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8/14/2019 Homeowners Guide to Onsite Sewage Systems
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Property Information
Site Address:
Tax Parcel Number:
Type of System:
System Designer:
System Installer:
Date Installed:
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Table of Contents
Introduction 5
What is an Onsite Sewage System? 6
How does it all work?
The Septic Tank 7Gravity Drain elds 8
Pressure Distribution Drain elds 9
Sand Based Media Treatment 10
Aerobic Treatment Units 11
Drip Irrigation 12
Other Technologies 13
How do I maintain my Onsite Sewage System? 14
Operation & Maintenance 15
Protecting your Onsite Sewage System 16
Accessibility & Landscaping 17
Additives and your Onsite Sewage System 18
Onsite Sewage System Dos 20
Onsite Sewage System Donts 21
What can make an Onsite Sewage System Fail? 22
Warning Signs of a failing Onsite Sewage System 24
Tips for repairing an Onsite Sewage System 25
Other Onsite Sewage System Resources 26
Onsite Sewage System Service Records 27
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Developed by
Kitsap County Health District
Contributions include excerpts from:
A Homeowners Guide to Septic Systems published by the
United States Environmental Protection Agency
Funded in part by
Copyright Kitsap County Health District - All rights reserved
4
SSWMKITSAP COUNTY
Surface and Storm Water Managment
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The intent of this booklet is to provide homeownerswith basic information pertaining to onsite sewagesystems; what they are, how they work, and how totake proper care of them.
If after reading through this bookletyou have questions or want moredetailed information, please contact theKitsap County Health District (KCHD) at(360) 337-5285, send us a note or comeby and see us at 345 6th Street, Suite300, Bremerton, Washington, 98337.
Protect your property investment, protect the environment,
take good care of your onsitesewage system!
Introduction
Striving to MakeKitsap County
the Healthiest Place on thePlanet to Live , Work & Play .
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An onsite sewage system (OSS) is also known as a septicsystem. OSS are designed to help prevent the spread of illnessand disease by collecting, treating and dispersing of wastewa-ter from a home or business into the native soils near a home or business.
An OSS is typically made up of two or more components, or pieces, linked together with pipes. There are two general types of OSS available for use in Washington State; the unique site condi-tions for each individual lot (e.g., soil type and depth, size of lot,distance to surface waters and wells, etc.) determine which typeof OSS can be installed. Different combinations of componentsmay be used to best suit site conditions and owner preferences.
General Types of OSS
Standard Gravity OSS This is the most common type of system, and it generally has twomain parts identi ed as the Septic Tank & Drain eld (see page 8)
Sometimes a pump tank is also used in a standard system totransport the ef uent to a drain eld above the septic tank.
Standard systems are are required to be inspected at least onceevery 3 years.
Alternative OSS This type of system is required by state law where soil depth and/or other site conditions do not allow a standard gravity system tobe used. In Kitsap County, alternative OSS are required to haveannual operation & maintenance (O&M) (see page 15), and beinspected at least once per year.
Pages 8-13 refer to some of the most common types of alternative systems.
What is anOnsite Sewage System
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Main Access Lid
Riser to Surface
Scum Layer
Sludge Layer
1st CompartmentClear Zone
2nd CompartmentClear Zone
Center
Wall
Allliquid wastefrom home
To nextComponent
Ef uentFilter
OutletBaf e
InletBaf e
How does it all work?:: The Septic Tank ::
Typically the septic tank is a large, buried, rectangular or cylindrical container made of concrete, berglass, or polyethylene. Standard sizes range from 1,000 to 1,500 gallons.
In Washington State, septic tanks are required to have twocompartments, with access lids to each compartment for servicingand pumping.
For most types of OSS, the septic tank is the core component.All of the wastewater from a home or business is routed to theseptic tank for primary treatment. Primary treatment is a ltering
process whereby heavy solids are allowed to settle-out, andoating solids are trapped, due to baf es situated at theentrance and exit to each compartment of the septic tank.
