Licensed Septic Service in Central Florida
Septic System Replacement in Orlando, FL
When your septic system has reached the end of its life, Lapin Services delivers a complete, code-compliant replacement — with the expertise of Central Florida's most trusted septic contractor since 1958.
65+ years serving Central Florida
Licensed local service team
Fast scheduling and clear communication
Service Overview
Septic System Replacement Backed by 65+ Years of Local Experience
A failing septic system isn't just an inconvenience — it's a health hazard, a property risk, and a stressor you shouldn't have to face alone. Whether your system is decades old, repeatedly failing, or beyond repair, Lapin Services handles the entire replacement process from start to finish. We assess your property, design the right system for your soil and household needs, pull every permit, manage the installation, and handle county inspections — so you don't have to coordinate a thing.
With 65+ years serving Central Florida homeowners and businesses, we've replaced hundreds of septic systems across Orange, Osceola, Seminole, and surrounding counties. Our licensed master septic contractors (License SM0890812) bring the experience to get your new system installed right, passed on inspection, and built to last for decades. If your system is sending signals it's time to go, call us — we'll give you an honest assessment and a clear path forward.
Problems We Solve
Common Septic System Replacement Problems We Fix
Here are the issues our team commonly finds and resolves during septic system replacement calls across Central Florida.
Aging Systems Past Their Service Life
Most conventional septic systems last 20–40 years depending on materials, maintenance, and soil conditions. If your system is approaching or past that window — especially with a concrete tank or older drain field — replacement is often the more cost-effective long-term choice over repeated repairs. We'll tell you honestly where yours stands.
Drain Field Failure That Can't Be Repaired
A failing drain field is one of the most common reasons a full replacement becomes necessary. When soil becomes saturated and biomat buildup is too severe for rejuvenation, or when the field layout no longer meets current code, a new system is the only lasting fix. We assess drain field condition as part of every replacement evaluation.
Cracked, Collapsed, or Structurally Compromised Tanks
Concrete septic tanks can crack over time from ground shifting, root intrusion, or simple age. A compromised tank allows groundwater in and sewage out — neither is acceptable. When inspection reveals structural failure that pumping and patching can't address, tank replacement is the correct and safest course of action.
Repeated System Failures Despite Repairs
If you've had your system serviced multiple times in recent years and issues keep coming back, the underlying system may simply be worn out. Continued repair costs add up fast. We can evaluate whether you're reaching the point where a new system would cost less over the next five years than keeping the old one limping along.
System No Longer Meeting County Compliance Requirements
Florida's septic regulations have evolved significantly over the decades. Older systems that predate current standards may no longer comply — a concern that surfaces during property sales, renovations, or county inspections. We handle the permitting and design to bring your property into full compliance with a code-approved replacement system.
When to Call
Signs Your Septic System Needs Professional Attention
If you notice any of these warning signs, schedule septic system replacement before the problem becomes more disruptive or expensive.
Sewage Backing Up Into Your Home
Toilets gurgling, drains backing up, or sewage coming up through floor drains are serious warning signs that your system has lost its ability to process waste. If pumping doesn't resolve the issue, the underlying system may be failing and replacement may be the only reliable solution.
Persistent Wet Spots or Foul Odors in Your Yard
Soggy patches over your drain field — especially with a sewage smell — indicate effluent is surfacing instead of absorbing into the soil. This points to a drain field that can no longer do its job. Left unaddressed, it becomes a health and environmental hazard that typically requires full system replacement.
Unusually Lush, Green Grass Over the Drain Field
A patch of noticeably greener, faster-growing grass over where your drain field sits can be a sign that untreated effluent is feeding the surface rather than dispersing properly underground. It may look healthy, but it often signals that your drain field is failing beneath the surface.
System Is 25+ Years Old With No Major Upgrades
Age alone doesn't mean replacement is imminent — but a system that's 25 years or older and has never had significant work done is worth having inspected. Many older systems are on borrowed time, and a professional evaluation gives you the information you need to plan ahead rather than react to an emergency.
Failed Inspection During a Property Sale or Renovation
A septic inspection that comes back with major deficiencies — failed components, improper setbacks, or systems that don't meet current code — can hold up a sale or renovation permit. We work directly with county inspectors and can design and install a compliant replacement system to clear the path forward.
Our Process
What to Expect From Your Septic System Replacement Visit
Lapin keeps the process straightforward from the first call through final documentation, so you know what is happening at every step.
Step 1
On-Site Assessment and System Evaluation
We begin with a thorough on-site inspection of your existing system — tank condition, drain field performance, setbacks, soil data, and current code requirements for your property. You get an honest assessment of whether repair or replacement is the right call, with no pressure either way.
Step 2
System Design and Permitting
Once replacement is confirmed, we design a new system sized and configured for your household, soil conditions, and county requirements. We handle all permit applications and engineering documentation — you don't need to navigate county offices or paperwork on your own.
