FAQ

A septic system is an underground wastewater treatment system that safely treats and disperses household sewage. Here’s a simple breakdown of how it works:

​

• Wastewater flows from your home . Everything that goes down sinks, showers, toilets, and laundry drains enters a buried septic tank.

• Separation happens inside the tank 

  • Heavy solids sink to the bottom and form sludge.

  • Oils, fats, and grease float to the top as scum.

  • The relatively clear liquid in the middle, called effluent, flows out to the next stage.

• Effluent travels to the drainfield. This is a network of perforated pipes or chambers buried in the soil.

• The soil does the final treatment – As effluent percolates down through the soil, naturally occurring microbes remove harmful bacteria, viruses, and nutrients before the water reaches groundwater.

Think of your septic system like your car. You wouldn’t skip oil changes and expect the engine to last. The same logic applies here.

​​

• Catch problems early. Regular inspections spot issues like cracked baffles, clogged filters, or root intrusion before they become emergencies.

• Avoid costly repairs. Having regular inspections and maintenance is cheaper than a full major repair. Replacing a failed drainfield can run into the tens of thousands.

• Protect health and safety. A poorly maintained system can back up sewage into your home or contaminate drinking water.

• Extend system life. With good care, a septic system can last 25–30 years or more. Neglect can cut that lifespan in half.

Whatcom County and the Washington Department of Health has specific rules in place to protect public health and water quality:​

​​

• Frequency:

  • Conventional gravity systems inspected at least once every three years.

  • All other systems (pressure distribution, mound, sand filter, aerobic, etc.) are inspected annually.​

• Reporting: Inspections must be recorded with the Whatcom County Health Department to stay in compliance with local regulations.​

Skipping inspections can lead to unnoticed failures, penalties, or even restrictions on property use if you ever want to sell.

A system is considered “failing” when it can no longer safely treat or dispose of wastewater. Signs of failure include:​

​​

• Sewage surfacing in the yard, ditch, or near the drainfield.

• Backups into the home (toilets, sinks, showers).

• Soggy or unusually green areas over the drainfield.

• Strong sewage odors inside or outside the home.

• Contamination of nearby water sources (wells, streams, or lakes).

From a regulatory perspective, Whatcom County defines a failing system as one that is discharging sewage on the surface of the ground, backing up into a building, or contaminating groundwater/surface water.

If your system is failing, it’s not only a health hazard but also a legal issue that must be addressed immediately through repair or replacement.

• Excessive water use (e.g., leaks, large laundry loads)

• Pouring harmful substances (chemicals, grease, paint, pharmaceuticals) down drains

• Using garbage disposals excessively

• Driving or building over the drainfield

• High groundwater or flooding 

The systems we work on are conventional and pressure distribution septic systems such as:

• Conventional Gravity

• Pressure and Non-Pressure Mound 

• Pressure to Gravity

• Holding Tanks

• Pump to Sewer

• Vaults

• Sand Filters (With Pressure Distribution, Mound, or Gravity)

​

Fortunately, Whatcom County has a program in place to help homeowners with some reimbursement for inspections and maintenance.  You can find out more about this program via the link below.  While it doesn't cover all of the costs, it can help alleviate some of the financial burden of keeping your septic system safe.  

​

Septic Maintenance Rebate Program Link