SEPTIC SOLUTIONS NORTHWEST - SEPTIC SYSTEM OPERATION, MAINTENANCE AND INSPECTIONS

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NOW SERVING SKAGIT COUNTY

SKAGIT COUNTY RESIDENTS... ASK US HOW YOU CAN GET A $100 REBATE ON YOUR NEXT O & M INSPECTION.

Serving Whatcom and Skagit County with all your Septic O & M Inspection and Maintenance needs.

GRAVITY • PRESSURE • ATU • MEDIA FILTER• DRIP IRRIGATION

HUD • REO • VA• PROPERTY TRANSFER • ROUTINE COMPLIANCE

INSPECTIONS No Frame

WHY DO I NEED A SEPTIC INSPECTION?

Currently the State of Washington requires that all private and public septic systems need periodic inspections by a licensed Septic O & M inspector.What is Operation and Maintenance (O&M)? Operation and maintenance (O&M) is about On-Site Sewage Systems (OSS) functioning properly and being cared for correctly. In order for an OSS to continue to function properly, care must be taken by those responsible for it. Think of an OSS as a personal wastewater treatment plant. Proper monitoring, correct operation and maintenance are the responsibility of the OSS owner.Evaluation of Your OSS Upon completion of training, homeowners may perform their own OSS evaluations for six consecutive years. Following each six year period, the next required OSS evaluation must be completed by a licensed O&M Specialist. A Report of System Status (ROSS) is completed at the time of the evaluation and submitted to the Whatcom County Health Department (WCHD) with a $35 filing fee. For each evaluation of your OSS, a ROSS must be submitted. When do I need an OSS Evaluation? • Once every three years for conventional gravity systems (systems consisting of a septic tank and drain field ONLY). • Annually for all other systems unless more frequently as specified by the manufacturer. • When a property is offered for sale and there is no current ROSS on file by an O&M Specialist. Who are the O&M Specialists?Professionals licensed individually by WCHD who:Passed an examination Posted a bond with WCHD Maintain verifiable ongoing education or continuing education units (CEU). Why do I need to perform Operations and Maintenance on my system?1. Protect your investment in your property. Look at it from this perspective: You can spend a few dollars, or some of your time every year to maintain your septic system or you can spend $20,000 or more to replace it. In the long run it makes more sense to spend a little effort every year and save a significant amount of money in the long run. Your septic system will not last forever. The EPA and Washington Department of Health estimate that the average life expectancy of a septic system is only 20 to 30 years. However, poorly maintained and operated systems can fail in only a year or two. While well maintained systems can surpass the 30 year mark. It is similar to owning a car. You spend a large amount of money to purchase it even though you know that its life expectancy is less than twenty years. You also know that if you perform regular service on thevehicle it will run better and last longer.2. Protect your health and your neighbors.Under-treated sewage contains organisms that can cause life-threatening diseases. If your septic system is poorly maintained these organisms can enterthe environment and threaten the health & welfare of children, household pets, and even wild animals.3. Pumping your septic tank when it is needed can save you money.Many people think that the septic tank is the most expensive part of their system. As it turns out replacing a septic tank is relatively inexpensive compared to replacing the rest of the system. It is important to check your septic tank becauseyou can extend the life of your system. When septic tanks are not pumped as needed, sludge from the tank begins to enter the drainfield and clog the soil pores. When the soil pores become plugged the drainfield stops functioning correctlyand the system fails. Pumping the tank when it is needed will keep sludge out of your drainfield and extend the life of your system.4. Under-treated sewage leads to environmental issues.Washington State University and the State Department of Ecology, authored a study on Silver Lake. The