Southern Water and Soil - Septic Experts

Southern Water and Soil, Inc., designs, engineers, installs, and maintains septic systems throughout the Tampa, Florida area. SWS is your one stop septic expert. SWS can complete the septic system from soup to nuts. We would love to earn your septic system installation business.

If you have a failing septic system, don’t fret, call SWS and get your septic system evaluated. Septic tank physics is our specialty. We have cameras and tools to properly diagnose your septic system.

If you need a new septic system then give SWS a call we have the right machines to get your job done correctly. A properly installed septic system should last 18-30 years. SWS will provide the guidance and education you need to get your septic tank and drainfield properly installed and covered.

Do you need a mound septic system? Do you want a mound system? Let SWS show the septic system alternatives. We can give you the septic system education to help you decide which system is best.

Septic Service Company in Tampa, Florida– SWS Septic

By Taylor Sonoqui

If you are looking for a good septic company in Tampa, Florida then look no further than your local septic experts at Southern Water and Soil, Inc. Greg Mayfield is the owner of SWS, and he comes with a lot of septic system know-how! Greg’s experience includes working for the Florida Department of Health in Tampa as a septic system inspector and working as a septic system installer for SWS. Mayfield says, “Looking at septic systems from both sides of the fence gives one a different perspective than most septic system installers.” That is true! If you see the systems that have worked and the ones that have prematurely failed over the years then you can determine the best types of septic systems to install. SWS likes to install it right the first time. That is the philosophy behind SWS, “We want people to be educated about their septic system… Let’s help the consumer make an educated decision on what is being installed.” Learning about the different components and how a septic system works is important to the consumer. If educated about the septic system options, generally, septic system owners’ will make the decision to do it right the first time. The consumer has to live with this system for a number of years. Installing a system that meets code can still be designed wrong. Mayfield asks the right questions to get to your septic system needs under control. A one size fits all approach is not always best for the consumer. “We don’t just install systems to the minimum standards unless that is truly what the consumer wants and they know that is the decision they are making” says Mayfield. SWS tries to provide the information needed for the consumer to make the best educated decision and the needs for their septic system.

There are so many components to a properly performing septic system. We will try to go over some of the different septic systems in an effort to provide a basic septic system education. Standard Gravity Septic System –In a standard system that is powered by gravity the pipes allow sewage to enter the septic tank through piping under gravity power. Solids build up in the septic tank and the effluent carries on to a distribution device (i.e., distribution box, gravity manifold, step down boxes, etc.). The effluent then travels to the drainfield product (i.e., gravel, chambers, plastic pipes, tire chips, etc.) The final treatment is in the soil beneath the drainfield material where the soil soaks up and carries the effluent away. This is a critical component of the septic system working correctly.

Septic Tank and Drainfield Installation

Lift Dosing Septic System – In a lift dosing septic system there is an added component in the septic system. This added component is the septic lift tank or dosing tank. This is an additional tank added to the septic system after the standard septic tank. Generally, there is a filter installed in the septic tank that keeps the solids out of the lift dosing tank and consequently out of the drainfield. The reasons for installing a lift dosing tank is to overcome limitations that gravity can’t achieve. Usually, this limitation has something to do with the soils or water table in the area. Sometimes a mound system is required due to these limitations and it becomes necessary to install a dosing tank to lift the water up and into the distribution system.

Septic Drainfield Installation

Low Pressure Dosing System or Low Pressure Pipe System – A low pressure dosing system is a type of distribution system that utilizes pumps to achieve pressure in smaller diameter pipes (i.e., 1”, 1.5”, or 2” diameter). These pressurized systems provide even distribution of the effluent throughout the entire drainfield area. The small diameter pipe is installed in the drainfield product and has a blow off valve at the end for periodic flushing and pressure head testing.

Low Pressure Dosing System

Drip Irrigation System – A drip irrigation system can be used once you provide enough screening and treatment to allow flow through the small diameter pipes used for the drip dispersal. Drip irrigation provides many benefits to the homeowner. The system is more flexible and provides an excellent means of even distribution. Also, it provides nutrients directly to the plants roots. This method of disposal can be used to reduce fill requirements and lessen mound sizes. Many states require pre-treatment before dispersal into a drip irrigation system.

