What Are The Rules Building Near A Septic Tank? (Solution)

• Common guidelines require at least 50′ clearance distance between a well and a septic system tank or 150′ between a well and a septic drainfield or leaching bed but you will see that different authorities may recommend different distances. Local soil and rock conditions can make these “rules of thumb” unreliable.

How close to a septic tank can I build?

– A full foundation must be 10 feet from the septic tank and 20 feet from the leaching area. – A slab foundation such as a garage must be 10 feet from the septic tank and 10 feet from the leaching area.

How far should a septic system be from the house?

Local codes and regulations that stipulate the distance of the septic tank from the house vary depending on the locale, but the typical minimum distance is 10 feet.

What are the new regulations regarding septic tanks?

Under the new rules, if you have a specific septic tank that discharges to surface water (river, stream, ditch, etc.) you are required to upgrade or replace your septic tank treatment system to a full sewage treatment plant by 2020, or when you sell a property, if it’s prior to this date.

How close can you build to a septic tank UK?

Septic tanks should be at least 7 metres away from any habitable parts of the building. They should also be located within 30 metres of an access point so that the tank can be emptied.

Is planning permission required for septic tank?

The short answer is yes. You will need planning permission from a local authority in order to have a septic tank installed, no matter if it’s at your own home or on a business site.

Can you build a porch over a septic tank?

You should never build a deck over a septic field; doing so will prevent the natural draining and dissipation of the effluent. This can ruin the septic system, not to mention releasing foul smells into the air all around your deck. The dissipating effluent can also rot the deck from underneath.

How close can leach field be to house?

Common guidelines require at least 50′ clearance distance between a well and a septic system tank or 150′ between a well and a septic drainfield or leaching bed but you will see that different authorities may recommend different distances. Local soil and rock conditions can make these “rules of thumb” unreliable.

How deep is the septic tank outlet pipe?

After the solids settle out, effluent leaves the septic tank through the outlet pipe and flows to the drain field. The outlet pipe should be approximately 3 inches below the inlet pipe.

How far can a septic tank truck pump?

Usually the pump truck sits out in the driveway or street and a hose is used to vacuum out the septic tank. Most trucks, however, cannot pump more than 100 feet under normal flat conditions.

What are the do’s and don’ts of a septic tank?

DON’T flush material that will not easily decompose, such as hair, diapers, cigarette butts, matches, or feminine hygiene products. DO conserve water to avoid overloading the system. They kill the bacteria needed to decompose wastes in the septic tank and drain field. DO use substitutes for household hazardous waste.

Does heavy rain affect septic tank?

It is common to have a septic back up after or even during a heavy rain. Significant rainfall can quickly flood the ground around the soil absorption area (drainfield) leaving it saturated, making it impossible for water to flow out of your septic system.

Can you sell a property with a septic tank?

If you’re selling a property with a septic tank, then you must be transparent with buyers about the fact the property uses a one and provide a detailed specification of the system. In fact, You are required by law to inform a buyer in writing about the presence of a septic tank. The age of the system.

What are the general binding rules?

The General Binding Rules is a term given to legally binding requirements in regulations that set the minimum standards or conditions that apply. A septic tank is an underground tank where the solids sink to the bottom and the liquid flows out and soaks through the ground.

Building Near and Over Septic Tanks

Posted on a regular basis In most cases, minimum setback rules imposed by the Texas Commission on Environmental Equality (TCEQ) preclude the building of a new residence from occuring over any point of an existing sewage disposal system. Foundations, pools, property lines, wells, and other structures must be kept at a certain distance from the septic tank and drainfield in order to meet these setback requirements. It is possible that some homeowners will install objects such as patio decks or house additions over their systems, whether by accident or design.

Building over septic tanks

Construction of a building over any section of your septic system is not recommended. The most typical issue we see is when someone wants to pump out their septic tank but is unsure of where their tank is situated on their property. Tanks hidden beneath a hardwood deck, pool patio, driveways, or even room extensions are not unusual for us to discover and investigate. The majority of the time, this occurs because the homeowner is uninformed of the tank’s location and/or does not have a plan in place for future tank maintenance.

