Septic Tank Replacement and Installation in Ocala, FL

What replacement and installation involve

Septic tank replacement means removing a failed tank, or in some cases the whole system, and installing a new one that meets current rules. Installation covers brand new systems for homes being built on vacant lots. Either way, it is a bigger project than a pump-out or a small repair, and it is worth understanding before you call.

Marion County has about 125,324 septic systems, so replacement is a familiar job for local providers. This site is a referral service. When you call (352) 619-4030, we connect you with a licensed local provider who can look at your property and give you a free quote before work begins.

Signs it may be time to call

It can feel stressful when you suspect the tank itself has failed. A few signs point toward replacement rather than a quick fix, though only a professional can confirm.

• Sewage backing up into the house even after the tank has been pumped.
• A cracked, collapsed or leaking tank, or a lid that has sunk or broken.
• Corroded or missing baffles and tees that cannot be repaired.
• Wet, foul-smelling ground near the tank, not just over the drain field.
• A very old tank, or one that is too small for the home after an addition.
• Repeated repairs that keep failing.

Replace or repair?

Many problems can be fixed without a new tank. A broken lid, a clogged outlet filter or a damaged baffle is often a repair job. Replacement makes sense when the tank structure is compromised, when repair costs approach the cost of new equipment, or when the whole system no longer meets code. A good provider will explain both options and let you decide. If you want to compare, see our pages on septic tank repair and drain field repair.

Concrete versus plastic tanks

Most homeowners in Ocala end up choosing between concrete and plastic, sometimes called polyethylene or fiberglass. Each has strengths.

Concrete tanks

Concrete is heavy, strong and common across Florida. Its weight helps it stay put in areas with a high water table, where an empty tank can try to float up. Concrete can crack over time, and acidic conditions inside the tank can wear it down, so the quality of the pour and the sealing of joints matter.

Plastic and fiberglass tanks

Plastic tanks are lighter and easier to deliver to tight or hard-to-reach lots. They do not corrode the way steel does, and they resist cracking in many situations. Their light weight means careful installation and anchoring in wet or flood-prone ground. Ask your provider which material suits your soil, your access and your lot.

Sizing by bedrooms

Septic tanks are sized primarily by the number of bedrooms in the home, along with other factors such as the size of the house. The idea is that more bedrooms means more people and more wastewater. Many three-bedroom homes use a tank around the 1,000 gallon range, with larger homes needing more, but the exact size is set by the health department permit, not by guesswork.

If you are adding bedrooms or converting a garage, tell your provider. A tank that was fine for a two-bedroom home may be undersized after a remodel, which is one reason systems fail early.

Permits, site evaluation and contractor requirements

In Florida, septic work is regulated through the county health department. For Marion County, that means a site evaluation and a permit before a new or replacement system goes in. The evaluation looks at soil, groundwater depth, setbacks from wells and water, and the size of your lot.

Repair and installation require a septic tank contractor registration (or a plumber license) plus a health department permit. Before you hire, ask the provider about their registration, their permit process and their insurance. Reputable providers will not mind these questions. Work done without a permit can cause trouble later, especially when you sell the home.

New systems on vacant lots

If you own a vacant lot in Marion Oaks, Rainbow Lakes Estates, Ocklawaha or elsewhere in the county, a septic system is often part of the building plan. The process generally starts with a site evaluation to find out whether the lot can support a system. Soil, water table and lot size all play a part, and the design is built around the number of bedrooms planned.

Before buying a lot, it is wise to learn whether it has a septic permit history or can get one. A lot that cannot pass a site evaluation may not be buildable on septic. A licensed local provider can walk through the steps and give you a quote for the installation.

What affects cost

Cost varies by tank size, access and distance, and the provider will quote before work. Replacement and installation prices are influenced by several things.

• The tank material and size required by the permit.
• Whether the drain field also needs repair or replacement.
• Soil conditions, groundwater, and how much fill or special design is needed.
• Access for equipment, including trees, fences and driveways.
• Permit and site evaluation fees through the health department.
• Removal and disposal of the old tank.

Marion County local factors and sewer conversion

Our sandy soils, shallow limestone in parts of the county and high water tables in low areas all shape how systems are designed. Heavy summer rain and hurricane season flooding can saturate drain fields, which is something to plan around.

Septic systems are a major nitrogen source in the Silver Springs and Rainbow Springs springsheds, and a basin management action plan finalized in 2018 is behind much of the push toward sewer. The county is converting some areas to sewer, notably phases of Silver Springs Shores. In designated program areas, connection is mandatory, and grant funding for connection is available. If your home sits in one of those areas, spending money on a brand new tank may not be wise. Check your status with the county before you commit, because you may be required to connect to sewer instead. Many rural parts of the county, including Reddick, McIntosh and Citra, will stay on septic.

Getting ready

Gather any permit records, know where the tank is, and note the symptoms you have seen. Ask the provider for a written quote, and confirm who pulls the permit. Once the new system is in, keep up with pump-outs every 3 to 5 years and think about regular inspections. Ready to get started? Call (352) 619-4030 for a free quote.

Frequently asked questions

Areas we serve

We connect callers across Marion County, including:

• Ocala
• Silver Springs Shores
• Marion Oaks
• Belleview
• Dunnellon
• Silver Springs
• Summerfield
• Reddick
• McIntosh
• Citra
• Fort McCoy
• Ocklawaha
• Weirsdale
• Rainbow Lakes Estates
• On Top of the World
• Marion County

Local pages: Silver Springs Shores, Belleview, Dunnellon.

Related septic services

• Septic Tank Repair
• Drain Field Repair
• Septic Inspection