Drip Irrigation System

Aerobic Treatment System – An aerobic treatment system utilizes oxygen in the tank to provide additional biological treatment of the septic tank effluent. The benefits of an aerobic treatment system or aerobic treatment unit (ATU) is that these systems allow drainfield reductions. Therefore, if you need to fit a house on a small piece of property then these systems come in handy. Also, these systems can be used on other systems such as pre-treatment for drip irrigation systems and for people wishing to pro-long the life of their drainfield. An ATU with a regular sized drainfield can last a lot longer than an anerobic septic system.

Aerobic Treatment Unit

If you are looking for septic service in the Tampa, Florida area then SWS can definitely get you the septic system information that you need. SWS provides septic system design, septic system engineering, septic system installation, septic system maintenance, and site suitability analysis for new septic systems. SWS provides septic system service to Tampa, Lutz, Odessa, Wesley Chapel, Land O Lakes, Zephyrhills, Dade City, Brandon, Thonotosassa, Plant City, Riverview, Gibsonton, and Clearwater. Give SWS a call at 813-785-0500 or 813-857-5283.

Drain field Replacement

Southern Water and Soil, Inc., completed a drainfield replacement project in Lutz, Florida. The drainfield was expanded due to poor performance of the previous septic system. The original drainfield was much smaller in size and did not have enough drainfield installed for the amount of water used. If you are having drainfield drainage problems or slow draining plumbing due to your septic system drainfield then give SWS a call. We are available to diagnose your septic system problems. At SWS, we want you to be educated as to what is the best drainfield system for your home.

Having a fully trained septic contractor is very important. Here at SWS we go to training to continue our education. We do this in order to stay up to date on the latest trends. I just recently attended classes while in North Carolina at the Onsite Wastewater Training Facility at NC State. It is always interesting to learn how things are done in other States. I am the type person that enjoys learning and spreading the knowledge to homeowners and my employees.

Some of the things that was learned was how the same product that we use in Florida and how it is used in North Carolina. We learned about low pressure dosing systems, conventional septic systems, pressure manifolds, drip irrigation systems, ATU’s, and innovative systems. This very much like our facility in Florida at the Florida Onsite Wastewater facilty in Polk City.

Septic training facility at NC State.

Septic systems have many facets to them. It is always refreshing to hear how someone else solves problems. When you get contractors and consultants together you can hear how others solve problems. Taking that knowledge back to the employees is key.

Looking at how drainfields fail and why they fail are the keys to understanding why it is important to install upgrades to your septic system. We want to provide our customers with the best septic system at affordable prices.

Septic training facility

Southern Water and Soil, Inc., is the Tampa Bay Area’s most qualified septic company. SWS is a licensed septic contracting and engineering company. Whether your project is residential or commercial SWS can solve your situation. SWS strives to make their customers completely satisfied.

Commercial septic system installed in Florida. SWS is the commercial septic system experts.

Septic Tank and Drainfield Installation

SWS is septic company in Tampa that has the experience to get it done. We installed tight residential jobs that other installers couldn’t get installed or permitted. SWS can review your project to get the system to fit on your lot. The use of drip irrigation reduces the size of the system while providing beneficial reuse of the wastewater.

Geoflow drip irrigation system for wastewater reuse in Florida

Please call SWS today to get us to review project 1-813-785-0500.

Failed Drainfield System

There are many reasons that cause a septic system and drainfield fail. The technicians here at SWS have seen evidence of drainfield failure. We will go over some of the many reasons that can cause your drainfield to fail.

1. Excessive Water Use – Most people can’t afford an infinite sized drainfield. Therefore, water use should be monitored to achieve a happy medium between your drainfield size and your water use. In Florida, the soil type and particle size determine the size of your septic system drainfield. A sandy soil that has low organics in the soil can handle more water on a daily basis than a clayey soil that is limited in pore space.

2. Flushing Improper Things – Your septic tank is not a garbage can. Don’t flush items such as coffee grounds, fats, oils, and greases down the drain. Some people don’t even realize that they are doing something wrong. They take a bath in oils and allow these oils to drain right down the drain eventually destroying the drainfield with a coat of oil in the drainfield area.

3. Improper Sizing of Drainfield – In Florida, our sandy soils are very forgiving. However, with increased use of alternative drainfield products that receive drainfield size reductions septic system drainfields are being put in that are too small for needs of the family using the septic system. It is very important to understand the size requirements of your drainfield and the type of product that best suits your septic system needs.