However, in this scenario, the homeowner will be able to pump out their septic tank because no permanent constructions should be constructed over any component of the system.

Building over drainfields

In order for the drainfield to function, water in the solids and some evapotranspiration must be absorbed. In order for bacteria in the soil beneath a drainfield to treat wastewater from a drainfield, the soil beneath the drainfield must have sufficient oxygen. However, if a permanent structure is constructed over a drainfield, it has the potential to reduce the amount of oxygen that can be absorbed by the soil and hence reduce evapotranspiration. The potential of causing the drainfield lines to collapse is a significant concern when constructing over them.

Depending on the age of your system and the restrictions of your local authorities, repairing or shifting your drainfield may need the installation of a whole new system.

We can assist you with any of your wastewater system needs, and our specialists can also assist you with your septic installation and maintenance requirements: 210.698.2000 (San Antonio) or 830.249.4000 (Austin) (Boerne).

How Remodeling Can Affect Your Septic System

Building near a septic tank and drain field may have a negative impact on the performance of any septic system, and it is easy to ignore this while upgrading a property. This is also true for people who are considering purchasing a property and intend to remodel it. It is preferable if you are aware of the exact location of your tank and drain field. This will prevent new construction projects from interfering with the normal maintenance of your system or causing damage to your septic tank. Before beginning on any big job that may include your septic system, make sure you have a solid understanding of septic systems under your belt.

Take a look at our ebook, which is provided below. It is an excellent resource that can help you feel much more confident about owning, maintaining, and renovating in close proximity to a septic system.

Building Near aSeptic Tank

What may possibly happen if you fail to locate your system? It is possible that your septic tank is in the route of a huge construction truck. It would be the least of your worries if your septic tank lid were to break. Cracks in the septic tank may be caused by the weight of building equipment on the site. It is possible that these will not be apparent soon after the event. Cracks will grow with time, however, and will pose a major structural threat over time. In most cases, a tank is clearly marked in some way to make it easier to locate.

• This will guarantee that the driver is aware of the exact location of the tank and that the tank has enough space to move about.
• In addition to causing damage to your tank, construction may prevent a pumper from entering the tank.
• This not only makes it difficult to locate the tank, but it also makes it difficult, if not impossible, to maintain it.
• If you have a deck or patio that prevents access to the tank, you may be forced to demolish the building, squandering the money you invested on its construction.

Building Near aDrain Field(Leach Field)

If a drainage field is destroyed, the expense of replacing it might be significantly higher. The most serious problem that might occur from building near a drain field is the damage that heavy construction equipment can inflict to the drain field. The weight of a large number of heavy trucks moving over a drain field will shatter the pipes in the drain field and compress the soils beneath the trucks. Compacted dirt in a drain field will impair the ability of the drain field to drain effectively.

Without any air pockets to fill, the effluent will be pushed to rise towards the surface of the soil, where it will eventually pour out onto the ground.

A few instances of how construction near a drain field might potentially result in a problem are shown below.

Problems Building Near a Drain Field

• Building an in-ground pool would almost certainly need a permit, but it is critical that it be located away from your drainfield. The most obvious issue would be if you were to cut into your drainage system. However, even approaching too close might cause soil compaction in the surrounding area, reducing the life expectancy of the drain field. An above-ground pool adds a significant amount of weight to the earth. It is common to see sheds built on top of leach fields because the water that drains out will soak down into the drainfield and add a significant amount of water. While it is possible that the weight of the shed could cause some soils to contract, it is also likely that traffic from machines would increase. Larger sheds and pole barns should be maintained away from drainfields at all costs. They are unquestionably large and heavy enough to cause issues. They are also large enough to accommodate heavy vehicles, which will further exacerbate the situation. Some individuals choose to build gardens on top of the drain field to beautify the area. Make certain that you are not growing anything with roots that are large enough to penetrate the pipes. In most cases, there is a two-foot layer of dirt cover, but this might vary. When in doubt, it’s advisable to be careful and move the garden to a different location. Fence posts are commonly found in and around gardens. Make certain that the posts are not too large that they are digging into the drain field stone (aggregate). It is possible that huge posts or poles that are buried too deeply will pose an issue. Decks, flagpoles, and huge fences are examples of structures that might cause this. When a septic tank is replaced, it is possible that a leach field will be harmed. The big trucks required to transport the concrete septic tank will have a negative impact on the soils. A plastic septic tank is an excellent solution for completely avoiding the problem. Because they are small and lightweight, they can be carried by hand.

