Rules summarized here come from Oregon DEQ, Jackson County and OSU Extension publications (sources at the bottom). They are general information; for your specific property, contact DEQ's Medford onsite office.
Common questions
How often should I pump my septic tank?
It depends on tank size, household size and solids load. Oregon State University Extension's example: a 1,000-gallon tank (Oregon's size for a three-bedroom home) needs pumping about every 1.5 years with six people and about every 5.9 years with two. Garbage disposals shorten the interval. OSU says a properly designed tank should be inspected and pumped every one to five years.
How do I know the tank is full enough to pump?
Oregon DEQ's homeowner guide says to pump when the bottom of the scum layer is within 6 inches of the bottom of the outlet tee, or the top of the sludge layer is within 12 inches of it. A technician can measure this for you.
Who regulates septic systems in Jackson County?
Oregon DEQ. Jackson County directs septic permit and inspection questions to DEQ's onsite office in Medford (221 Stewart Avenue, Suite 201, per the county website). The county still handles plumbing permits for the building sewer up to the tank.
Where can I find records for my septic system?
DEQ maintains onsite septic records for Jackson, Josephine and Curry counties. Search by parcel number (township, range, section, quarter section and tax lot) using the Oregon Records Management Solution tool linked from DEQ's "Locating Onsite Septic System Records Online" page.
How often should my system be inspected?
DEQ's homeowner guide recommends inspecting typical gravity systems at least every three years and ATT and sand filter systems every year.
Do I need a service contract?
If you own an ATT system, a pressurized distribution system or residential sand filter permitted after January 1, 2014, a commercial sand filter permitted after March 1, 2005, or a recirculating gravel filter, DEQ's current O&M fact sheet says you must keep a contract with a certified maintenance provider and have the system inspected at least annually.
Do I need a permit to repair my septic system?
Generally yes for repairs of a failing system. DEQ distinguishes major repairs (drainfield replacement or extension) from minor repairs (tanks, piping, distribution components). Emergency repairs may proceed first, with the application due within three working days per DEQ's repair permit guide. Confirm with DEQ for your situation.
Who can inspect a septic system for a home sale?
The Oregon septic/onsite sewage system addendum (OREF 081) states inspections must be performed by a DEQ-certified professional.
Should I use septic additives?
OSU Extension states that biological and chemical additives are not needed to aid or accelerate decomposition. Regular pumping is what removes solids.
Can I drive or park on my drainfield?
You should not. Vehicle weight compacts soil and can crush pipes, reducing the drainfield's ability to absorb effluent.
What should never go down the drain?
Grease, wipes (including those labeled flushable), paper towels, feminine products, cat litter, medications, paint and solvents. Limit garbage disposal use.
Sources
- Oregon DEQ, "Be Septic Smart": https://www.oregon.gov/deq/FilterDocs/septicowner.pdf
- Oregon DEQ, Operation and Maintenance Requirements fact sheet (2024): https://www.oregon.gov/deq/Residential/Documents/onsiteOpMaintReq2024fs.pdf
- Oregon DEQ, Locating Onsite Septic System Records Online: https://www.oregon.gov/deq/residential/pages/onsite-records.aspx
- OAR 340-071-0215 (repairs) and DEQ Repair Permit Guide: https://www.oregon.gov/deq/FilterDocs/os-RepairPermit.pdf
- Jackson County, Plumbing & Septic Permits: https://www.jacksoncountyor.gov/departments/development_services/building/where_do_i_start/plumbing___septic_permits.php
- OSU Extension EC 1343: https://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/pub/ec-1343-septic-tank-maintenance
- OREF 081 Septic Addendum (sample): https://orefonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/LF_OREF-081-Septic-Onsite-Sewage-System-Addendum.pdf