SepticSmart Week
(September 17th-21st)
Helpful tips for your septic system
On Monday, September 17, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency – in conjunction with federal, state and local government and private sector partners – will kick off its sixth annual SepticSmart Week (September 17th-21st) to encourage American homeowners and communities to properly maintain their septic systems.
More than 26 million homes in the United States – or one in five households – depend on septic systems to treat wastewater. Skagit County Public Health tracks the status of more than 18,000 on-site sewage systems (OSS). If not maintained, failing septic systems can contaminate groundwater and harm the environment by releasing bacteria, viruses, and household toxics to local waterways. Proper septic system maintenance protects public health and the environment and saves the homeowner money through avoided costly repairs.
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Pump Your Tank! Did you know a typical septic tank needs to be pumped every 3 – 5 years on average? Properly caring for a septic system can be challenging if you’ve never owned a septic system before. With Septic Sam’s Top 10 List, learn easy tips to help prolong the life of your septic system. Check out our toolkit
Learn what to expect when someone comes to perform a septic system inspection
HOMEOWNER TIP #3
Don’t overload the commode!
Don’t Overload the Commode! Your toilet is not a trashcan, flushing non-degradable products can clog your system and cause sewage to back up into your home or flood your yard. Do not flush anything besides human waste and toilet paper. Read more #SepticSmart tips at
http://poopsmart.org/septic-system-owners/
We know septic system maintenance can be tough, and we have resources to help! Take advantage of our rebate program! Get your septic system inspected and take Septics
HOMEOWNER TIP #2
Think at the sink!
Think at the sink! Use water efficiently to maintain the life of your septic system. Limit the use of your garbage disposal and avoid rinsing coffee grounds or pouring grease into the sink. Get the scoop on how to stay #SepticSmart
Are you a business or family on a septic system? Download, print and post one of our handy (and hilarious) flyers to educate your patrons or visitors about septic systems.
HOMEOWNER TIP #1
Protect It and Inspect It!
Homeowners that have simple gravity On-Site Sewage Systems (OSS), which includes a tank to clarify household sewage and a gravity drainfield, are required to have their system inspected every three years by a qualified professional. With proper training, you may be able to inspect your own gravity system in lieu of hiring a professional inspector. For more details, please visit our Skagit Septics Community Education page.
Septic Systems with more complex components and/or proprietary systems must be inspected by a qualified professional annually.
Pumping your tank is not an inspection! An inspection looks at all the components of your septic system whereas pumping simply removes solids from the tank. Pumping is not required, while inspections are. Tanks should be pumped when an inspection determines it is necessary.
Contact Skagit County Department of Public Health (360-416-1500) for additional information about your on-site sewage system (OSS) and for a list of certified Operations and Maintenance providers!
