Southern Water and Soil - Septic Experts

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

There are many types of septic systems to choose from. SWS will provide some septic systems that are available to you as a property owner or property manager.

Conventional Septic Tank System

Conventional septic tank systems are best suited where the water table is deep underground. The conventional septic system will provide primary treatment of the sewage. The sewage will leave the house and flow into a septic tank. The solids and liquids will separate in the septic tank. The solids will settle to the bottom and the liquids will carry through to the distribution box or header pipe of the drainfield system. The distribution header or distribution box will evenly distribute the effluent into the drainfield laterals.

Mound Septic Tank System

A mound septic tank system is best utilized when there are soil and water table limitations. Florida septic rules require separations from the seasonal high water table and soil layers that limit water percolation rates. Research completed at the University of South Florida lysimeter station discovered that unsaturated soil beneath the septic drainfield removed many chemical and biological constituents in the septic tank effluent. This discovery changed the septic tank rules here in Florida requiring mound and excavated septic tank systems where there are soil and water limitations.

Drip Irrigation Systems

In Florida, drip irrigation systems can be utilized after an aerobic treatment unit. A drip irrigation system reduces the size of your septic system due to several factors. The drip is a .5 inch tube that is installed into the native soil or into a excavated bed. The mere fact that the product takes less room there are also reductions in shoulder and mound system requirements.

Aerobic Treatment Unit Systems

An aerobic treatment unit is best used on small lots, near water bodies, and large septic systems. When there needs to be reduction of the septic tank system then an ATU system is the best septic tank alternative. These systems come with maintenance contracts and annual fees. However, the systems don’t require typical drain fields. The disposal method of the aerobic treatment unit is mainly drip irrigation or drip reuse. One can use a regular drainfield product such as PTI or Infiltrator Chambers too.

Performance Based Treatment Systems

Performance based treatment systems or PBTS units are used for drainfield size reductions, septic system modifications to achieve higher flow rates, to achieve a lot flow allowance, allow more septic tank flow, allow more bedrooms or larger home that would not otherwise be allowed by conventional septic tank systems.

If you are in the Tampa, Florida Area and you need septic tank system please give SWS a call! SWS serves Tampa, Lutz, Brandon, Plant City, Odessa, Riverview, Gibsonton, Zephyrhills, Land O Lakes, Valrico, Dade City, Wesley Chapel

Features of Norweco’s Singulair Residential Aerobic Treatment System

1. Precast Concrete Tank: The Singulair tank, access risers and covers are reinforced precast concrete manufactured locally by your factory-trained, licensed Norweco distributor.

2. Inlet: Untreated wastewater enters the system here.

3. Pretreatment Chamber: Wastewater enters at the Singulair inlet and is equalized here as anaerobic bacteria and gravity precondition it.

4. Aeration Chamber: Safe, living aerobic bacteria convert the wastewater into stable substances.

5. Singulair Aerator: Our exclusive aerator infuses the fresh air that safe, living microorganisms require to fully digest and treat wastewater inside the aeration chamber.

6. Clarification Chamber: Flow equalization enhances the settling of biologically active substances inside the Clarification Chamber.

7. Bio-Kinetic System: Our Bio-Kinetic system combines filtration, settling, non-mechanical flow equalization, optional disinfection, adjustable outlet weir and optional dechlorination features into a single package.

8. Outlet: Only a clear, safe and odorless liquid exits the system here for return to the environment.

Norweco’s Aerobic Treatment Systems

Singulair Residential Wastewater Treatment System

The Singulair system is the state-of-the-art alternative to a troublesome septic tank for domestic wastewater treatment. Employing the extended aeration process, the Singulair plant provides flow equalization, pretreatment, aeration, clarification, tertiary filtration and optional chemical addition within a single precast concrete tank. The only mechanical component is the fractional horsepower aerator, which runs at 1725 RPM and is certified with a 30 minute per hour run time. The patented Bio-Kinetic device is an integral component and assures that all flow through the Singulair system is equalized and completely treated.

Designed for domestic wastewater flows ranging from 500 to 1,500 gallons per day, performance of the Singulair system is certified by NSF International and the Canadian Standards Association. Sold only through local, licensed, factory-trained distributors, the Singulair system is backed by Norweco’s fifty year warranty and exchange program. The Singulair system is a trouble-free answer to domestic wastewater disposal and insures a safe, sanitary home environment.

Modulair Package Wastewater Treatment System

The Modulair wastewater treatment plant is the most reliable, maintenance-free method of wastewater treatment available for commercial, industrial or small municipal applications. With system capacities ranging from 1,500 to 500,000 gallons per day, Modulair plants are pre-engineered to accommodate current, as well as future treatment needs. Modulair plants employ the extended aeration process to quickly and efficiently oxidize organic compounds in the most cost-effective manner.

