For those on private septic systems, you probably don’t think much about it – until there’s an issue: it’s easy to forget something that is buried in the ground! But Thurston County Public Health & Social Services wants to empower you to learn how to inspect your own septic system with free Homeowner Septic Self-Inspection Certification classes.
“We provide advice on how homeowners can make simple repairs to keep their system working,” shares Maggie Morehouse, who is the instructor for the Homeowner Septic Self-Inspection Certification class.
Thurston County Septic Class Teaches You How to Inspect Your Septic System and Warning Signs
Classes happen twice a month, January through October, and once a month in November and December. They are held on Fridays and Saturdays, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Jean Frost, program supervisor, explains that the classes are perfect for anyone with a qualifying septic system! During the classes, you will learn:
- How septic systems work
- How to visually inspect for problems
- How to measure scum and sludge to tell if pumping a septic tank is needed
- How to inspect pump components
- How to inspect drainfield components
- How to live on a septic system to prolong the system’s life and reduce maintenance costs (what not to flush)
Students receive a packet of information about their type of septic system, including details on their actual system. “We include the best drawing we have in our records showing their system location,” shares Frost. “If the system doesn’t have any records, we can help with locating tips. These tips include using the house plumbing to indicate where the tank may be positioned; using old aerial maps to find visual clues; looking for pipes; probing with a device for the septic components; using a septic company that has additional tools for flushing a pill, using a locator device down the drain, and even sometimes just digging for exploration.”
Why You Should Learn About Septic Inspections
You might be wondering why you should care about inspecting your septic system or taking care of it – it seems to work fine, right? The answer is simple: health and money! Failing or failed septic systems can make your family and neighbors sick. Caught early, many problems can be fixed for a lot less money. A failed septic system that needs to be replaced can cost anywhere between $10,000 and $35,000-plus.
“There is no time through human history where our waste products (sewage) didn’t make us sick when we came in contact with it,” shares Morehouse. “As our population grows, and people are closer to each other, it makes wastewater disposal more important than ever to maintain a healthy community.”
“When a system is not maintained properly, it could lead to a septic failure and surfacing sewage,” adds Frost. “A failing septic system can allow sewage to come up in areas where kids and pets play, contaminate a nearby groundwater or surface water source, or back up into your home.”
Think about where your drinking water comes from. In Thurston County, our drinking water comes from ground or surface water – the exact places Frost mentions that can be contaminated by septic issues. But bottled water is not the answer. “Sewage is harmful to people and animals through contact with skin, mouth, eyes, nose, or breathing in the fumes,” adds Frost. “Sewage contains pathogens that can make people sick, like MRSA, fecal flora, Escherichia coli, fungus, diphtheroid, bacillus, streptococcus, and more.”
Do You Qualify to Attend a Free Thurston County Septic Inspection Class?
The Homeowner Septic Self-Inspection Certification classes are free for those who qualify! The cost is covered by funding for Thurston County septic operation and maintenance, including operational certificate program fees, tax assessments, and grants.
To qualify, you must have one of the following septic systems: gravity, conventional pressure distribution, or mound. You also must view videos and submit an inspection report. People who don’t have computer access can come to our office, where staff will assist them in using a computer to watch the videos or submit their inspection reports.
In addition, your septic system must have at least one inspection on file from a certified septic professional. You can check online to see if there is one on file for your system. If your system is older or you need help identifying the type of system you have, contact the office below.
To see if you qualify and to register, you can call the Environmental Health Operations & Maintenance program at 360.867.2626. The deadline to sign up for a class is the Monday before the class you want to attend. Learn more on the Homeowner Septic Self-Inspection Certification class website.
Sponsored