study concluded that under-treated and untreated septic sewage was partially to blame for the algae and plant blooms that are causing problems at the lake.5. It is the Law.This is everybody's least favorite answer but it is still the fact. State and county rules require homeowners to perform regular O&M on their system. Washington Administrative Code 246-272A-0270 and Chapter 24.05 Whatcom County Code explain the requirement.Whatcom County Revised Code24.05.160 Operation and maintenance.A. The OSS owner is responsible for properly operating, monitoring and maintaining the OSS to minimize the risk of failure, and to accomplish this purpose, shall: 1. Obtain approval from the health officer before repairing, altering or expanding an OSS2. Secure and renew contracts for periodic maintenance where required by the WCHD3. Obtain and renew operation permits if required by the WCHD4. Assure a complete initial evaluation of the system components and/or property by a licensed O&M Specialist to determine functionality, maintenance needs and compliance with this chapter and any permits. A Report of System Status shall be completed at thetime of evaluations and submitted to the WCHD.5. Assure subsequent evaluations of the system components and/or property arecompleted as follows: i. At least once every three years for all systems consisting solely of a septic tank and gravity SSAS ii. Annually for all other systems unless more frequent inspections are specified by the health officer6. Employ an approved pumper to remove the septage from the tank when the level of solids and scum indicates that removal is necessary7. Provide maintenance and needed repairs to promptly return the system to a properoperating condition8. Protect the OSS area and the reserve area from:i. Cover by structures or impervious materialii. Surface drainage and direct drains, such as footing or roof drains. The drainage must be directed away from the area where the OSS is locatediii. Soil compaction, for example by vehicular traffic or livestock andiv. Damage by soil removal and grade alteration.9. Keep the flow of sewage to the OSS at or below the approved operating capacity and sewage quality10. Operate and maintain systems as directed by the health officer11. Request assistance from the health officer upon occurrence of a system failure or suspected system failure12. At the time of property transfer, provide to the buyer, a copy of the current report of system status on file with the Whatcom County Health Department, and any available maintenance records, in addition to the completed seller disclosure statement inaccordance with Chapter 64.06 RCW for residential real property transfers.13. Ensure that a current Report of System Status by a licensed O&M specialist is on file with WCHD when a residence is offered for sale.B. OSS owners may perform their own OSS evaluation in accordance with WCC 24.05.160.C. except for the following:1. OSS technologies that are listed as proprietary on the WA State DOH list of registered onsite treatment and distribution products2. Community drainfields3. Nonconforming replacement systems that do not meet vertical and horizontal separation installed as a result of a system failure4. OSS serving Food Service Establishments.C. OSS owners who choose to perform their own evaluations shall complete O&M homeowner training as approved by the health officer. Upon completion of training, OSS owners may perform their own evaluation for six consecutive years. Following each six year period, the next required evaluation must be completed by a licensed O&M specialist. If OSS owners are discovered to be repeatedly noncompliant with 24.05.160, all subsequent evaluations shall be performed by a licensed O&M specialist.D. Persons shall not:1. Use or introduce strong bases, acids or chlorinated organic solvents into an OSS for the purpose of system cleaning2. Use a sewage system additive unless it is specifically approved by WDOH or3. Use an OSS to dispose of waste components atypical of residential wastewater.E. The health officer shall require annual inspections of OSS serving food serviceestablishments and may require pumping as needed.

