You better know your S!*+ (stuff), Owners with on-site sewage systems (OSS)

Chelan and Douglas County Home Inspection Services

Awe the on-site sewage systems (OSS) or better known as a septic system.

I get this question many times as a home inspector… Do you do septic system inspections?  The answer is no, I do not have a license to perform that (or a truck to pump out the goodies). Septic systems have to be inspected by OM1 certified or OM2 Certified septic specialist in Washington State.

Often (like almost always)  when you go to sell your home you will most likely be asked to have your septic system pumped, inspected and have a certificate of the inspection. Many jurisdictions in Washington State require this. Even if not required it really is a very important item to have performed.

Most homeowners do not know that it is required by law in Washington State that you maintain your system (Chapter 246-272A WAC).

How often you need to check your septic system (on-site sewage systems or OSS) depends on what type of system you have installed.

Basic septic systems- These are systems with a tank and a gravity-fed drainfield and must be inspected at least once every three years.  These systems are also called conventional gravity septic systems.

Septic systems other than your basic system- These must be inspected at least yearly or every other year depending on type of system and local health department requirement.  These systems may include; Pressurized septic systems, sand filters, and mounds systems.  Any septic systems that have pumps or other mechanical or electrical parts will need to be inspected more often than gravity systems.

Here is a video from the Washington State Dept. of Health.

Inspecting and maintaining your septic system is the homeowner's responsibility.  Most will hire a professional Septic System Maintenance Provider or Septic System Designer to inspect the system. You can do it yourself but you will have to have proper training and you must meet any local requirements.

A properly maintained septic system will save you money and some smelly headaches so it is best to know and understand what you need to do.

“If you think it's expensive to hire a professional to do the job, wait until you hire an amateur.”

Red Adair

NCW Home Inspections, LLC  is a Licensed Washington State Home Inspection service located in Wenatchee Washington serving Chelan County, Douglas County, Kittitas County, Okanogan County and Grant County Washington and the cities of Wenatchee, Leavenworth, Cashmere, Oroville, Cle Elum, East Wenatchee, Quincy and many more…

Your Wenatchee and Chelan Professional Real Estate, Home and Structural Pest Inspection Service

www.ncwhomeinspections.com                                               509-670-9572