Having established the dangers associated with developing near your septic system, we can go on to discussing ways to avoid any difficulties from arising in the future. The most effective technique of preventive is to be aware of the locations of each component of your system.

How to Locate Your Septic System

Keeping track of where your system is at all times might be a challenge. A large number of consumers only get a glimpse of the entire system during the house purchasing inspection process. In the event that you still have access to your report, it may contain information on the system’s location, as well as a 2-D drawing of the system’s layout. We will provide photographs with our report in order to provide a more accurate reference for the location of the system components. The option to have someone come out and find your system is always available if you have misplaced your report.

Building near a septic tank and drain field can be hazardous, so exercise caution and use common sense while constructing any structure in the vicinity. To understand much more about having a septic system and how to properly maintain it, please see our booklet by clicking on the link below.

How Far Should You Put the Septic Tank From the House?

Image courtesy of Kwangmoozaa/iStock/Getty Images.

In This Article

• Amount of distance from the home
• Basic safety concerns
• Suggestions for a successful installation

For those who don’t have access to a municipal sewage system, an alternate solution, such as a septic tank and field lines, will be required. The design and operation of these systems are fairly straightforward. When designing a septic system, you must keep in mind the requirements of local construction codes as well as public health concerns.

Tip

Depending on where you live, local ordinances and regulations that specify the distance between the septic tank and the home vary. However, the normal minimum distance is 10 feet between the two structures. Consult your local ordinances and regulations for a detailed answer as to how far your septic tank must be installed from your home. Requirements differ from one location to the next, although the standard minimum distance from the home is 10 feet in most cases. In the case of a private well for drinking water, however, keep in mind that many state departments of health demand a minimum distance of 50 feet between a new septic tank and a well.

It is possible that the septic tank will be placed considerably closer to the structure since it will be easier and require less plumbing in some cases.

Basic Safety Considerations

If you’re the type of person who prefers to do things on their own, there are certain important measures you should take before starting this endeavor. Before you start digging the hole for the tank, call your local utility providers to find out where the service lines are located. A gas line, water line, phone line, or electrical connection that has been severed is not only potentially dangerous, but it may also be extremely expensive to repair. Once you have finished excavating the hole, proceed with caution.

It’s also important to understand that a concrete septic tank can weigh up to 5 tons.

Make sure the hole is available when the tank is delivered so that it can be installed straight in the desired location.

Tips for a Successful Installation

Plan ahead of time to get your water supply switched on prior to installing your septic tank. You must fill the tank with water as soon as it is placed in its final position for this to be possible. This has absolutely nothing to do with the septic system itself, but it is a prudent precaution. In the event of a heavy downpour, the groundwater may swell and a septic tank may float out of the ground, even if it has been buried. If this occurs, contact a qualified professional immediately. Repairing any damage done to the lines or to the tank itself, as well as putting the tank back in its original location, may be a costly and time-consuming endeavor.

Initially, you may be confident that you will remember the exact location of the marker when it is time to top up the tank — which is generally every three to five years — but your memory may fade over time.

In the absence of a marker, you may end up digging holes in the wrong place when it is time to service the tank.

