Purchasing a home or business within FBSD jurisdiction involves unique considerations that are essential to understand when making the move to island life. Below is a list of key factors typically overlooked by new residents and business owners.
Have you ever had a septic tank in your home or business before?
If you have never owned a home with a septic system before, it is helpful to think of it as a two-step process. Unlike homes connected to a city sewer line that transfer solids and liquids using gravity and lift stations, your property uses a septic tank to handle initial waste treatment. From there, the effluent (liquid wastewater) is pumped through a pressurized sewer main to the FBSD treatment plant for final processing.
Letter of Availability & Point-of-Sale Inspection:
When purchasing a home within FBSD jurisdiction, buyers should verify that the seller has obtained a Letter of Availability from the District. This document confirms that the septic system has been inspected, meets current code, and is approved for use.
To obtain this letter, FBSD conducts a point-of-sale inspection to determine whether any upgrades or repairs are necessary. If issues are identified, the seller (and or buyer if agreed upon) is responsible for hiring approved contractors to complete the required work prior to the sale.
This process is designed to protect buyers by ensuring the septic system is fully functional and up to standard before you take ownership.
In certain circumstances, necessary work may need to extend beyond the closing date. If this occurs, the buyer and seller must mutually agree in writing to a post-closing completion plan, which must be formally documented and filed with FBSD.
Using Your Septic Tank: Key Considerations
Solids Management & Pumping Requirements: FBSD wastewater lagoons are designed to treat liquid, not solid waste. Proper maintenance of your septic tank is essential to prevent solids from clogging the inlet or outlet pipes, which can lead to backups into your home.
Only flush the basics: Human waste and toilet paper are the only things that should be flushed. "Flushable" wipes, feminine products, grease (in a non-commercial grease tank), and inorganics do not break down and will clog your system.
Watch what you pour: Harsh chemicals, bleach, and paint can kill the good bacteria inside your tank leading to solids levels to accumulate faster which leads to more frequent pumping.
Commercial Grease Tanks: Grease tanks in FBSD are commonly used by commercial kitchens. To keep your grease tank healthy, use only biodegradable, plant-based soaps that are free of antibacterial agents, phosphates, and bleach, as these chemicals kill the beneficial bacteria needed to break down fats and grease. Excellent choices include Seventh Generation Free & Clear or Dr. Bronner’s Pure-Castile soap, but you should always avoid harsh drain cleaners and remember to scrape solid food waste into the trash before washing.
Who Owns the Septic Tank?
The septic tank and all associated equipment are owned by you, the home or building owner. FBSD holds an easement granting us access to a 10-foot radius around your septic tank for maintenance, inspection, and emergency call purposes.
What FBSD Does:
We treat the effluent (liquid wastewater) that flows from your tank to the plant.
Conduct routine inspections. FBSD staff measure the solids level in your tank. When solids reach 35% of tank capacity we coordinate with the next available septic pumper to schedule a pump-out. In addition, we inspect all equipment within your tank—including pumps, floats, and wiring—to ensure everything is functioning properly.
Following any routine inspection or emergency service call, FBSD will provide a detailed inspection report documenting findings, actions taken, and any recommendations or required follow-up.
What You Are Responsible For:
The property owner is responsible for all parts and labor costs associated with emergency service calls or repairs identified during routine septic inspections.
Routine Inspection Schedule:
Commercial sites: Inspected annually
Residential customers: Inspected every two years
Pumping Payment Policy:
FBSD covers the cost if it has been three years or more since the last pump-out.
The customer covers the cost if the last pump-out occurred less than three years ago.
Grease tank pump-outs are always paid for by the customer.
What's That Noise? Understanding Your Septic Alarm
When moving into your new home or starting a business, it is important to familiarize yourself with the sounds of your property, especially those coming from your septic system. In a traditional home, a clogged toilet or sink is often the first sign of a sewer issue. In FBSD, you will likely hear an alarm before a backup occurs, giving you valuable time to respond.
How to Identify a Septic Alarm
A septic alarm is distinct from an emergency siren or car horn. It emits a high-frequency "tweeting" sound that remains constant in tone and cadence.
If You Hear the Alarm:
An FBSD staff member will be dispatched to investigate the cause and resolve the issue.
Note: if you do not see an FBSD sticker on your control panel please contact (hopefully before an alarm goes off) us so we can go and put one on.
Understanding FBSD's Pressurized Sewer System:
Unlike traditional sewer systems that rely on gravity and lift stations to move wastewater, FBSD operates a pressurized main system. Wastewater is pushed from your septic tank to the road, and from the road to the treatment plant, by hundreds of individual submersible pumps located within each septic tank.
Because the entire system operates under pressure, accidentally striking a sewer line in your backyard or near the road can result in a catastrophic failure. Stopping the flow of wastewater in a pressurized line is extremely difficult, making prevention and awareness essential.
Protect the pipes: Know where your sewer line runs from your house to the tank and from the tank to the road. Avoid planting trees or digging in these areas to prevent root intrusion or pipe damage. Set up a locate with https://digsafewashington.com/before digging to ensure you will not hit anything essential.