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. Thank you for your patience as we continue to update our new website. For this reason, equipment, clothing, and tools that have been splashed with or immersed in effluent or sewage, must be decontaminated. Many flow restrictors have no mechanical parts while others reduce flow based upon pressure. LISTINGS, System If youd like a reply, please provide an email address. Gloves are the first line of defense for the average do-it-yourselfer. Let it cool, harden, and then throw it away in the trash. Bellevue, WA 98007, Phone: 206-477-8050 (answered until 3:00 pm), Link/share our site at www.kingcounty.gov/oss, Find certified small business contractors and suppliers, Private wells, plumbing and onsite sewage systems, Pollution Identification and Correction Program (PIC), On-site Sewage System Technical Advisory Committee Bylaws, On-site Sewage System Technical Advisory Committee Membership Application, Quarter 1 OSS TAC Meeting March 30, 2022, 9-11am on Zoom. 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. 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.). Real estate professionals need to inform both the buyer and seller of this requirement. Household size. Search for records on any property. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Grease is a common household waste product that many people flush or rinse down the drain. SEPTIC SYSTEM These gases can be odorless and may deprive you of oxygen. 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. Once the sewage is at the drainfield, it is dispersed via gravity within the drainfield. Keep accurate records of 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. . Save you money and extend the life of your system. 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. I can't find my record drawingrequest Health Department search for a record you can't locate. Poor landscaping can cause septic system problems, including premature failure of your septic system. Once these products congeal, they can cause blockages in your system. As of Sept. 1, the Regional On-Site Sewage System Loan Program has expanded state-wide, adding 17 counties to this successful program. The best way to determine your system type is to review your septic permit. In these cases, the owner will find it easier to utilize the services of a licensed O&M Specialist. While trouble-shooting, water can be used to simulate normal water flow through the septic system. Your groundwater and Puget Sound lakes, rivers, and beaches benefit, too! Proper decontamination of equipment is an important task that will minimize your risk of becoming ill. Common in rural areas without centralized sewer systems, septic systems are underground wastewater treatment structures that you own and operate. Repair leaky faucets and plumbing fixtures. The effluent is distributed via pressure throughout the drainfield by utilizing small diameter pipes with small holes to distribute the liquid throughout the drainfield. Lids may be square, round or rectangular, and are typically large enough to allow for the tank to be pumped out. Stay . Septic systems lacking records are considered "suspected" o r "assumed" and are colored RED on the . 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. It is imperative that you take all necessary precautions to minimize the risk of becoming sick or injured when conducting your inspection. The pressure can compact the soil and damage pipes. A septic contractor installs a new drain field for a homeowner. 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. Expanding the program statewide was made possible with funding support from the state legislature. After reviewing this information and the training videos listed below, homeowners may evaluate their own on-site sewage system (OSS). There are a number of things you can do to check for leaks. Food waste from garbage disposals fill the septic tank and can clog the drainfield. If you have a water meter on your property, you can easily figure out how much water you and your family are using. 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. Treatment component (if applicable) Distribution system. Flushing them will increase the need to pump, maintain and repair your system. 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. If the as-built is accurate, this will allow you to find plumbing stubs, tank lids, distribution boxes, drainfield lines and observation ports. see the Washington State Department of . In gravity plumbing, liquids will carry solid materials out of your dwelling towards downstream components. 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. An inspection report from a homeowner will only be accepted if the report is for that property owners OSS system. Your as-built or record drawing should describe the location of your drainfield. Your septic system is not a trash can. However, it can take up to 60 days to fulfill your request. Fortunately, help is now available in every Washington county. 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. Never mix sanitizers! Septic System Records Search; Septic System Maintenance Records Search; Contact. Drainfield and the reserve areas. 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. Probe suspected tank locations first, rather than digging up the soil only to find nothing. Anyone can access those records by searching our online records database. Total wastewater generated. After completing your inspection and necessary maintenance, you should shower or bathe, even if you dont feel like youve been exposed to sewage. Landscaping in and around your septic system is important. Face shields or goggles are recommended. 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. 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. Healthy septic systems are good for your family, your wallet and the environment. The Snohomish County Health Department works to ensure that septic systems are located and installed correctly, and kept in good working condition. 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. . While they may not have a negative effect on your system, they do fill your septic system with wastes that require removal through pumping. A person should never, for any reason, enter the confines of a septic system, especially tanks. . It is a 40 minute narrated presentation followed by a 20 question quiz on septic system basics. Patient information should not be disclosed to the answering service. Tools can be used to further minimize your exposure to the sewage contained in your septic system. They store, treat and dispose of the things you flush or send down drains. 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. A hose with a nozzle can be used to pre-clean risers, plumbing, and inspection ports. The lids on the tank are circular, 20"-24" in diameter and 5'-5 ' apart. 