Septic System Minimum Setback Requirements

From ephemeral (seasonal) stream/swale	50 feet
From flowing stream	100 feet
From well, spring, lake, or pond	100 feet
From lake or reservoir used for drinking water	200 feet
From trees	5 feet
From lot lines, roads, driveways, or buildings	8 feet
From a cut or fill (downgradient)	Four (4) times the cut or fill height
​From a swimming pool	​10 feet
Shall not be placed under asphalt, concrete, or under areas subject to vehicular traffic
Shall not be placed in fill material

Septic Tank

From house	5 feet
From any building	5 feet
From trees	5 feet
From lot lines, roads, or driveways	5 feet
From streams, springs, lakes, or reservoirs	50 feet
From well or spring used for domestic purposes	100 feet
​From a swimming pool	​5 feet
Shall not be installed in areas subject to high groundwater tables

Wells

Minimum horizontal separation distance between well and:
Any sewer line (sanitary, industrial, or storm; main or lateral)	50 feet
Watertight septic tank or subsurface sewage leaching field	100 feet
Cesspool or seepage pit	150 feet
Animal or fowl enclosure	100 feet
The above horizontal separation distances are generally considered adequate. Wells should be located outside areas of flooding. The top of the well casing shall terminate above grade and above known levels of flooding caused by drainage or runoff from surrounding land. Area drainage should be directed away from the well, and if necessary, the area around the well shall be built up so that the drainage moves away from the well.

How Your Septic System Works

Underground wastewater treatment facilities, known as septic systems, are often employed in rural regions where there are no centralized sewage lines. They clean wastewater from residential plumbing, such as that produced by bathrooms, kitchen drains, and laundry, by combining natural processes with well-established technology. A conventional septic system is comprised of two components: a septic tank and a drainfield, often known as a soil absorption field. It is the septic tank’s job to decompose organic matter and to remove floatable stuff (such as oils and grease) and solids from wastewater.

Alternate treatment systems rely on pumps or gravity to assist septic tank effluent in trickling through a variety of media such as sand, organic matter (e.g., peat and sawdust), constructed wetlands, or other media to remove or neutralize pollutants such as pathogens that cause disease, nitrogen, phosphorus, and other contaminants.

Specifically, this is how a typical conventional septic system works:

1. All of the water that leaves your home drains down a single main drainage pipe and into a septic tank. An underground, water-tight container, often composed of concrete, fiberglass, or polyethylene, serves as a septic system’s holding tank. Its function is to retain wastewater for a long enough period of time to allow particles to sink to the bottom and form sludge, while oil and grease float to the surface and produce scum. Sludge and scum are prevented from exiting the tank and moving into the drainfield region by compartments and a T-shaped outlet. After that, the liquid wastewater (effluent) exits the tank and flows into the drainfield. The drainfield is a shallow, covered hole dug in unsaturated soil that serves as a drainage system. Porous surfaces are used to release pretreated wastewater because they allow the wastewater to pass through the soil and into the groundwater. In the process of percolating through the soil, wastewater is accepted, treated, and dispersed by the soil, finally discharging into groundwater. Finally, if the drainfield becomes overburdened with too much liquid, it can flood, causing sewage to flow to the ground surface or resulting in toilet backups and sink backups. Finally, wastewater percolates into the soil, where it is naturally removed of harmful coliform bacteria, viruses, and nutrients. Coliform bacteria are a kind of bacteria that may be found in the intestines of humans and other warm-blooded animals, with humans being the most common host. As a result of human fecal contamination, it is a sign of this.

The Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority has built an animated, interactive model of how a residential septic system works, which you can view here.

Do you have a septic system?

It’s possible that you’re already aware that you have a septic system. If you are not sure, here are some tell-tale symptoms that you most likely are:

• You make use of well water. In your home, the water pipe that brings water into the house does not have a meter. In the case of a water bill or a property tax bill, you will see “$0.00 Sewer Amount Charged.” It is possible that your neighbors have a septic system

How to find your septic system

You can locate your septic system once you have confirmed that you have one by following these steps:

• Taking a look at the “as constructed” drawing of your house
• Making a visual inspection of your yard for lids and manhole covers
• Getting in touch with a septic system service provider for assistance in locating it

Failure symptoms: Mind the signs!

