Little can go wrong with the septic tank itself. Tanks sometimes suffer structural damage and/or deteriorate, but problems occur most often in the plumbing or in the drainfield.

If your plumbing backs up suddenly under normal use in dry weather, temporary blockage is the most probable cause. Blockages in the pipe between the home and septic tank can usually be cleared with plumbing equipment. Some pipe blockages caused by tree roots entering the drainpipes develop over a period of time. A professional may be able to clear these blockages.

More serious difficulties occur when the soil surrounding the drainfield becomes clogged. When sludge and scum is not removed periodically (every three years for dwellings and every year for commercial establishments) from the tank, they accumulate until they are transported out into the drainfield. The carry-over of solids from the septic tank is the most common cause of drainfield failure. When no maintenance is performed, the perforated distribution drain pipe or the pores in the earth walls of the soil absorption system become clogged.

You can suspect a malfunctioning drainfield if:

1. There are odors, persistent wet spots and/or lush green growth in any areas of your system.

2. Your drains becomes sluggish over a period of time.

3. Your system backs up into a shower or tub.

4. Problems persist even though the septic tank has been pumped/cleaned recently.

5. Strong odors in the yard.

Contact Southern Water and Soil for a free estimate for your septic system needs. 

You want to hire an inspector that says he or she will locate and unearth each and every component of your septic system and inspect it. You do NOT want an inspector that comes out and merely walks around your yard. This is not an inspection, and it will not tell you the system is functioning properly or what needs attention.

While doing the inspection, Southern Water and Soil will look into each opening of the septic tank, making sure the baffles are OK, the tank is not showing signs of backup and failure, and measure the depth of the scum layer and sludge layer.  Southern Water and Soil uses a sludge judge, a hollow tube used to measure the depth of the sludge at the bottom of the tank.  This allows Southern Water and Soil to determine how long it has been since the tank has been maintenanced and if it needs to be pumped out.

A good inspector, such as Southern Water and Soil, will also locate and open up the distribution box, and inspect it to ensure each tile line is receiving the same amount of effluent, and all are draining properly. This inspection will also show if solids have been allowed to escape the tank. (An early warning sign of possible failure down the road.) Looking into the distribution box is probably the most telling part of the inspection process.

Lastly, Southern Water and Soil will probe the drain lines and make sure they look good.

This type of thorough inspection will cost you more money than the bogus walk about inspections, but it will be money well spent. If you are purchasing a home on a septic system, Southern Water and Soil’s thorough inspection will alert you to possible huge expenses that could be incurred if the system is failing. Better to negotiate this up front!

So be sure to interview inspectors on the phone to find out if they will locate and inspect each component. Southern Water and Soil encourages the homeowner to be present at the time of the inspection so they can educate the homeowner as they are conducting the inspection.  Southern Water and Soil will provide the homeowner, realtor, and/ or mortgage lender with a written report of the inspection.

• ·         I need a new septic tank
• ·         Someone just drove over my backyard and now my septic system is not working.  How do I know if I have damaged my system?
• ·         A tree has grown over my drainfield and my toilets make a gurgling noise and I have slow drains.
• ·         My septic is backing up.
• ·         I want to build a new home or an addition.
• ·         My yard is flooded and it has not rained in weeks.
• ·         My yard has a very strong odor.
• ·         How do I know whether the septic system is properly designed and large enough to serve the number of people in my home?
• ·         My tank was pumped and the company said I need a drainfield repair.

Services provided by Southern Water and Soil, a Licensed Septic System Contractor

Southern Water and Soil, a licensed Septic System Contractor can assist in all of the above services and more.   Southern Water and Soil services include but not limited to:

• ·         Inspections of septic systems including tanks, drainfields, pumps, etc
• ·         Septic tank pumping
• ·         Installation and Repairs of drainfields
• ·         Rejuvenation of failing drainfields
• ·         Engineering
• ·         Complex system designs and solutions
• ·         Maintenance of septic systems

Southern Water and Soil provides free estimates and cost effective solutions for all your septic needs.

The nature of the work that septic system contractors perform requires that they be properly trained and licensed, such as, Southern Water and Soil, a Licensed Septic System Contractor.

