North Port woman dies after falling into septic tank while gardening

A 74-year-old woman was found dead in the septic tank of her North Port home on Tuesday after police say she fell into it while gardening.

According to the North Port Police Department, the woman was watering plants outside her home on Andalusia Street when she fell into her septic tank through a large hole, possibly from the lid suddenly caving in.

Authorities have not released her name but it’s clear her neighbors loved her.

Neighbors said she always baked and cooked for them and she was often found gardening.

North Port police are investigating the incident.

Yellow caution tape blocked off the scene and a sign was posted warning of danger.

“Ours is like right here in the front yard. My husband’s driven over it. We have, you know, limited space and a lot of vehicles. So, but they said she was just watering your plants? And somehow? I don’t know. It’s tough to crack that. I do not understand it. It’s such a horrible thing, because such a nice person,” said Carol Westenberg. “You still keep thinking. She’s over there.”

Westenberg said it’s scary to think you can just fall in.

Tens of thousands of people in Southwest Florida have septic tanks.

What can people do to keep this from happening?

Inspect it every five years, said Martin Guffey, president of Martin Septic Service.

A full septic tank could show signs.

Those include slow drains, sewage backup, abnormally green grass or a bad odor outside.

An inspection could cost anywhere from $100 to $900 depending on how long it’s been.

“A typical lid on a septic residential septic tank is three inches thick. Over a period of time, if a person doesn’t pump their septic tank, the waste strength inside of it is more aggressive to the concrete,” Guffey said.

That means the concrete could rot away.

“Just maintain, maintain your system, be there when they pump and educate yourself. I mean, education is the key,” Guffey said.