A bad odor is not necessarily the first indicator of a septic system that is failing to work properly. Any of the following signs should prompt you to seek expert assistance:

• Water backing up into the drains of homes and businesses
• It is especially noticeable in dry weather that the drainfield grass is bright green and spongy. The presence of standing water or muddy soil near your septic system or in your basement
• A strong stench emanating from the area surrounding the septic tank and drainfield

North Carolina Septic Tank Installation Regulations

KevinDerrick/iStock/GettyImages Septic tank installation in North Carolina must meet a number of stringent regulations. According to the law, septic systems must be constructed to accommodate the soil characteristics of their respective sites and the surrounding environment. Individuals who live in single-family residences in areas where municipal or community sewage disposal is not available can use septic tanks as part of an on-site sewage disposal system. Septic tanks are used by single-family residences throughout the state where municipal or community sewage disposal is not available.

Definition

It is defined by the state as “a water-tight, covered receptacle designed for primary treatment of sewage,” which will collect sewage from buildings, separate floating waste from sinking waste, use anaerobic action to digest organic waste, store solids, and allow the liquids to drain out for further treatment and disposal.

Setbacks

Septic tanks must be located at least 100 feet away from private or public water sources, streams, and reservoirs, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. They should be kept a minimum of 50 feet away from bodies of water such as beaches, canals, marshes, storm-water retention ponds, lakes, and ponds. 15 feet should be left between septic tanks and basements, embankments, drainage system side slopes, and swimming pools to prevent clogging. It is also necessary to keep septic tanks at least 10 feet away from the edge of a property or from water lines or the up-slope component of drainage systems.

Septic tanks cannot be installed in areas where there is a risk of flooding every 10 years or fewer unless they are waterproof and capable of remaining watertight during a storm or other disaster.

Installation Specifications

Septic tanks must contain two compartments, with the intake compartment having a volume of between 2/3 and 3/4 of the tank’s total capacity, according to state regulations. Make use of an effluent filter and make sure that you have access to the filter and the tank at all times. Use a sanitary tee on both the input and output of the system. When the top of the tank is less than 6 inches above the ground surface, a manhole and cover should be installed at each tank access location. If the manhole cover is below grade, mark the position of each manhole.

Four bedrooms require a minimum of a 1,000-gallon tank, and five bedrooms demand a minimum of a 1,250-gallon tank, according to the EPA.

This support case should be at least 24 inches away from the septic tank outflow and it must be waterproof in order to be effective.

Prefabricated septic tanks are approved by regulatory bodies based on the designs for the septic system and the specifications of the tank itself.

A Beginner’s Guide to Septic Systems

• Septic systems are used to dispose of waste from homes and buildings. Identifying the location of the septic tank and drainfield
• What a Septic System Is and How It Works Keeping a Septic System in Good Condition
• Signs that a septic system is failing include:

Septic systems, also known as on-site wastewater management systems, are installed in a large number of buildings and houses. It is easy to lose sight of septic systems, which operate quietly, gracefully, and efficiently to protect human and environmental health due to their burying location. Septic systems are the norm in rural regions, but they may also be found in a lot of metropolitan places, especially in older buildings. It is critical to understand whether or not your building is on a septic system.

Is Your Home or Building on a Septic System?

