washington state septic records

If your washing machine has load settings, make sure you select the proper load size. Subtract the smaller number from the larger; the difference is the amount of water you used since the previous time you read the meter. The Drainfield The drainfield receives septic tank effluent. A. Proper decontamination of equipment is an important task that will minimize your risk of becoming ill. Maintenance 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. Mailing Address 615 Sheridan Street Port Townsend, WA . 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.). 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 . The On-site System Maintainer (OSM) will inspect your system components: Septic and pump tanks. In addition, some garbage disposals are capable of grinding or shredding material to a very fine size. Save you money and extend the life of your system. . Let the equipment soak as needed. The first step in maintaining your septic system is obtaining your septic permit. Related Links We recommend searching by the 12-digit tax parcel number. Discharging effluent onto the ground's surface or into surface and ground water is against Washington State law. 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. Many of these products can clog your plumbing and septic system. Septic tank size. 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. Again, using the garden hose, rinse the soap from the equipment; this will ensure the soaps do not bind with the sanitizer. 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. In these cases, it may be increasingly difficult to maintain your septic system without a significant amount of effort. Site Sewage A homeowner maintaining a pump system should minimize electrical hazards where appropriate. The Atrium (Environmental Health) 3000 Pacific Ave Olympia, WA 98501 Phone: 360-867-2685 Mailing Address . Landscape your system properly. They include both new construction and repairs to failing systems. 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. Poor landscaping can cause septic system problems, including premature failure of your septic system. 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. 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 Vince McGowan, water quality program manager for Ecology. Real estate professionals need to inform both the buyer and seller of this requirement. 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. They can be purchased at your local hardware store and are fairly easy to install in a typical faucet. Rinse: Spraying down portions of your septic system may result in exposure to sewage. Health Programs, Healthy Communities, WIC, Nurse/Family Partnership. Birth & Death Certificates, Food Worker Cards, Public Records Request, Report a Complaint & Fees. In these cases, the owner will find it easier to utilize the services of a licensed O&M Specialist. Installers, Designers Do-It-Yourself Septic System Inspection Video. Septic systems that have a curtain drain installed around them, often are dependent on a functioning curtain drain. It has been partially treated but still contains disease-causing bacteria and other pollutants. WA 98368. This process may require the use of a stiff bristled brush to remove all contaminants. 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. You may get splashed or sprayed with raw sewage. On-site Sewage Systems Chapter 246-272A WAC. . Search for records on any property. 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. Missing information, photographs, etc. Failing septic systems can result in sewage backing up in the home or entering local waterways and groundwater supplies posing a public health threat. Due to differences in elevations, on some occasions, a pump is needed to get the sewage to the drainfield. Grease is a common household waste product that many people flush or rinse down the drain. Install flow restrictors on all or select faucets. If the label says, Danger, Warning or Caution bring it to the facility for proper disposal. 3020 Rucker AvenueEverett, WA 98201Phone: 425-339-5200. 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. Anyone can access those records by searching our online records database. 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. Keeping drains free from blockage ensures that surface water is being moved properly around your septic system. Besides human poop and pee, toilet paper, and soap used for washing, not much else should be going down your drain. 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. A long piece of rebar can be pounded into the ground to look for a tank. If you cannot remove the lid, contact a licensed O&M Specialist. Faucets and toilets should be free of any leakage. Reduce the risk of contaminating groundwater and surface water. The septic tank will provide room for the solids to settle out and begin to decompose. In the past there were no standards for septic systems and permits were not required. The more wastewater you produce, the more wastewater the soil must treat and dispose. Routine inspections save time and money in the long run. 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. The loan program is a partnership between the Department of Ecology, the Department of Health, local county and health departments, and Craft3, a nonprofit community lender. In the plumbing, liquids will carry solid materials out of your dwelling towards downstream components. 14350 SE Eastgate Way Don't avoid the signs of septic system failure. 