Whether it’s new construction, or a repair on a failing system, Top Notch Septic will handle the process from pulling the permit to final inspection.
Florida statute 62-6: STANDARDS FOR ONSITE SEWAGE TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL SYSTEMS provides the rules that all septic contractors must abide by in Florida.
There are several steps in this process:
1. Permit application – This initial step puts the permit in queue with the CEHP inspectors at the local Health Department. The permit application includes the application page, a site plan, a site evaluation (more on this), an Existing System Certification (for repairs), a floor plan (for new construction), and a signed owner’s authorization. Additional documents may be required in certain circumstances.
2. Site evaluation – This can be performed by the local Health Department, our in-house CEHP, or a private site evaluator. The site evaluation includes augering at least two holes in the drainfield area in order to analyze the soil and determine the depth of the estimated wet season water table. This determines the minimum elevation of the drainfield. Site evaluators will also look for and measure to bodies of water, adjacent property wells, adjacent property septic systems, and other objects or features that have required setbacks.
3. Permit approval – Once the local Health Department inspectors have all the required information, they will research to see if everything proposed meets state code and will then approve the permit.
4. Installation – Installation is generally a 2-3 day process. The first step is digging a hole, setting the tank, and connecting it to the sewer line from the structure. Then the drainfield is excavated of limiting soil, graded, and the drainfield product laid. Pipes connect the tank the drainfield.
5. Inspection – A local Health Department inspector or a Private Party Inspector will inspect the installed system before it is covered with sand to approve that the system has been installed correctly and meets all setbacks. Once approved, the system will be backfilled and covered.
6. Final inspection – A final inspection is not always required, especially for repairs, but is necessary on most installed systems. A HD inspector or PPI will again inspect the system for proper groundcover over the system and also for correction or completion of any deficient items from the first inspection. These items generally include gutter installation, water line or well connection, and electrical hookup if there is an alarm and/or aerator as part of the system. Once approved, the HD will issue its final approval.