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SANITARY SURVEYS

A sanitary survey is an inspection of a septic system to see if there is evidence of failure or an immediate need for maintenance (such as having the tank pumped).  It is generally recommended that a homeowner have a sanitary survey done every three years.

The survey is done by a certified septic designer.  They will verify the location of the tank, measure the level of sludge and scum inside, and inspect the tank and working parts.  The designer will also verify the location of the drainfield, and see whether it appears to be functioning properly.

  • Please do not pump your septic tank just before having a sanitary survey done.  A designer can tell more about how a septic system is functioning if the tank has not just been pumped.
  • If the septic tank is buried, it must be uncovered prior to inspection.  That may involve hiring someone to locate the tank for you.

The designer prepares a report which is submitted to the County to be reviewed and recorded with the parcel file.  A copy of the recorded survey is given to the owner.  If the designer notes that a system needs to be pumped or is failing, the Environmental Health Division will follow-up with the owner to remind them to take care of the required maintenance.

For public health reasons, Clallam County may require a sanitary survey before issuing a building permit.  Sanitary surveys are usually required in the following situations:

  • if there is no record of a septic permit, installation or inspection of an existing system
  • if it has been five years since the system was installed and there has been no previous sanitary survey
  • if it has been three to five years since the last sanitary survey

Increasingly, banks and realtors are also requiring sanitary surveys prior to property sales and loan approvals.

A sanitary survey is intended to evaluate the condition of a septic system at the time it is inspected.  It does not imply a guarantee of the system or its future performance.

Contact Environmental Health with questions or comments about the information on this page.