Ethan Clarke
Florida has a complex network of regulations for septic tanks, which are used by approximately 30% of its population. The state's septic tank regulations are important for protecting its drinking water, as 90% of Florida's potable water is supplied through groundwater. Before installing a septic tank in Florida, an application must be submitted to the Department of Health, and regulations must be followed to avoid groundwater damage. Homeowners in Florida can choose between concrete or plastic poly tanks, with the latter being more budget-friendly, durable, and resistant to corrosion and rust.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic septic tanks allowed in Florida? | Yes |
| Materials | Concrete or plastic poly tank |
| Plastic tank advantages | Resistant to corrosion and rust, longer lifespan, lightweight, easier to install, lower cost of materials, simpler manufacturing process |
| Plastic tank disadvantages | Can float during high groundwater conditions if improperly installed |
| Concrete tank advantages | More durable |
| Concrete tank disadvantages | More expensive, heavier, require specialized equipment for installation, require regular inspection and maintenance to prevent corrosion |
| Installation | All installations must be done by a registered and approved septic tank contractor |
| Application | An application must be submitted to the Department of Health, including guidelines, fees, soil/percolation tests, and site plans |
| Placement | Must be placed at least 75 feet from any bays, lakes, surface water, multi-family water wells, or private potable wells |
| Placement | Must be placed 11 feet from any water storage tanks that come in contact with potable or groundwater |
| Placement | Must be placed at least 200 feet from any public potable wells that are currently being used to service establishments with a total daily sewage flow of 2,000 gallons or more |
| Placement | Cannot be placed under any buildings, can be placed five feet from mobile home walls, building foundations, property lines, or swimming pools |
| Maintenance | Pumping and cleaning required every 3-5 years, annual cleaning of filters recommended |
| Maintenance | Use of specific enzymes and detergents recommended to keep the system operating properly |
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What You'll Learn
- Plastic septic tanks are a popular choice in Florida
- They are resistant to corrosion and rust
- Installation must be done by a registered and approved contractor
- Site evaluations are required by a licensed engineer or qualified professional
- The Florida DEP is the primary governing body for septic tank regulations
Plastic septic tanks are a popular choice in Florida
Plastic septic tanks, also known as poly tanks, are made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE). They are lightweight, easy to install, and resistant to corrosion and rust, which means they offer a longer lifespan in diverse soil types. Their durability and low maintenance requirements make them a popular choice for homeowners.
The cost of a septic tank is also an important factor for homeowners. Plastic tanks are typically more budget-friendly than concrete tanks due to the lower cost of materials and a simpler manufacturing process. Concrete tanks are generally more expensive because of the raw materials, heavy equipment, and labor involved in their construction.
However, it is important to note that plastic tanks can float during high groundwater conditions if improperly installed. This is a significant concern in areas of Florida with high water tables, such as the North-central region. Therefore, it is crucial to consult a professional septic service provider to determine the best material for a specific property.
Before installing a septic tank in Florida, an application must be submitted to the Department of Health, including guidelines, fees, soil/percolation tests, and site plans. The tank must be placed at a regulated minimum distance from water wells, water bodies, and other structures to avoid groundwater damage.
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They are resistant to corrosion and rust
Plastic septic tanks are allowed in Florida, but they must adhere to strict regulations. Florida has a complex network of regulations for septic tanks to protect the health of its citizens and the environment, as 90% of the state's potable water is supplied through groundwater.
Plastic is a versatile material that can be used in septic tanks, as it is resistant to corrosion and rust. Corrosion-resistant plastics are designed to prevent corrosion and maintain their integrity. Some common corrosion-resistant plastics include High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), Polypropylene, PTFE, and PVC.
HDPE offers increased working temperature range and higher tensile strength compared to Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE). It is used in applications such as plastic bottling, piping, plastic lumber, and geomembranes. Polypropylene is a chemical-resistant plastic that is FDA-compliant and does not absorb moisture. PTFE, or Polytetrafluoroethylene, is known for its non-stick properties and is used in a wide range of applications. PVC is the third most utilized polymer globally and is commonly used in the construction and plumbing industries.
In addition to these, there are other corrosion-resistant plastics such as CPVC (chlorinated polyvinyl chloride), which is a high-heat, corrosion-resistant plastic used in plumbing and industrial applications. PVDF, or Polyvinylidene Fluoride, is a high molecular weight thermoplastic polymer with excellent corrosion resistance and chemical inertness.
By choosing the appropriate corrosion-resistant plastic, Florida residents can ensure their septic tanks are compliant with regulations and effectively manage wastewater while protecting the state's valuable groundwater resources.
