Septic tanks are often unseen heroes, as they’re the first step in sewage maintenance. Without a septic tank, sewage from your home would clog receiving soil, causing a number of issues. 

What do septic tanks do?

Septic tanks serve three primary functions:

1. They remove solids allowing liquid sewage to pass through
2. They use bacteria to decompose solids and liquids
3. They store sludge and scum, which would otherwise end up in the soil

Without septic tanks, properties would find themselves regularly dealing with sewage problems.

Your septic tank requires regular maintenance

Regularly maintaining your septic tank can save you a lot of money and headaches in the long run. For example, you should empty your septic tank every two to three years. Doing so might run you between $250 to $500. This is a bargain compared to the cost of replacing a malfunctioning system. That can run you between $5,000 to $15,000 for conventional septic systems. Non-conventional systems could cost even more. 

Well-maintained septic systems keep everyone healthy

Household wastewater contains harmful elements like disease-causing bacteria as well as high levels of nitrogen and phosphorus. Well-maintained septic systems can remove plenty of these harmful elements. 

However, poorly-maintained septic systems can create blockages, causing sewage to come to the surface or back up into buildings. The sewage could also find its way into well water, source water or marine water, contaminating them in the process. Keep everyone safe by maintaining your septic tank.

New septic tank regulations

On May 30, 2023, Governor Ron DeSantis signed HB1379 into law which added amendments to the statutes related to Basic Management Action Plans (BMAP). The new law affects construction permits for septic systems on lots one acre or less in BMAP areas, or those in areas covered by the Reasonable Assurance Plan (RAP) and the Pollution Reduction Plan (PRP), covering 57 Florida counties.

Under the new law, septic tanks must now include Enhanced Nutrient Reduction Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal Systems (ENR-OSTDS). What does this mean exactly? Well, state-approved nitrogen-reducing aerobic treatment units and Performance-Based Treatment Systems should be implemented to meet the new regulations. 

Why should you be aware?

Remodels, especially extensive ones, can end up damaging or overloading septic systems. For example, pipes may be damaged, which can create problems with wastewater getting into the ground. Or if you’re creating additional rooms, you may have to update your septic system in order to keep up with the increase in water usage. 

Any remodeling or construction you do should take the septic system and the new state regulations into consideration. It’ll save you headaches and big bucks in the long run. Having the right project partner can go a long way. At Debowsky Design Group, our team of award-winning experts can help plan out your next favorite project and keep you ahead of any issues that may arise. Give us a call today to schedule your FREE consultation.