Frequently asked questions
- Why has the law changed?
- Where can I find the regulations themselves?
- What is Public Health's role and how are you funding it?
- How often do simple gravity systems with drainfields have to be inspected?
- If I have a gravity system with a pump that pushes the effluent up into the drainfield, how often does it need to be inspected?
- What about other systems like sand mounds, Glendons, etc.?
- Why do I have to have a maintenance contract if I need yearly inspections?
- Can resident homeowners do their own inspections?
- Who should I call to inspect my septic system?
- When should I have my system pumped?
- How do I know the inspector isn't in cahoots with a pumping company?
- What is the cost of an inspection?
- Is there any advantage to me personally?
1. Why has the law changed?
Washington State has significant probelms with ground water pollution, which contributes to the degradation of recreational and drinking water, impacting the health of the public as well as the fishing and shellfish industries. One of the sources of pollution is thought to be high concentrations of nitrogen due to poorly functioning septic systems. The State Department of Health therefore adopted more rigorous septic inspection, design and installation standards.
2. Where can I find the regulations themselves?
The state issued WAC 246-272A in 2005, with the intention that new spectic maintenance requirements be enacted in 2007. This regulation can be found at the following Web site: http://apps.leg.wa.gov/WAC/default.aspx?cite+246-272A.
Local public health departments are required to enforce these regulations. Clark County Public Health proposed Clark County Code 24.17, which the Board of health adopted on October 16, 2007. The code can be found at: http://www.codepublishing.com/wa/clarkcounty.html.
3. What is Public Health's role and how are you funding it?
Public Health is charged with overseeing the implementation of this law, ensuring that owners are educated about requirements and comply with them, and certifying on-site sewage system inspectors, pumpers and installers. To fund a program to carry out those requirements and to provide a quality assurance audit process designed to ensure that certified professional are performing to standards, the Board of Health adopted a $20 report fee for every inspection completed.
4. How often do simple gravity systems with drainfields have to be inspected?
Every three years. We will send you a notice about 3 months before your inspection is due to give you time to meet this requirement.
5. If I have a gravity system with a pump that pushes the effluent up into the drainfield, how often does it need to be inspected?
Every 3 years. The State Department of Health has granted our waiver request to allow these systems to be inspected every three years instead of more frequently.
6. What about other systems like sand mounds, Glendons, etc.?
The law requires that all alternative systems be inspected yearly. Note that some systems are so complex that the manufacturer recommends inspections more often for the first two years, so be sure that you are meeting the conditions of your warranty as well.
7. Why do I have to have a maintenance contract if I need yearly inspections?
The maintenance contract is simply a system to make sure your yearly inspections are carried out routinely. The contract should specify the frequency of inspections, the full cost including any laboratory testing, and should be able to be terminated if you were not satisfied with the service. We strongly recommend that you get at least 3 quotes before proceeding.
8. Can resident homeowners do their own inspections?
If it's a simple gravity system without an alarm, yes. The homeowner must take a course from Public Health and pass the post-test ($10). An Environmental Health Specialist will come out and observe the first self-inspection to provide technical assistance (no charge), and the homeowner may then be certified to do every other inspection. The form for reporting inspection results will also be provided at that time.
9. Who should I call to inspect my septic system?
For a list, go to http://www.clark.wa.gov/health/environmental/documents/pumper.pdf Clark County Public health is mandated by the state to certify Operation and Maintenance Specialists, and as of March 2008 we will be classifying them by a specialty. If you have a gravity system with or without a pump, you can hire an O & M Specialist I or II; if you have any other type of system, you will need to contract with an O & M Specialist II. These are trained, bonded individuals who have passed either a Clark County Public Health exam that covers just gravity systems (for O & M Specialists I) or a two-day state exam that covers all systems (for O & M Specialists II).
10. When should I have my system pumped?
Pumping frequency is determined by the type of system, the amount of use, the type of materials put in the system, etc. When you have your system inspected, the O & M Specialist will recommend pumping if it's needed based on inspection data.
11. How do I know the inspector isn't in cahoots with a pumping company?
All inspectors, pumpers and installers are required to complete a conflict of interest statement that identifies any financial relationship with any business or product that may present a conflict of interest. These potential conflicts are summarized on our Web site with the list of certified professionals. You may still choose an inspector who does pumping, or a designer who is also a product representative, but at least you will be able to make an informed choice.
12. What is the cost of an inspection?
Inspections cost less than pumping, but the price may vary depending on the type of system you have. As private industry is providing this service, we cannot regulate their fees, but encourage you to get more than one quote before selecting an O & M Specialist.
13. Is there any advantage to me personally?
Research shows that even though you believe your system is operating properly, more frequent operation and maintenance increases the longevity of the system and identifies problems early while they are still relatively inexpensive to fix. In the long run, proper care for a system will not only protect our groundwater, but your investment in your home.
