield. Many flow restrictors have no mechanical parts while others reduce flow based upon pressure. 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. Grease is a common household waste product that many people flush or rinse down the drain. If your system was installed before 1975, no records may be available. The final treatment occurs in the soil of your drainfield. Tools can be used to further minimize your exposure to the sewage contained in your 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. Site Sewage Routine pumping can prevent expensive failures such as a clogged drainfield or sewage backing up into the home. Learn more about water conservation and water recycling. If you hear a hollow thud and the rebar stops going deeper, you may have found a tank. 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. The septic tank will provide room for the solids to settle out and begin to decompose. After completing your inspection and necessary maintenance, you should shower or bathe, even if you dont feel like youve been exposed to sewage. Most tanks are covered by 12 to 18" of soil. Well-functioning and properly maintained septic systems can effectively treat household wastewater for many years. Search for septic and drinking water records in our online search tool. The final step to evaluating your system is completing the appropriate Skagit County Health Department On-Site Sewage System (OSS) Homeowner Report. As-builts are drawings that oftentimes are drawn to scale or otherwise help describe the location of your septic system. Get the latest on local COVID-19 trends, news and helpful resources from Chelan-Douglas Health District, weekly in your inbox. Patient information should not be disclosed to the answering service. 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. Septic Systems (Onsite Sewage Systems) - co.thurston.wa.us 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. Flow restrictors are an easy and effective means to reduce water consumption. Save you money and extend the life of your system. Treatment component (if applicable) Distribution system. Never mix sanitizers! 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. Environmental Health Code, Chapter 1, General Provisions, Environmental Health Code, Chapter 2, On-Site Sewage, Environmental Health Code, Chapter 3,Water Regulation, Appeals Process of Orders and Decisions of the Health Officer. Septic tank size. 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. To assist in this process, please have your address and/or your parcel ID number available. Pouring toxins down your drain can kill these organisms and harm your septic system. Keep vehicles, heavy equipment, and livestock off your septic tank, drainfield, and drainfield replacement area. Use a brush to clean the hard to reach portions of the tools. 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. To find out what type of system you have, take a look at your propertys as built records. 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. Your groundwater and Puget Sound lakes, rivers, and beaches benefit, too! 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. Every drip, drop, sprinkle, or spray of water that goes down a shower, sink, toilet, or drain will end up being processed by your septic system. 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. 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. View your Septic System Information Online | Clark County Grass may grow greener in these disturbed areas. Septic Applications, Forms & Resources Browse applications, forms, and resources for septic systems. 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. 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. Your septic system is not capable of handling many wastes that you may generate in your home. 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. Properly built and maintained septic systems have many benefits. This system is called Pump to Gravity Distribution. Guidelines, Standards, Rules & Regulations 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. . Thank you for your patience as we continue to update our new website. 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. Septic systems lacking records are considered "suspected" o r "assumed" and are colored RED on the . 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 . 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. 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. Face shields or goggles are recommended. Records of its size and location may be available at your local health department. Open the lid to your toilet tank and pour enough food coloring into the tank water to color the water. 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 gases can be odorless and may deprive you of oxygen. 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. This program supports healthy shellfish and fisheries, and helps ensure Washingtonians have access to swimming beaches and recreation.. There are many different types of systems. Scaling, like on a map, allows you to find things accurately. We Issue Septic Permits, Inspect Final Septic Installations, And Investigate Complaints Associated With On-Site Sewage Systems Septic System Failure Options for inspecting your system include: Pump out your septic tank when needed. There are many different types of systems. 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. Septic Applications in 3 Easy Steps. Keeping drains free from blockage ensures that surface water is being moved properly around your septic system. As of Sept. 1, homeowners with septic systems in every Washington county have access to affordable financing for septic repair and replacement. 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. Installers, Designers Landscape your system properly. *: Which best describes your role in visiting our site today? In gravity plumbing, liquids will carry solid materials out of your dwelling towards downstream components. You may get splashed or sprayed with raw sewage. 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. Garbage disposals are frequently installed in new homes. Remember, the soil where your drainfield is located, is capable of disposing of only so much liquid. 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. The Snohomish County Health Department works to ensure that septic systems are located and installed correctly, and kept in good working condition. Routine inspections save time and money in the long run. Onsite Sewage Program | Skamania County Wash: Next, immerse the equipment into the 5-gallon bucket containing a soap and water mixture. see the Washington State Department of . 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. Discharging effluent onto the ground's surface or into surface and ground water is against Washington State law. Please allow up to five business days for a response. Public Health and Social Services | Thurston County Oftentimes, when tanks are installed, the dirt used to cover them has a different texture than the surrounding area. Public health licenses these professionals, and maintains a list of System Maintenance Providers. These gases can sink or rise, displacing oxygen that you need to breathe. Reducing water use will limit the demand you place on your septic system. It is imperative that you take all necessary precautions to minimize the risk of becoming sick or injured when conducting your inspection. 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. Expanding the program statewide was made possible with funding support from the state legislature. Washington State Department of Health. Proper care and maintenance of your septic system also occurs around the area where your system is installed. 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. The pump tank will store the effluent until it is conveyed to a drainfield. View your operations and maintenance report on onlineRMEOn Site Septic formsReport a public health concern, 2023 Clark County Washington Combined, these systems treat 154 million gallons of wastewater annually. You must be able to observe the inlet and outlet of your septic tank. 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. Many older systems may vary in their configuration and construction. If you have a water meter on your property, you can easily figure out how much water you and your family are using. You may find junction boxes, wires, or other electrical connections in the pump chamber. Educate property owners to make sure their septic system gets proper maintenance. About us; Jobs - Work@Health; Public health connection blog; BienestarWA blog (espaol) Request public records; Rule Making; Topics A-Z; Ver contenido in Espaol; Browse publications; Contact Us. If the as-built is accurate, this will allow you to find plumbing stubs, tank lids, distribution boxes, drainfield lines and observation ports. 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. Think of them like a sewage treatment plant, only much smaller. Many of these products can clog your plumbing and septic system. coming into our offices, or calling us at 509.460.4205. The Health District maintains records of existing on-site sewage systems for your convenience. Rakes, shovels, and poles can be used to reach components that are well below ground or out of reach. After reviewing this information and the training videos listed below, homeowners may evaluate their own on-site sewage system (OSS). They protect your eyes and mouth from the liquids in your septic system. As of Sept. 1, the Regional On-Site Sewage System Loan Program has expanded state-wide, adding 17 counties to this successful program. PDF The Septic Tank Early Warning Levels Inside Your Septic Tank and soil Since 2008, Washington state law and Island County code have required that all septic systems be inspected at the time of property transfer. That way, they can perform any required maintenance while on site. . 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. Directing surface water away from your tanks and drainfield will help your drainfield function as well as possible. Using a garbage disposal on a septic system is not recommended. Grass is the best cover. For example, a scale of 1 = 20 means that every inch on the paper is equal to 20 feet in your yard. If documents are not available please contact Clark County Public Health at (360) 397-8428. OSS records Be sure to: Complete additional routine maintenance that is required for some system types. 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. Approved OSS site design applications submitted online since May 2019 are also available. Are you a robot? Search for records on any property. Septic | Northeast Tri County Health District, WA Subtract the smaller number from the larger; the difference is the amount of water you used since the previous time you read the meter. It is important to keep the solids, called sludge, from building up and coming near the outlet baffles of the system if this happens, solids could plug the pipe to the drainfield, or even worse, clog the drainfield. It Soil over your system should be slightly mounded to help surface water runoff. Food Safety, Land Development, Environmental Hazards, Water Recreation & Public Schools . Septic Systems | Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department Never pour cooking oil or grease down the drain. Sewage System Records - Benton Franklin Health District - Washington In addition, the dirt used to cover the tank will settle over time, creating a shallow depression. There are many different types of systems. Mailing Address 615 Sheridan Street Port Townsend, WA 98368. If you cannot remove the lid, contact a licensed O&M Specialist. Port Townsend, WA 98368. The rule of thumb for planting is to use only shallow-rooted plants such as grasses. Protect your system from damage. Please enable JavaScript in your browser for a better user experience. In these cases, the owner will find it easier to utilize the services of a licensed O&M Specialist. On-site Sewage System (OSS) Program - King County - King County, Washington Don't put concrete or plastic over your septic system. 