A repair proposal and permit is required when any change(s) or system replacements are made to your septic system*. Below is a step-by-step guide for this process depending on what type of repair permit you need.

*A septic system is also referred to as an "on-site sewage system" in official documents, forms and applications.

A limited repair permit means "the replacement, addition or alteration of a broken or malfunctioning building sewer pipe, sewage tank lid, sewage tank baffles, sewage tank pumps, pump control floats, pipes connecting multiple sewage tanks and drainfield inspection boxes and ports where the subsurface soil absorption system is not failing" (King County On-site Sewage Code, Title 13, Code of the King County Board of Health).

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Under certain circumstances, you may have to contact a certified Master Installer or Onsite System Maintainer in King County. If you have a conventional gravity septic system, the repair may be completed before obtaining a permit. If you have any questions about when to apply for a repair permit, please call our office at (206) 296-4932 or (800) 325-6165 ext. 6-4932.
   
   
2. Master Installer or Onsite System Maintainer submits repair proposal for limited repair to Public Health – Seattle & King County.
   
   
3. Repair is completed by Master Installer or Onsite System Maintainer.
   
   
4. Record of repair is submitted to Public Health – Seattle & King County by Master Installer or Onsite System Maintainer.

A repair permit means “the replacement, addition, or alteration of a sewage tank, distribution box, tight line, or other appurtenances of an existing OSS, and including any replacement, addition, or alteration to a soil absorption system.” (King County On-site Sewage Code, Title 13, Code of the King County Board of Health).

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Contact a certified Master Installer in King County.
   
   
2. Master Installer submits a repair proposal to Public Health – Seattle & King County.
   
   
3. If approved by Public Health, an application for permit is submitted by the Master Installer. If disapproved, a new or modified proposal must be submitted, possibly by a licensed Designer.
   
   
4. After permit is issued by Public Health, repair is completed by Master Installer.
   
   
5. Repair is inspected by Public Health.
   
   
6. As-built of repair is submitted to Public Health by Master Installer.

A replacement permit is required when your septic system is to be replaced with a new system.

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Depending on size of replacement, contact a certified Designer, Master Installer or qualified Professional Engineer.
   
   
2. Your septic system professional submits a design proposal, called a 'site application', to Public Health.
   
   
3. If approved by Public Health, an application for permit is submitted by your septic system professional. If disapproved, a new or modified proposal must be submitted.
   
   
4. Designer or qualified Professional Engineer conducts a pre-installation (AKA stub-out) inspection and gives report to the Master Installer and Public Health..
   
   
5. After permit is issued by Public Health, the installation is completed by Master Installer.
   
   
6. Installation is inspected by Designer.
   
   
7. Installation is inspected by Public Health
   
   
8. As-built of replacement septic system submitted by Designer or qualified Professional Engineer.

How to appeal the Public Health inspecto's decision/order.

Ask your designer or qualified professional engineer:

1. What is the price of the following? (some of these services are included in one fee):

• Preliminary site evaluation
• Soil log digging
• Design
• Stub-out inspection
• Pressure test
• Installation inspection
• Backfill inspection
• As-built package

2. Do you charge extra for the Homeowner's manual?
   
   
3. Do you charge for extra visits or consultations?

Ask your master installer:

1. What is the price of the following?

• Preliminary evaluation
• Soil log digging
• Design for repairs
• Installation

2. Does the bid include the County fees?
3. Do you charge extra for backfill labor?
4. Is the cost for the backfill material included?
5. Is the timer (if required) included in the bid?
6. Do you guarantee your work? Will you complete repairs if there is a problem?

TIP: For a repair, the installer should inspect the property, look at the soil logs, and determine cause of failure PRIOR to any proposals.

Forms used by your septic system professional:

• Site design application

Fees:

• Wastewater Program Fee Schedule