4. Clogged Effluent Filter – Effluent filters are great for protecting your drainfield. If you know you have an effluent filter this can be one of the first steps to check during a septic problem.

Clogged Effluent Filter

5. Water Softners – The brine from water softners can cause the septic tank to become disrupted from its natural way of separating solids and liquids. This causes problems in the effluent filter, excessive water in the drainfield, and mineralized water entering the drainfield.

6. Biomat Build Up – Overtime a build up of organic material made up of bacteria, sludge, and dead organisms occur underneath the drainfield area. This build up seals off the infiltration surface and causes the drainfield to back up in the system and even into the house.

Biomat Clogged Drainfield

7. Excessive Tree Roots – Trees that are near the drainfield and tank cancause the system to be clogged with with roots in the pipes, tank, and drainfield. It is a good idea to not plant trees near your drainfield.

8. Distribution Box that is clogged or collapsed – The distribution box is a device that evenly distributes the septic tank effluent to the drainfield drain lines or leach field line. The build up from sludge and biomat can clog the distribution box. Also, heavy equipment can crush the D-Box allowing sand and debris to fill the voids inside the distribution box.

Clogged Distribution Box

If you are looking for commercial septic tank contractor in Florida, then you have come to the right spot. Southern Water and Soil, Inc., is a septic contracting and wastewater engineering company. In Florida, systems that are less than 10,000 gallons per day are regulated by The Florida Department of Health (FDOH) and systems that are over 10,000 gallons are regulated by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP). Commercial systems that have a flow greater than 5,000 gpd are regulated by FDEP.

Commercial septic system installed in Florida. SWS is the commercial septic system experts.

Commercial Septic Installation in Florida

Whether you need septic system engineering, installation, or maintenance you can always call SWS.  The team at SWS has years of experience in the septic and wastewater industry.

Prospective Homebuyer Beware!

By Amanda Furmage-Deck

Riser, Lid and Effluent Filter

All prospective homebuyers want to know the condition of a property before they purchase it. From the roof all the way down to the basement floor, it’s important to examine every inch of a home before making an investment worth thousands of dollars. Who would want to invest in a home housing a severe mold problem or leaky pipes? Although these issues are typically easy to locate, many homebuyers tend to overlook a critical aspect of the home that could later cost them even more money to replace or repair simply because it’s buried beneath the soil, out of view—the septic system.

When purchasing a new home serviced by a septic system, it’s first important to learn how a septic system works, especially if you are not familiar with the process. Conventional septic systems consist of a septic tank, a distribution box, and a drain field. First, waste from your home enters the septic tank where solid waste is separated from liquid waste. The solids either float to the top of the tank in the form of scum (grease, oil) or sink to the bottom in the form of sludge. Bacteria present within the tank decompose these solids into smaller particles which are later removed when the tank is pumped by a professional septic tank contractor, usually every three to five years depending on home water usage and septic tank size. In the meantime, liquid waste, or effluent flows out of the tank and into the distribution box where it is equally dispersed into the multiple drain field pipes. Finally, the wastewater slowly trickles down into the soil from the perforated pipes where it is further treated and purified.

Once you understand how a septic system works, it’s time to investigate. Ask the present homeowner about the system and try to gather as much information as you can such as pumping frequency, contractor used to pump and inspect, major repairs, and past performance. Also, have the homeowner show you the location of the septic tank so you can inspect the site for exterior structural integrity. If he/she can’t tell you where the septic tank is, then you can be sure no one has been maintaining it on a regular basis.

After personally investigating the septic tank of a prospective home, it’s time to hire a professional septic tank inspector to conduct special tests on the entire system. Consider Southern Water and Soil for your next septic system inspection. Their extensive 10-point inspection process will ensure each aspect of a septic system is working properly. In addition, owner Greg Mayfield—a past Florida Department of Health septic inspector—has the solid science, education, and career experience necessary to do the job right the first time. Through his 10-point inspection, Mayfield and his trusted team will examine the condition of every feature of the system, from the septic tank lid to the drain field soil.

Having a professional inspection completed before you purchase a home is extremely important. For example, if you already purchased the home, you’ll be responsible for installing a new septic system and footing the bill if the previous system is faulty. Yet if you catch the problem before purchase, you can either back out of the deal or the seller can agree to repair or replace the system.