It is possible that the solution to this question will not be evident. If a structure looks to be connected to a sewage system, it may instead be connected to a septic system. It is fairly unusual for tenants to be unaware of the final destination of the wastewater generated by their residence. Some of the hints or signs listed below will assist in determining whether the facility is served by a septic system or whether it is supplied by a sewer system:

• Sewer service will be provided at a cost by the city or municipality. Pay close attention to the water bill to see whether there is a cost labeled “sewer” or “sewer charge” on it. If there is a fee for this service, it is most likely because the facility is connected to a sewage system. Look up and down the street for sewage access ports or manholes, which can be found in any location. If a sewage system runs in front of a property, it is probable that the house is connected to it in some way. Inquire with your neighbors to see if they are connected to a sewer or septic system. The likelihood that your home is on a sewer system is increased if the properties on each side of you are on one as well. Keep in mind, however, that even if a sewage line runs in front of the structure and the nearby residences are connected to a sewer system, your home or building may not be connected to one. If the structure is older than the sewer system, it is possible that it is still on the original septic system. Consult with your local health agency for further information. This agency conducts final inspections of septic systems to ensure that they comply with applicable laws and regulations. There is a possibility that they have an archived record and/or a map of the system and will supply this information upon request

All property owners should be aware of whether or not their property is equipped with an on-site wastewater treatment system. Georgia law mandates that the property owner is responsible for the correct operation of a septic system, as well as any necessary maintenance and repairs.

Locating the Septic Tank and Drainfield

Finding a septic system may be a difficult process. They can be buried anywhere in the yard, including the front, back, and side yards. After a few years, the soil may begin to resemble the surrounding soil, making it impossible to distinguish the system from the surrounding soil. It is possible that in dry weather, the grass will be dryer in the shallow soil over the tank and greener over the drainfield, where the cleansed water will be released, but this is not always the case, especially in hot weather.

• The contractor who built the house should have presented the initial owner with a map showing the tank and drainfield locations, according to the building code.
• The installation of the system, as well as any modifications made to it, would have been examined by your local health authority.
• Unfortunately, if the system is very old, any records related with it may be insufficient or nonexistent, depending on the situation.
• Look for the point at where the wastewater pipes join together if the building is on a crawlspace or has an unfinished basement.
• The sewer line that runs through the structure is referred to as the building sewer.
• To “feel” for the tank, use a piece of re-bar or a similar metal probe.
• If you use this free service, you may avoid accidentally putting a rod through your gas or water line.

Try to locate the tank after a rainstorm, when the metal probe will be more easily maneuvered through moist dirt.

This should be done with care; extreme caution should be exercised to avoid puncturing the building sewer.

A tank is normally 5 by 8 feet in size, however the dimensions might vary.

Be aware that there may be rocks, pipes, and other debris in the area that “feels” like the tank but is not in fact part of the tank.

However, it is possible to have the lid or access port positioned on a riser in addition to being on the same level as the top of the tank in some cases.

Once the tank has been identified, make a rough drawing of its placement in relation to the house so that it will not be misplaced again!

It may be easier to discover the drainage lines now that the tank has been identified, particularly if the area has been subjected to prolonged periods of drought.

How a Septic System Works

Typical sewage treatment system (figure 1). It is composed of three components (Figure 1): the tank, the drain lines or discharge lines, and the soil treatment area (also known as the soil treatment area) (sometimes called a drainfield or leach field). The size of the tank varies according to the size of the structure. The normal home (three bedrooms, two bathrooms) will often include a 1,000-gallon water storage tank on the premises. Older tanks may only have one chamber, however newer tanks must have two chambers.

1. The tank functions by settling waste and allowing it to be digested by microbes.
2. These layers include the bottom sludge layer, the top scum layer, and a “clear” zone in the center.
3. A typical septic tank is seen in Figure 2.
4. It is fortunate that many of the bacteria involved are found in high concentrations in the human gastrointestinal tract.
5. Although the bacteria may break down some of the stuff in the sludge, they are unable to break down all of it, which is why septic tanks must be cleaned out every three to seven years.
6. In addition, when new water is introduced into the septic tank, an equal volume of water is pushed out the discharge lines and onto the drainfield.
7. The water trickles out of the perforated drain pipes, down through a layer of gravel, and into the soil below the surface (Figure 3).
8. A typical drainfield may be found here.
9. Plants, bacteria, fungus, protozoa, and other microorganisms, as well as bigger critters such as mites, earthworms, and insects, flourish in soil.
10. Mineralogical and metallic elements attach to soil particles, allowing them to be removed from the waste water.