The result is clari ed ef uent that is more easily absorbed bynative soils in the drain eld area. Adequate primary treatment isessential to protect drain elds and allow them to function properly.
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100% ReserveDrain eld Area
Septic Tank
Clean-out(outside home)
All liquid wastefrom home
Access Riser Ef uent Filter Access
Distribution-boxMonitoring Port
Gravel-LessDrain eld
How does it all work?:: Gravity Drainfelds ::
Gravity Drain elds are an onsite sewage system component madeup of a network of pipes and/or other materials placed in trenchesto distribute ef uent into the soil. All OSS have some type of soil
Provides nal treatment and dispersalof ef uent in conjunction with nativesoils.Relies on unsaturated and uncom-pacted soils to function properly.Trenches are installed level and runparallel to the natural contours of the land.Uses equal or serial distribution toload ef uent into the soil.Should have a designated backupreplacement area for future use.
Gravity Distribution
dispersal component.
The size and type of thedrain eld depends uponthe estimated dailywastewater quantity andsoil type.
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Pressure Distribution Systems consist of a septic tank, pump tankand drain eld. The pump tank contains a pump, pump control
oats and a high water alarm oat. Pressure distribution systemsrely on a pump to distribute ef uent evenly through pressurized
How does it all work?:: Pressure Distribution Drainfelds ::
100% ReserveDrain eld Area
Septic Tank
All liquid wastefrom home
Clean-out(outside home)
Access Risers
Monitoring Port
Pump Tank
Pressure Line
Clean-out
Control Valve
Time dosed ef uent distribution tothe entire drain eld area.Provides a higher level of treatment
to ef uent as compared to astandard gravity OSS.Protects the drain eld from beingoverused (high water use) as aresult of the time dosing of thedrain eld.Requires an annual Operation &Maintenance contract whichincludes at least one inspectionof the onsite sewage system.
Pressure Distribution
Gravel-LessDrain eld 9
lines rather than justgravity, so theef uent is dispersedover the entiredrain eld each timethe pump runs.
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Sand Based Media Treatment Systems consist of a septic tank,pump tank, sand lter and drain eld (or sand-lined trenches).Sand lter OSS use pressure distribution technology through
How does it all work?:: Sand Based Media Treatment ::
100% ReserveDrain eld Area
Septic Tank
All liquid wastefrom home
Access Risers
MonitoringPort
Gravel-Less
Drain eld
Pump Tank
Pressure Line
Clean-out
Sand Filter
Control Valves
Clean-out(outside home)
Clean-out
Sand Based Treatment
special sand to achieve a
very high level of ef uent treatment beforeef uent is distributed tothe drain eld for additional treatment and
nal dispersal.Typically used where site conditionsrequire a higher level of ef uenttreatment to protect wells, surfacewater or shallow ground waters.Pre-treats the ef uent with air prior to release to the drain eld.Can be constructed above or belowthe ground.Requires an annual Operation &Maintenance contract which includesat least one inspection of the OSS.
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Aerobic Treatment Unit (ATU) Systems also relies onpre-treatment to clean ef uent before it is sent to the drain eld.
An ATU OSS consists of an ATU component (there are many
kinds) instead of, or in addition to, a septic tank and a drain eld.
How does it all work?:: Aerobic Treatment Units ::
100% ReserveDrain eld Area
Aerobic Treatment Units
All liquid wastefrom home
Clean-out(outside home)
Access Risers
MonitoringPort
Gravel-LessDrain eld
Distribution-box
Aerobic TreatmentUnit (ATU)
Septic Tank
Typically used where site conditionsrequire a higher level of ef uenttreatment to protect wells, surfacewater or shallow ground waters.Uses Air to speed up the normalwaste water treatment process.May utilize any type of drain eldsystem (equal, serial or pressuredistribution, or drip).Requires an annual Operation &
Maintenance contract which includesat least one inspection of the OSS.
11
For onsite sewagesystems approvedafter July 1, 2007 it willbe common to have apressure distribution
or drip irrigation drain-eld following the ATUcomponent.
