Septic Systems

Here's the problem:

Septic systems are designed to keep harmful sewage pathogens in the ground, protecting your family, pets and visitors. However, if not properly maintained, septic systems can lead to untreated sewage leaking into your yard and surface and groundwater, which can:

Carry harmful pathogens that spread disease.
Impact drinking water wells
Leach pollution and bacteria into nearby lakes or streams, including phosphorus that promotes algae growth

With an estimated 78,000 homeowners who rely on septic systems in Snohomish County, these problems can add up. Since septic systems are often out of sight and out of mind, many people may have systems that pose a threat to their health and could pollute nearby lakes or streams. That's why it's so important to have your septic system regularly inspected.

Protect your family and your lake

The good news is that you can make a difference by taking a few simple steps to ensure your septic system keeps running properly for years to come. The LakeWise Clear Choices for septic care to have your property LakeWise certified are to:

Attend a FREE septic system care workshop

Have inspections by licensed provider at least every three years.

By taking these simple steps you can ensure you have the know-how to care for your system, identify and fix problems early, and ensure your system lasts for years to come.

Earn $200 in septic care rebates

Septic maintenance can be expensive. Visit Snohomish County's Savvy Septic program to learn more about how to apply for rebates for your next professional inspection (with or without pumping) and riser installation.

Step 1: Get to know your system:

As a homeowner, you're responsible for the care and maintenance of your septic system. Here is how you can learn about your system:

Download a map of your septic system and drainfield (called an “As-Built” from the Snohomish Health District). Go to www.snohd.org and follow links under "Septics" to find wastewater information and the link to your property's as-built records. Use the drop-down windows to search by parcel number, address or owner name.
Use your system map to locate the tank and drainfield, and whether you have a designated drainfield reserve area on your property.
Learn more about your specific system by finding out the type (e.g. gravity, sand filter, mound) on your as-built and reading more about it in our resources.

Step 2: Maintain your septic system:

Schedule routine inspections at least every three years

Routine inspection of your septic system is a smart investment. By catching a problem early you can avoid costly repairs and keep your system running efficiently for years to come.

Schedule routine inspections from a certified septic provider at least every three years. Your provider will look at the tank, drainfield and any other system components to make sure they are working properly.
Pump your tank when recommended by your inspector after they assess your system. To save money, when you request service ask for a system inspection and ask for a pump-out only if it's needed.
More advanced septic systems (e.g. sand filters, mounds, ATUs, etc.) require annual inspections under the Washington Administrative Code.
Clean the septic tank outlet filter screen yearly (if you have one).

Let's get pumped:

A pumper can be an inspector -- but not always

Find the right provider to inspect or pump your system. Depending on the provider's license and your septic system, some can pump tanks, some can inspect entire systems and some can do both.

Find the list of licensed septic service providers on the Snohomish Health District’s website. Contractors certified as a monitoring & maintenance specialist can inspect all systems. Gravity septic systems without pumps can also be inspected by certified pumpers.
Contact at least three qualified providers to obtain the best service and pricing. Use the “Choosing a Septic System Provider” to see what to ask. Also check out some example inspection reports (see left) to see what your inspection report should include.
Check out an example inspection report to see what inspectors should look for when they check your septic system. The reports below are actual inspection reports filed online with the Snohomish Health District - just select your system type to view:

Gravity (PDF)	Gravity with pump (PDF)	Sand Filter (SF)
Drip (PDF)	Low Pressure Distribution (LPD) (PDF)	Aerobic Treatment Unit (ATU) (PDF)
Mound (PDF)	SF with LPD (PDF)

If you want to avoid failure of your drainfield ...
... or failure of your septic tank ...
... you have to keep these and other caustic chemicals ...
... cooking oils and grease ...
... and oil-based paints and solvents out of your drains

Step 3: Keep your septic system healthy

It's up to you to make your septic system last - Don't trash your septic system

Your septic system is designed to safely process wastewater and the two things your body makes every day. Keep it simple and don't flush or pour any of this other stuff down the drain:

Undigested food and food scraps, grease, oils, fats and paper towels
Pet waste and kitty litter
Hair, dental floss, bath tissues, baby wipes and "personal" wipes, feminine hygiene products and condoms
Old medicines
Chemical bases and solids and caustic drain cleaners
Automotive fluids such as anti-freeze, oils, brake fluid and degreasers
Oil-based paints and solvents
Latex paint brush and roller cleanup waste should be minimized

Do's and don'ts for your septic tank, drainfield and reserve area

It's up to you to protect your septic tank, drainfield and reserve area. Here's how:

Do call a septic service provider if you smell foul odors or find wet spots or leaking sewage near the septic tank or drainfield.
Do keep deep-rooted plants away from the septic tank, pipes and drainfield. Roots are drawn to the moisture and nutrients and will grow into pipes and underground components.
Do keep your drainfield and reserve area clear any structures, pavement, livestock, irrigation, sprinklers and stormwater infiltration systems.
Do plant grass or keep existing native vegetation over your drainfield. These are the best covers.
Do use water in your house wisely: Fix leaks, use water-saving fixtures, space dishwashing and laundry loads throughout the week.
Don't plant a vegetable garden over or near the drainfield.
Don't cover your drainfield with plastic sheeting, bark, gravel or other fill.
Don't drive across or park over your septic tank, drainfield or reserve area. You'll compact the soil, which hampers its ability to filter water back into the ground.
Don't direct any surface water drainage toward the septic system, drainfield or reserve area.
Don't drain a hot tub near the septic tank or drainfield.

Roots will find the nutrients in septic system pipes and clog them
This is a good way to safely and attractively landscape a septic mound
Don't park vehicles or drive over your drainfield or reserve area
Keep your septic tank, drainfield and reserve areas free from development
A drainfield shows signs of failure as sewage oozes out of the hillside
Don't let erosion damage your drainfield or reserve area
Roots choke a septic system's distribution box

Septic Systems

For questions on your septic system, including information on inspections and installment, contact the Snohomish Health District at 425-339-5250 or visit their website.

Here's the problem:

Register for a FREE Septic System Care Workshop

The solution: Be LakeWise for your septic system

Protect your family and your lake

Earn $200 in septic care rebates

Septic System Care is up to you - learn how to care for your system

Step 1: Get to know your system:

Find your septic tank, drainfield, and reserve area

Find your septic tank, drainfield and reserve area - download a map at www.snohd.org

Calculate this

Step 2: Maintain your septic system:

Let's get pumped:

Step 3: Keep your septic system healthy

Septic resources:

Contact Us

Adam Jackson

Marisa Burghdoff

Septic Questions

Septic Questions