Sewage spills and septic system failure – King County, Washington

The Craft3 Clean Water Loan Program offers affordable loans to repair or replace failing on-site sewage systems. The loan program is available throughout King County. Learn more about this program as well as other funding resources.

While it may be necessary to have the tank pumped during the repair process, pumping the tank alone may not correct a failing septic system.

A failing septic system may not have to be replaced with a new system. Your septic system professional can advise you on your repair options.

A licensed designer will design a repair for your septic system. They will do so by taking the characteristics of your property into consideration. They will then submit a repair application to Public Health.

Contact a certified Installer, licensed Designer, or qualified professional Engineer to examine the septic system and submit a repair proposal to Public Health.

Public Health – Seattle & King County can confirm the failure. If necessary, a dye test may be performed to check if surfacing sewage is from your septic system. Contact the Eastgate Environmental Health office for help at 206-477-8050

If you think your septic system is failing, contact one of the following professionals. They will confirm the location and possible cause of the failure and learn of repair options. Remember, septic system repairs need a repair permit from Public Health — Seattle & King County.

Jetting of failing septic systems

Why jetting is not recommended as a permanent repair on old gravity systems

Although introducing a high-pressure water stream to clear septic pipe obstructions may seem like an inexpensive way to repair a septic system, it can:

• Lead to costly problems
• Decrease wastewater treatment
• Damage septic pipes
• Shorten the system lifespan

Rules for jetting septic systems in King County

As of June 2016, there are only 2 circumstances in which jetting will be considered for property transfer inspections:

• For pressurized systems using small diameter PVC pipe

• For gravity systems with rigid 4-inch diameter PVC pipe

For jetting to be considered for gravity systems, a repair proposal must be submitted by a master installer, designer, or professional engineer. This must include a comprehensive evaluation of the system that considers:

• Age

• Life expectancy

• Vertical separation

• Treatment level required for protection of ground and surface water quality

Jetting is not allowed for the following:

• Concrete or clay tiles

• Flexible PVC pipes

• Septic systems without a record drawing

• Old septic systems at the end of their expected lifespan

Jetting an older septic system will not increase the quality of sewage treatment and potentially harms the quality of ground water and surface waters. So, work with a licensed professional who can repair your system properly.