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MAINTENANCE PROGRAM No Frame

3 YEAR MAINTENANCE AGREEMENTS

Septic Solutions Northwest is committed to providing the very best maintenance service available in Western Washington. Each time we inspect and/or service your system we attach a door hanger to the front door of your home showing that we have been by and explicitly describing the fact that we have inspected or serviced your system. The next day we mail a copy of your current inspection report to your County's controlling authority. If you have received a letter from your County warning that they do not have a inspection report on file, contact us immediately as we can often help you avoid unnecessary penalites by placing you under immediate contract. BRONZE SERVICE - $160 + tax per year for 3 years (to be paid at the time of initial services).* Service includes:• We will inspect your system every year and provide a report to the county on how the system is operating regardless of system type. (Gravity fed are only required every 3 years) • Determine the thickness of scum & sludge in septic & pump tanks. • Check inlet & outlet baffles. • Clean filter if needed. • Test pump, floats and alarms (if installed in your system) to insure they are working properly. • Sell your home? We will provide a certification of your septic system at no cost to you.• Yearly Whatcom County Health Department fee is included in the price.Save $75 off our retail price SILVER SERVICE - $250 + tax per year for 3 years (to be paid at the time of initial service.)*Service includes:• We will inspect your system every 6 months and provide a report on how the system is operating. • Determine the thickness of scum & sludge in septic & pump tanks. • Check inlet & outlet baffles. • Clean filter if needed. • Test pump, floats and alarms (if installed in your system) to insure they are working properly. • Sell your home? We will provide a certification of your septic system at no cost to you.• Yearly Whatcom County Health Department fee is included in the price.Save $255 off our retail priceGOLD SERVICE - $360 + tax per year for 3 years (to be paid at the time of initials services)*• We will inspect your system every 6 months and provide a report on how the system is operating. • Determine the thickness of scum & sludge in septic & pump tanks. • Check inlet & outlet baffles. • Clean filter if needed. • Test pump, floats and alarms (if installed in your system) to insure they are working properly. • We will pump your tank once when the solids reach approximately 1/3 of the overall tank volume (or) every 3 years which ever comes first. • Sell your home? We will provide a certification of your septic system at no cost to you• Yearly Whatcom County Health Deparment fee is included in the price.Save $355 of our retail priceAbout Our Referral ProgramIf you are a current Septic Solutions Northwest contract customer, you are eligible to earn a $15.00 rebate for each qualified referral that results in a new maintenance contract. Participation is simple: Just tear off the perforated tag at the bottom of the door hanger we leave after each of our service visits, fill in your name in the "you were referred by" blank, and give it to a neighbor or friend. If they sign a new maintenance contract with us, and give us the tag, you will automatically receive $15 check from Septic Solutions Northwest. There's no limit to this offer, so you may want to make copies of the tag should you want to refer us to more than one person. *The fine print: • System must have been pumped within the last 6 months of initials services.• System must be determined to be in good working condition.• System must have risers to the surface with bolt down lids., or uncovered for services.• Contract runs for 3 years and is non-refundable. • Pumping of Septic tank for Gold service based off typical 1000 Gallon tank. Price is .45 for each additional gallon above 1000 gallons.• Contracts are for typical Gravity and Pressure fed systems, please call if you have an atypical system such as ATU, Biofilter, Sand Filter or other systems.• Septic Solutions Northwest will not warranty mechanical parts or pipes not installed by SSNW.
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COSTS