Septic system contractors install, repair and clean wastewater treatment systems. In Florida, before contractors can start to perform on-site work on septic or sewage disposal systems they must be licensed by the Department Of Health.  To insure that septic system workers comply with the requirement, the department maintains a list of licensed septic system contractor. Southern Water and Soil is recognized by the DOH as a Licensed Septic System Contractor.

If you are lucky, you may have relatives, or neighbors who can recommend a Licensed Septic System Contractor. When personal recommendations are not available, you have to be extra diligent.   When trying to choose between septic contractors, be aware that if your new home has a lot with difficult soil conditions, or an unusual layout, you may need to install a more complex septic system that will cost more than your average installed septic system.  The more complex the septic system is, the more important it is to find the right septic contractor for the job.  Southern Water and Soil, a Licensed Septic System Contractor has installed numerous complex systems and has an engineer and former DOH inspector on staff to assist and answer any questions.

Septic Contractors need a professional design of your septic system to know exactly what installing your septic system entails. The materials required, the location, shape, size and capacity of the septic tank should be specified on the design. Make sure the septic contractors give you a price quote for the entire project to include cost of all materials and labor.  As a Licensed Septic System Contractor, Southern Water and Soil will provide a detailed quote listing several solutions for your septic system problems.

Always ask Septic Contractors for references. Follow up on these references. Ask if the contractor is a Licensed Septic System Contractor and whether the job was done in a timely and professional manner. Also, did the septic contractor cause as little damage as possible to the surrounding site? How has the septic system operated since the installation? Has it done so properly without any problems?  Southern Water and Soil, a Licensed Septic System Contractor will provide a reference list for all jobs quoted.

Also, make sure that the septic contractors have all the proper insurance. Remember, this Septic Contractor is going to be installing a vital part of your home. You will want to make sure that you are protected in every way. Make sure the septic contractor has a valid certificate of insurance before the Septic Contractors begin their work.  Southern Water and Soil, a Licensed Septic System Contractor can supply current and up to date insurance coverage information.  We encourage the homeowner to contact our insurance company to verify the insurance is in place and up to date. 

When you award the contract for the work, be sure it details the cost, payment schedule, start date and an estimated completion date. Make sure a guarantee of the work is specified in the contract. Let your septic contractor get the supplies necessary to install your new septic tank and septic system. There are a number of different materials and components needed for a septic system, including the septic tank and related components like septic sand and piping. It is best for the homeowner to leave it to the Licensed Septic System Contractor, such as Southern Water and Soil; after all, that is the reason you did all of the research on them beforehand. The contractor must order a large amount of material to begin the job and will probably need a substantle deposit before the work begins.  Southern Water and Soil, a Licensed Septic System Contractor will provide a contract before they begin the work on the system.  This protects all parties involved, leaving no questions unanswered.

If you are looking for a professional, Licensed Septic System Contractor, contact Southern Water and Soil. Southern Water and Soil will make you feel confident in your decision and in the work they have contracted to perform.

Most homeowners are not general contractors, plumbers or engineers so recognizing potential problems with their septic system may not be easy.

If you’re like most homeowners in Tampa, you overlook signs from your septic system until a real problem occurs – a toilet overflows or your backyard is a smelly swamp. Unfortunately, by the time a problem occurs, you may be facing expensive septic repair bills.

So what are some early signs that your septic tank system is not working correctly?

Odd noises and gurgling toilets – your septic system should run quietly. When you notice weird noises also look for issues with toilets, sinks and drains. Are they operating properly? Is there a bad smell?

Toilets and sinks are slow to drain – this may be a sign that sewage is starting to back up within the system. You don’t want that!

Drains and toilets backing up – look for discoloration in the water in toilets as well as a bad smell. Toilets that don’t flush properly and fully should be fixed quickly

Wet or smelly yard – this may indicate a leak in the system or breakdowns with the drain field. No one wants a sewage swamp in their yard. Extra green grass in just one spot could be a sign too.

It’s important to become familiar with how your septic systems works when it’s operating properly. This way, you’re sure to notice the signs of an broken system that is in need of repair.

