KING COUNTY, WASHINGTON - Winter rains and extra holiday water use may stress septic systems and lead to premature system failure, say specialists at Public Health - Seattle & King County. Extra toilet flushing, dishwater runs and laundry combined with heavy rains may overload the drainfield, causing it literally to "drown." To assist the owners of the 100,000 King County households with septic "on-site sewage" (OSS) systems, Public Health's new Operation and Maintenance (O&M) Program offers tips to improve the length of their systems' life and protect the community's health.
"Septic systems can be very expensive to repair and an entire system replacement can cost as much as $15,000 or more," said Dr. Ngozi Oleru, Environmental Health Chief at Public Health - Seattle & King County. "Public Health's new O & M Program is designed to help the homeowner manage the septic system to maximize its life. A well- managed system will keep sewage out of surface and groundwater, which is a benefit to the homeowner and the whole community."
Home buyers have responsibilities when owning an on-site sewage (septic) system. These include:
- Ensuring that a "Notice of On-site Sewage System Operation and Maintenance Requirements" document (OSSM) is filed with the King County Office of Records and Elections when the house is sold, or the septic system repaired or installed
- Forwarding a recorded copy of the OSSM to Public Health, along with a $40 O&M Program fee
- Hiring a licensed On-site System Maintainer to assist in system monitoring
- Becoming familiar with the septic system type and its monitoring schedule
Public Health provides the new owner with educational materials such as a "Septic System Care Kit," OSS workshops, and inspection reminders. Public Health is also available to answer questions and concerns from OSS system owners.
System failure can occur in a properly maintained OSS system when the homeowner does not correctly manage water use. For example, additional dishwasher/laundry use and toilet flushings that come with holiday festivities, combined with seasonal rains may stress the drainfield. Adding a few additional loads of laundry may push the system beyond its capabilities and cause system failure. To minimize the chances of this type of failure, use water wisely - spread laundry use out over the week, run only full dishwasher loads, and fix all leaky faucets and toilets.
Winter rains and extra seasonal water use add extra stress to septic systems that may lead to premature system failure and costly repairs. Take advantage of these tips for optimal system functioning:
- Get the septic tank pumped every 3-5 years
- Hire an On-site System Maintainer to regularly monitor your OSS
- Reduce water use to minimize impact on drainfield
- Don't use a garbage disposal
- Don't use septic additives
- Use "eco-friendly" household cleaners
- Flush only toilet paper
- Run full loads of dishes and laundry and spread usage throughout the week
Call an OSS professional immediately if you notice any of these problems:
- Excess water on the drainfield
- A bad odor/sewage smells
- Wastewater backs up into house
- Slow running drains, especially after laundry loads
- Sewage surfacing anywhere
More information about OSS operation and maintenance may be found at www.metrokc.gov/health/wastewater