Maintaining a Septic System

The most typical reason for a septic system to fail is a lack of proper maintenance. Septic systems that are failing are expensive to repair or replace, and the expense of repairs rests on the shoulders of the property owner (Figure 4). Fortunately, keeping your septic system in good working order and avoiding costly repairs is rather simple. Figure 4. Septic system failure is frequently caused by a lack of proper maintenance. It is in your best interests to be aware of the location of the system, how it operates, and how to maintain it.

• You should pump the tank if you aren’t sure when the last time it was pumped.
• It is not permissible to drive or park over the tank or drainage field.
• No rubbish should be disposed of in the sink or the toilet.
• It’s important to remember that garbage disposals enhance the requirement for regular pumping.
• When designing a landscape, keep the septic system in mind.
• It is also not recommended to consume veggies that have been cultivated above drainfield lines (see Dorn, S.
• Ornamental Plantings on Septic Drainfields.

C 1030).

Any water that enters your home through a drain or toilet eventually ends up in your septic system.

Don’t put too much strain on the system by consuming a large amount of water in a short period of time.

Additives should not be used.

Various types of additives are available for purchase as treatment options, cleansers, restorers, rejuvenator and boosters, among other things.

To break up oil and grease and unclog drains, chemical additives are available for purchase.

Pumping out the septic tank is not eliminated or reduced by using one of these systems.

They remain floating in the water and travel into the drainfield, where they may block the pipes. Acids have the potential to damage concrete storage tanks and distribution boxes.

Signs a Septic System is Failing

A failed system manifests itself in the following ways:

• Sinks and toilets drain at a snail’s pace
• Plumbing that is backed up
• The sound of gurgling emanating from the plumbing system House or yard aromas that smell like sewage
• In the yard, there is wet or squishy dirt
• Water that is gray in hue that has accumulated
• An region of the yard where the grass is growing more quickly and is becoming greener
• Water contaminated by bacteria from a well

If any of these indicators are detected, call your local health authority. A health department environmentalist can help identify potential problems. The local health department also has lists of state-certified contractors who can make repairs. Repairs or modifications to the system must be permitted and inspected by the health department. Be sure to be present when the health department inspector and contractor meet to discuss repairs to your system. Problems with a septic system must be addressed.

• Untreated human excrement is a health danger.
• It can also pollute rivers, lakes and shores.
• Failed systems can delay property sales and halt building permits.
• Yes, it can be very costly to repair or replace a failed septic system, but a properly working and well-maintained system is vital.
• When properly maintained, they can protect and maintain both public and environmental health for years.

Figures 2 and 3 reprinted with permission from: CIDWT. 2009. Installation of Wastewater Treatment Systems. Consortium of Institutes for Decentralized Wastewater Treatment. Iowa State University, Midwest Plan Service. Ames, IA.

If you notice any of these indicators, you should notify your local health department immediately. An environmentalist from the health department can assist in identifying possible hazards. There are also listings of state-certified contractors available from the local health department, who may do repairs. Repairs or alterations to the system must be approved by the health department and examined by an inspector. Keep an eye out for any meetings that may take place between a health department inspector and a contractor to discuss repairs to your system.

• Household garbage that has not been properly handled is released into the environment when systems fail.
• It has the potential to pollute surrounding wells, groundwater, streams, and other sources of potable water, among other things.
• The foul odor emanating from a malfunctioning system can cause property values to plummet.
• Briefly stated, broken systems can have an impact on your family, neighbors, community, and the environment.

Septic systems are an effective, attractive, and reasonably priced method of treating and disposing of wastewater. When properly maintained, they may provide years of protection and maintenance for both public and environmental health.

