(360) 201.4348
SEPTIC SOLUTIONS NORTHWEST
We offer unbiased Operations & Maintenance
Inspections, because that is all we do!
$150 Inspection fee
All system types
(does not include $35 WCHD Fee)
Serving Whatcom County with all Your Septic O & M Inspection needs.
GRAVITY • PRESSURE • ATU • SAND FILTER
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 the
vehicle 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 enter
the 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 because
you 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 correctly
and 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 Code
24.05.160 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 OSS
2. Secure and renew contracts for periodic maintenance where required by the WCHD
3. Obtain and renew operation permits if required by the WCHD
4. 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 are
completed 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 officer
6. Employ an approved pumper to remove the septage from the tank when the level of solids and scum indicates that removal is necessary
7. Provide maintenance and needed repairs to promptly return the system to a properoperating condition
8. Protect the OSS area and the reserve area from:
i. Cover by structures or impervious material
ii. Surface drainage and direct drains, such as footing or roof drains. The drainage must be directed away from the area where the OSS is located
iii. Soil compaction, for example by vehicular traffic or livestock and
iv. 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 quality
10. Operate and maintain systems as directed by the health officer
11. Request assistance from the health officer upon occurrence of a system failure or suspected system failure
12. 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 products
2. Community drainfields
3. Nonconforming replacement systems that do not meet vertical and horizontal separation installed as a result of a system failure
4. 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 cleaning
2. Use a sewage system additive unless it is specifically approved by WDOH or
3. Use an OSS to dispose of waste components atypical of residential wastewater.
E. The health officer shall require annual inspections of OSS serving food service
establishments and may require pumping as needed.
ABOUT US
SHANE JOHNSON - OWNER
Shane 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) 201.4348
Home/Office: (360) 371.4221
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HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
$199.00 inspection fee and $35.00 Filing Fee
This 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)
Payment options:
We accept: Check, Cash or Paypal
Contact Us
Septic Solutions Northwest
8067 Niska Road
Blaine, WA 98230
Email Us
SSNW BLOG & NEWS
Thursday April 8, 2010
It's that time of the year again. Although it feels like winter all over again with this unseasonally cold weather, we are moving into spring time, and with that begins another round of O & M letters being sent out by the Whatcom County Health Department. Letters will be out sometime this month with more letters being sent out the following month. Set up an appointment with Septic Solutions Northwest and beat the rush!
-Thursday, Feruary 25, 2010
County amends septic regulations
Published on Wed, Feb 24, 2010
by Jake Lunden
Whatcom 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.
-Shane's Take
So, Basically there is no change, except to include verbage in the county code to state that homeowners can take the four hour class to qualify to inspect their own systems, which was already offered before their was any county council involvment, spending three sessions discussing it. Our tax dollars hard at work!
- Tuesday, Febuary 19, 2010
Rule changes for private septic systems may be minor
JOHN 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, 2010
10 Tips for Maintaining your Septic System
Maintaining your system today could save you thousands tomorrow
Correct 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!
LINKS
SEPTIC LINKS
Perform your own Septic Inspections with the "Sludge Judge"
Washington State On-Site Septic Association
Whatcom County Health Department
Whatcom County Code Chapter - 24.05 Septic
Washington State Code Chapter - 246 - 272A Septic
Whatcom County Liscensed O & M Specialists
WHATCOM COUNTY LINKS
Bellingham Herald
City of Blaine
Apollo Tile and Hardwood
Johnson Construction & Excavating, Inc.
Whatcom County Website
Blaine, WA Weather
Mt. Baker Ski Area
Birch Bay Village Community Club
Johnson Real Estate Team
Village Lighting
MISCELLANEOUSLINKS
Link2Me SEO Link Exchange Directory
R M Plumbing
Master Faucet
Tree Service Los Angeles
Termite Removal Company LA, OC CA
Tree Trimmer
Campers Gadgets.com Camping Equipment & Outdoor Accessories
For Sale By Owner homes for sale
Building Green Starts Here
Energy Miser
Expando Thane
SELF TESTING YOUR OWN SEPTIC SYSTEM
Whatcom County Health Department has released their schedule for upcoming 2010 homeowner inspection certification classes. Here are the dates:
Pressure Systems: OSS Homeowner Training
April 21, 2010 - 5:30 PM
June 3, 2010 - 1:00 PM
June 24, 2010 - 5:30 PM Point Roberts
July 15, 2010 - 5:30 PM
Gravity Systems: OSS Homeowner Training
May 3, 2010 - 5:30 PM
May 13, 2010 - 1:00 PM Point Roberts
May 27, 2010 - 5:30 PM
June 17, 2010 - 5: 30 PM
July 1, 2010 - 1:00 PM
Click Here to sign up for these classes.
After taking the manditory course, Whatcom County allows homeowners to self inspect their Septic Systems for 6 consecutive years before they need to be inspected by an O & M Inspection Specialist, such as Septic Solutions Northwest (360) 201-4348. Before you can perform your inspections, there are some tools you'll need so that you can fill out the ROSS Checklist correctly:
1. The ROSS checklist requires that you measure the Floating Mat and Sludge Depths in all of your storage compartments. Do do this you will need what is call a Sludge Depth Measuring Device. I personally use a tool called the "Sludge Judge". You can purchase one from Amazon on the link provided below.
The Sludge Judge - Sludge Measuring Device
For maximum strength and rigidity use the Sludge Judge® Ultra! Designed for sampling 5% or less solids, and is constructed of extremely strong polycarbonate that is treated with an ultraviolet stabilizer to help reduce deterioration from the suns harmful rays. The material is very rigid, minimizing bending of the unit when it is full of water or other liquids. Durable in cold temperatures; can withstand heat up to 280° F (138° C) with careful handling. The 3/4" (1.9 cm) diameter tubing is marked with blue tape to designate 1-ft. (.31 m) measurements on the tubing. Unit is made up of three 5-ft. (1.53 m) sections (top, extension, bottom). Individual sections can be combined as required. The Sludge Judge® is not autoclavable.
2. Tape Measure - To measure heights
3. Screwdriver with a #2 Square Drive bit - to unscrew newer plastic lids.
We Serve the following areas: Bellingham • Blaine • Birch Bay • Ferndale • Lynden • Everson • Sumas • Nooksack • Point Roberts • Custer • Whatcom County