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. 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. Operation and maintenance of your home septic system begins with your actions inside the home. They include both new construction and repairs to failing systems. Be sure to: Complete additional routine maintenance that is required for some system types. The longevity of your on-site septic system relies heavily on the way that you care for it. 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. Most household wastes, such as harsh chemicals, paints, and oils can be disposed of at your Proper maintenance is defined in the code as: & Development Services, Washington State Department of Healths OSS Program, Do-It-Yourself Septic System Inspection Video, Read the Department of Health Gravity Septic System inspection guide, Fill out the checkist form and return it to Public Health, Department of Health Gravity Septic System inspection guide, Pressure/Pump to Gravity On Site Sewage Summary Report, Check the Washington Department of Labor and Industries to find information about electricians, Skagit Related Links Some are simple, using only a tank and a drainfield. Maintaining your septic system will save you money as well as help maintain or improve surface and groundwater quality in Skagit County. Maintenance Know where the system is and keep a diagram of its location. Clean these tools in accordance with the manufacturers instructions. Proper hygienic practices minimize the risk of exposure to disease causing agents that are found in sewage. 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. Harsh chemicals including acids, bases, pesticides, herbicides, oils, paints, and varnishes should never be drained into any fixture that leads to your septic system. It provides Washingtonians access to affordable financing for the repair and replacement of septic systems. Scaling, like on a map, allows you to find things accurately. 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. Manager of Healthy People & Communities. With just a few simple steps, you can protect your septicand avoid costly repairs. Electrical connections should need very little maintenance if your pump controls and alarms are functioning as designed. Old homes may not have a septic permit or the as-built may be unreliable. 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. To learn more, check out these 3D septic system models. For information on failing septic systems, please see our Septic Failure Brochure. 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. 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. outlet baffle, and 3) distribution box (if present) within 30 days of inspection. They can be purchased at your local hardware store and are fairly easy to install in a typical faucet. . The completed form must include photos of. The pollutants harm local ecosystems by killing native plants, fish, and shellfish. Previously, Craft3 offered Clean Water Loans on a more-limited basis in partnership with specific counties. Public Records Requests It should be noted that at the time of a property transfer, a licensed O&M Specialist must conduct the inspection. The final treatment occurs in the soil of your drainfield. On What is a septic system? Your septic system is not capable of handling many wastes that you may generate in your home. 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. 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,. Port Townsend, WA 98368. . If you cannot remove the lid, contact a licensed O&M Specialist. 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. Certifications If shellfish filter polluted water, they can become unsafe for humans to eat. 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. Remove the equipment and tools from the soap and water mixture. Household Hazardous Waste Facility: 14104 Ovenell Road, Mount Vernon, WA 98273 These materials do not decompose or breakdown easily, if at all. Wash only full loads of dishes and laundry. 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. 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. Work with septic system professionals to approve system design,location and installation. [Ver este comunicado de prensa en Espaol]. Rinse: Start by rinsing the equipment and tools with water from your garden hose. For a typical household, septic tanks are usually pumped every three to five years. This does not mean that such a system is illegal or failed; it just means that a homeowner may have trouble conducting the evaluation. A typical conventional gravity system will not have any mechanical devices to convey water or material; gravity will do all of the required work. Fully immerse the tools and equipment in the solution as much as you can, let stand for 3 minutes or longer. Please arrive no later than 3:30 p.m. Phone: : 360-385-9444. Report. Public health licenses these professionals, and maintains a list of System Maintenance Providers. Keep vehicles, heavy equipment, and livestock off your septic tank, drainfield, and drainfield replacement area. Household bleach is a very effective sanitizer for killing bacteria and viruses. 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. The descriptions below may also help you determine your system type. Get the latest on local COVID-19 trends, news and helpful resources from Chelan-Douglas Health District, weekly in your inbox. Using a garbage disposal on a septic system is not recommended. In the past there were no standards for septic systems and permits were not required. Website Design by Granicus - Connecting People and Government. Vince McGowan, water quality program manager for Ecology. See Department of Health Gravity Septic System inspection guide for a complete checklist and necessary tools. Four major factors influence how often you need to pump your septic: Practice water conservation. As-builts are drawings that oftentimes are drawn to scale or otherwise help describe the location of your septic system. Protects Your Property Value An unusable septic system or one in disrepair will lower your property value and poses a potentially costly legal liability. Brochures, OSS records Protective clothing should be worn whenever you maintain your septic system. The system type will be noted in multiple places within the permit. 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 Smaller problems can be fixed during the inspection. There is a 25 gallon / household / month limit, for free! 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 [email protected]. Yakima. 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. Greases can congeal anywhere in your plumbing or septic system. Protects the Environment Malfunctioning septic systems release bacteria, viruses, and chemicals that eventually enter streams, rivers, lakes, Puget Sound, and the ocean. To assist in this process, please have your address and/or your parcel ID number available. 