Septic Service in Silver Springs Shores, FL

If you own a home in Silver Springs Shores, you may have heard talk of sewer lines coming to your street and wondered what that means for the septic tank in your yard. It can feel confusing, especially when a drain gurgles or the yard smells and you are not sure whether it is worth repairing a system that might be replaced someday.

Ocala Septic Tanks is a referral service. When you call (352) 619-4030, we connect you with an independent, licensed local septic provider who serves the Silver Springs Shores area and can look at your system, explain your options and give you a quote before any work starts.

Sewer is coming in phases, but septic still needs care today

Marion County Utilities is extending sewer to Silver Springs Shores in phases. Phase I covers 455 lots, and 212 of them are occupied homes still on septic. Phase II covers 406 lots with 229 occupied, and it is under construction. Phase III (402 lots, 252 occupied) and Phase IV (596 lots, 341 occupied) are subject to final approval and funding.

In the designated program areas, connection is mandatory, and grant funding is available for improved properties. That means your timeline depends on which phase your street falls in. Until your lot is actually connected, your septic system still has to work, and a failing tank or drain field is your responsibility.

Why the county is doing this

Septic systems are a significant nitrogen source in the Silver Springs springshed. Under the state's basin management action plan, septic accounts for about 29 percent of the nitrogen overall in the springshed and 39 percent in the most vulnerable areas. Moving dense neighborhoods like this one to sewer is one way the county is responding.

Questions to ask before you spend money

If your street is in a phase that is funded and under construction, it is fair to ask a provider whether a repair makes sense, or whether a pump-out and inspection is enough for now. A provider can tell you what they see in the tank and drain field, and you can compare that with what the county tells you about your connection date.

Call Marion County Utilities at 352-671-8474 or 352-307-6006 to confirm which phase your address is in and what the connection requirements and grant funding look like for your property.

Septic care while you wait

Pumping is generally recommended every three to five years for a household system, though tank size, household size and garbage disposal use all matter. Heavy summer rains and hurricane season flooding can saturate drain fields in this area of sandy soil and a high water table, so slow drains or soggy ground after storms are worth a call.

In Florida, pumping requires an active county health department service permit held by a registered septic tank contractor or a state-licensed plumber. Repairs and installations require a septic tank contractor registration or plumber license plus a health department permit. Ask whoever takes your call about permits, registration and insurance. Cost varies by tank size, access and distance, and the provider will quote before work.

Services available

• Septic Tank Pumping
• Septic Tank Cleaning
• Septic Tank Repair
• Drain Field Repair
• Septic Inspection
• Tank Replacement and Installation

Frequently asked questions