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. To learn more, check out these 3D septic system models. Never pour oil-based paints, solvents, or large volumes of toxic cleaners down the drain. Expect to hear from us within 5 days. Search for previous service and inspection reports online. Septic Systems | Washington State Department of Health 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. In addition, some garbage disposals are capable of grinding or shredding material to a very fine size. A septic contractor installs a new drain field for a homeowner. No other OSS may be inspected by the homeowner. Eliminate or limit the use of a garbage disposal. Splashing or spraying can and will occur. If youd like us to call you, please provide a phone number. Some gases found in properly functioning septic systems have different densities. A. Septic System Inspection Status | Clallam County, WA 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. The chemicals can alter the natural biological conditions found in your septic system. OSS records. If there is a slow leak, the food coloring will show up in the toilet bowl. The scale should be described on your as-built. Public Records Requests Online portal submissions Plant trees and shrubs away from your septic tank and drainfield to keep roots from growing into your septic system. 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. They allow for development in outlying communities, help protect groundwater and waterways, and reduce exposure to untreated sewage. These materials do not decompose or breakdown easily, if at all. 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. Additional water, clean or not, taxes your soils ability to accept all of the liquids landing on the soil. 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. 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. If your washing machine has load settings, make sure you select the proper load size. If youd like a reply, please provide an email address. Some plumbing (like toilets) can leak so slowly that it is difficult to hear or see signs of a leak. . 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. Smaller problems can be fixed during the inspection. Health Information Privacy Information 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 14350 SE Eastgate Way Include the parcel number and street address and we will search our files for the drawings. They include both new construction and repairs to failing systems. Privacy Policy The term on-site sewage system is used in the state and county code, on permit application forms, and by industry professionals to refer to different types of septic systems. Local landscapers or nurseries can help you select plants that are appropriate for the areas around your septic system. Statewide access to this program is a win for homeowners, public health, and clean water. We recommend searching by the 12-digit tax parcel number. Department of Ecology News Release - Sept. 21, 2021. Building remodel permits 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. In these cases, it may be increasingly difficult to maintain your septic system without a significant amount of effort. Baby wipes, cleaning wipes, or any moist towelettes. A "how to" guide is available on the online permitting portal when applying for a septic permit. Some household products are advertised as septic safe. Selling Your Property? | Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department Septic | Snohomish County Health Department, WA 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. Due to differences in elevations, on some occasions, a pump is needed to get the sewage to the drainfield. Household Hazardous Waste Facility: 14104 Ovenell Road, Mount Vernon, WA 98273 A typical conventional gravity system will not have any mechanical devices to convey water or material; gravity will do all of the required work. Wood Stove Rule - Is My Wood Stove Okay to Use? Please arrive no later than 3:30 p.m. There is a 25 gallon / household / month limit, for free! If shellfish filter polluted water, they can become unsafe for humans to eat. Phone: : 360-385-9444. Get email alerts based on your topic preferences like news releases, job openings, emergency updates and more! Your septic system contains a collection of living organisms that digest and treat household waste. Using gloves will minimize your exposure risk. If heavy rains cause water to sit around your septic system, avoid putting water down your drains. outlet baffle, and 3) distribution box (if present) within 30 days of inspection. Septic systems that have a curtain drain installed around them, often are dependent on a functioning curtain drain. Make sure the nursery understands you need plants that are shallow rooted and require little watering. If you cannot locate your drainfield, please contact public health or a certified O&M provider for help finding your drainfield. 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. 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. 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 . 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.). Use approximately 1 cups of bleach per gallon of water (www.osha.gov) Other products, including peroxide sanitizers are effective too. For more information, click the buttons below. Monitoring Inspection Record | Jefferson County, WA Chronic Disease, Communicable Diseases, &Immunizations. Flushing them will increase the need to pump, maintain and repair your system. Greases can congeal anywhere in your plumbing or septic system. The grease laden paper towel can then be disposed of in your trash. Island County code requires these inspections be completed by an Island County Licensed Maintenance Service Provider. Water from roofs drains, driveways, patios, or sump pumps should be diverted away from the septic tank and drainfield area. Volume of solids in wastewater. 400 . 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.