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Drip Irrigation Dispersal Systems utilize a series of pressurizeddrip lines (much like the ones used for plant irrigation) located justbelow the surface of the ground. Like some of the other alterna-tive OSS, drip irrigation uses pre-treatment, time dosing, and
How does it all work?:: Drip Irrigation ::
Drip Irrigation
Best used with ATU or sand lter pre-treatment technologies.Can be used in shallow soils.Requires less area than
the typical drain eld.Can be routed around siteconstraints such as buildings,gardens, etc.Requires an annual Operation &Maintenance contract whichincludes at least one inspectionof the OSS.
pressure distributionto attain high levelsof ef uent treatment.
Drip irrigation is idealfor use in shallowsoils.
100% ReserveDrain eld Area
Drip Irrigation
Drain eld
ParticleFilter
Water Meter
Septic Tank
Pump Tank
Aerobic TreatmentUnit (ATU)
Access Risers
Drip Return Line
All liquid wastefrom home
Clean-out(outside home)
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There many new and emerging OSS technologies becomingavailable to help property owners mesh regulatory requirements,site conditions, and budgets.
A common other technology found in Kitsap County is theGlendon BioFilter System. It consists of a septic tank, pump
tank, and a container-ized drain eld system.This OSS treats theef uent before naldispersal in the surround-ing soil. Time dosingis utilized like pressuredistribution andsand lters.
How does it all work?:: Other Technologies ::
Glendon BioFilters
Provides high level of ef uent
treatment.Can be used in shallow soils.Requires an annual Operation &Maintenance contract whichincludes at least one inspection of the OSS.
All liquid wastefrom home
Clean-out(outside home)
Access Risers
Control Valves
Glendon BioFlter*
*Typical 1 Pod per bedroom
100% ReserveDrain eld Area
Septic Tank
Pump Tank
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Septic Tanks
Septic tanks need to beinspected at least every3 years and pumped asneeded to prevent solidsfrom damaging thedrain eld. Solids and Scumnot decomposed remain in the tank. If not removed they mayeventually over ow into the drain eld and damage it.
Additive products are not necessary and may harm the system.
Access to the tank is important for regular pumping &maintenance. For easy access a riser* is recommended and isrequired on some systems.
How do I maintain myOnsite sewage system?
Replacing your systemis very costly.
Extend the life of yourOnsite Sewage System!
Drainfelds
Route or direct surface and ground water away from thesystem to prevent ooding.
Limit use of chemicals and garbage disposals.
* A riser provides surface access to tanks buriedbelow the surface by providing access tothe tank as an extension of the opening.
Prevent physical damagefrom driving, parking, building,
burning, livestock pasturing andsprinkler systems.
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Alternative OSS require an Operation & Maintenance (O&M)contract which includes at least one inspection of the OSS per year by a certi ed maintenance service provider.
What is the Operation & Maintenance Program About?
This program is a state and locally mandated program created tokeep your OSS working properly and surrounding environmenthealthy. This new regulation will bene t OSS owners by:
Protecting your property investment from premature
failure. Your OSS is a critical part of your home.Saving you money: replacing a failed OSS cancost tens of thousands of dollars.Protecting your family, environment and communityfrom raw sewage spills.Providing you assurance: much like a yearly healthcheck-up or car maintenance, both essential to our
everyday needs.
Operation & Maintenance:: Alternative Onsite Sewage Systems ::
The O&M contract andinspection program
promotes regularmaintenance of your OSSand provides educational
opportunities.
Ef uentlters
must becleaned
annually at aminimum to
prevent costlyand unhealthy
backups intothe home.
Ef ent lters maybe found on both
standard gravity andalternative onsite
sewage systems. 15
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Watch what goes down the drain.Keep grease, hair, and food scraps from going down the drain.Dont ush diapers, plastics, paper towels, cigarettes,personal hygiene products or kitty litter down the toilet.
