Septic System Care

Protect Your Investment​!


A failing septic system can be expensive to repair and is a serious health risk to your family, pets and our local waterways. More than 78,000 Snohomish County homes rely on septic systems. With proper care and maintenance, yours can keep on running for years to come.  
  • Step 1. Look Up Your Septic System Type and Records
  • Step 2. Practice Proper Septic System Care and Maintenance
  • Step 3. Attend An Upcoming Septic Care Workshop
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 Your Septic System - Easy Steps to Keep It Running

Step 1. Look Up Your Septic System Type and Records


You can find the type of your septic system and its location by finding your system's "As-Built Drawing" on the Snohomish Health District website in their Online RME database.

  • Learn how to look up your septic system As-Built by watching this video or viewing this instruction sheet 
  • Once you find your As-Built, carefully review the drawings and records to find your system type and components. 
  • In the table at the bottom of the page, find your system type and download the guide(s) for your system.

Step 3. Attend An Upcoming Septic Care Workshop


Visit our Events & Workshop page to register, or sign up to receive notice of the next workshop in your inbox by receiving the quarterly SWM News,

Care Guides by Septic System Type
In the table below, find your system type and download the corresponding guides.

System Type / Component  Corresponding Guide & Example Inspection Report
Gravity Gravity System Guide 
Gravity Inspection Report 
Pump Chamber & Alarm Pump Chamber & Alarm Guide 
Low-Pressure Distribution (LPD) LPD System Guide 
LPD Inspection Reports
Drip Dispersal Drip System Guide 
Drip Inspection Report 
Mound Mound System Guide
Mound Inspection Report 
Sand Filter Sand Filter Guide 
Sand Filter Inspection Report
Sand-Lined Bed (SLB) Sand-Lined Trench Systems
Sand Filter Inspection Report
Aerobic Treatment Unit (ATU) ATU Guide
ATU Inspection Report 
Proprietary System Find and strictly follow the manufacturer’s operation and maintenance manual 
Example Proprietary Inspection Report