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Florida Department of Health (DOH) Septic Contractor
License practice exam Questions and Correct Answers
Plus Rationales 2025
This set covers general principles, Florida-specific rules, installation, maintenance, permitting, and safety standards related to onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems (OSTDS).
- What is the minimum setback distance from a private potable well to a septic tank in Florida? 100 feet Rationale: Florida Administrative Code requires at least 100 feet setback from potable wells to prevent contamination of drinking water.
- Who is responsible for obtaining a septic system permit before installation? Property owner or their authorized agent Rationale: The owner or agent must secure the permit to ensure proper approval from the county health department.
- How often must a standard septic tank be pumped out under Florida law? Every 3–5 years Rationale: Regular pumping prevents solids from entering the drainfield and extends system life.
- Which Florida statute governs onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems? Chapter 381, Florida Statutes Rationale: Chapter 381 outlines DOH authority over septic systems to protect public health.
- What is the minimum septic tank size for a 3-bedroom residence in Florida? 900 gallons Rationale: Minimum tank sizes are defined by bedroom count to ensure sufficient capacity.
- Which soil condition is unacceptable for a standard drainfield? Muck soil Rationale: Muck has poor percolation and may cause system failure due to saturation.
- Who may legally install a septic system in Florida? A licensed septic contractor or master septic tank contractor Rationale: Florida requires licensure to ensure work meets code and protects public health.
- Which component must be watertight in a septic system? Septic tank Rationale: A watertight tank prevents leakage of untreated wastewater into the soil.
- A drainfield trench must be how far from a property line? At least 5 feet
Rationale: Deeper trenches may affect oxygen availability and treatment performance. 16.Septic tank lids must be secured to prevent: Unauthorized access or accidental entry Rationale: This protects public safety and prevents injuries or fatalities. 17.What must be done before backfilling around a tank? An inspection by the county health department Rationale: Inspections ensure the system meets design specs before burial. 18.Which document must be kept on site during installation? Approved permit and plans Rationale: Installers must follow the approved design and make it available for inspection. 19.When is a mound system required? When the seasonal high water table is too close to the surface Rationale: Mounds raise the drainfield to maintain separation from groundwater. 20.A repair permit is needed when: Any part of the system is altered or replaced Rationale: Modifications require review to ensure compliance with code. 21.What test determines soil percolation? Percolation test (perc test) Rationale: A perc test measures the soil’s ability to absorb water.
22.A contractor’s license expires: Every 2 years Rationale: License renewal ensures continuing compliance and education. 23.What is the penalty for contracting without a license? Misdemeanor charge and fines Rationale: Unlicensed contracting is a criminal offense under Florida law. 24.Which bacteria aid in wastewater treatment in the drainfield? Aerobic bacteria Rationale: Aerobic bacteria break down organic matter in the unsaturated soil zone. 25.Which of these increases the risk of system failure? Excessive water use Rationale: Overloading the system can cause backups and drainfield saturation. 26.Before installing a new system, the contractor must: Locate underground utilities Rationale: To avoid damaging existing utilities and ensure safe excavation. 27.Which material is commonly used for drainfield piping? PVC Rationale: PVC is durable, corrosion-resistant, and easy to install. 28.Who can file a complaint against a septic contractor? Any person or agency
35.The term “seasonal high water table” means: Highest level groundwater reaches during the wet season Rationale: Determines required separation for treatment effectiveness. 36.Who must sign the final system inspection report? Health department inspector Rationale: Only the inspector has authority to approve the completed system. 37.Which vegetation must be avoided near drainfields? Large trees Rationale: Roots can damage or clog the drainfield lines. 38.Septic tanks must be installed level to ensure: Proper flow and settlement Rationale: Level installation ensures solids settle and effluent exits correctly. 39.An undersized system can result in: Premature failure and backups Rationale: Insufficient capacity leads to overloading and soil saturation. 40.How must contractors notify the health department of work? Submit notice before starting installation Rationale: Notification allows scheduling of required inspections. 41.Grease traps are required for: Food service establishments Rationale: Grease traps prevent fats and oils from clogging systems.
42.How is system location verified? By site survey and measurements Rationale: Accurate siting ensures setbacks and separation distances are met. 43.Contractors must keep records for: At least 3 years Rationale: Records document compliance and can be reviewed by DOH. 44.A septic contractor must carry: Liability insurance Rationale: Insurance protects the public in case of damage or accidents. 45.When are pump chambers needed? When effluent must be lifted to reach the drainfield Rationale: Pump chambers overcome elevation differences on site. 46.A contractor’s truck must display: Company name and license number Rationale: This is required for identification and consumer protection. 47.Which type of system provides the highest level of treatment? Aerobic treatment unit (ATU) Rationale: ATUs introduce oxygen to enhance wastewater treatment. 48.When installing near wetlands, contractors must: Meet additional setback requirements Rationale: Protects sensitive ecosystems from contamination.
55.Which component helps determine the seasonal high water table? Soil color mottling Rationale: Mottles indicate water table fluctuations affecting system design. 56.What must contractors do if abandoned tanks are found? Pump out, crush, and backfill with clean fill Rationale: This prevents collapse hazards and environmental risks. 57.How long must drainfield materials be stored before installation? Use as soon as practical Rationale: Prolonged storage can damage materials and affect system quality. 58.The invert elevation of the septic tank outlet must be: Lower than the inlet Rationale: Ensures gravity flow of wastewater through the system. 59.When is a pump tank alarm required? When a pump system is used Rationale: Alarms notify owners of pump failure to prevent backups. 60.Which is a sign of drainfield failure? Surface ponding of effluent Rationale: Ponding indicates poor percolation or system overload. 61.When sizing a drainfield, which factor is most critical? Soil loading rate Rationale: It determines the area needed for proper treatment and disposal.