Dont use a garbage disposal. Dont use automatic toilet bowl cleaner or deodorizers.Dont use excessive strong drain cleaners (e.g., Draino)or other chemicals.
Use concentrated liquid detergents.Do not overuse detergents.Minimize use of liquid fabric softeners or use dryer sheets instead.Fillers in some powdered detergents can clog pipes.
Dont drown the drainfeld.Fix leaky xtures and toilets.Conserve water.Spread out laundry throughout the week -try to do no more than two loads in one day.Divert surface waters and downspouts away from the drain eld.
Know where you stand.Find out where the on-site sewage system is located so thatyou can avoid driving, digging, or parking on it.Request your as-built (OSS records) from KCHD.
Clean Out Access.Located between the house and tank (capped pipe).It is available for unblocking a clogged line.
Dont poison the system.Never pour products labeled danger or poison downthe drain. Take unwanted hazardous products to the ModerateRisk Waste Facility (360) 337-5777.Minimize use of strong chemicals like bleach and drain cleaners.
Protecting YourOnsite Sewage System
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Accessibility & Landscaping
Easy Access to OSS Components
Know its location.
Retro t older systems withrisers for easier access.Use moveable markers (suchas: planters, benches,sculptures) to cover systemports that need regular inspection.
Keep your as-built handy(a copy of the as-built isavailable at the Health District).
Landscaping your OSS
Planting is recommended tohelp with oxygenation &evaporation.Consider drought resistantplants.Choose plants that are
non-invasive and are notdeep rooting.Grasses are recommended.Consult your local nursery,landscaping professional or the Washington StateCooperative Extension
Master Gardeners 17
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Do I need to put additives in my septic system to keep it working properly?
The Kitsap County Health District and mostengineers/sanitation professionals, believe thatcommercial septic system additives are noteffective (even potentially harmful) to an onsitesewage system.
The reasons for this include:
No known additives can reduce solidssuf ciently to make pumping unnecessary.Household wastewater contains an abundantsupply of microorganisms that provide for theproper functioning of your system.Some additives cause problems withthe drain eld.
* Product approval by the Washington Department of Healthmerely indicates that the ingredients are unlikely to cause harmto public health or water quality. It does not however, substantiatethe performance claimed by additive manufacturers.
If you are currently using an additive andwould like more information about approved
additives*, please contact KCHD.
Additives and your
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Onsite Sewage SystemD o n t b e f o o l e d !
Additives are costlyand unnecessary.
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Onsite Sewage Systems D o s
Know where your OSS is located and protect it:
Have a copy of your as-built or map location of all septicparts (request a copy from the Health District).
Pass along all records & information to newowners or tenant of property.Save funds to cover futuremaintenance or repair costs.Educate your family,guests or renters.
Inspect your OSS yearly:
Keep accurate detailed records of any repairs & pumping.
Use water wisely:
Conserve water use low ow xtures, spreadlaundry throughout the week, limit shower length,
x any leaks promptly.Direct runoff from roofs, streets, driveways & adjoiningproperties away from sewage system area.Keep any irrigation (sprinkler) system at least 10 feetfrom the edge of the on-site sewage system.Drain water from hot tubs & water softeners awayfrom drain eld, storm drains & surface waters.
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D o n t s
Onsite Sewage Systems
You are the keyto water quality.
Compact soils of drain eld or reserve area in any way by:
Driving/parking vehicles or heavy equipment(including boats) in the OSS area.
Disturb the drain eld or reserve area by:
Building, burning or grazing livestock in the area.Covering it with landscaping materials other than grass.Driving across the sewage system, grading, leveling,
lling or cutting the area.Installing a sprinkler system or planting deep-rootedwater-loving plants over the drain eld.
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Overload the system by:
Using too much water.Using a garbage disposal.Using tank additives or miracle septic system cleaners.Discarding medications down the drain.Allowing backwash from water softeners or conditioners.Pouring strong household cleaning products down the drain.
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What can make anOnsite Sewage System Fail?