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. 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. Email Environmental Public Health . Wood Stove Rule - Is My Wood Stove Okay to Use? Look for a medication take-back program in your area. Washington State Department of Health. 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 arrive no later than 3:30 p.m. 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. 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. Search for Records. Shovels can be used to evaluate the depth of the scum and sludge found in your septic tank. Older septic tanks might not be sized appropriately for your home, especially if your home has been remodeled and is now larger. 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 homeowner maintaining a pump system should minimize electrical hazards where appropriate. . The chemicals can alter the natural biological conditions found in your septic system. Some tanks have smaller lids on each end of the tank to allow for inspection of inlet and outlet baffles. Feminine hygiene products such as tampons or pads. . Planning Most tanks are covered by 12 to 18" of soil. These inspections can identify small issues and fix them before they become big, costly repairs. The bigger the tank, the more capacity it has to handle solids and water, which could allow for more time between pumpings. Site Sewage At a minimum, wash your hands using soap and hot water. Tanks installed after 1976 are two compartment tanks and both compartments will need to be pumped out. 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. Pouring toxins down your drain can kill these organisms and harm your septic system. During the 2020-2022 Project, we are sampling water quality, performing visual surveys, and providing free technical assistance and rebates. 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. They protect your eyes and mouth from the liquids in your septic system. Everything you put down your drain or into the toilet will end up in your septic system. 311 Grand Avenue | Bellingham, WA 98225 | Phone: 360-778-5000 [] . Food Safety, Land Development, Environmental Hazards, Water Recreation & Public Schools . 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. When a failing septic system is fixed, the benefits go beyond the home. Meet septic system requirements before you do. How would you like to receive your "as-built": Before 1975, permits were not required by law. If electrical problems are identified, a homeowner should contact a licensed Electrician. There are many different types of systems. These areas provide a transmission corridor for viruses and bacteria to enter the body. Department of Ecology News Release - Sept. 21, 2021. Combined, these systems treat 154 million gallons of wastewater annually. As-Built Records Northeast Tri County Health District maintains records of permits for completed on-site sewage systems. Tacoma, WA 98418-6813 (253) 649-1500 (800) 330-1844 TDD (253) 649-1400. Simply take the rebar and pound it into the ground with a mallet. To search for septic or drinking water records, you'll need to enter your property ID number or GeoID or parcel number. We recommend searching by the 12-digit tax parcel number. Privacy Policy Eliminate or limit the use of a garbage disposal. Open the lid to your toilet tank and pour enough food coloring into the tank water to color the water. Once you submit your quiz and contact information, we will have a record of you completing Septics 101. You can hire a septic professional to do the inspection or, if your local health department allows it, you can do the inspection yourself. Some plumbing (like toilets) can leak so slowly that it is difficult to hear or see signs of a leak. It is also recommended the first inspection of any OSS be done professionally. 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. Commercial properties and non-owner occupied properties may also qualify. Never pour cooking oil or grease down the drain. Get email alerts based on your topic preferences like news releases, job openings, emergency updates and more! Applications, permits and fees, Buying and selling properties Grease can also clog the pores in your soil, damaging your drainfield and may lead to system failure. Discharging effluent onto the ground's surface or into surface and ground water is against Washington State law. Keep water runoff away from your system. 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. Environmental Health 415 N. 6th Street Shelton, WA 98584. Directions. You can check for leaks in your toilet too. 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. 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. 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. In these cases, it may be increasingly difficult to maintain your septic system without a significant amount of effort. In addition, some garbage disposals are capable of grinding or shredding material to a very fine size. Environmental Health Contact numbers: Shelton: 360-427-9670, Ext. In the plumbing, liquids will carry solid materials out of your dwelling towards downstream components. For more information, click the buttons below. Public Records; Smoke-Free Housing Information; View. Educate property owners to make sure their septic system gets proper maintenance. Health Information Privacy Information Interested homeowners can apply for a Clean Water Loan by visiting the Craft3 website. Learn the basics of septic system design, maintenance, and dos and donts to keep your septic system working well as long as possible. Directions. Faucets and toilets should be free of any leakage. Landscape your system properly. 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. Others are more complex, requiring pumps, filters, or specially designed materials. Links. For example, "the property is on 30th Avenue between Spruce and Verbena.". A failing septic system is usually a costly and urgent situation for homeowners. Please allow up to five business days for a response. They allow for development in outlying communities, help protect groundwater and waterways, and reduce exposure to untreated sewage. The scale is typically depicted in inches to feet. Even latex paint waste should be minimized. With just a few simple steps, you can protect your septicand avoid costly repairs. Baby wipes, cleaning wipes, or any moist towelettes. NOTICE OF DATA SECURITY INCIDENT (SPANISH). 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 [email protected]. Rakes can be used to lift floats and screens. The probe can be used to identify the size and orientation of the tank (rectangle vs. round, 4 X 8 foot, etc).
(codeandqa.com)
