If your home or place of business uses a septic system, take time to learn how your system works. Don’t be squeamish! Preserve your investment and protect your health, your property, your community and the environment by keeping your system properly maintained. When it comes to septic systems, out of sight is not out of mind.
Each system has different components with specific operating limits and maintenance requirements.
Existing systems. Here’s what to do:
- Get a copy of your system’s as-built drawing from your local health department.
- Ask for maintenance advice from your local health department.
- Arrange for periodic inspection by a licensed professional service. Local health departments provide information to guide you.
- Have your septic tank pumped when needed.
- Get educated. Attend a “Septics 101”—or similar class—offered by your local health department, WSU Extension, or Washington Sea Grant Program.
New home or business construction. Follow these suggestions to get off to a good start:
- Chose a reputable septic designer and installer. Your local health department can help you, or you can contact the Washington On-site Sewage Association, a professional organization representing septic designers, installers and regulators.
- Find out your local health department’s requirements for system design.
- Discuss the system design with your licensed designer.
- Schedule a pre-construction conference with your builder and your system construction contractor. Make sure the leach or drainfield and tanks will be installed far enough away from pools, irrigation systems, gardens or paved areas.
- Visit your home site during system construction and take photos of the system components that will be buried.
- Get the operation manual from your system’s designer.
- Keep a copy of the system as-built drawing in your construction records. These come in handy if your system needs work in the future. The drawings can also be handed off to grateful new owners if you sell your property.