A Guide To Florida Septic Tank Regulations and Rules

Home/A Guide to the Septic Tank Regulations and Rules in the State of Florida

A Guide To Florida Septic Tank Regulations and Rules

The Florida Septic Tank Regulations play a vital role in preserving our drinking water supply from contamination. Because ground water supplies 90 percent of Florida’s drinkable water, it is critical that septic systems be properly planned, built, and maintained in order to safeguard this valuable natural resource from contamination. Septic tank systems in Florida, also known as onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems (OSTDS), are an effective and safe method of disposing wastewater for around 30 percent of the state’s population, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

The Environmental Health Section of the Florida Department of Health is responsible for inspecting and approving septic systems in each of the state’s counties.

Generally speaking, this page gives an overview of Florida Septic Tank Regulations.

Florida Septic Tank Regulations and Rules

Currently, the Florida Department of Health is in charge of all oversight pertaining to the installation, repair, operation, or changes of onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems. Whenever the amount of waste being disposed of each day surpasses 5000 gallons per day, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection is responsible for the disposal (DEP). Most homes dispose of significantly less wastewater than this, utilizing between 50 and 100 gallons of water each day, and this volume of wastewater is often symbolic of a very large organization.

License Requirements for Septic Tank Contractors

The State of Florida requires that anybody engaged in septic tank contracts in the state be registered and approved by the State of Florida. Training is provided for any new installations or repairs of septic systems in Florida, and it is available statewide. Registration with the Department of Health and Human Services (DOH) must be renewed on a yearly basis. You may look for approved Floridaseptic tank contractors by visiting this page.

The Installation of a New Septic System

An application for the installation of a septic system on a property must be submitted to the Department of Health before work can begin. These application packets, which are available from the Department of Health and Human Services, offer instructions on how to submit the request. The application packet also includes information on the fees that will be charged. After that, the homeowner must submit the completed application, as well as soil/percolation testing and sit plans, to the Health Department in their county of residence.

Placement of Sewage Treatment Disposal Systems

onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems must be installed in compliance with the standards established by the Florida Department of Health (DOH) for each county in Florida, taking into mind the following factors to minimize groundwater contamination: In order to be effective, the OSTDS must be located at least 75 feet away from any bays, lakes, surface water, multifamily water wells, or privately operated portable wells.

Where there is no potable water available, the onsite wastewater treatment and disposal systems must be located at least 50 feet away from the water source.

A water storage tank that comes into contact with potable or ground water must be at least 11 feet away from the system unless the lines are adequately sealed with waterproof sealants in a sleeve of comparable pipe material that is at least 10 feet away from the nearest component of that system.

1. It is necessary to install back-flow or check valves within 24 inches of the water system in order to prevent any pollution.
2. The OSTDS is not permitted to be installed underneath any structures.
3. Subterranean utilities and documented easements that serve more than one property are not permitted at this site.
4. In the case of any OSTDS being installed in limestone soil, there are specific regulations that must be followed.
5. The FDOH predicts that the building or house will create a certain quantity of garbage, which is the sole basis for these size restrictions.
6. The only type of soil that may be used with mounded septic tank systems, or to replace any poor soils that are existing in the ground, is fresh fill dirt.

Detention areas, swales, and retention areas that are solely designed to contain flowing or standing water for less than 72 hours after any rainfall should have their onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems placed 15 feet away from the design high-water lines of the detention areas, swales, and retention areas.

The zoning of any location where an onsite sewage treatment and disposal system will be implemented is critical to the success of the project.

The OSTDS must be installed in an appropriate location at least 15 feet away from any groundwater interceptor drains.

Significant Note: This is a high-level summary of the most important needs. For further information, contact your local County office or download the Florida Septic Statute Codes (FS381.0065 – Chapter64E-6) from the state’s website.

Information on Reporting Sewage Issues

You should notify the Bureau of Onsite Sewage Programs as soon as you become aware of any wastewater or environmental issues caused by the onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems. Call 850-245-4250 or send an email to [email protected] to reach the Bureau of Environmental Health’s Onsite Programs at 4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin A-08 in Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1710. Depending on where you reside in the state of Florida, county health authorities are in charge of dealing with all complaints and complaints are dealt with.

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