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. Financial assistance Expanding the program statewide was made possible with funding support from the state legislature. Well reports also contain information about location, owner name, driller name, and the quantity of water a well produces. [Ver este comunicado de prensa en Espaol]. 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. Household size. 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. SEPTIC SYSTEM Septic systems produce gases that can be explosive or are capable of displacing oxygen. Gloves are the first line of defense for the average do-it-yourselfer. Department of Ecology News Release - Sept. 21, 2021. The wastewater leaving the septic tank is a liquid called effluent. Meet septic system requirements before you do. Include the parcel number and street address and we will search our files for the drawings. These gases can be odorless and may deprive you of oxygen. The pollutants harm local ecosystems by killing native plants, fish, and shellfish. Search for previous service and inspection reports online. Port Townsend, WA 98368. This will be located downhill from the septic tank outlet baffle (unless there is a pump). Shellfish that grow in marine waters are harvested from our beaches and can become contaminated by failing septic systems. Harsh chemicals including acids, bases, pesticides, herbicides, oils, paints, and varnishes should never be drained into any fixture that leads to your septic system. Volume of solids in wastewater. Public Records; Smoke-Free Housing Information; View. Household bleach is a very effective sanitizer for killing bacteria and viruses. Approved OSS site design applications submitted online since May 2019 are also available. Any exceptions to the above conditions must have written approval of Skagit County Environmental Public Health staff. 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. Septic systems treat wastewater when homes and buildings are not connected to public sewer systems. The drainfield is where effluent is discharged into the environment. Eliminate or limit the use of a garbage disposal. Brochures Your groundwater and Puget Sound lakes, rivers, and beaches benefit, too! Your local health agency may have a more stringent inspection requirement. Make sure the nursery understands you need plants that are shallow rooted and require little watering. Tools can be used to further minimize your exposure to the sewage contained in your septic system. Larger tools may require the use of a brush and a small rinse cup to completely clean areas that cannot be immersed in the bucket. . Probe suspected tank locations first, rather than digging up the soil only to find nothing. Keep vehicles, heavy equipment, and livestock off your septic tank, drainfield, and drainfield replacement area. An inspection report from a homeowner will only be accepted if the report is for that property owners OSS system. 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. 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. Splashing or spraying can and will occur. Guidelines, Standards, Rules & Regulations RSS Guidance for properties with multiple structures. 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. Electrical connections are typically buried and run underground from the dwelling to the pump tank. The pressure can compact the soil and damage pipes. Wash only full loads of dishes and laundry. This program has continued with funding from the Washington State Department of Health to perform public education and outreach activities, offer rebates to encourage septic system inspections, and improve tracking and reporting capabilities. See Ecology's. Septic System Records Search; Septic System Maintenance Records Search; Contact. It provides Washingtonians access to affordable financing for the repair and replacement of septic systems. . 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. Others are more complex, requiring pumps, filters, or specially designed materials. While they may not have a negative effect on your system, they do fill your septic system with wastes that require removal through pumping. 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. How to take care of septic systems If heavy rains cause water to sit around your septic system, avoid putting water down your drains. Paper Application. 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. 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. Are you a robot? 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. Free viewers are required for some of the attached documents.They can be downloaded by clicking on the icons below. Tacoma, WA 98418-6813 (253) 649-1500 (800) 330-1844 TDD (253) 649-1400. Septic systems use a combination of nature and time-tested technology to treat wastewater from household plumbing produced by bathrooms, kitchen drains, and laundry. I can't find my record drawingrequest Health Department search for a record you can't locate. Properly built and maintained septic systems have many benefits. View your operations and maintenance report on onlineRMEOn Site Septic formsReport a public health concern, 2023 Clark County Washington Online portal submissions Lists of certified professionals . 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). Yakima. These records will be helpful if problems occur, and will be valuable to the next owner of your home. 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. 400 . If electrical problems are identified, a homeowner should contact a licensed Electrician. With just a few simple steps, you can protect your septicand avoid costly repairs. Once the sewage is at the drainfield, it is dispersed via gravity within the drainfield. The descriptions below may also help you determine your system type. The final treatment occurs in the soil of your drainfield. Grass is the best cover. The scale should be described on your as-built. There is one for gravity systems and a different form for pump/pressure systems: Your form must be completed in its entirety. 