FAQ's

If your property cannot be connected to a centralized sewage treatment facility, a septic system just for your property is needed to treat and dispose of your household wastewater. A septic system usually includes both a septic tank and a septic drain field. The tank receives the water that goes down your drains, and the drain field filters and distributes the treated effluent into the soil. Regular septic inspections and septic service are important to ensure the health and safety of your septic system 

Septic system services refer to the maintenance, repair, and cleaning of a septic system. The service should include regular septic tank inspection, removal of the solids that accumulate in the septic tank, plus checking for any damages or leaks that need repair. 

If a property does not “perc”, it means the soil will not absorb septic water properly. With this condition you probably cannot use a traditional septic system. New,  advanced septic systems have been developed that may still allow you to have a functioning septic system. If one of these systems is appropriate for your property, you then have a lot you can build on.

Replacing or installing a home’s septic system is often an expensive and complicated home renovation. Homeowners should know that septic tank replacement isn’t a DIY-friendly repair. Chances are, you’ll need the help of one or more professionals to ensure your septic system is installed safely and complies with local land codes. 

There are two choices in traditional septic tanks: aerobic, or anaerobic.

Whether or not a septic tank is aerobic or anaerobic will impact the price. Anaerobic septic systems are popular among homeowners because they’re more affordable. However, some homeowners prefer aerobic septic systems because they’re more efficient. The price difference between the two is steep, with anaerobic systems ranging from $3,000–$8,000 and aerobic systems ranging from $10,000–$20,000.

The national average cost for a septic tank installation is $6,000. The usual range is somewhere between $5,000 to $12,000.

Depending on the size and location of your home, as well as the size and material of your tank and your preferred type of septic system, you may find yourself paying even more. Aerobic septic systems, which use oxygen-loving bacteria to break down waste and require an air pump and more than one tank. These can cost up to $20,000 to install.

With proper maintenance, a septic system can last as long as 40 years, and some concrete septic tanks may last 100 years. But for that to happen, you can't ignore your septic tank. The EPA estimates you’ll spend between $250 and $700 to service your septic tank, which should be done around every three years. The EPA suggests that repairing or replacing your septic tank (which is more likely to happen if you don't service it) could cost between $5,000 and $15,000.

No. Smelling a sewage type odor when outside your dwelling is not normal.

It could indicate a problem with your drain field, a cracked or damaged septic tank, excess water in the tank or items and chemicals in your septic tank that should not have gone down the drain. Call a septic system professional to investigate the source of the smell.

Whidbey Island and Camano Island are both located in Island County, WA. Island County requires by law that conventional septic systems (these include a septic tank and a drain field only) be inspected every 3 years.

Some experts recommend that a home septic be pumped every three to five years. How often you need to pump depends on the size of the tank, the number of people in the household, and the amount and type of solids. Generally, a septic tank should be pumped every 3-5 years; however, some alternative systems that are more complex may need pumping more frequently.

Yes. Island Count allows a homeowner to inspect their own septic system. Homeowners who want to conduct their own on-site sewage system inspections must become certified through Island County and attend homeowner class(es) either in person or through our Online Training Program.

Septic tank repair costs $600 to $3,000 on average. Minor septic repairs cost $500 to $1,500 to replace the pump, distribution box, or remove roots. Extensive septic tank repairs cost $1,000 to $5,000+ for line repair, tank replacement, or drain field rejuvenation