So, prospective homebuyers beware! A damaged septic system can cost thousands of dollars to replace or repair. Don’t take the risk. Have the septic system inspected by a professional before purchase.

Prospective Homebuyer Beware!

By Amanda Furmage-Deck

All prospective homebuyers want to know the condition of a property before they purchase it. From the roof all the way down to the basement floor, it’s important to examine every inch of a home before making an investment worth thousands of dollars. Who would want to invest in a home housing a severe mold problem or leaky pipes? Although these issues are typically easy to locate, many homebuyers tend to overlook a critical aspect of the home that could later cost them even more money to replace or repair simply because it’s buried beneath the soil, out of view—the septic system.

When purchasing a new home serviced by a septic system, it’s first important to learn how a septic system works, especially if you are not familiar with the process. Conventional septic systems consist of a septic tank, a distribution box, and a drain field. First, waste from your home enters the septic tank where solid waste is separated from liquid waste. The solids either float to the top of the tank in the form of scum (grease, oil) or sink to the bottom in the form of sludge. Bacteria present within the tank decompose these solids into smaller particles which are later removed when the tank is pumped by a professional septic tank contractor, usually every three to five years depending on home water usage and septic tank size. In the meantime, liquid waste, or effluent flows out of the tank and into the distribution box where it is equally dispersed into the multiple drain field pipes. Finally, the wastewater slowly trickles down into the soil from the perforated pipes where it is further treated and purified.

Once you understand how a septic system works, it’s time to investigate. Ask the present homeowner about the system and try to gather as much information as you can such as pumping frequency, contractor used to pump and inspect, major repairs, and past performance. Also, have the homeowner show you the location of the septic tank so you can inspect the site for exterior structural integrity. If he/she can’t tell you where the septic tank is, then you can be sure no one has been maintaining it on a regular basis.

After personally investigating the septic tank of a prospective home, it’s time to hire a professional septic tank inspector to conduct special tests on the entire system. Consider Southern Water and Soil for your next septic system inspection. Their extensive 10-point inspection process will ensure each aspect of a septic system is working properly. In addition, owner Greg Mayfield—a past Florida Department of Health septic inspector—has the solid science, education, and career experience necessary to do the job right the first time. Through his 10-point inspection, Mayfield and his trusted team will examine the condition of every feature of the system, from the septic tank lid to the drain field soil.

Having a professional inspection completed before you purchase a home is extremely important. For example, if you already purchased the home, you’ll be responsible for installing a new septic system and footing the bill if the previous system is faulty. Yet if you catch the problem before purchase, you can either back out of the deal or the seller can agree to repair or replace the system.

So, prospective homebuyers beware! A damaged septic system can cost thousands of dollars to replace or repair. Don’t take the risk. Have the septic system inspected by a professional before purchase.

SWS Three-Step Maintenance

By Amanda Furmage-Deck

Everyone knows that in order to increase the life of a vehicle, it must undergo routine, preventive maintenance which can include changing the engine oil, replacing the brake pads, and adjusting the alignment. In addition, the exterior of a vehicle should be washed and waxed on a regular basis to ensure the removal of dust, dirt, grime and any other foreign materials that could adhere to and damage the paint.

Caring for a septic system is just like caring for a vehicle in that a decentralized wastewater system’s life can be extended through routine, preventive maintenance. The experts at Southern Water and Soil, Inc. perform a three-step maintenance program in order to increase the longevity of your septic system.

1.      Regular Septic Tank Pumping Service

Many contractors recommend that a septic tank be pumped every three to five years. However, not all septic systems are the same. Southern Water and Soil will examine the size of your tank, the age of the system, the number of occupants in the home, if you use a garbage disposal, the amount of laundry done per week within the home, and the drain field soil before deciding how often your septic tank should be pumped.

Routine, preventive septic system maintenance is extremely important. Just like a vehicle, repairing or replacing a failing wastewater treatment system can be extremely expensive. When compared to replacing an entire septic system for thousands of dollars, routine pumping prices are significantly less, averaging just $100 to $300 per year.

Secondly, clogged or damaged septic systems can result in an expensive and unwanted mess. Not only can toilets back up after flushing and foul odors saturate the air, but toxic sewage can appear on the surface of your lawn which can generate severe threats to public health, pollute nearby bodies of water used for commercial and recreational activities, and decrease property values.