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

WHATCOM COUNTY RESIDENTS (SCROLL DOWN FOR SKAGIT)$150.00 BASIC inspection fee and $35.00 Filing FeeThis price includes:• Picking up the current Septic System Permit on file with the Whatcom County Health Deparment - If no Permit is on file, then an as-built plan will be drawn by Septic Solutions NW and submitted to the County.• Execution of the Inspection - All components of your system will be inspected, including:• Contol Panel & Settings (if applicable)• Septic Tank• Pump Tank (if applicable)• Pump (if applicable)• Floats & Alarms (if applicable)• Secondary Tanks (if applicable)• Transport Lines• Inspection Ports• Drainfields• Completion of the Whatcom County ROSS Checklist - Copies will be provided to you for reference. Any maintenance issues will be addressed with you and solutions to any problem(s ) will be discussed in a seperate report.• Submittal of the ROSS Checklist to Whatcom County Health Department - a $35 submittal and review fee will accompany this Checklist (not included in the inspection fee)OTHER FEES:SITE PLAN DRAWING FOR UN-PERMITTED SYSTEMS: $40EXPLORATION OF UN-PERMITTED SYSTEMS (IF LOCATION IS UNKNOWN): $40 PER HOURDIG UP BURIED SEPTIC TANK LIDS : $40 PER HOURSKAGIT COUNTY RESIDENTS $200.00 BASIC inspection fee - NO FILING FEESome Skagit County residents may qualify for a $100 rebate - Click Here for more informationThis price includes:• Picking up the current Septic System Permit on file with the SKAGIT County Health Deparment - If no Permit is on file, then an as-built plan will be drawn by Septic Solutions NW and submitted to the County.• Execution of the Inspection - All components of your system will be inspected, including:• Contol Panel & Settings (if applicable)• Septic Tank• Pump Tank (if applicable)• Pump (if applicable)• Floats & Alarms (if applicable)• Secondary Tanks (if applicable)• Transport Lines• Inspection Ports• Drainfields• Completion of the Skagit County ROSS Checklist - Copies will be provided to you for reference. Any maintenance issues will be addressed with you and solutions to any problem(s ) will be discussed in a seperate report.• Submittal of the ROSS Checklist to skagit County Health Department OTHER FEES:SITE PLAN DRAWING FOR UN-PERMITTED SYSTEMS: $40EXPLORATION OF UN-PERMITTED SYSTEMS (IF LOCATION IS UNKNOWN): $40 PER HOURDIG UP BURIED SEPTIC TANK LIDS : $40 PER HOURPayment options:We accept: Check, Cash or Paypal

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ATU AGREEMENTS No Frame

ATU AGREEMENTS

An aerobic treatment unit (ATU) pretreats wastewater by adding air to break down organic matter, reduce pathogens, and transform nutrients. Compared to conventional septic tanks, ATUs break down organic matter more efficiently, achieve quicker decomposition of organic solids, and reduce the concentration of pathogens in the wastewater. According to Whatcom County Health Department, an Aerobic Treatment Unit (ATU) that is installed requires perpetual maintenance and monitoring for the life of the system. Maintenance and monitoring shall be provided by an entity acceptable to the Whatcom County Health Department.Because most companies ATU's are individually engineered and designed, these companies have patents and trademarks for each system type. Since these systems are proprietary only O & M providers that have training, certification or permission from each manufacturer may install, inspect or provide Operation and Maintenance agreements for that system type. We are approved by the manufacturer or distribtor to provide maintenance agreements on the following ATU system types.• Delta Environmental Whitewater & ECOPOD systems• Norweco Singular Systems• Bio-Microbics MicroFast Systems• Orenco AdvanTex Treatment SystemsSince these systems are complicated and have many mechanical parts, it is important to keep maintenance current on these types of systems. Give us a call to schedule an inspection!Please Call for ATU Agreement Pricing

