Art Nikolin
05-08-2026

Septic Solutions Launches Free As-Built Records Search Pages for Snohomish, King, Skagit, and Island Counties

For many homeowners in Western Washington, one simple question can turn into hours of confusion:

“Where exactly is my septic tank and drainfield located?”

The answer is found in a document called an As-Built Record, the official drawing created after a septic system is installed, showing the exact location of the tank, drainfield, and all system components.

This month, we launched four new dedicated pages on our website to make accessing those records easier than ever for homeowners in:

  • Snohomish County
  • King County
  • Skagit County
  • Island County

Each page is built specifically around that county’s record system because no two counties operate the same way.
The goal is simple:

Make it easier for homeowners to find and understand their septic records.

What Are As-Built Records and Why Do They Matter?

An As-Built Record (often called a septic record) is the official post-installation drawing of your septic system. It shows:

  • The exact tank location
  • The drainfield layout
  • Pipe routing
  • Measurements from fixed reference points
  • Permit history
  • Inspection documentation

These records are essential before:

  • Landscaping projects
  • Building patios, driveways, or additions
  • Installing fences or retaining walls
  • Connecting to municipal sewer
  • Buying or selling a home
  • Scheduling maintenance or repairs

Without an As-Built drawing, homeowners risk digging directly into their drainfield or tank, potentially causing costly damage.

Why Searching for Septic Records Isn’t Always Simple

In theory, most county septic records are public.

In practice, the process varies significantly by county.

Some counties use OnlineRME.
Some use separate GIS apps.
Some split records across two portals.
Some organize inspection history separately from permits.

Knowing where to search is one thing.
Knowing how to interpret what you find once you get there is another.

That’s why our company created four county-specific septic record search pages and offers to handle the entire search process for homeowners at no cost.
County-by-County Breakdown
Septic Records in Snohomish County
https://septicsolutionsllc.com/septic-records-snohomish-county

Snohomish County maintains records for over 84,000 private septic systems through the OnlineRME platform managed by the Snohomish County Health

Department.

As I say:

“Snohomish County has one of the better-organized septic databases in Washington State. OnlineRME holds as-built drawings, service history, and permit records for most properties in the county. When we're pulling a septic as-built drawing for a Snohomish County property, we know exactly where to go and what to look for in that system. But reading the documents and understanding what they mean for a specific property takes experience we've built from years of field work out here.”
While homeowners can search OnlineRME themselves at snohd.org, interpreting inspection notes and identifying whether a drainfield has been modified often requires field experience.

Our team searches Snohomish County’s database on the homeowner’s behalf and provides:

  • As-built drawings
  • Permit records
  • Service history
  • A follow-up call explaining what everything means

Completely free.

Septic Records in King County
https://septicsolutionsllc.com/septic-records-king-county

King County has over 85,000 private septic systems, and searching records here is more complex.

There are two official systems:

  • OnlineRME (Public Health – Seattle & King County)
  • ArcGIS Septic and Group B Records app (launched in 2023)

I explain:

“King County is one of the more complicated places to search for septic records on your own. There are two official databases to check. When we're pulling a septic as-built drawing for a King County property, we check both systems because updated drawings sometimes appear under Application History in the Time of Sale Inspection Reports in OnlineRME, not in the main records view. Most people don't even look there.”

We check both systems for homeowners, consolidate the records, and explain the inspection history before a real estate closing or property improvement project.

Septic Records in Skagit County
https://septicsolutionsllc.com/septic-records-skagit-county

Skagit County operates differently from Snohomish and King.

It runs its own portal at skagitcounty.net rather than OnlineRME.

With over 20,000 private septic systems, Skagit County organizes:

  • As-built drawings
  • Tank specifications
  • Drainfield data
  • Pump records
  • Inspection history

Here is my note about this county:

“Skagit County works differently from the other counties we cover. They run their own portal, not the OnlineRME portal. The records here are actually organized in
more detail, but you have to know how to navigate the system.”

Another important factor:

Most septic systems in Skagit County must be inspected annually and every 3 years for conventional gravity systems.

Our team pulls the full inspection history and explains what it reveals about system maintenance.

Septic Records in Island County
https://septicsolutionsllc.com/septic-records-island-county

Island County, covering Whidbey Island and Camano Island, is unique because records are split between two systems:

  • SmartGov Community Portal (as-built drawings and permits)
  • OnlineRME (inspection and pump reports)

I explain:

“Island County is the only one of the four counties we cover where the septic records are split between two completely different systems. When we're pulling a septic as-built drawing, we go to SmartGov first, then cross-reference in OnlineRME. Most people don't know there are two systems to check.”

Since 2008, Washington State law has required septic inspections before property sales in Island County, and an Island County-licensed maintenance service provider must perform them.

We handle both database searches and walk homeowners through the inspection history.
How the Process Works
The process is straightforward:

  1. The homeowner submits their property address.
  2. Septic Solutions searches the official county databases.
  3. As-built drawings, permits, and inspection records are collected.
  4. Documents are emailed directly to the homeowner.
  5. A specialist calls personally to explain the findings.
  6. If needed, a technician can be dispatched to locate the tank or drainfield on-site.

The entire record search service is 100% free.

No hidden fees. No obligation.
Why This Matters for Homeowners
Septic systems are an underground infrastructure. Out of sight often means out of mind until something goes wrong.

Having immediate access to As-Built Records:

  • Prevents accidental damage during landscaping
  • Protects drainfields from construction errors
  • Helps buyers make informed real estate decisions
  • Clarifies inspection compliance requirements
  • Reduces risk during home improvement projects

Instead of navigating multiple county portals on their own, homeowners now have a county-specific entry point, supported by professionals who work with these systems daily.
A Step Toward More Transparent Septic Ownership
By launching these four septic records pages, we are reinforcing a simple principle:

Homeowners should know exactly where a septic system is located on their property.

Before you dig.
Before you build.
Before you buy.

The official As-Built Record is the starting point.

And now, accessing it is easier than ever.