This practice exam prepares candidates for the Florida Septic Tank Contractor certification. Topics include septic system design, installation, maintenance, and repair. Candidates are tested on their understanding of soil testing, system sizing, wastewater treatment, and state-specific regulations....
1. What is the primary purpose of a septic system?
o A) To supply drinking water
o B) To treat and dispose of household wastewater
o C) To provide irrigation for landscaping
o D) To heat residential water
Answer: B) To treat and dispose of household wastewater
Explanation: A septic system is designed to treat and dispose of wastewater from
household plumbing. It helps in breaking down and filtering the waste before it is
safely returned to the environment.
2. Which of the following best describes a septic tank?
o A) A tank that filters and cleans drinking water
o B) A tank that collects and partially treats wastewater
o C) A tank that stores rainwater for irrigation
o D) A tank that separates and stores hazardous waste
Answer: B) A tank that collects and partially treats wastewater
Explanation: A septic tank is a key component of a septic system where wastewater
from the home is collected and undergoes initial treatment through the processes of
settling and anaerobic digestion.
3. Which of the following is NOT a type of septic system?
o A) Conventional Septic System
o B) Aerobic Treatment Unit (ATU)
o C) Mound System
o D) Reverse Osmosis System
Answer: D) Reverse Osmosis System
Explanation: A reverse osmosis system is used for water purification, not wastewater
treatment. Conventional septic systems, ATUs, and mound systems are all types of
septic systems used for wastewater treatment.
4. What type of septic system is most commonly used for properties with shallow
soil depths?
o A) Conventional Septic System
o B) Mound System
o C) Chamber System
o D) Drip Irrigation System
Answer: B) Mound System
Explanation: A mound system is used in areas with shallow soil depth to provide
additional soil treatment by creating an elevated bed where treated effluent can be
dispersed.
1
, Florida (FL) Septic Tank Contractor
5. Which septic system type includes a secondary treatment process using air?
o A) Conventional Septic System
o B) Aerobic Treatment Unit (ATU)
o C) Sand Filter System
o D) Drip Irrigation System
Answer: B) Aerobic Treatment Unit (ATU)
Explanation: Aerobic Treatment Units (ATUs) use air (oxygen) to enhance the
biological treatment of wastewater, providing a secondary treatment process.
6. What is the function of the drainfield in a septic system?
o A) To collect wastewater from the house
o B) To distribute effluent into the soil for further treatment
o C) To provide air for aerobic treatment
o D) To store sludge and scum
Answer: B) To distribute effluent into the soil for further treatment
Explanation: The drainfield, or leach field, is where treated effluent is distributed
into the soil, allowing further treatment as it percolates through the soil.
7. What is the primary function of the septic tank baffle?
o A) To enhance the aerobic treatment process
o B) To prevent solids from leaving the tank and clogging the drainfield
o C) To provide access for tank maintenance
o D) To distribute effluent evenly into the drainfield
Answer: B) To prevent solids from leaving the tank and clogging the drainfield
Explanation: Baffles are designed to direct the flow of wastewater within the tank,
keeping solids from escaping and entering the drainfield, which could cause clogging
and system failure.
8. What role does the effluent filter play in a septic system?
o A) To filter solids out of the wastewater before it enters the tank
o B) To filter out large objects before they enter the drainfield
o C) To improve the efficiency of aerobic treatment
o D) To prevent clogging of the drainfield by removing small particles from the
effluent
Answer: D) To prevent clogging of the drainfield by removing small particles from
the effluent
Explanation: Effluent filters are installed in septic tanks to remove small particles
from the wastewater before it is distributed to the drainfield, helping to prevent
clogging.
2
, Florida (FL) Septic Tank Contractor
9. Which component of a septic system helps to separate the solids from the
liquids?
o A) Drainfield
o B) Distribution Box
o C) Septic Tank
o D) Effluent Filter
Answer: C) Septic Tank
Explanation: The septic tank is designed to separate solids from liquids through
settling and floating, allowing the liquid effluent to flow to the drainfield for further
treatment.
10. How often should a septic tank typically be pumped?
o A) Every 3 months
o B) Every 6 months
o C) Every 1 to 3 years
o D) Every 5 to 10 years
Answer: C) Every 1 to 3 years
Explanation: Septic tanks should be pumped out every 1 to 3 years, depending on the
system size, usage, and number of occupants, to prevent overflow and system failure.
11. Which of the following can indicate a problem with a septic system?
o A) Strong odors around the drainfield
o B) Healthy grass growth over the drainfield
o C) Clear, dry ground around the septic tank
o D) Low water bills
Answer: A) Strong odors around the drainfield
Explanation: Strong odors around the drainfield can indicate a problem with the
septic system, such as a backup or overflow.
12. What should be done if there is standing water over the drainfield?
o A) Ignore it, as it is normal
o B) Add more soil over the drainfield
o C) Contact a septic system professional for inspection
o D) Increase the use of chemicals to treat the wastewater
Answer: C) Contact a septic system professional for inspection
Explanation: Standing water over the drainfield can be a sign of system failure or
clogging and should be inspected by a professional to diagnose and address the issue.
13. Which household practice can help extend the life of a septic system?
o A) Using large amounts of bleach for cleaning
3
, Florida (FL) Septic Tank Contractor
o B) Disposing of grease and fats down the drain
o C) Using a garbage disposal for food waste
o D) Conserving water and avoiding excessive use of chemicals
Answer: D) Conserving water and avoiding excessive use of chemicals
Explanation: Conserving water and minimizing the use of harsh chemicals can help
maintain the balance of bacteria in the septic system, which is crucial for effective
wastewater treatment.
14. What is the purpose of a distribution box in a septic system?
o A) To collect and store wastewater
o B) To distribute effluent evenly to the drainfield
o C) To provide access for system maintenance
o D) To treat wastewater with chlorine
Answer: B) To distribute effluent evenly to the drainfield
Explanation: The distribution box evenly distributes effluent from the septic tank to
the drainfield, ensuring balanced flow and preventing overload of any single part of
the drainfield.
15. Which of the following actions should be avoided to prevent damage to a septic
system?
o A) Installing a riser for easy access
o B) Planting trees and shrubs near the septic system
o C) Regularly inspecting and pumping the tank
o D) Using septic-safe cleaning products
Answer: B) Planting trees and shrubs near the septic system
Explanation: Planting trees and shrubs near the septic system can lead to root
intrusion, which can damage the system's components and disrupt proper operation.
16. What is the main reason for a septic tank to develop a foul odor?
o A) Presence of high levels of nitrates
o B) Accumulation of sludge and scum
o C) Overflow of the drainfield
o D) Excessive use of water
Answer: B) Accumulation of sludge and scum
Explanation: A foul odor often indicates that the septic tank is full and needs
pumping or that there is a problem with the anaerobic digestion process.
17. Which component of a septic system is responsible for treating effluent before it
reaches the drainfield?
o A) Septic Tank
4
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through credit card or Stuvia-credit for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying these notes from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller nikhiljain22. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for $70.48. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.