2.      Bacteria and Enzyme Additive

Southern Water and Soil, Inc. will go the extra mile to ensure the safety of your family, your community, and the environment by adding one cup of a bacteria and enzyme additive to your system at the time of service. This additive keeps your waste water pipes clean, destroys plumbing odors, and decomposes organic waste. Rather than pouring a commercial chemical additive down your drain that can potentially destroy the beneficial drain field bacteria, put your trust in SWS’s proven bacteria and enzyme septic tank shock treatment.

3.      Effluent Filter

A septic tank effluent filter is an important aspect of a wastewater treatment system as it acts as a strainer, preventing hair, grime, and other solid particles from entering and clogging the drain field pipes. Therefore, solids are retained in the tank, enhancing their decomposition. Southern Water and Soil recommends this filtration unit be cleaned during each septic tank pumping.

If it’s time for your septic system to undergo routine, preventive maintenance, and you live in Hillsborough, Pasco, or Pinellas Counties, contact Southern Water and Soil today. You can trust them for their experience, quality products, and quality customer service. Don’t wait until it’s too late!

Diagnosing a Drain Field Failure

By Amanda Furmage-Deck

When household plumbing features back up, effluent appears on the surface of your lawn, and foul odors permeate the air, your septic system may be damaged. Although a simple septic tank pumping can solve most wastewater problems, sometimes the issue may lurk below the surface. Your drain field may be in danger.

As discussed in the previous post, drain fields play a vital role within the septic system. After exiting the septic tank, wastewater flows into the drain field pipes where it’s later absorbed and cleaned by the soil below. The drain field is an on-site wastewater recycling center and, without this significant feature, your septic system will not work.

Not only do the experts at Southern Water and Soil, Inc. install new drain fields, they will also repair failing drain field systems. Owner Greg Mayfield has over 20 years experience in environmental science and wastewater management and can quickly diagnose any drain field dilemma. Below are some things Southern Water and Soil will look for when examining your failing drain field.

Broken Drain Field Pipes

Drain field pipes can be found deep beneath your grassy lawn. However, activity taking place on the surface can cause significant damage to your system. Building structures such as patios, pools, and carports on top of, driving and parking vehicles over, and allowing large livestock to graze around the drain field can compact the surrounding soil. Soil compaction can result in depleted soil oxygen levels and cracked pipes. Nearby trees and shrubs can also break drain pipes as roots are attracted to the nutrient-rich soil surrounding the drain field.

Water Saturated Drain Field Soil Absorption Area

High water tables, poor soil conditions, and rainfall run-off can flood the soil absorption area that lies below the drain field pipes. When the soil absorption area is saturated, effluent can’t move down. Instead, untreated wastewater will seep up onto the surface of your lawn.

Unbalanced Bio-mat Bacteria

Two types of bacteria are present in a conventional septic drain field: aerobic (uses oxygen) and anaerobic (doesn’t use oxygen). When nutrient-rich wastewater enters the soil absorption area, a natural bio-mat or biofilm forms. This layer is composed of beneficial aerobic and anaerobic bacteria that slow down the flow of effluent while breaking down organic waste and removing pathogens at the same time. Without the bio-mat, wastewater would not be treated and could pollute the water table.

Bio-Mat Under Drainfield

The more a septic system is used, the less aerobic bacteria is present in the soil. As a result, anaerobic bacteria builds up and slows down the draining system to the point that the soil cannot absorb any more water. An unbalanced bio-film can cause the entire septic system to fail.

Tipped Distribution Box

Effluent enters the distribution box, or D-box, before flowing into the drain field pipes. The purpose of D-box is to ensure effluent is distributed evenly throughout the drain field system. On occasion, the D-box can tip or clog, causing one drain field line to flood.

Clogged Drain Field Pipes

When septic tanks aren’t pumped regularly, solids can build up in the tank and enter the drain field. Most of the time, these solids are composed of biodegradable materials that can be removed with special products or equipment. Yet, sometimes non-biodegradable substances such as disposable diapers and plastic products can clog the pipes, causing more significant damage to your septic system. To prevent sludge and scum build-up in your drain field lines, follow these helpful guidelines.

When your drain field is a problem, Southern Water and Soil, Inc. has the cost-effective solution you need. Be sure to call the SWS experts before a septic system disaster occurs.