62.Contractors must notify owners about: Maintenance needs and limitations Rationale: Educating owners helps prevent misuse and prolongs system life. 63.Which action is prohibited when installing drainfield media? Walking on the media Rationale: Compaction reduces infiltration and drainage capacity. 64.If a tank is leaking, the contractor must: Repair or replace the tank Rationale: Leaks can contaminate groundwater and violate code. 65.What does the “as-built” drawing show? Final location and specifications of the installed system Rationale: It documents actual construction for future reference. 66.What is the recommended method for backfilling around a tank? Place fill evenly and compact lightly in layers Rationale: Prevents damage to the tank and maintains stability. 67.How does heavy rainfall affect installation? May delay work to avoid soil compaction and flooding Rationale: Wet conditions can damage soils and reduce system performance. 68.Which tool is used to check trench slope? Builder’s level or laser level Rationale: Ensures proper grade for effluent flow.
76.When is a lift station needed? When wastewater must be pumped to a higher elevation Rationale: Allows proper flow when gravity is insufficient. 77.What is a biomat? A layer of biological material in the drainfield soil Rationale: Essential for treatment but can cause failure if too thick. 78.When should a septic tank be watertested? Before backfilling Rationale: Confirms the tank is watertight and meets code. 79.How should contractors handle hazardous materials found on site? Report and properly dispose according to law Rationale: Protects health and the environment. 80.When is an engineer’s certification required? For innovative or alternative systems Rationale: Professional oversight ensures complex designs meet standards. 81.Which practice prevents soil compaction during installation? Avoid driving heavy equipment over drainfield area Rationale: Compaction reduces soil permeability. 82.A drainfield replacement must be: Sized according to current code Rationale: New installations must meet current minimum standards.
83.Who maintains records of installed systems? County health department Rationale: Provides a record for future owners and inspections. 84.What is the required setback from a building foundation to a drainfield? 5 feet Rationale: Prevents structural damage and system interference. 85.What is a dosing tank? A tank that holds effluent for timed discharge Rationale: Controls effluent flow to drainfield for better treatment. 86.What must be used if septic tanks are in traffic areas? Traffic-rated lids and tanks Rationale: Prevents collapse and ensures safety. 87.When is a groundwater monitoring plan required? For large or complex systems Rationale: Verifies the system does not impact water quality. 88.How do contractors test pump operation? By simulating high water levels Rationale: Confirms the pump works as designed under real conditions. 89.How should effluent lines be bedded? On undisturbed soil or suitable bedding Rationale: Prevents settling and line failure.
97.How should tanks be anchored in high water table areas? With concrete or other approved method Rationale: Prevents flotation during flooding. 98.When is a sanitary tee used? At the tank outlet Rationale: Directs effluent downward and reduces solids carryover. 99.What is the minimum distance from a septic tank to a swimming pool? 10 feet Rationale: Prevents contamination and structural conflict.
- What must be done before any drainfield repair? Obtain a repair permit Rationale: Ensures proper design and compliance.
- How do you determine design flow for a commercial system? Based on use type and estimated wastewater generation Rationale: Accurate estimates prevent undersizing or oversizing.
- What is the primary concern when installing near a surface water body? Protecting water quality Rationale: Systems must be sited to avoid pollution of lakes or rivers.
- When must a contractor stop work? If an unapproved deviation is needed Rationale: Requires review and re-approval to maintain compliance.
- What are lint filters used for? To reduce fibers entering the septic system Rationale: Fibers can clog components and reduce life expectancy.
- Which document must be displayed on demand? Contractor’s license Rationale: Shows proof of legal authorization to work.
- What is the penalty for falsifying permit documents? License suspension or revocation Rationale: Fraudulent activity violates licensing law.
- How often must aerators be maintained? Per manufacturer’s instructions Rationale: Proper maintenance keeps treatment performance optimal.
- What should be checked during pump chamber inspection? Floats, pump operation, and alarm Rationale: Verifies all components function correctly.
- Which factor affects trench width? Soil loading rate and flow volume Rationale: Determines absorption area needed.
- What is a curtain drain used for? To divert groundwater away from the drainfield Rationale: Prevents saturation and failure.
- When is an effluent sampling port required? For performance-based systems Rationale: Allows monitoring of treatment effectiveness.
- Which factor affects mound height? Seasonal high water table depth Rationale: Determines how high the mound must be to maintain separation.
- What is the primary risk with surface discharge systems? Human and environmental exposure to untreated wastewater Rationale: Proper treatment is critical to prevent contamination.
- What does a flow equalization chamber do? Balances flow rates to the treatment unit Rationale: Prevents overloading and maintains treatment quality.
- How are repairs prioritized for failing systems? Immediate action for environmental or health hazards Rationale: Protects public health and water quality.
- When is a groundwater lowering system used? To reduce water table temporarily for construction Rationale: Allows proper installation depth and soil conditions.
- What must be protected during excavation? Tree root systems Rationale: Prevents unnecessary damage to vegetation and erosion control.
- How often should a septic tank be inspected? Annually Rationale: Routine checks detect problems early.
- Which test verifies system operation post-installation? Flow test Rationale: Confirms flow paths and system performance.
- What do drainfield trenches need for proper function? Level bottoms Rationale: Ensures even effluent distribution and soil contact.
- When is a dosing siphon used? In gravity-fed pressure systems Rationale: Provides intermittent dosing without a pump.
- What is required if fill is brought onto the site? Compaction and stabilization Rationale: Prevents settling that can damage the system.
- What is the final step after installation and inspection? Close permit with final approval Rationale: Confirms project is compliant and complete for legal use.
- What is the main reason to size a replacement drainfield larger than the original? To meet current code and allow for future failures