If the amount of wastewater entering your onsite sewage systemis more than the system can handle, the wastewater may back upinto the house or yard and create a health hazard.
You can suspect a system failure not only when a foul odor isemitted but also when partially treated wastewater ows up to theground surface, however, by the time you can see a gray/blacksubstance or smell sewage odors the damage might already bedone.
Limiting your water use, will reduce the amount of wastewater your onsite sewage system must treat. When you have your system inspected and pumped, as needed, you reduce thelikelihood of system failure.
A system installed in unsuitable soils can also fail. Other failurerisks include tanks that are inaccessible for maintenance,drain elds that are paved or parked upon and tree roots or defective components that interfere with the treatment process.
Toxics:
Household toxics can lead to thepremature failure of your onsite sewagesystem. Does someone use the utilitysink to clean out paint rollers or ush toxiccleaners? Oil-based paints, solvents andlarge volumes of toxic cleaners shouldnot enter your septic system. Remem-ber that your septic system containsliving organisms that digest andtreat waste.
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What can make anOnsite Sewage System Fail?
Cleaning Products:
For the most part, your onsite sewage systems bacteria shouldrecover quickly after small amounts of household cleaningproducts have been introduced to the waste stream. Of course,some cleaning products are less toxic to your onsite sewagesystem than others.
Hot Tubs/Swimming Pools:
Hot tubs are a great way to relax, unfortunately your onsitesewage system was not designed to handle large quantities of water from your hot tub. Emptying large amounts of water intoyour onsite sewage system stirs the solids in the tank and pushesthem out into the drain eld, causing it to clog and fail. Drainingyour hot tub into your onsite sewage system or over the drain eldarea can overload the system and cause it to fail.
Garbage Disposals:
Eliminating or reducing the use of a garbage disposal can reducethe amount of grease and solids entering the onsite sewagesystem which can possibly clog the drain eld. A garbagedisposal grinds up kitchen scraps, suspends them in water, andsends the mixture to the septic tank. Once in the septic tank,
some of the materials are broken down bybacterial action, but most of the grindings have
to be pumped out of the tank. Using agarbage disposal frequently can
signi cantly increase the accumulation of sludge and scum in your tank result-
ing in the need for morefrequent pumping.
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Sewage on the surface of the ground or
discharging into surface waters.
A foul smelling, slimy, blackish/greyishliquid in the drain eld area or out of down-slope pipes or banks.
Standing/ owing water or soggy soils in drain eld area.
Greywater (laundry or sink water)discharge to the ground or surface waters.
Sewage back-up into residence caused byslow soil absorption.
Warning signs of a failingOnsite Sewage System
! WARNING!24
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Repairs require Health District reviewor permit.
Consult a repair professional to properlydiagnose system failure.
Dont assume that a total sewage systemreplacement is needed.
A certi ed OSS designer, installer or
operation and maintenance contractor istrained to diagnose the problem thatcaused the failure.
Pumping a failing system is only atemporary solution.
While it may be necessary to have thetank pumped during the repair process,pumping the tank alone will not correcta failing OSS.
Stay in contact with the Health District.
Technical assistance is availableto help you determine thebest solution(s) for your situation.
Tips for repairing anOnsite Sewage System
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Other OSS Resources
Kitsap County Health DistrictEnvironmental Health Division
345 6th Street, Suite #300Bremerton, WA 98337-1866
(360) 337 5285
www.kitsapcountyhealth.com
Kitsap County Health District Refer to Environmental Health
menu and click on
Onsite Sewage or Water Quality
www.dol.wa.govWA State Department of Licensing
To nd out if your designer/engineer isauthorized to provide design services.
www.wsg.washington.eduWashington Sea Grant Program
(360) 427-9670 x 437,(360) 275-4467 x 437 Click on Septic Sense
for information regarding onsite sewage systems.
www.doh.wa.govWA State Department of Health
Search for Wastewater
W e b s i t e s
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OSS Service Records
Date: Contractor Name/Work Done:
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