Meet septic system requirements before you sell.
Get your septic system pumped and inspected before you sell your property. After the Health Department inspection, we issue a Report of System Status (RSS) which:
- States the condition of the system at the time of inspection.
- Includes information about the septic system and any minor deficiencies.
- Includes best practices for long-term septic system care.
Let’s get started.
Process to obtain an RSS:
- Contact a septic service company. Have your system inspected and the tanks pumped.
- Submit your RSS application online, by mail or in person.
- We review the application, inspect the property, and ask that major deficiencies be resolved.
- Our goal is to review the RSS application within 10 business days. This can not be rushed or guaranteed.
- You can view your RSS application status online by clicking on “Search Applications”.
We recommend you submit your applications early. Once we issue the RSS, it is valid for one year.
Need more information?
- 90-day conditional RSS. You can use this if there are unresolved deficiencies, and the buyer assumes responsibility to resolve them within 90 days of the sale.
- Water supply review for your private or public water system. Checks the adequacy of the water supply.
- RSS Request for Exemption. We allow exemptions if the property meets one of the criteria listed below. You can submit the exemption request online, or print the form and submit by mail or in person.
- New septic system for previously undeveloped lot; record drawing was approved within last 12 months.
- New or expanded septic system for existing residence installed 6 to 12 months ago. (Repair or remodel application with design).
- Remodel application with a field visit and a satisfactory operation and maintenance inspection, both completed within last 12 months. Tank(s) have been pumped.
- Tank(s) of existing septic system were replaced within last 12 months.
- Partial sale of property: Buyer is already a partial owner of the parcel. Need to submit copy of the current title and sales agreement (if available).
Resources
- Septic Service Companies certified to work in Pierce County.
- Find your record drawing online. Search for records on any property.
- Search for previous service and inspection reports online.
- RSS Guidance for properties with multiple structures.
- Record of Existing Septic System Locate—Use this document to submit site plans from a system locate for existing systems without record drawing or permit.
- View our fees.
Questions?
Contact us at RSS@tpchd.org or (253) 649-1423.