Have questions about your septic system?
We’ve answered some of the most common questions we hear from customers. Click any question below to reveal the answer and learn more about septic pumping, maintenance, drainfields, risers, filters, and service.
Septic Maintenance
Ignoring your septic system. Schedule regular septic pumping service and stay ahead of potential issues. This is the best way to prolong the life of your septic system.
Signs your tank may need to be pumped include slow-draining fixtures, sewage backups, unpleasant odors, or pooling by the tank.
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection recommends pumping your septic tank every 3 to 5 years. Larger families, homes with garbage disposals, or properties with challenging soil conditions may need more frequent service.
With proper maintenance, a septic tank can last between 20 and 40 years. Regular inspections and avoiding non-biodegradable waste can help extend its life span.
System Add-ons & Protection
Over time, waste builds up in your drain lines and septic tank. Bacteria helps reduce this waste and may help prolong the life of your septic system. Capital City Septic has bacteria available for purchase at its warehouse.
A filter is a device installed in the outlet pipe. It is designed to help prevent solids from entering the drainfield. With proper maintenance, a filter may help extend the life of the drainfield system. Filters need to be cleaned at different intervals depending on what enters the septic system.
A septic tank riser is a vertical extension that connects the buried septic tank access port to ground level. By bringing the lid to the surface, it eliminates the need to dig up the lawn each time the tank requires routine pumping or inspection.
How Septic Systems Work
Septic tanks safely process household wastewater and sewage. They help prevent groundwater and soil contamination and support compliance with Florida health regulations.
Anything that goes down the drain enters your septic tank. The tank holds wastewater long enough for grease and fats to float to the top and solids to settle at the bottom as sludge. Over time, the sludge builds up. If the tank is not cleaned, wastewater may back up into the house or solids may enter and eventually damage the drainfield.
The drainfield, also called a leach field, is the final treatment stage in a septic system. It disperses effluent from the septic tank into the soil, where it is naturally filtered. A properly functioning drainfield is important for preventing groundwater contamination.
Service Questions
A plumber is usually needed when the problem is isolated to one fixture or one area, such as one toilet not flushing or only the kitchen being backed up. A septic pumpout may be needed when the entire house is backing up.
Title 01
Ignoring your septic system. Schedule regular septic pumping service and stay ahead of potential issues. This is the best way to prolong the life of your septic system.
Title 01
Signs your tank may need to be pumped include slow-draining fixtures, sewage backups, unpleasant odors, or pooling by the tank.
Title 01
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection recommends pumping your septic tank every 3 to 5 years. Larger families, homes with garbage disposals, or properties with challenging soil conditions may need more frequent service.
Title 01
Septic tanks safely process household wastewater and sewage. They help prevent groundwater and soil contamination and comply with Florida health regulations.
Title 01
With proper maintenance, a septic tank can last between 20 and 40 years. Regular inspections and avoiding non-biodegradable waste can help extend its life span.
Title 01
The drainfield, also called a leach field, is the final treatment stage in a septic system. It disperses effluent from the septic tank into the soil, where it is naturally filtered. A properly functioning drainfield is crucial for preventing groundwater contamination.
Title 01
Anything that goes down the drain enters your septic tank. The tank holds wastewater long enough for grease and fats to float to the top and solids to settle at the bottom as sludge. Over time, the sludge builds up. If the tank is not cleaned, wastewater may back up into the house or solids may enter and eventually damage the drainfield.
Title 01
Over time, waste builds up in your drain lines and septic tank. Bacteria helps reduce this waste and may help prolong the life of your septic system. Capital City Septic has bacteria available for purchase at its warehouse.
Title 01
A filter is a device installed in the outlet pipe. It is designed to help prevent solids from entering the drainfield. With proper maintenance, a filter may help extend the life of the drainfield system. Filters need to be cleaned at different intervals depending on what enters the septic system.
Title 01
A septic tank riser is a vertical extension that connects the buried septic tank access port to ground level. By bringing the lid to the surface, it eliminates the need to dig up the lawn each time the tank requires routine pumping or inspection.
Title 01
A plumber is usually needed when the problem is isolated to one fixture or one area, such as one toilet not flushing or only the kitchen being backed up. A septic pumpout may be needed when the entire house is backing up.
Florida Health Department
Septic Care Guide
The Florida Department of Health provides helpful guidance for protecting your home and maintaining your septic system. This guide includes practical information about routine pumping, water conservation, drainfield protection, and preventing costly septic problems.
