For example, "the property is on 30th Avenue between Spruce and Verbena.". The pressure can compact the soil and damage pipes. Online portal submissions This system is called Pump to Gravity Distribution. Search for Records. 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. Mason County, WA. Check the Washington Department of Labor and Industries to find information about electricians. Wash: Next, immerse the equipment into the 5-gallon bucket containing a soap and water mixture. Well reports also contain information about location, owner name, driller name, and the quantity of water a well produces. If your system was installed before 1975, no records may be available. Then, they will submit a report to Public Health about the status of your system. 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. See Department of Health Gravity Septic System inspection guide for a complete checklist and necessary tools. 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. Tacoma, WA 98418-6813 (253) 649-1500 (800) 330-1844 TDD (253) 649-1400. Tools can be used to further minimize your exposure to the sewage contained in your septic system. Environmental Health 415 N. 6th Street Shelton, WA 98584. There is a 25 gallon / household / month limit, for free! Privacy Policy [Ver este comunicado de prensa en Espaol]. Don't avoid the signs of septic system failure. Septic systems use a combination of nature and time-tested technology to treat wastewater from household plumbing produced by bathrooms, kitchen drains, and laundry. Keeping drains free from blockage ensures that surface water is being moved properly around your septic system. Garbage disposals are frequently installed in new homes. While leaning over the system, be sure to recognize that gases may have accumulated around where you are breathing. 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. Contact information; Hours & location Well-functioning and properly maintained septic systems can effectively treat household wastewater for many years. Plant trees and shrubs away from your septic tank and drainfield to keep roots from growing into your septic system. Health Information Privacy Information Many things you do in your yard or on your property can affect the systems function and performance. If you hear a hollow thud and the rebar stops going deeper, you may have found a tank. 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. It 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. Covering the eyes, mouth, and any open cuts is particularly important. 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. If youd like a reply, please provide an email address. Household size. In gravity plumbing, liquids will carry solid materials out of your dwelling towards downstream components. 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. Protective clothing should be worn whenever you maintain your septic system. Grass is the best cover. Interested homeowners can apply for a Clean Water Loan by visiting the Craft3 website. records on any property. If not, please do not enter anything in this field. Installers, Designers
To find out what type of system you have, take a look at your propertys as built records. Besides human poop and pee, toilet paper, and soap used for washing, not much else should be going down your drain. The Drainfield The drainfield receives septic tank effluent. 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. Total wastewater generated. Pouring toxins down your drain can kill these organisms and harm your septic system. Reducing water use will limit the demand you place on your septic system. Many of these products can clog your plumbing and septic system. 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. Free viewers are required for some of the attached documents.They can be downloaded by clicking on the icons below. There are a number of things you can do to check for leaks. Proper decontamination of equipment is an important task that will minimize your risk of becoming ill. Generally, the more people in the home, the more often you need to pump. 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 Common in rural areas without centralized sewer systems, septic systems are underground wastewater treatment structures that you own and operate. 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. If Public Health does not have a record for your septic system, it probably means that your system was installed a long time ago, prior to any requirement to create an as-built. Save your money from septic tank additives. Please enable JavaScript in your browser for a better user experience. A Marine Recovery Area (MRA) was established to protect especially sensitive marine waters from pollution from poorly functioning or failing on-site sewage systems (OSS). State law (Chapter 246-272A-0270) requires that homeowners inspect and maintain their septic systems to ensure it is functioning properly. These gases can sink or rise, displacing oxygen that you need to breathe. Regardless of the method you use to request this document, you will need to provide the following information: *If your address was once a "route #, box #" please include the roads/streets that the property is located on and by. Departments / Elected . Remove the equipment and tools from the soap and water mixture. Many flow restrictors have no mechanical parts while others reduce flow based upon pressure. For these reasons, a person should do everything possible to minimize risk of exposure to gas. 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. Methane gas is produced by decomposition of organic materials. Certifications Care must be taken to properly clean electronic tools such as drills or screw drivers. The effluent is distributed via pressure throughout the drainfield by utilizing small diameter pipes with small holes to distribute the liquid throughout the drainfield. Additives and old cures such as using cabbage, hamburger, yeast, etc., have no beneficial effect on your septic system, but will lead to more frequent pumping of your septic system. 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. Household bleach is a very effective sanitizer for killing bacteria and viruses. 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. The final treatment occurs in the soil of your drainfield. How to take care of septic systems Applications, permits and fees, Buying and selling properties . A 2006 state law (RCW 70.118A) required Puget Sound counties (including King County) to designate MRAs where shellfish growing areas are closed due to bacterial pollution (or if closure is likely), or where bacteria or nitrogen are seriously affecting water quality. Guidelines, Standards, Rules & Regulations Commercial properties and non-owner occupied properties may also qualify. Grass may grow greener in these disturbed areas. Reduce the risk of people getting sick from untreated sewage. It provides Washingtonians access to affordable financing for the repair and replacement of septic 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. 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. This does not mean that such a system is illegal or failed; it just means that a homeowner may have trouble conducting the evaluation. If heavy rains cause water to sit around your septic system, avoid putting water down your drains. These materials do not decompose or breakdown easily, if at all. Septic systems treat wastewater when homes and buildings are not connected to public sewer systems. 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. Water coming from roof drains, driveways or other surfaces should be directed away from your septic system. Keep vehicles, heavy equipment, and livestock off your septic tank, drainfield, and drainfield replacement area. Use water-saving devices such as faucet aerators and high-efficiency toilets, showerheads, dishwashers, and washing machines. Planning
