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.
Protect Your Investment and Your Lake - Be LakeWise
The good news is that you can make a difference by taking a few simple steps to ensure your septic system runs 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 (frequency determined by system type)
Learn more below about the steps you can take to care for your system and identify problems early so they can be fixed before it becomes a hassle.
Your Septic System - Easy Steps to Keep It Running |
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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 County Health Department 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 2. Practice Proper Septic System Care and Maintenance
Inspect Your System Regularly
Septic systems require regular inspections or checkups from a septic care professional. They will make sure your system is working as intended and if pumping is required.
Simple gravity systems are required to be inspected at least every three years. All other systems have advanced features (e.g. pumps, pressurized systems, sand filters etc.) require annual inspection (more if the Health Department requires it per your system documentation).
- Questions to ask when choosing a Septic System Provider
- List of Certified Septic System Contractors for Snohomish County
- Pumping Your Septic Tank
- List of Additional Resources
Household Practices & Drainfield Care
Learn more about ways to care for your system such as what to avoid putting down the drain and how to protect your drainfield in the resources below.
Easy ways to keep your system running | Septic Sense - An overview of septic system care | Landscaping On and Around Your Septic System |
Financial Help
The Snohomish Health Department's Savvy Septic Program is your one-stop-shop for septic system financing options, incentives, and education to help you maintain a healthy septic system. Visit www.savvyseptic.org to learn more about:
- Workshops - learn how to care for your system at a free online class
- Rebates for septic inspections & risers
- Grants for maintenance or repairs (qualifying low-income homeowners)
Step 3. Attend An Upcoming Septic Care Workshop
Visit the Snohomish Health Department's Savvy Septic Program to view upcoming workshop dates, register for workshops or sign up to receive notice of upcoming workshops in their quarterly newsletter for septic system homeowners.
In the table below, find your system type and download the corresponding guides.
System Type / Component | Corresponding Guide & Example Inspection Report |
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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 |
Register for FREE Workshops
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Natural Lawn Care Workshops
A healthy, beautiful lawn that is safe for your family, pets and lake is just a few, easy steps away. Join a professional landscaper to learn how to grow the lawn you've always wanted - naturally and with minimal time and expense.
Tues, April 11 from 6:30-8:00 PM
OR
Thurs, April 13 from 6:30-8:00 PMFree via Zoom - Register Now
Septic Care Workshops
Learn how to keep your septic system running properly for years to come and how to receive up to $200 in septic system care rebates through the County's Savvy Septic program.
Next workshops - Fall 2023
Contact Us
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Alex Pittman
LakeWise Site Visit Lead
Ph: 425-262-2466
Marisa BurghdoffLakeWise Project Manager
Ph: 425-388-3204
email us at lakes@snoco.org
Septic Questions
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For questions on your septic system, including information on inspections and installment, contact the Snohomish County Health Department at 425-339-5250 or visit their website.