REBATE

SKAGIT COUNTY REBATE PROGRAM

Skagit County Health Department has received a federal grant to help homeowners who live in environmentally sensitive watershed areas pay for licensed Operations and Maintenance inspections and maintenance.The Rebate Program: How it WorksTo qualify and receive your rebate you must:1. Have a private residence in Skagit County and reside in an area of water quality concern such as certain marine shorelines and watersheds. Please call SCHD to determine if you live in these areas.2. Attend a FREE Septics 101 Clinic provided by SCHD.3. Have the inspection and/or installation done by a SkagitCounty certified maintenance specialist.4. Pay for the services and keep your receipt/paid invoice.5. Submit the application with documentation of the workdone to the Health Dept.6. Receive $100 rebate toward your inspection service and $100 additional if Lids and Riser maintenance has been completed.SKAGIT COUNTY SEPTIC 101 AND 201 SCHEDULESeptics ClinicsLearn How Your Septic System Works And How to Take Care of It - Presented by The Skagit County Health Department The purpose of the FREE Septics clinic is to inform homeowners about how septic systems work, how to monitor their function, and how to maintain them in order to prevent problems. In addition each clinic provides information about composting and hazardous waste disposal options. The classes will also discuss available financial resources for homeowners who need to repair or replace a failing septic system, including a $100 rebate program for participants who attend the classes. Septics 101 schedule: October 4, 2011, 2:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Location: Skagit County Commissioners Hearing Room, 1800 Continental Place, Mount Vernon October 15, 2011, 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Location: Skagit County Administration Building, Hearing Room C, 700 S. 2nd St. Mount Vernon October 25, 2011, 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Location: WSU Research Center, 16650 State Route 536 (Memorial Hwy), Mount Vernon November 7, 2011, 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Location: Samish Elementary School gymnasium, 23953 Prairie Rd., Sedro-Woolley December 8, 2011, 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Location: Padilla Bay Center, 10441 Bayview-Edison Rd. Mount Vernon The Skagit County Health Department will also hold one Septics 201 class. Participants must take Septics 101 before enrolling in the 201 inspection training class. Septics 201 will provide homeowner training on how to inspect a conventional gravity septic system as well as how to complete a septic system inspection form. Septics 201 schedule: October 25, 2011, 2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Location: WSU Research Center, 16650 State Route 536 (Memorial Hwy), Mount Vernon (This class immediately follows the Septics 101 class in the same room as advertised above.) Everyone is welcome to attend a Septics 101 class, however pre-registration is recommended. To register, or for more information, contact the Skagit County Health Department at health_co.skagit.wa.us or at (360) 336-9380. Also visit www.skagitcounty.net/health.

PROP TRANSFER ?'S No Frame

PROPERTY TRANSFERS QUESTIONS

I get a lot of questions and confusion from prospective buyers and sellers when it comes to the sale or transfer of property. Here are the most frequently ask questions when it comes to transfers in Whatcom and Skagit counties.1. Who is responsible for having the septic inspection performed on a property transfer?It is the sellers responsibility to have the septic inspection performed and paid for. Based on the code of Whatcom County, all properties that are up for sale are to have an inspection of record performed when the property is listed for sale. My experience is that 90% of properties for sale do not have an inspection until the property has a pending contract. The reason is because a lot of properties have been sitting on the market for for upwards of 1 - 2 years, and a septic inspection done at the time of listing would need to be updated.2. Doesn't the county require the septic tank to be pumped when the property changes hands?NO. There is no code or requirement from either county that states a septic tank has to be pumped when the property is transfered. A septic inspection will reveal the need for the tank to be pumped or not and generally the seller will pay for a septic pumping if needed, but it can depend on the contract. Most bank or government owned properties will pay for the septic tank to be pumped if needed.3. Who pays for repairs needed to a septic system?It depends on each individual contract, but a seller is not obigated to fix a septic system with maintenance needed. If a problem is discovered, it is wise to have your realtor contact the selling/buying party to negotiate the terms of the repairs needed, as you would with any other insepction defects.4. Who's responsiblity is it to provide the septic inspection report to the title/escrow company for the cosing of a property?This is kind of a grey area. There is no one person that is ultimately responsible for providing the county approved septic inspection report (ROSS) to the title company for the closing of escrow. In my experience, the responsiblity has been split between the buyers, sellers, realtors and title companies. The easiest way to expedite the process is to make a trip to the Health Department and request a copy of the "report of system status" with an address or tax parcel number and hand deliver to the title company. That way, you have a "time stamped received" report that a title company will always accept and closing won't be delayed. I will always provided a report if requested, but it is not the responsibility of Septic Solutions Northwest to get the report to the escrow company.5. I'm buying a HUD, Fannie Mae, VA or other government owned property...Whom do I contact for more information about the insepection on my property?I can provide that information to you. Please call for contact names and phone numbers.
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ABOUT US

