Septic systems should be inspected and pumped a minimum of once every three to four years. You may not be experiencing any problem now, but a full septic tank may allow unwanted solids to flow into the drain field, which is the part of the system that consists of a distribution box, with a series of connected pipes. Each pipe allows water to flow into a bed of stones, which drain into the ground. If paper and other solids flow into the drain field it becomes blocked and ineffective.

ANSWER. There are many guidelines about how often a septic tank should be pumped. The absolute answer is to measure the amount of sludge and scum in the tank and pump when it exceeds recommended levels. Remember that the septic tank acts as a separation device separating solids and greases from the water. It takes time for this to happen and generally the tank should be three to four times larger than the daily flow of waste. This gives three to four days for the water to pass through the tank.

Your septic tank should be pumped at least once every 3-5 years. It may need to be pumped more frequently if there is a large number of people living in the house. Consult the Test Drill map to locate your parcel. The location of your parcel within Sacramento County will help determine the type of system needed for that area

JSA: The best situation for a long, happy septic tank life would be that only human wastewater enters the tank. This includes bathroom sink waste and proper toilet tissue. This however, is seldom the case. People often put anything and everything down sinks, drains and toilets. In moderation, a properly working septic tank can handle some biodegradable detergents, laundry soaps, kitchen wastes and biodegradable household chemicals.

A great deal of research has been done on this subject. According to The Water Quality Association (WQA), water softener regeneration discharge poses no problems to a septic tank or its related leach field. Studies have shown that discharge (waste) does not interfere with the system drain field soil percolation, and in many cases, can actually improve the percolation especially when fine textured soils are involved.

c. A septic tank contractor registered pursuant to Part III of Chapter 489, FS, and Part III of Rule 64E-6, FAC. Yes, provided the applicant can document that septic tank contracting services were rendered under the supervision of a state plumber licensed pursuant to section 489.105 (3)(m), FS. No. The state licensed plumber is only exempt from the septic tank contractor registration requirement. All other requirements found in Rule 64E-6, FAC and section 381.0065 - 381.

Examinations are offered in Tallahassee and Orlando on the last Monday of each month (excluding December and holidays). Examinations are scheduled from 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon. Yes. Individuals and companies may be subject to administrative actions, citations, fines and other legal actions, if services are performed or offered without the benefit of a registration and a business authorization.

No. A registered septic tank contractor may not be the sole qualifier for more than one septic tank contracting business requiring a certificate of authorization.

A conventional septic system has a tank (typically 750 to 2000 gallons) and a leach field (perforated pipe buried shallow in an extended area).

A stinky area of wet, soggy soil, sometimes with visible water, may appear. Sewage may back up into the house and toilets may not flush properly.

JSA: The septic tank is usually buried near your house and connected by a sewer pipe to your indoor plumbing. You can find the pipe in the basement, usually 3 to 4 inches in diameter, very carefully remove the end cap and determine the direction of the pipe that leads out to your yard. You can use a flashlight to look through the pipe and a tape to measure the distance to the tank.

JSA: Visual inspection of your backyard for standing waste water where the leach field should be, or unusual odors might indicate a problem. Otherwise, visual inspection of the septic tank is the first means of checking. Clarity of the effluent water leaving the outlet baffle is most important. Checking and measuring the depths of the sludge, liquid center and top scum level is also important. Checking the temperature and pH of the tank adds more information of the health of the septic tank.

JSA: Your septic tank should be pumped every two to three years OR when the total depth of sludge and scum exceeds one third of the depth of the tank. Pumping regularly is cost effective because it extends the life of your leach field which would be a major expense to repair or replace.

JSA: Understanding the science of septic dictates what and how much of any additive should be used. New bio-solutions provide greater breakdown of human wastewater and can be formulated to deal with other products found in the septic system to produce a more environmentally safer effluent water to be discharged through your leach field. A reputable dealer trained in these new bio-solutions can offer you more information and provide a maintenance program for implementation.