Age, excessive use, site conditions, and other factors may cause your septic system to fail. Common signs include:
- Surfacing sewage.
- Slow draining tanks.
- Sewage backing up into the structure.
When your septic system doesn’t work properly, you may need to replace part or all of your septic system.
What should you do?
If you have issues with your septic system, call a Septic System Service Company to schedule an inspection. They can:
- Determine if your system needs minor or major repairs.
- Pump the system, clear blockages, and provide mechanical repairs.
- Resolve septic system issues.
If you need to repair or replace your system, you will need to submit an application:
Septic or pump tank replacement
Required when you replace a septic or pump tank only with another septic or pump tank.
We require a certified installation firm to submit the application. See Tank Replacement Guidance for when we require a licensed designer or professional engineer.
Partial repair
Required when rebuilding treatment components like:
- Removing or replacing media in a Glendon, OSCAR, or mound.
- Rebuilding sand filters.
- Replacing pre-treatment components with another pre-treatment component.
- Relocating less than 50% of existing permitted drainfield.
We require a licensed designer or professional engineer to submit the application.
Design repair
Required when you replace the entire system or more than 50% of the drainfield.
We require a licensed designer or professional engineer to submit the application.
Design remodel
Required when you need to replace your system or expand it (number of bedrooms increased).
We require a licensed designer or professional engineer to submit the application.
What is the process?
Consult with a certified professional to determine if they can make minor repairs or if you need a permitted repair.
When your septic system repairs require a permit:
- Hire the appropriate certified professional to submit your application.
- Your application may require excavation of soil test pits. Please leave the test pits open for our review.
- We aim to review your repair application within 5 business days after you pay your application fee. We will review your application and issue an approval or a request for more info.
- Consult with your certified professional if your application is on hold.
- You can view your application status on ECO.
- When we approve your application, choose a certified installer.
- Your designer/engineer or installer—when replacing septic/pump tank only under certain conditions—can request installation permit release. We will issue the permit to the installer you choose.
- Your installer may begin installing your septic system and system components.
- Once your installer completes installation, your designer/engineer will inspect the system then submit a final inspection request to us.
- We will visit the site within 3 business days after we process the final inspection request.
- After your designer/engineer and we inspected and approved the final installation, the installer will backfill the area.
- Your designer/engineer or installer must submit a complete record drawing. Your system is not approved for use until we approve the record drawing.
What financial resources are available?
Need a loan for septic repairs and maintenance? See if you qualify for a loan from Craft3—a nonprofit, non-bank community development financial institution.
You may also explore Pierce County Human Services’ septic repair program.
Find other resources for Pierce County property owners.
Resources
- Septic Systems 101 webinar.
- Designers and engineers—Designers and engineers certified to work in Pierce County.
- Installation firms—Firms certified to work in Pierce County.
- 2026 Fee Schedule—On-site sewage, well and water resources fee schedule.
- File a complaint about a Pierce County Septic Service Company or individual.
- Septic system service companies—Companies certified to work in Pierce County.
Questions?
Contact us at ehsepticsystems@tpchd.org or (253) 649-1925.