Step 3
Existing System Abandonment
Before the new system goes in, the old one must be properly decommissioned. We pump out and abandon your existing tank in full compliance with Florida DEP and county requirements, including proper backfill and documentation — so there are no loose ends from the old system.
Step 4
New System Installation
Our licensed technicians install your new septic system — tank, drain field, distribution components, and all connections — to exact permit specifications. We work efficiently to minimize disruption to your yard and daily routine, and we restore the work area when we're done.
Step 5
Final Inspection and Documentation
We coordinate and pass all required county inspections, then provide you with complete documentation — permits, as-built drawings, manifests, and warranty information. Your new system is fully compliant, inspected, and ready to serve your home for decades to come.
Why Lapin
Why Central Florida Chooses Lapin for Septic System Replacement
Lapin combines licensed expertise, local knowledge, and responsive service for septic work throughout Central Florida.
65+ Years of Septic Expertise
Founded in 1958, Lapin has been Central Florida's trusted septic specialist for three generations — with the knowledge to back it up.
4.9★ Rating · 1,000+ Reviews
The best-rated septic company in Florida — not by our own measure, but by your neighbors who've trusted us with their homes.
Licensed Master Septic Contractor
License SM0890812. Fully certified to handle installation, repair, maintenance, inspections, and county compliance — everything your septic system may ever need.
End-to-End Service
One company for pumping, installation, drainfield repair, ATU service, and inspections. No handoffs, no finger-pointing between subs.
Available 24/7
Septic emergencies don't wait for business hours. Our team is available around the clock so you're never left waiting when it matters most.
Related Services
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FAQs
Septic System Replacement FAQs
How do I know if my septic system needs to be replaced or just repaired?
The honest answer depends on what’s failing and how old the system is. Minor issues — a cracked baffle, a clogged inlet, a drain field that responds to rejuvenation — can often be repaired cost-effectively. But when the tank is structurally compromised, the drain field is saturated beyond recovery, or the system is 25+ years old with recurring failures, replacement is usually the smarter long-term investment. We give you a straight assessment after inspecting the system — no upselling, just the facts.
How long does a septic system replacement take?
Most residential septic system replacements take one to three days of on-site work once permits are in hand. The permitting process itself typically takes one to two weeks depending on the county and whether soil evaluations are needed. We’ll give you a realistic timeline after the initial assessment so you can plan accordingly.
How much does septic system replacement cost in Orlando?
Replacement costs in Central Florida typically range from $8,000 to $20,000 or more depending on system size, soil conditions, system type (conventional vs. ATU), and the extent of the drain field work required. We provide a clear, itemized estimate before any work begins — no surprise charges when the job is done.
Do I need a permit to replace my septic system in Florida?
Yes. Septic system replacement in Florida requires permits from your county health department and must meet Florida Department of Health and county-specific requirements. Lapin handles the entire permitting process — applications, engineering drawings, inspections, and final documentation — so you don’t have to navigate that on your own.
Can I stay in my home during the septic replacement?
In most cases, yes — but you will need to avoid using water and plumbing fixtures during the active installation portion of the work. We’ll walk you through the timeline and any temporary restrictions before we start so you can plan around it. For most households, this is a matter of hours, not days.
What type of septic system will be installed?
The system type depends on your lot size, soil conditions, setback requirements, and county regulations. Conventional drain field systems are most common. Properties with challenging soil, limited space, or proximity to water bodies may require an aerobic treatment unit (ATU) or mound system. We design the right system for your specific property — not a one-size-fits-all solution.
Does Lapin Services handle the old system removal too?
Yes — proper abandonment of your existing tank is part of the replacement process. We pump out the old tank, fill or crush it per Florida DEP and county requirements, and document everything. You won’t be left with an abandoned tank sitting in your yard or a compliance issue with the decommissioned system.
How long will my new septic system last?
A properly installed and maintained septic system in Central Florida typically lasts 25–40 years or more. Concrete tanks can last 40+ years. The drain field’s lifespan depends heavily on usage, maintenance, and soil conditions. Regular pumping every 3–5 years and avoiding harsh chemicals down the drain are the two biggest factors in maximizing system life. We’re happy to walk you through a maintenance routine when installation is complete.
Can I convert my septic system to sewer in Brevard County?
Yes. Many Brevard County homeowners may have the option to connect to a public sewer system if sewer service is available near their property. In some cases, eligible homeowners may also qualify for funding assistance to help offset the cost of the conversion. Learn more about eligibility, funding opportunities, and the process on our Brevard County Septic-to-Sewer Conversion Services page.
Schedule Service
Schedule Septic System Replacement Today
If your septic system is failing, overdue for replacement, or you're not sure where things stand, call Lapin Services at (407) 326-3367 — we're available 24/7 and will give you an honest assessment from Central Florida's most trusted septic contractor.