SHANE JOHNSON - OWNERShane is a lifetime resident of Whatcom County. He and his wife Jessica currently make their home in Blaine, WA with their son Dylan. As an installer with Johnson Construction and Excavating, Inc for 6 years, Shane has experience in every step of the OSS installaton process, from the installation of Septic Tanks and Pump Chambers, to the setting of Timers & Control Panels. With this knowledge he is able to complete your inspections in a quick and effecient manner, as well as being able to offer sound advice on how to maintain your system so that it should last for many years to come! Give Shane a call to schedule your O & M Inspection today.Cell: (360) 201.4348Follow me on Facebook
CONTACT US No Frame

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Septic Solutions Northwest8067 Niska RoadBlaine, WA 98230

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LINKS

SEPTIC LINKSPerform your own Septic Inspections with the "Sludge Judge"Washington State On-Site Septic AssociationWhatcom County Health DepartmentWhatcom County Code Chapter - 24.05 SepticWashington State Code Chapter - 246 - 272A SepticWhatcom County Liscensed O & M SpecialistsWHATCOM COUNTY LINKSBellingham HeraldCity of BlaineApollo Tile and HardwoodJohnson Construction & Excavating, Inc.Whatcom County WebsiteBlaine, WA WeatherMt. Baker Ski AreaBirch Bay Village Community ClubJohnson Real Estate TeamVillage LightingMISCELLANEOUS LINKSLink2Me SEO Link Exchange DirectoryR M PlumbingMaster FaucetTree Service Los AngelesTermite Removal Company LA, OC CA Tree Trimmer Campers Gadgets.com Camping Equipment & Outdoor Accessories For Sale By Owner homes for sale Building Green Starts HereEnergy MiserExpando Thane
BLOG No Frame

