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Monday 11am - 2pm
Wednesday 11am - 2pm
Friday 11am - 2pm
Sunday 1pm - 5pm



 

For more information please contact:

Pam Bodiford, REALTOR
(615) 812-9005

Property Represented by:


 

 

 

 

 

What is a "Step Sewer"
STEP stands for Septic Tank Effluent Pump.  Most customer's household waste goes directly into our sewer collection pipes; waste from customers on STEP systems doesn't. Instead, household wastewater spends time in a STEP sewer system before heading out to the main sewer collection lines. There is a "STEP in between" flushing your toilet and wastewater being transported to the treatment plant.

How does my STEP System work? 
STEP means Septic Tank Effluent Pump. Your STEP system includes a holding tank for sewage, a screen chamber, and a small, high-pressure pump within the tank. The liquid waste is pumped through a small pressure line into sewer lines leading to the LOTT Wastewater Treatment Plant.

The STEP system pump is controlled by a system of floats within your tank. The electrical box mounted on the side of your house controls the floats and pumps. The floats activate an alarm in the electrical (alarm) box when the fluid level in the tank gets too high or too low.
 

Why must my tank riser lid be visible? 
This helps us locate your system quickly in an emergency situation. A hidden or inaccessible lid means that your STEP system cannot be serviced. 

  • Tank lids must remain visible and must NOT be covered by sod, shrubs, or bark - maintain a 24-inch clearance.
  • You can place items weighing less than 30 pounds, (e.g., birdbath, potted plant, or other yard decoration) on the lid, as long as they can be easily removed for maintenance.
  • It is possible that major landscaping items, e.g., shrubs and trees that obstruct access to the tank lids may be damaged during the performance of operation and maintenance activities. In accordance with the STEP system easement, the owner waives any claim against the City for damage to said items in the case where work by the City is done in a reasonable manner.
  • Can I hide my alarm box?  No. You must maintain a a 3-foot clearance around and in front of the electrical (alarm) box. This means no shrubs or fences can block the box. This allows technicians to access the box to perform routine and emergency maintenance.

STEP System Care

Think before you flush or wash certain items down the drain.  Why?  Because flushing or disposal of certain items down your drain increases your chances of system failure.  Disposal of the below listed items can block your system.  Do NOT flush the following items down the drain (including toilets):

  • Disposable diapers
  • Egg shells, nutshells, and coffee grounds
  • Sanitary napkins, tampons, condoms, or any non-organic material
  • Paper towels or rags
  • Hair
  • Dental Floss
  • Food items containing seeds and/or peelings
  • Fats, oils, and greases
  • Limit your use of a garbage disposal.

What is the Wilson County Waste Water Authority responsible for? Wilson County is responsible for the following items:

  • Repairing and maintaining the STEP system tank, electrical (alarm) box, and outlet lines from the tank.
  • Checking the system and sludge levels in the tank and when necessary, sludge removal.
  • Periodically checking and removing the sludge in the tank (approximately every five years). 

As the owner/resident, what am I responsible for?

  • Repairing and maintaining the home plumbing and sewer line from the house to the STEP system tank.
  • Damages to the home or STEP system that occur due to the County's inability to access the STEP system (e.g., electrical box behind a fence).
  • Providing electricity for the pump and controls.
  • Calling to report an alarm, and minimizing water use during an emergency.
  • Eliminating the disposal of improper material into the STEP system.

STEP Alarms & Maintenance

Routine maintenance of a STEP systems is the County's responsibility.  But if extra maintenance or cleaning is required due to disposal of inappropriate materials, the maintenance cost may be billed directly to the property owner or resident.

 

You came out and serviced my system - but my light is on.  After crews come by to service your tank your alarm light will stay on until the tank level is high enough to trigger the pump to start.  This may take 2 - 14 days.
 

What do I do if my alarm sounds?  Follow these easy steps.

  1. Locate the box. The alarm box is located on a post or on an exterior wall of your home. The alarm sounds similar to a smoke alarm, making a high-pitched, buzzing sound. Depending on your box location, you may or may not be able to hear the alarm inside your home 
  2. Push the red-lit button. This will silence the alarm.  The red light will stay on as long as there is an alarm condition.
  3. Call to report the emergency immediately. In order to avoid an overflow of the system, please report the alarm immediately.  Call (360) 753-8333 any time.
  4. Conserve Water. After you call be sure to conserve water. STEP systems are designed to store extra wastewater equal to a normal 24-hour flow for a family of three. Curtail water use to prevent overflow of the holding tank and your home's plumbing system.  Here are some ways to conserve: