- Home
- Healthy Places
- Septic
- Septic Maintenance & Repair
- Maintaining Your Septic System
Maintaining Your Septic System
how often should your system be inspected?
Homeowners are responsible for getting their system inspected on a regular basis. The frequency that a system should be inspected depends on what type of system you have. Take a look at the monitoring & maintenance frequencies below to see how often your system should be inspected. The Health Department maintains an up-to-date list of certified septic professionals to help you find a provider.
View a printable version of Monitoring & Maintenance Frequencies
- Gravity System
-
Your system should be inspected at least once every three years.
- Low Pressure Distribution System (LPD)
-
Your system should be inspected annually.
- Low Pressure Distribution System (LPD) with an Aerobic Treatment Unit (ATU)
-
Your system should be inspected every six months over a 2-year period after the system is operational and annually thereafter.
A more stringent monitoring frequency may be recommended by the manufacturer. For more information, see the Washington State Department of Health List of Registered On-Site Treatment and Distribution Products.
- Subsurface Drip System (SSD)
-
Your system should be inspected 30 days after the system is operational and annually thereafter.
A more stringent monitoring frequency may be recommended by the manufacturer. For more information, see the Washington State Department of Health List of Registered On-Site Treatment and Distribution Products.
- Subsurface Drip System (SSD) with an Aerobic Treatment Unit (ATU)
-
Your system should be inspected 30 days after the system is operational, then every six months over a 2-year period. Once the 2-year period is over, your system should be inspected annually.
A more stringent monitoring frequency may be recommended by the manufacturer. For more information, see the Washington State Department of Health List of Registered On-Site Treatment and Distribution Products.
- Oscar System
-
Your system should be inspected 30 days after the system is operational, then every six months over a 2-year period. Once the 2-year period is over, your system should be inspected annually.
A more stringent monitoring frequency may be recommended by the manufacturer. For more information, see the Washington State Department of Health List of Registered On-Site Treatment and Distribution Products.
- Mound System
-
Your system should be inspected 6 months after the system is operational and annually thereafter.
- Sand Filter System
-
Your system should be inspected 6 months after the system is operational and annually thereafter.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOUR SYSTEM BE PUMPED?
How often your system will need to be pumped depends on many factors, such as the number of people in your household and how well you treat your septic system. For some households, the tank may need to be pumped every two years, and for others it may be five or more years before it needs to be pumped. Because it can vary, it's recommended to get your system pumped when a septic professional recommends to after inspecting your system. They will be able to take measurements to determine if it is time to get it pumped.
Repairs
If your septic system needs to be repaired, you may need a permit from the Health Department. The information below will help you determine whether or not a permit is required for the work being done.
Limited Repairs
Smaller, minor repairs can be done by certified septic professionals without a permit. After an inspection, a septic professional will be able to tell you if the repair your system needs will require a permit or not. Limited repairs include:
- System controls repair
- System pump repair
- Baffle installation/repair
- Effluent filter installation/repair
- Minor tank repair
Major Repairs & Permits
If your system needs a major repair, there are specific steps to follow to make sure to comply with the Snohomish County Health Department and Washington State regulations. Below is a list with examples of major repairs that require a permit. See our Septic Contractors page for information on hiring certified septic professionals.
- Tank replacement
- Drainfield repair/replacement
- System replacement
- Drainfield alteration
If a licensed septic professional determines that your system needs to be repaired or replaced and a permit is required, contact a licensed septic designer to design a repair and follow the steps to apply for a permit from the Snohomish County Health Department.
FInancial assistance through Savvy Septic
We want you to be able to make necessary repairs to your system and keep up with routine maintenance. For information on financial assistance offered through the Savvy Septic program, visit the Savvy Septic page.