SSNW BLOG & NEWS

Monday October 3, 2011Out of sight, out of mind?! Ignoring your septic tank can cost you money. Many septic system additives claim to help the homeowner reduce the worry and time required for maintenance. Overwhelmed or confused by the 1200 products out there? Read on to learn how to sort through all the hype.How Your Septic Tank FunctionsIt is important to know to understand how your septic system works before considering using any additives.Your septic tank is designed to keep solids, grease and oils from entering and clogging your drainfield.Bacteria in the tank break down organic solids into gas and liquid. Some solids in the tank, such as sand,gravel, dirt and bits of plastic cannot be broken down by any enzyme or bacteria. These settle out andaccumulate, creating a layer of sludge at the bottom of the tank and requires periodic pumping to remove.Grease and oils rise to the surface as scum (Figure 1), while the relatively clear liquid between these layersflows out into the drainfield and infiltrates into the soil. Types of AdditivesWhen looking at costs, septic system additives may seem like a bargain compared to pumping a septic tank. However, some products can damage septic systems, interfere with treatment of wastewater, and contaminate groundwater. Septic tank additives fall into three categories: inorganic compounds, organic solvents, and biological additives. Companies market inorganic additives, generally strong acids or alkalis, for their ability to open clogged drains. These contain similar ingredients to popular drain cleaners. These products can destroy the biological function of your septic tank, sterilizing it for days, allowing raw sewage to flow directly into your drainfield, potentially clogging pipes and soil pores. These types of products can also corrode concrete tanks and distribution boxes, causing them to leak and potentially break apart. Research found hydrogen peroxide degrades soil structure in adrainfield, reducing its ability to treat and absorb wastewater effluent. Organic solvent additives contain concentrated amounts of chemicals used for degreasing machine parts due to their effectiveness at breaking down oils and grease. Unfortunately, these products also kill bacteria and other beneficial microbes in your tank and may contaminate groundwater. Some states ban these products and their use may trigger liability issues if groundwater becomes contaminated. Biological additives combine enzymes and bacteria to supposedly enhance the existingbiota in septic tanks to provide a start for new systems or to augment stressed systems. For new systems, many people believe you must add bacteria. While septic systems require bacteria to work, no special bacteria need to be added.County amends septic regulationsPublished on Wed, Feb 24, 2010 by Jake LundenWhatcom County Council voted 5-2 Tuesday to approve amended regulations allowing for homeowner inspections of on-site sewage disposal systems. The amendment to Whatcom County Code 24.05 replaces legislation that mandated periodic inspections of septic systems by certified professionals, occurring yearly for proprietary pump systems and every three years for gravity systems.Under the amended code, homeowners who take a four-hour course offered by Whatcom County will be able to inspect their own septic systems. The class was previously offered and is free to Whatcom County residents. The health department has not yet come up with a schedule of future classes or decided if the course content will change. Some community members have questioned whether the class provides competency levels equal to that achieved by licensed inspectors.Council member Barbara Brenner was a prime instigator behind the amended ordinance, pointing out that it was unfair to require homeowners to undertake expensive repairs without having a low-cost loan program similar to other jurisdictions in Washington state. She had also questioned the need for a shotgun approach to the problem of failing OSS systems when failure rates were minimal. The amendment was proposed by both Brenner and Sam Crawford.Council members Barbara Brenner, Sam Crawford, Kathy Kershner, Bill Knutzen and Ward Nelson voted in favor, with Carl Weimer and Ken Mann opposed.Rule changes for private septic systems may be minorJOHN STARK - THE BELLINGHAM HERALD BELLINGHAM - Whatcom County Council members are readying an ordinance aimed at easing some inspection requirements for private septic systems.While the proposed changes would enable some homeowners to avoid the cost of having a professional inspection of their systems, the impact on the county's ability to ensure the safe operation of septic systems is likely to be minor, Health Department Director Regina Delahunt said after a Tuesday, Feb. 16, meeting of the council's health committee.That's because homeowners who prefer not to hire someone to inspect their system would have to take a county-approved class on septic system operations and perform a test and inspection themselves. Most homeowners will probably choose to pay $150 to $300 for a professional inspection rather than go to the trouble, Delahunt said. The cost of complying with tougher regulations imposed in March 2008 has upset many homeowners in rural parts of the county, but many of the new inspection requirements are mandated by state law.The county's 2008 ordinance was more stringent than state mandates in one way: It required an initial professional inspection of all systems. That's the part of the law that at least five members of the council now want to change.On Jan. 26, those five - Barbara Brenner, Sam Crawford, Ward Nelson, Kathy Kershner and Bill Knutzen - voted to temporarily delay enforcement of the professional inspection requirement until the desired changes creating a self-inspection alternative could be drawn up in ordinance form for a public hearing.A vote on the ordinance planned for Jan. 26 was postponed after council members realized the council and the public had been presented with the wrong draft version of ordinance language.Councilman Ken Mann, who joined Carl Weimer in voting against the temporary easing on Jan. 26, expressed concern that self-inspecting homeowners might be reluctant to turn themselves in if their systems are failing and they face thousands of dollars in replacement costs.But Mann also said he was ready to approve the final