At the end of the day, nobody wants a malfunctioning septic system.

It’s bad for you. It’s bad for your neighbors. It’s bad for the environment.

Frankly, it can be just gross.

Septic maintenance and inspections are the best tools to keep your system working. That’s why state and local codes require regular inspections.

We understand hiring someone to inspect your system every 3 years might create a financial burden. That’s why we offer financial assistance for some homeowners. In January, you might’ve seen our announcement about reduced inspection frequency from 3 years to 5 years for certain systems.

Now, we’re excited to announce another path to reduce inspection costs—a do-it-yourself inspection program. You can find more info about this exciting program below, and you can contact us now at omseptic@tpchd.org if you’d like to participate.

What to know about our reduced inspection frequency program.

Homeowners who know the most about their systems are the best stewards of them. So, if you’re staying up to date on maintenance, you may be able to get your system inspected every 5 years instead of every 3. To qualify, you must:

• Meet all 3–5-year reduced inspection frequency criteria.
• Take a training class on best septic system maintenance practices.
• Monitor the health of your system.
• Have access to site-specific details based on our records.

The free training classes last about 1.5 hours. They teach you the best management practices, how to look for and read septic records, how to find your system’s history of inspections and pumps, and more.

Want to know if your home qualifies for reduced inspection frequency? Head to our website or reach out to us.

About that do-it-yourself program.

Earlier this year, we wrapped up a pilot do-it-yourself self-inspection program for gravity systems. We’re happy to say it was a success! Thank you to everyone who participated for their time and valuable input.

To qualify, you must:

• Meet all DIY program criteria.
• Attend and complete an on-site septic course with Washington On-Site Sewage Association (WOSSA) and pass the course exam.
• Have up to date inspections with no deficiencies.

Some additional conditions of the DIY program: 

• You can’t apply for both reduced inspection frequency and DIY. You’ll need to pick one or the other.
• You must alternate DIY inspections with professional inspections. So, 3 years after your first DIY, you’ll need to hire a professional.
• You must get an inspection by a certified professional if you sell your home. DIY won’t be an option for your Report of System Status (RSS) inspection for property sale.

It’s important to contact us at omseptic@tpchd.org if you’re interested in the DIY program so we can see if you qualify before you sign up for a course!

If your inspection is due between now and the next scheduled WOSSA class, let us know! We’ll extend your due date.

Remember, the cheapest septic system you’ll own is the one you already have. Keep doing your part to keep your system healthy, and we’ll keep doing our best to make it more wallet-friendly for you.