Know Your Flow: Florida Septic System Troubleshooting
Cleanout Inspection
See What's Going On
The cleanout port is your first clue. In Florida, these are often buried under St. Augustine grass or mulch beds. Locating it allows you to separate "Indoor Plumbing Issues" from "Septic System Failures."
| Pipe Empty | Blockage is Inside the House. Call a Plumber. |
| Standing Water | Blockage is Downstream (Tank or Field). Call a Septic Company. |
If the cleanout is holding water, do not run washing machines or dishwashers. In older Florida homes (pre-1980), the line from the house to the tank may be Cast Iron or Orangeburg pipe, which can collapse.
Tank Level Assessment
Source of Truth
A functioning septic system operates at a specific level: liquid should sit just below the outlet pipe.
If the Cleanout holds water but the Tank Level is normal, the clog is between the Cleanout and the Tank. This is common with grease build-up or "flushable" wipes snagging on roots.
If water is covering the outlet pipe, the issue is leaving the tank. In Florida, a high water level doesn't always mean sewage backup—it can mean Groundwater Infiltration. If it has rained heavily recently, your tank might be leaking in water from the saturated soil.
Check the Filter: Newer FL systems typically have an outlet filter. Pull it and hose it off. If the water level drops immediately, you just saved $400 on a service call.
Pump Chamber (Lift Station)
Florida's #1 Issue: Electrical
Due to Florida's flat topography, many systems use a "Lift Station" to pump waste up to a mounded drainfield. If your alarm is buzzing or you not responding at all, it is almost always an electrical issue, not a broken pump.
- 1. Check GFCI: Florida is the lightning capital of the US. Nearby strikes frequently trip GFCI outlets. Reset the button on the outlet near the pump.
- 2. Check Ants: Fire ants love the warmth of electrical pump boxes. They often build nests inside, causing shorts in the contactors.
- 3. Float Switch: If the pump has power (humming) but won't run, the "Float Switch" might be stuck on grease. Giving the float a gentle spray with a hose can sometimes dislodge it.
Never pump a tank completely dry in Florida's rainy season. Without the weight of the water (Ballast), the buoyancy of the high water table can pop the empty tank out of the ground, snapping your pipes.
Drainfield (Disposal Area)
Hydraulic Overload
If the tank is high, the filter is clean, and the pump works... the drainfield is the issue. In Florida, this is often "Hydraulic Overload" during hurricane season. The ground is simply too wet to accept any more water.
- 1. Saturation: If it has rained 5 inches in the last 2 days, your system isn't broken—it's flooded. You must reduce water use inside until the ground dries.
- 2. Root Intrusion: Florida Live Oaks and Palmettos are aggressive. If you have trees within 20ft of the mound, roots are likely infiltrating the lines. Palm trees are less aggressive but still a risk.
- 3. Sodium Bonding: In coastal areas, salt can cause soil compaction (Hardpan), preventing drainage.
Look for lush green grass over the drainfield or "spongy" ground. If you see black, smelly water surfacing, keep pets and children away—this is raw sewage.