Keep your septic system in good working order.
We help you maintain your septic system. We provide:
- Information about your septic system type.
- Your septic system’s risk level.
- Inspection deadline reminders.
A well-maintained septic system:
- Reduces pollution of drinking water, lakes, rivers, and Puget Sound.
- Keeps you, your family, and pets healthy.
- Extends the life of your septic system.
- Saves you money.
Experiencing problems?
- Foul odors inside or outside your house.
- Gurgling sounds in the plumbing.
- Sewage on the ground.
- Sewage backing up into your house.
Step 1: Contact a certified operations and maintenance (O&M) firm to determine the cause of the problem.
Step 2: A certified septic professional can help with minor repairs. If you need a designer or installer, you must get a Health Department permit.
See frequently asked questions for more information.
Do it yourself inspection 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. Read our report for details on the pilot.
Our blog has more details about the program. Email us at omseptic@tpchd.org if you’re interested so we can see if you qualify before you sign up for a course!
Reduced inspection frequency program
You may be eligible to reduce your septic system inspection frequency from once every 3 years to once every 5 years. Learn more on our webpage.
Questions?
Contact us at omseptic@tpchd.org or (253) 649-1421.
Resources
Property Owners
- Caring for your septic system—Simple steps to protect your home.
- Septic systems—U.S. Environmental Protection Agency guidance for septic systems.
- Service companies—A list of certified companies that can provide septic system services.
- Environmental Health Code Chapter 2: Onsite Sewage—Our local onsite sewage regulation.
- How to plant and build around your drainfield—A guide for landscaping.
- Septic-safe plants—What to plant around septic equipment, tanks, and drainfields.
- Questions for professionals—Our list of questions to ask your certified septic professional.
- Selling your home—Why and how to have your onsite septic system inspected when you sell your home.
- Septic safety for homeowners—Our tips on keeping your septic system safe and preventing injury.
- View our 3D models—Know how your septic system works and keep it healthy.
Videos: Understanding and maintaining your system
- Gravity septic system.
- Your mound system.
- Your pressure distribution system.
- Your sand filter system.