ordinance if he can be assured it won't let the owners of failing systems off the hook indefinitely. The ordinance still requires a professional inspection when a home is sold, and Mann said he wanted to be sure the language of that requirement is tough enough to guarantee it occurs.The county is seeking money to set up a low-cost loan system to help lower-income homeowners pay the cost of replacing failed septic systems. Environmental health manager John Wolpers told the council that the Health Department has applied for $2 million in grants to get the program started. Tuesday, February 15, 201010 Tips for Maintaining your Septic System Maintaining your system today could save you thousands tomorrowCorrect Maintenance of your on-site Septic is the key to keeping your system running smoothly. Although Septic Systems should last between 20-30 years, neglecting regular maintenance on your system could result in early deterioration of your septic and drainfield systems and lead to expensive repair or replacement costs much earlier in your Septic Systems lifetime. Think of your septic system as a vehicle. With regular maintenance, fluid changes and system checks on your car, it could have a lifetime of 20-30 years. The same can be said about your septic system. Regular Maintenance and Inspections will catch problems early in their stages, and allow you to fix those problems before they lead to a system failure, potentially saving you thousands of dollars in replacement cost. Here are ten maintenance tips to keep your OSS running smoothly for years to come.1. Have your Septic System pumped regularly.The average home will need to have the septic tank pumped out every three to five years. Without regular system pumping, solids could overload the Septic tank(s) and sludge could leach into the drainfield. Drainfield effluent should be clear of these solids to keep the system running cleanly.2. Divert all access runoff away from your septic tank.All gutters and drainpipes should be directed away from your Septic Tank(s) and Drain Fields. By diverting all access runoff away from your system, you are allowing the septic to treat the waste and greywater it was meant to treat effectively. If you allow this runoff to enter the system, your septic could become hydronically overloaded, allowing the drainfield to become oversaturated and not do it's job properly.3. Make sure all access lids and ports are sealed tight.Quite often, water can penetrate poorly sealed lids and ports and cause problems in your septic system. When water gets into these cracks and crevaces it can hydrolically overload your septic system and cause the drainfield to become oversaturated. This is often more of a problem with pressure type systems. It causes pumps to run constantly, overworking the pump and wasting energy and money.4. Have your Septic System inspected routinely.The State of Washington currently requires all homeowners to have their Septic System tested every year for all types of systems, except for Gravity feed systems, which need to be inspected every three years. By having your system inspected regularly you will be able to diagnose and fix problems early before they become failures. If you live in Whatcom County, Washington you can have your septic inspected by calling Shane _ 360-201-4348.5. Have the proper drawings and sitemaps for your system.When your septic system is installed, there should be a site map, or plot map drawing showing all of the components of your septic system. By having this handy you can eliminate having to guess where your septic tank, pump tanks, transport lines, or Drainfields are located in case of an emergency that needs emmediate attention. If you don't have a site map or there is not one on record with your health department, it would be wise to have Septic Designer/Architect create one for you.6. Do not cover or obstruct the System in any way.Do not cover or obstruct the Septic System components or Drainfield with any Ashpalt, Concrete, Decks, Framing or Structures that would impead you from accessing these areas. Keep vehicles off your septic system. Their pressure can yield damage to the pipes and tank, and your system may not drain properly under compacted soil. If you need to replace any of these components in the future it will be difficult to access them with any of the before mentioned items obstructing them.7. Don't introduce Septic tank additives or "rejuvenators" in your septic tank.Whether they claim to break up sludge or scum or to unclog drain fields, or biologically-based septic additives like septic tank yeast cultures, septic tank bacteria, starter bacteria, or septic tank enzymes. These can actually damage your system, causing frothing and excessive activity and thus preventing normal settling of solid wastes. Check with your local health department or authority if you are considering introducting additives.8. Do not flush any items other than septage or toilet tissues.By using your toilet as a trash recepticle you are introducing unacceptable items, some which will never decompose or chock inlets/outlets, and will require constant pumping of the septic tank. Limit the use of toilet bowl and drain cleaners because they are harmful to the friendly bacteria that aid in the decomposition of the solids in the septic tank. Do not use a sink disposal unit if you are on a septic system. While those units grind up waste foods, most septic systems are not designed or capable of dealing with such undigested solids.9. Refrain from using heavy oils or cleaners.Never dump cooking oil or grease or such oily substances in sinks or toilets. As these substances float on water, they pose a threat of clogging the inlet pipes by filling up upper part of septic tank. This oil can also transfer into the transport pipes, solidify, and cause excessive buildup that can cause blockage of the drainfield.10. Do not plant large vegitation over your Drainfield.Do not plant any trees or large shrubs over the septic area, drainpipes or drainfield/leachfields. The roots from these plants will eventually grow into the drain lines and obstruct or damage them. Grasses or small plants are ok, as long as the root system is shallow and will not impead or block drain lines.By following these 10 tips and Maintenance techniques your Septic System should last for many years to come!
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