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. It is also wise to keep a record of maintenance on the system. Commercial properties and non-owner occupied properties may also qualify. 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. The Health District maintains records of existing on-site sewage systems for your convenience. Proper hygienic practices minimize the risk of exposure to disease causing agents that are found in sewage. 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. Smaller problems can be fixed during the inspection. Brochures, OSS records Reduce the risk of people getting sick from untreated sewage. Evaluating, maintaining, or troubleshooting your septic system can expose you to the many pathogens or disease causing organisms found in human waste. Find a certified O&M provider. . Water coming from roof drains, driveways or other surfaces should be directed away from your septic system. Learn the basics of septic system design, maintenance, and dos and donts to keep your septic system working well as long as possible. Check the Washington Department of Labor and Industries to find information about electricians. 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. Local landscapers or nurseries can help you select plants that are appropriate for the areas around your septic system. 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. If not, please do not enter anything in this field. If youd like us to call you, please provide a phone number. Check your OSS Application status What is a septic system? Exposing these areas to sewage increases a persons risk of contracting an illness. Contact us at ehsepticsystems@tpchd.orgor (253) 649-1925. Customer service counter opens at 9:30 a.m. the first and third Thursdays of every month. Combined, these systems treat 154 million gallons of wastewater annually. Environmental Health Services Statewide access to this program is a win for homeowners, public health, and clean water. 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. No other OSS may be inspected by the homeowner. A septic system evaluation can be performed by a septic system professional. . 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. Adam Zimmerman, President and CEO of Craft3. Repair leaky faucets and plumbing fixtures. Our reply (from PAEGAT25) may go to your email's Spam folder. State law (Chapter 246-272A-0270) requires that homeowners inspect and maintain their septic systems to ensure it is functioning properly. Once these products congeal, they can cause blockages in 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. Please note this is the number of our answering service, and you will receive a call back from Public Health. 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. The chemicals can alter the natural biological conditions found in your septic system. NOTICE OF DATA SECURITY INCIDENT (SPANISH). Directory Septic Application Turnaround Times Septic Permitting If the as-built is accurate, this will allow you to find plumbing stubs, tank lids, distribution boxes, drainfield lines and observation ports. These gases can sink or rise, displacing oxygen that you need to breathe. 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. During the 2020-2022 Project, we are sampling water quality, performing visual surveys, and providing free technical assistance and rebates. Remove the equipment and tools from the soap and water mixture. Please note- many other septic systems exist, we are only discussing those allowed to be inspected by homeowners through this course. Electrical connections should need very little maintenance if your pump controls and alarms are functioning as designed. Many things you do in your yard or on your property can affect the systems function and performance. . Get email alerts based on your topic preferences like news releases, job openings, emergency updates and more! Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 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. Report. Please arrive no later than 3:30 p.m. Save your money from septic tank additives. If you hear a hollow thud and the rebar stops going deeper, you may have found a tank. French drains, curtain drains, or shallow diversion ditches can help move water out and around your septic system. This program supports healthy shellfish and fisheries, and helps ensure Washingtonians have access to swimming beaches and recreation.. 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. This system is called Pump to Gravity Distribution. While the Septics 201 online program provides the basic information necessary to operate and maintain most gravity septic systems, it cannot address every condition and situation that may be encountered. 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. (Not compatible with Internet Explorer.) 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. Covering the eyes, mouth, and any open cuts is particularly important. 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. Soil over your system should be slightly mounded to help surface water runoff. 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 . Avoid chemical drain openers for a clogged drain. To find out what type of system you have, take a look at your propertys as built records. 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. Proper maintenance is defined in the code as: 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.