Pierce County septic O&M checklist
Quick facts
| Topic | What TPCHD materials say (re-check live) |
|---|---|
| Inspection interval | Every 3 years for simple systems (gravity or pressure). Every year for complex systems (community, aerobic treatment, proprietary). Also required when you sell the house. |
| Self-inspect allowed? | Only through TPCHD’s DIY program after they confirm eligibility. Contact omseptic@tpchd.org before signing up for a course. Default path: hire a certified O&M company. |
| Training | DIY path: complete a WOSSA on-site septic course and pass the exam (per TPCHD DIY announcement). Separate free BMP classes exist for the reduced-frequency stewardship path — different program. |
| Report portal | Certified inspectors file at OnlineRME. Owners can look up reports under Report Search. |
| Pumping vs inspection | Not the same. Routine inspections measure sludge/scum and check components; pumping is when needed (often every 3–5 years or when solids reach ~1/3 of tank). Sale/RSS inspections require pumping of all tanks per TPCHD FAQ. |
Homeowner checklist
- Confirm Pierce County jurisdiction and find your system type / as-built at edocs.tpchd.org (address or parcel) or call records at (253) 649-1870.
- Read the interval for your system type on the O&M FAQ. Complex ≠ “I’ll DIY anyway.”
- Default: hire from certified service companies. Get a few quotes. They inspect and file OnlineRME.
- Only if pursuing DIY: email omseptic@tpchd.org first. TPCHD states you must meet DIY criteria, complete WOSSA training/exam, keep inspections current, alternate DIY with professional inspections, and use a certified professional for Report of System Status (RSS) at sale — DIY is not for property-sale RSS.
- Do not stack DIY with the separate reduced inspection-frequency (3→5 year) path — TPCHD says pick one.
- After the report: look it up on OnlineRME. Fix deficiencies on the timeline TPCHD gives you.
Official contacts
- O&M / DIY interest: omseptic@tpchd.org
- General septic: EHsepticsystems@tpchd.org · (253) 649-1925
- Financial assistance for inspections/repairs (limited areas): see FAQ / omfa@tpchd.org
Disclosures
Not affiliated with TPCHD, WA DOH, WOSSA, or OnlineRME. Not a DIY how-to for opening tanks. Hire licensed/certified providers when required. See about & disclosures.