The following guidelines
are provided as a courtesy to explain the septic repair
process. Please note that some of the requirements referenced
below are based upon new construction as well as the
Seattle-King County Codes effective June 1999.
How do I order the septic repair work?
First you must sign and return the proposal
and a deposit check (which we hold in safekeeping until we have
done the repair) with your parcel number. To save time you may
fax the signed proposal to us and mail the check separately.
How long does it take to get the septic
repair permit?
Once you order the work we will start the
repair application process. This will include excavating soil
logs on-site as well as submitting the “repair proposal”
paperwork to the Health Department. Additionally, a “Notice on
Title” may need to be recorded prior to the permit release. We
have no control over this situation. This would be required by
the Health Department due to site restrictions; i.e. Lot size,
soil types and property improvements where the repair will not
meet current standards (non-conforming). The “Notice on Title”
assures that future owners of the property are (1.) aware that
the property is served by an on-site sewage system, and (2.)
knowledgeable of the owner(s) basic responsibilities and duties
related to the on-site sewage system. This type of repair
typically will exceed the standards applied with the original
septic system. It however just falls short of meeting current
treatment standards. Where circumstances allow we can install a
conforming system, meeting current standards, but this may be
more expensive.
Once we have the permit in hand, and before
scheduling the repair work, our construction manager will visit
the site to confirm accessibility and site conditions. Typically
a septic repair takes one to two days to install.
Inspection of the system
Once the repair has been completed, a
follow-up inspection, by the installer, takes place to verify
compliance. In some instances, a pressure test is conducted (if
a pump is installed). In this instance, permanent electrical
wiring must be completed before hand. The installer will then
perform a “pre-test”. This is done to correct any problems
before the final pressure test/inspection is performed with the
county sanitarian. We then notify the Health Department that the
repair is ready for pressure test/inspection. We must allow the
county three (3) working days notice. If the sanitarian does not
show up for the pressure test/inspection we must allow the
sanitarian another three (3) days. This gives them a chance to
check the system and sign off on the permit. Only after the
installer, sanitarian and designer (if design was required) have
signed off on the permit can the system be backfilled.
Backfill of the system
Usually the repair excavation will provide
enough material to cover the system. Sometimes, due to the
shallow nature of the drainfield, imported material may be
necessary. Sandy loam is the material of choice. Please be aware
that in some cases the backfill cannot be done right away
especially if the site is extremely wet. This would only create
a sloppy mess and potentially create problems with the system.
Landscaping disruption?
During excavation to repair the septic
system, occasionally damage will occur to sprinkler systems,
unmarked utilities and landscaping. While we do everything
possible to minimize the impact, we cannot be responsible for
restoration.
Financing information available upon
request.
fax (425) 432-4461