If you’re experiencing any of these issues, you should call a septic expert who can address the problems for you. Most good septic companies in the counties surrounding Tampa (Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas, Manatee and Polk) can have a septic engineer out to you very quickly.

If you live in the greater Tampa Bay area and own a home or business that operate off of a septic system, there are some important tips that you need to keep in mind. These helpful septic tips are designed to help keep your system problem free for the long term.

Inspect your septic system regularly – a scheduled maintenance plan put together by your local septic repair and installation expert will save you money in the long run.

Pump out your tank every 3 to 5 years – a system that is not pumped will eventually clog and begin to fail. Maintenance is much cheaper than repairs!

Do not build or pave on top of your septic tank or field lines – this actually happens more than you can imagine! Weighted pressure on top of tanks and lines will eventually cause failure, making repair extra difficult and costly because of the existing structures.

Limit what you put down the sink or toilet – grease, chemicals and paint should not enter your system.

Call a reputable septic tank company when you have problems – many companies offer septic repair services. Make sure you do your homework and look for licensed and experienced engineers who have a clean work records and criminal records.

Septic systems are designed and engineered to last a long time. If you take precautions and utilize your septic system properly, you should avoid most septic issues.

Regular maintenance is also very important. Just like servicing your car or your heating and air conditioning system, septic system maintenance should be done at regular intervals by septic professionals.

Installing a new septic system in the greater Tampa Bay area requires a lot of thought and planning.

Where will the tank location be? Where should the drain field be installed? What are the best septic products to use? Will the septic tank capacity handle the amount of planned usage of my household, business or commercial application?

While most people have a general budget regarding the amount of money they want to spend on a new septic installation, cost shouldn’t be the only deciding factor.

Other than cost, what other factors should you consider when installing a septic system for your home or business?

Hire trusted septic professionals – first and foremost, if you make the right decision when hiring a septic installation company you will end up saving yourself money in the long run. If they’re experienced professionals, they will be able to guide you through the steps for a successful installation.

A septic expert or septic engineer will help you with the planning and design of your system, plus any permitting required by the county of Hillsborough or other counties in Florida. They will be able to answer all of the questions you have about septic tanks, pumps, drain fields and anything else you might need to know about your system.

Use quality products – your septic engineer should provide you with options to choose from when purchasing septic equipment. You want to use the best and most reliable products your budget can afford.

Money invested in good quality septic equipment now is money you won’t have to spend in the future for repairs or septic breakdowns.

Look for quality service – your septic engineer should be your partner. You want someone you can rely on to provide you with good advice and who will trouble-shoot potential problems before they happen.

Also look for a septic company that will provide you with options for regularly scheduled septic maintenance. Heading off septic issues before they happen and maintaining a your system will save you money over the years.

Cost shouldn’t be the only consideration when installing a new septic system. The old adage “you get what you pay for” is certainly true when you’re talking about septic solutions!

What makes Southern Water and Soil, Inc. Tampa’s Septic Experts?

We can handle everything from repair to engineering to design to installation of septic systems. We can also make it easy for a homeowner or business because we will handle permitting as well. Plus, we offer maintenance support for septic systems to ensure you always have the support you need.

You really do handle all parts of the septic repair or installation projects?

Yes, our team of professionals will handle all parts of a septic project. We can also work with other architects, general contractors or other engineers to help find septic solutions for our customers.

Is every septic system installation the same?

No, not at all. Each septic problem we encounter in the greater Tampa Bay area is a little bit different. Fortunately, we are experienced septic engineers and have worked on so many projects that we’ve seen just about everything. With each residential or commercial project, we will customize our proposals and our action plan so they solve the customer’s specific septic issues.

Do you work with residential and commercial customers?

Yes, our engineering background allows us to work on both residential and commercial septic projects. We’ve installed complete septic systems for mobile home parks, private businesses and shopping centers as well as many other commercial properties. We also work homeowners who face a variety of septic issues.

Do you work all across Florida?

We will work with customers across the entire state, especially for large scale commercial septic installation projects. Most of our residential septic customers are within the greater Tampa Bay area including Tampa, Brandon, Lutz, Plant City, Zephyrhills, Land O’ Lakes, Dade City and Odessa.