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Septic Tank Inspections for Tampa Bay and Central Florida

A septic truck with an extended hose across green grass going into a septic system.

Regular septic tank inspections are an important part of wastewater system maintenance for Floridians. 

Florida has strict septic regulations to protect the health of citizens and the environment. Despite this, most homeowners and business owners don’t schedule the proactive inspections they need, causing minor issues to become big, expensive problems.

We take pride in being Tampa Bay and Central Florida’s trusted experts for commercial and residential septic tank inspections, including for real estate transactions. At ACE Septic & Waste, we’ll help maintain a healthy septic system that protects the integrity of your valuable assets.

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Why Do You Need a Septic Tank Inspection?

A person holding a garden hose and a washed septic filter.

  1. Property Sale: Inspections are usually required during the sale of a property. Inspections ensure the septic system functions properly and is compliant with local and state regulations.

  2. Regular Maintenance: Regular inspections keep your septic system healthy and prevent minor issues from becoming costly. A routine inspection can significantly extend your system’s life and efficiency, saving you money and hassle in the long run.

  3. System Malfunctions: If you notice slow drainage, foul odors, or leaks, it’s time for a septic inspection. Quick action can pinpoint and fix problems, avoiding serious damage and keeping your system running smoothly. Don’t wait for minor issues to become big headaches—address malfunctions promptly.

  4. Environmental Protection and Health Standards: Regular inspections help to identify leaks or failures that could contaminate Florida’s groundwater or the local area. Inspections ensure that the septic system is not posing any health hazards to the residents or the surrounding area.

What ACE Septic Inspects During Your Septic System Evaluation

Whether you own a home or manage a commercial property, a septic inspection from ACE Septic & Waste follows a thorough, standardized process. Our team evaluates every key component to ensure your system functions efficiently and meets Florida’s health and environmental standards.

Our Septic Inspection Checklist

Tank Inspection

We examine the septic tank for cracks, leaks, or signs of deterioration, checking the structural integrity and verifying that it meets code requirements.

Scum and Sludge Levels​

Our technicians measure the accumulation of scum and sludge to assess whether pumping is needed and to help predict future maintenance intervals.

Flow Verification

We test wastewater flow from the building into the septic tank, confirming that there are no clogs, backups, or slow-flowing lines.

Component Check

All critical components are inspected for damage, wear, or blockage.:
- Baffles
- Lids and access risers
- Inlet and outlet pipes
- Effluent filter
- Any added pre-treatment equipment

Pump and Float Systems​

If your system uses a pump, we test its operation and check float switches for proper function. This includes confirming automatic activation and redundancy for high-water alerts.

High Water Alarm Test

Alarms are checked to ensure they activate under high-level conditions. Proper function is essential for early warning and flood prevention.

Drainfield Evaluation

We assess the drainfield’s ability to absorb effluent and identify any signs of oversaturation, ponding, or biological clogging. For commercial properties with larger fields, we give extra attention to distribution and capacity.

Overall System Health

Finally, we evaluate your septic system’s performance as a whole—looking for backups, slow drains, pooling effluent, foul odors, or lush vegetation over the field. These signs may indicate deeper problems that require immediate attention.

Tailored to Your Property Type

For residential systems, our inspection ensures your septic tank and drainfield are functioning safely and efficiently for everyday household use. For commercial properties, we also document system design details—such as multi-tank configurations or advanced treatment units (ATUs)—and evaluate compliance with higher-capacity needs.

How Commercial Inspections Differ from Residential

Commercial septic systems are often large-scale and require accommodating multiple septic tanks and pumps working in tandem. These systems are designed to handle greater capacities and stress while dealing with high-usage environments typical in businesses like restaurants or hotels. While the inspection process remains the same as residential inspections, commercial units are held to higher regulatory standards, and may have a more robust setup.

Each county’s Environmental Health section of the Florida Department of Health is responsible for permitting and inspecting these septic systems. Since July 1, 2021, following the Clean Waterways Act of 2020, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has been responsible for implementing the relevant Florida Statutes and regulations for OSTDS. However, county health department offices continue to oversee the permitting and inspection process for commercial systems.

A person looking into a septic system with a large hose pumping out sewage.

How often should Floridians get a septic tank inspection?

In Florida, homeowners and business owners with septic tanks are advised to have their systems inspected every 1 to 3 years. ACE Septic recommends scheduling an inspection before and after the wet season each year to ensure their system is ready for inclement weather and to check afterward that no damage has occurred. These regular inspections help maintain the system’s efficiency and prevent costly repairs.

Should people buying or selling a house get a septic tank inspection?

A septic system inspection is recommended for buyers to ensure the system is in good working condition and avoid unexpected repair costs after purchase. For sellers, having an inspected and contractor-approved septic system can enhance the property’s value and credibility. This inspection is a key aspect of the property evaluation process, providing both parties with important information about the condition of the septic system. ACE Septic can also perform a soil percolation test as needed.

Check out our Real Estate Guide for more info.

A home in Florida with green grass and palm trees.

Discover the ACE Difference!

Don’t let surprise septic problems disrupt your life. Schedule your next septic inspection with ACE Septic & Waste today!

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Headquarters: 8005 Land O' Lakes Blvd, Land O' Lakes, FL., 34638

Tampa: 8602 Temple Terrace HWY C14, Tampa, Fl. 33637

Lakeland: 3151 Bartow Rd. Lakeland, Fl. 33803

Lecanto 3410 W. Crigger Ct. Lecanto, Fl. 34461

Satellite Office: 100 S. Ashley Dr S Suite 600, Tampa, Fl. 33602

Satellite Office: 8270 Woodland Center Blvd, Tampa, Fl. 33614

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ACE is your Tampa Bay and Central Florida septic company to inspect, maintain, repair and install septic systems of all types and sizes. We’ve been Tampa’s trusted septic services provider since 1974 and continue to expand our reach throughout the region.

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