Septic Glossary
Septic companies, inspectors and permit offices use a lot of jargon. Each entry below explains one term in plain English, says why it matters for a Florida septic system, and links to the guides that go deeper.
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Drain Field (Leach Field)
What a drain field does, Florida's 24-inch wet-season water table and 42-inch soil rules, no paving or traffic, EPA warning signs and repair costs.
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Distribution Box
What a D-box does, Rule 62-6.014 standards (watertight, level outlets), when a fix is not a repair, EPA inspection check, warning signs and cost.
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Effluent Filter
Florida's outlet filter requirement (Rule 62-6.008), why adding one is not a repair, upkeep, cleaning cost and questions to ask at a pump-out.
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Aerobic Treatment Unit (ATU)
How an ATU works, Florida's approved models, alarm, 2-year operating permit, twice-yearly inspections, owner exception and typical costs.
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Baffle
How inlet and outlet baffles keep sludge and scum in the tank, Florida's tank fitting rules (Rule 62-6.013), warning signs and replacement cost.
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Riser
What a riser is, Florida's within-8-inches-of-grade and child-resistant lid rules, buried-lid digging versus riser costs, and when to call.
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Percolation Test
What a perc test is, and why Florida site evaluations rely on soil profiles, USDA texture and the wet-season water table instead (Rule 62-6.004).
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Septage
Florida's legal definition of septage, the 2016 land-application ban, hauler permits, truck and full pump-out rules, and questions to ask.
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Sludge and Scum Layers
How sludge and scum layers form, EPA's 6-inch, 12-inch and 25% pumping triggers, Florida's full pump-out rule, and why additives don't help.
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Mound System
What a mound system is under Florida's rule, why the 24-inch water table rule leads to raised drain fields, how mounds work, care and cost.
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Nitrogen-Reducing (Enhanced) Septic System
Florida's ENR definition (50%/65%), when it's required (small BMAP lots, Silver/Rainbow, Wekiwa), and which systems qualify (INRB, NSF 245 ATU).