Septic Repair and Replacement
Residential no-interest loans to help fix or replace existing septic systems
The Clackamas Soil and Water Conservation District offers no-interest loans to help homeowners in Clackamas County fix or replace their existing septic systems. You can also use the loan to connect your home to a city sewer line if one runs along your street.
Septic System Repairs or Replacements
The loan can pay for things like permits, materials, and installation. However, it does not cover the cost of a Site Evaluation by Clackamas County to find a new spot for a drainfield.
Connecting to a Sewer Line
The loan can help cover the cost of permits, materials, construction, and decommissioning of the old septic tank. It does not pay for extending sewer lines along the street or for connection fees charged by the sewer company.
Eligibility
- The septic system must be located in Clackamas County.
- It must be a residential septic system that already exists and needs repair or replacement. For sewer connections, the sewer line must be in the street in front of the property. This program does not cover new septic systems or upgrades to systems already working.Â
- Only problems requiring a repair permit from Clackamas County are eligible. It cannot just be a plumbing or maintenance issue. For sewer connections, a permit is needed from the City or Water Environment Services.
- The homeowner must hire a contractor from the Conservation District’s approved list to do the repairs.
- All property owners must agree to sign a Loan Application, Loan Agreement, and a lien document that will be added to the property title until the loan is fully repaid.
- The homeowner agrees to pay back the loan and take care of the septic system based on the recommendations from the manufacturer or contractor.
Process
1
Your application is complete when you fill out the form, include an estimate from a contractor on our Pre-Qualified Contractor List, and send both to the District (by email, mail, or in person)
2
Loan Offered
You will be told if a loan can be offered. The District will talk to you about the loan terms (up to 10 years) and monthly payments. All property owners must sign the Loan Agreement.
3
Work Begins
Once the Loan Agreement is signed, the contractor can start work. The contractor can ask for up to 50% of the total cost upfront. Payments will go straight to the contractor.
4
Work Complete
When the project is finished: the contractor will let the District know it is done and provide the final cost. If the cost changes from the estimate, the Loan Agreement will be updated.
5
Lien Created
The District will create a lien document (called a Mortgage Fixture Filing) for the final loan amount. All property owners must get it notarized before it can be recorded at the Clackamas County Recorder’s Office. The District will also file a uniform commercial code record with the State of Oregon for the amount of the loan.
6
Final Payment
The District will make the final payment to the contractor.
7
Make Loan Payments
The property owner will make monthly loan payments to the District.
8
Lien Removed
The lien on the property will be removed once the loan is paid off in full.
Apply for the program
For more information, please contact Conservation Investments Coordinator, Heather Nielsen at 503-210-6000 or [email protected]
If you want someone to contact you about our program, please fill out this form.