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. SepticSmart EPA offers advice on proper septic care and brochures and factsheets for homeowners. Food waste from garbage disposals fill the septic tank and can clog the drainfield. - Manage notification subscriptions, save form progress and more. OSS records Manager of Healthy People & Communities. If your washing machine has load settings, make sure you select the proper load size. Some gases found in properly functioning septic systems have different densities. Proper hygienic practices minimize the risk of exposure to disease causing agents that are found in sewage. 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. A failing septic system is usually a costly and urgent situation for homeowners. Protects the Environment Malfunctioning septic systems release bacteria, viruses, and chemicals that eventually enter streams, rivers, lakes, Puget Sound, and the ocean. If the label says, Danger, Warning or Caution bring it to the facility for proper disposal. Let the equipment soak as needed. Terms of Use Smaller problems can be fixed during the inspection. 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. Know where the system is and keep a diagram of its location. If you cannot remove the lid, contact a licensed O&M Specialist. 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 . Options for inspecting your system include: Pump out your septic tank when needed. A septic contractor installs a new drain field for a homeowner. If you have a water meter on your property, you can easily figure out how much water you and your family are using. Using gloves will minimize your exposure risk. Household chemicals like gasoline, oil, pesticides, antifreeze, and paint. Only the liquid sewage without solids called effluent should flow out of your septic tank; this clear effluent will be conveyed by gravity to the drainfield. You may 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. Wash only full loads of dishes and laundry. A "how to" guide is available on the online permitting portal when applying for a septic permit. Site Sewage
411 N 5th St Shelton WA 98584 (360) 427-9670 . The probe can be used to identify the size and orientation of the tank (rectangle vs. round, 4 X 8 foot, etc). We recommend searching by the 12-digit tax parcel number. 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. The septic tank will provide room for the solids to settle out and begin to decompose. The Atrium (Environmental Health) 3000 Pacific Ave Olympia, WA 98501 Phone: 360-867-2685 Mailing Address . Check your OSS Application status A person should never, for any reason, enter the confines of a septic system, especially tanks. In these cases, the owner will find it easier to utilize the services of a licensed O&M Specialist. Approved OSS site design applications submitted online since May 2019 are also available. With just a few simple steps, you can protect your septicand avoid costly repairs. 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. Rakes can be used to lift floats and screens. Soil over your system should be slightly mounded to help surface water runoff. Tacoma, WA 98418-6813 (253) 649-1500 (800) 330-1844 TDD (253) 649-1400. Make sure the nursery understands you need plants that are shallow rooted and require little watering. Get email alerts based on your topic preferences like news releases, job openings, emergency updates and more! 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.
Many older systems may vary in their configuration and construction. This process may require the use of a stiff bristled brush to remove all contaminants. All other types of systems are required to be inspected at least once every year. 3020 Rucker AvenueEverett, WA 98201Phone: 425-339-5200. . Water from roofs drains, driveways, patios, or sump pumps should be diverted away from the septic tank and drainfield area. Adam Zimmerman, President and CEO of Craft3. The drainfield is where effluent is discharged into the environment. 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. The system type will be noted in multiple places within the permit. Volume of solids in wastewater. 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. 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. 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. A hose with a nozzle can be used to pre-clean risers, plumbing, and inspection ports. 400 Belfair: 360-275-4467, Ext. They allow for development in outlying communities, help protect groundwater and waterways, and reduce exposure to untreated sewage. No other OSS may be inspected by the homeowner. 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 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. Discharging effluent onto the ground's surface or into surface and ground water is against Washington State law. Directions. Common in rural areas without centralized sewer systems, septic systems are underground wastewater treatment structures that you own and operate. The more wastewater you produce, the more wastewater the soil must treat and dispose. Lids may be square, round or rectangular, and are typically large enough to allow for the tank to be pumped out. Financial assistance Missing information, photographs, etc. Learn the basics of septic system design, maintenance, and dos and donts to keep your septic system working well as long as possible. The wastewater leaving the septic tank is a liquid called effluent. 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 . Greases can congeal anywhere in your plumbing or septic system. Proper care and maintenance of your septic system also occurs around the area where your system is installed. A homeowner maintaining a pump system should minimize electrical hazards where appropriate. Some plumbing (like toilets) can leak so slowly that it is difficult to hear or see signs of a leak. In the plumbing, liquids will carry solid materials out of your dwelling towards downstream components. Your groundwater and Puget Sound lakes, rivers, and beaches benefit, too! The pump tank will store the effluent until it is conveyed to a drainfield. Save you money and extend the life of your system. 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 As-builts are drawings that oftentimes are drawn to scale or otherwise help describe the location of your septic system. WA 98368. Thank you for your patience as we continue to update our new website. Please allow up to five business days for a response. Once these products congeal, they can cause blockages in your system. Read the meter once all faucets are off, and then wait a few hours and check the meter again. Please note- many other septic systems exist, we are only discussing those allowed to be inspected by homeowners through this course. RSS Guidance for properties with multiple structures. Clean these tools in accordance with the manufacturers instructions. 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. Previously, Craft3 offered Clean Water Loans on a more-limited basis in partnership . Statewide access to this program is a win for homeowners, public health, and clean water. For more information, click the buttons below. As of Sept. 1, homeowners with septic systems in every Washington county have access to affordable financing for septic repair and replacement. Poor landscaping can cause septic system problems, including premature failure of your septic system. Related Links 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. Complete a septic application using the online permitting portal. Are you a robot? If you put a lot of water down the drain (from inefficient or leaky toilets, washers, showerheads, and sink faucets), the tank can't settle completely and you may need to pump more often. Real estate professionals need to inform both the buyer and seller of this requirement. 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. The rule of thumb for planting is to use only shallow-rooted plants such as grasses. You must be able to observe the inlet and outlet of your septic tank. If you cannot locate your drainfield, please contact public health or a certified O&M provider for help finding your drainfield. . Healthy septic systems are good for your family, your wallet and the environment.