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Installation must be done by a registered and approved contractor
Florida has a complex network of regulations for septic tanks to protect the health of its residents and the environment. Before installing a septic tank in Florida, an application must be submitted to the Department of Health. The homeowner must submit the completed application, soil/percolation tests, and site plans to the Health Department in their county.
The installation, repair, operation, or alterations of onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems are handled by the Florida Department of Health. When the disposal quantity exceeds 5,000 gallons per day, the matter is handled by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). The DEP is the primary governing body for enforcing and overseeing septic tank regulations, guidelines, installations, and compliance with legislative codes.
Site evaluations must be done by a licensed engineer or other qualified professional. The Florida DEP may be able to send out a representative to perform the site evaluation for an additional fee. The site plan, building plan, and site evaluation will allow the DEP to determine the septic system siting and design needs for the property. An engineer may be required for some sites, and will likely be needed for sites that require or elect to use an alternative septic tank system.
All Florida septic tanks are installed with a specific capacity. They are all designed by an engineer who will take into consideration the property, the soil, the size of the house, and the expected usage. The company installing the system should provide guidelines on recommended maintenance, including pumping out the tank.
Therefore, it is important to hire a registered and approved contractor to install your septic tank. This will ensure that your septic tank is properly designed and installed to protect the state's drinking water and comply with Florida's complex network of regulations.
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Site evaluations are required by a licensed engineer or qualified professional
Florida has a complex network of regulations for septic tanks to protect the health of its citizens and the environment. Site evaluations are a critical part of this process and are required by law to be carried out by a licensed engineer or other qualified professional.
Site evaluations are necessary for all septic tank installations unless the property owner is a regulation-exempt owner of a single-family residence who chooses to perform the construction themselves. In such cases, while they are exempt from registration requirements, they must still conduct the necessary site evaluations and obtain permits.
The site evaluation will involve a soil percolation test to determine how quickly water flows through the soil at the property. This is a critical factor in determining the suitability of the site for a septic tank system. The results of this test, along with a site plan and building plan, must be submitted to the Florida Department of Health Environmental Health division for review and approval.
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is the primary governing body responsible for enforcing and overseeing septic tank regulations. The DEP's Onsite Sewage Program is specifically dedicated to responsible waste disposal and onsite sewer systems. The DEP also provides assistance in system design, helping to determine the septic system siting and design needs for the property based on the site evaluation, site plan, and building plan.
It is important to note that local county health departments may have more specific regulations than the state due to variations in regional geography. Therefore, it is recommended to consult with local authorities when planning to ensure compliance with all relevant regulations.
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The Florida DEP is the primary governing body for septic tank regulations
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is the primary governing body for septic tank regulations in the state. The DEP is the state's lead agency for environmental management and stewardship, with a vision to create strong community partnerships, safeguard Florida's natural resources, and enhance its ecosystems.
The DEP enforces and oversees septic tank regulations, guidelines, installations, and compliance with legislative codes. It is responsible for ensuring that septic tank systems, officially known as Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal Systems (OSTDS), are properly designed, constructed, and maintained to protect the state's groundwater, which provides 90% of Florida's drinking water.
The DEP's Onsite Sewage Program focuses exclusively on responsible waste disposal and onsite sewer systems. This program includes permitting and inspection of septic tank systems, which are handled by the Florida Department of Health (DOH) Environmental Health division and delegated to each county.
Before any septic system can be installed on a property, an application must be submitted to the DOH, including site plans, soil/percolation tests, and required fees. The DOH sets regulations for each county to avoid groundwater damage, including minimum distance requirements from water wells, water bodies, and other structures.
The DEP also provides assistance in system design, with engineers available to help determine septic system siting and design needs for properties. Site evaluations are required to be done by a licensed engineer or other qualified professional, and the DEP may provide a representative to perform this evaluation for an additional fee.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, plastic septic tanks are allowed in Florida. Plastic tanks are resistant to corrosion and rust, offering a longer lifespan in diverse soil types. They are also more budget-friendly and require less maintenance than concrete tanks.
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is the primary governing body for enforcing and overseeing septic tank regulations. The inspection and permitting of septic systems are handled by the Environmental Health Section of Florida's Department of Health for each county. The onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems (OSTDS) must be placed with the following considerations to avoid groundwater damage:
- The OSTDS needs to be placed at least 75 feet from any bays, lakes, surface water, multi-family water wells, or private potable wells.
- The system has to be placed 11 feet from any water storage tanks that come in contact with potable or ground water.
Anyone practicing septic tank contracting in Florida must be registered and approved by the State of Florida. Before any septic system can be installed, an application must be submitted to the Department of Health. Site evaluations must be done by a licensed engineer or other qualified professional.
This depends on the specific system and usage. In some cases, this could be annually, while in others, it could be many years before it needs to be pumped out. Plastic septic tanks should be pumped every 3-5 years to maintain good septic tank health.
