Connecting to Gravity Sewers
CITY OF SANIBEL PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
800 DUNLOP ROAD
SANIBEL, FL 33957
PHONE: (239) 472-1008
Fax: (239) 472-6041
RE: Sanibel Sewer System Availability
Florida Statute 381.00655 (1) (a) requires connection to a public or privately owned sewer system when a building is constructed.
Here are the steps that must be taken in order to connect to the system:
A Wastewater Service Availability Agreement must be filled out. Return the agreement to: The City of Sanibel Public Works Department between 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, or mail to the above address. Your plumber cannot pull the permit until this form is received.
Obtain a plumbing permit from the City's Building Department (A licensed plumber can secure these permits.)
If needed, you may contact Sunshine One-Call at 1 (800) 542-0088 and ask for a locate of your sewer connection tap. Requests for locates require 48 hours notice.
If the home is connected to a septic system, the following steps must be taken:
Licensed plumber disconnects building sewer from septic tank and connects to City Sewer System. An inspection of this connection is required while the trench is still open. This inspection includes the slope of the line, size and type of pipe materials, at the point of connection. Please call the City of Sanibel Building Department to schedule an inspection at (239) 472-8321 providing permit number, site address and type of inspection.
The septic tank must be completely drained by a contractor licensed to pump and haul its contents.
The septic tank is then crushed or collapsed in a manner that will prevent the tank from holding water, either by punching a hole in the bottom of the tank or collapsing its sidewalls. A licensed septic installer or a licensed plumbing contractor can do this work. For alternatives to this procedure, please contact the Department of Health & Rehabilitative Services at (239) 458-7025.
The remaining hole is then filled with clean sand or other suitable material to prevent a safety hazard, and is then graded.
After these procedures have been completed, please call the Sanibel Building Department Inspection Line at (239) 472-8321 and provide: permit number, location address, and indicate septic tank abandonment inspection.
The estimated cost to tie into the City's sewer system and abandon the septic tank is approximately $2,000. Once tied into the system, you will begin to receive quarterly billings from the City for sewer service.
Please contact (239) 472-1008 if you have any further questions on the above or the Finance Department at (239) 472-9615 for any questions regarding sewer user fees or assessments.
City of Sanibel
Public Works Department