Pierce County, WA
Pierce County septic Report of System Status for home sales
Updated · Prepared by the Plumb Right Now editorial team
Short answer
In Pierce County, a seller of a property with a septic system must get a Report of System Status (RSS) from the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department before closing. The tank is pumped and inspected by a certified septic company, the owner applies for the RSS, and Health Department staff visit to check the drain field and reserve area. The report is valid for 12 months, and closing without one violates the Health Code.
What Pierce County handles
A Report of System Status is required for property sales in Pierce County with a septic system, and the owner must complete it before the sale. [1]
Certified septic companies pump all tanks at the time of the inspection, and Health Department staff then visit to inspect the drain field and reserve areas. [1]
An RSS is valid for 12 months from the date issued; closing a sale without one violates the Health Code and leads to enforcement. [1]
Getting an RSS
- Hire a certified septic company to pump and inspect the system.
- Submit the RSS application online, by mail or in person.
- Health Department staff visit the property to check the drain field, reserve area and compliance.
- Fix anything the report flags before closing; the report stays valid for 12 months.
Who this affects
Septic is common in unincorporated Pierce County, on the peninsulas and in rural foothill areas. Most homes in Tacoma are on city sewer, so an RSS isn't needed there; a backed-up line in a sewered house calls for sewer line repair instead.
City-specific guides in Pierce County
Common questions
What is a Report of System Status in Pierce County?
A Health Department report on a septic system's condition, required before selling a property with septic.
How long is a Pierce County RSS valid?
12 months from the date issued.
Does the tank have to be pumped for a Pierce County RSS?
Yes. Certified septic companies pump all tanks at the time of the inspection.
Does the Health Department visit for a Pierce County RSS?
Yes. Staff inspect the drain field and reserve areas and check compliance.
What happens if I close a Pierce County sale without an RSS?
It violates the Health Code and leads to enforcement action.
Who is responsible for the RSS, buyer or seller?
The property owner selling the home.
How do I apply for a Pierce County RSS?
Online, by mail or in person with the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department.
Do Tacoma homes need an RSS?
Only properties on septic; most Tacoma homes are on city sewer.
Should I get the RSS before listing?
Starting early leaves time to fix problems, and the report stays valid for a year.
Who protects the reserve area on a Pierce County septic lot?
The owner; the Health Department checks it during the RSS visit, so keep it free of structures and parking.
Cities and services in Pierce County
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- Plumbing in WashingtonStatewide code, licensing and climate for Washington.
Other Washington counties
- Septic system inspections in King CountyKing County septic rules: gravity systems inspected every 3 years, pressure, mound and sand filter systems every year, and the report your maintainer files.
- Selling a home with a septic system in Snohomish CountyFrom November 1, 2026, Snohomish County sellers with septic need an inspection within 12 months, a site plan if no as-built exists, and a Report of Property Transfer.
- Septic permits in Spokane County and the aquiferSpokane County septic rules: permits from Spokane Regional Health District, a licensed designer for any permitted work, and protection of the aquifer.