The Modulair system can be easily enlarged or modified and has the flexibility for any treatment requirement, including pretreatment, AFE, ASH, tertiary, disinfection, denitrification and phosphorous removal. Non-clog Evenair diffusers reduce plant maintenance and the Air-lift surface skimmer simplifies maintenance. Heavy-duty reinforced precast concrete tanks provide durability and long life to each Modulair plant. The Modulair system is installed and serviced only by local, licensed, factory-trained distributors. Each system is sold complete including, delivery, tank setting, equipment installation, start-up, service and single-source warranty.

Travalair Package Wastewater Treatment System

The Travalair wastewater treatment plant effectively treats wastewater flows up to 500,000 gallons per day for commercial, industrial or small municipal applications. The unique Travalair drive unit is installed in a weatherproof cabinet at the end of the settling tank. The drive unit automatically operates the sludge return and surface skimmer, eliminating manual scraping of the hopper and saving time and money.

Precast wall sections with Norweco’s double seal beam insure a positive tank seal and rugged structural stability. All sidewalls are erected on precast guide rails, then the finished floor is poured inside. This eliminates the need for a foundation slab and assures a positive seal. Non-clog Evenair diffusers eliminate periodic cleaning and reduce plant maintenance, while automatic spray nozzles control foaming in the aeration chamber. Pre-engineered for convenient design and installation, the Travalair has the flexibility to adapt to site specific conditions. Each system is sold, installed and serviced by local, licensed, factory-trained distributors.

TNT Total Nitrogen Treatment System

The Singulair Model TNT is the best and most cost-effective wastewater treatment system for domestic nutrient reduction. Certified performance data from NSF International verifies that the average effluent produced by the TNT system contains 7 mg/L Nitrate, 12 mg/L Total Nitrogen, 4 mg/L CBOD5 and 9 mg/L Total Suspended Solids. The Singulair Model TNT reduces Total Nitrogen by more than 68%.

Featuring flow equalization, effluent filtration and the lowest electrical usage in the industry, this advanced treatment unit biologically oxidizes nitrogen compounds to accomplish nitrification and denitrification. Designed for easy installation, operation and maintenance, the Model TNT system minimizes effluent nitrogen concentrations reliably and economically. The Singulair Model TNT system delivers state-of-the-art performance without requiring effluent recirculation or the addition of dangerous chemicals. All treatment is efficiently accomplished within the precast concrete Singulair tank.

Affordable and reliable treatment that can be easily installed makes the Singulair Model TNT the best choice for nutrient reduction in onsite treatment and disposal systems for compliance with the most stringent effluent standards. The Singulair Model TNT is available only through local, licensed, factory trained Norweco distributors, and leads the way in innovative onsite treatment technology

Features of Clearstream Wastewater Treatment Systems

The Clearstream Wastewater Treatment System is a highly efficient “extended aeration” sewage treatment plant. This system, through aeration and clarification, provides a proper environment for aerobic bacteria and other micro-organisms that convert the incoming sewage into clear, odorless, and organically stable water. Test results taken from actual in-service applications of Clearstream Systems average consistently below the United States Environmental Protection Agency requirements for direct discharge of treated effluent.

Because of the high quality of effluent discharged from the Clearstream System, many alternative methods of disposal are made possible. Some regulatory agencies allow direct discharge of the effluent to streams, lakes, bays and other bodies of water. Where the regulatory agency does not allow direct discharge of treated effluent, many alternative on-site disposal methods may be used. Spray irrigation and drip irrigation of lawns, pastures, landscape beds, or even golf courses are common reuse methods. With additional accessories, the recycle of effluent is made possible for many other non-potable water uses.

In areas with very slow percolating soils and/or high water tables, wastewater may surface even on new absorption systems. In areas with soils that percolate too fast, in rocky terrain, or in areas with high water tables, the effluent from a septic tank can move through the soil with little soil treatment, thus polluting underground water supplies or surface waters. In all the above cases, the discharge from the Clearstream System, when coupled with properly designed accessories, can prevent these type health hazards or pollution problems.

The simple compact design of the Clearstream System makes it easy to install and maintain. The 115V aerator uses very little electricity and is easily replaced in less than five minutes. The durable, high quality aerator will last many years and is very inexpensive to repair or replace. A Clearstream audio visual alarm panel will notify the homeowner immediately in the event of component or accessory malfunction.

The Clearstream Model 500N Wastewater Treatment System has been extensively tested by NSF, International under the lengthy and in-depth testing procedures of the NSF, International Standard 40. Clearstream test results averaged as low as 5 mg/I CBOD and 5 mg/I TSS. All Clearstream Standard 40 Models 500N, 600N, 750N, 1000N, and 1500N are classified as Class 1 systems with or without the optional Model 1100 Filter.