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What is a septic as-built?

SepticFactsPublished Updated

A person holding a septic as-built drawing that matches the tank lids, drainfield and reserve area marked in the yard.

An as-built (also called a record drawing) is the map of the system as it was actually installed, with measured locations of the tank, lids, pipes, drainfield and reserve area. Some states require one after installation, and who prepares it (installer, designer or owner) and what it must show vary by state and county, so check with the agency that issues septic permits where the lot is. Washington, for example, requires the owner to submit a record drawing on completion showing tank openings, buried pipes and electrical cables to within half a foot, the reserve area, confirmation that materials meet the design, initial settings for pumps and controls, and product literature for proprietary parts (WAC 246-272A-0265).1 When buying land with an existing system, ask the county for the as-built: it tells you where not to build, dig or drive, and it is what a pumper or repair crew needs to find the system.

Citations

  1. Washington State Department of Health, WAC 246-272A-0265, official text published by the Washington State Legislature; Kittitas County (WA) Public Health Department, OSS Record Drawing form. ↩

The agency that issues septic permits where the lot is makes the final call on what system your lot can use.

Sources

  • WAC 246-272A-0265, Record DrawingsWashington State Department of Health (state); official rule text published by the Washington State LegislatureCorroborated; confirm with the authority. Checked
  • OSS Record DrawingKittitas County Public Health Department, Washington (county)Corroborated; confirm with the authority. Checked

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