4 Reasons Why You Should Call A Local Tampa Septic Repair Company

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.

Southern Water and Soil, Inc., is Hillsborough, Polk, Pasco, and Pinellas Counties septic repair installation company. If you are in the Tampa Bay Area and want a reputable septic tank installation and drainfield repair company then look no further! SWS has years of septic experience. If you need a septic repair company SWS can diagnose and solve your septic system problems. If you are in Tampa Bay Area and need a your septic system evaluated for a septic repair installation then you can trust SWS.

Greg Mayfield, R.S., R.S.C., C.E.H.P., is the owner of Southern Water and Soil, Inc., and provides clients with complete septic solutions and multiple options for their septic system needs. Greg has worked for the Department of Health as a septic inspector and understands what is needed to make your septic system work. If you are in the Tampa area and you are looking for a septic company that performs drainfield installations or septic system designs you have found the right company.

Septic Repair Installation

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

If gurgling in the toilet or back up in the bathtub has you asking about septic tank pumping cost then it is time to start doing some research.  SWS will give you the information you need to keep from paying an arm and a leg for your septic system problem. Proper septic tank maintenance means that you will have your septic system serviced every two to three years to keep the system from getting build-up.  The cost of pumping or cleaning the septic tank will depend on the amount of solids build-up and the size of your tank.

Regular septic tank maintenance is necessary to eliminate future septic problems and cost for you.  You can use a bacteria/enzyme product that is approved by the Florida Department of Health to create a healthy environment for you septic system and drainfield. SWS can install a header pipe or distribution box system that allows the introduction of the bacteria and enzymes directly to the root of the problem. You can purchase a maintenance and warranty package from SWS so that costly septic repairs and replacement costs are waylaid. Some products for the septic system should be avoided. Call SWS and we can discuss safe and useful products for your septic system.

There are many options when it comes to septic system repair, drainfield cleaning, or drain cleaning or repairing. Depending on your situation and septic problem you could be looking at a major expense in both the septic tank plumbing cost and the cost of redoing your lawn. SWS offers trenchless repairs such as (line jetting, bacterial bio-reactors, and bacteria and enzymes, root inhibitor, etc.). Due to the age of the system or the condition of the drainfield or the nature of the failure it might be the best alternative to completely replace the drainfield.

SWS offers advice and consultation for homeowners that want to do the work themselves. DIY septic is probably not something you want to tackle yourself. However, if you do want to tackle doing your septic repairs yourself SWS is here to help. This is a job better left in the hands of a professional. SWS offers free quotes for septic system replacements and we can do the job for you.

Try to get several quotes up front rather than relying on the first contractor you speak to. Septic tank cleaning and repair services will vary in price with the amount of work to be done. Check with the Better Business Bureau to find a reputable, dependable service to ensure you get the best work and the best septic tank service.

Septic System Design and Engineering

Residential • Commercial

SWS is your single source solution for services, which means you get accountability from the beginning to the completion of your project.  We are able to combine the cost of the engineering, permitting, installation, and maintenance with our full circle of services.

Design and Engineering 

When an actual site engineering project is defined either by a concept plan, an architectural study or other means, SWS designs final site plan packages from the simplest single family home addition site plan to more complex, multi-tenanted major shopping center projects. The design of a new septic system or the repair of an existing system begins with the needs and wants of the client.

Services

We provide wastewater solutions and installation services for homeowners, engineers, developers, builders, and general contractors in the following areas:

• Wastewater System Installation
• Septic Tank Installation
• Septic Tank Pump Outs
• Septic Tank Design
• Wastewater Design
• Real Estate Inspection
• Mortgage Inspection
• Septic System Design
• Lift Station Packages
• Lift Station Repair
• Water and Wastewater Engineering
• Low pressure dosing design
• Performance Based Treatment Systems
• Engineered system assistance
• Commercial design
• Community collection design
• Effluent sewer design
• Wastewater and land use planning
• Installation of Systems
• Wastewater technical support
• Water Use Permitting
• Mobile Home Park Septic Installation
• Mobile Home Setup
• Culvert Installation

Septic Tank Problems

In general, septic drain field problems are caused by septic tank problems. If these septic problems are left unabated then there can be dire consequences. SWS has seen drain fields back up into house and damage floors, carperts, and furniture. These septic problems could have been prevented if the owner would have consulted with a septic contractor as what is needed to properly maintain their septic tank.

There are some common problems that cause septic tank drainfield problems. The most common problem is called a bio-mat (biomat) build up. The biomat is built up by organisms that help break down the wastewater coming out of the septic tank. The effluent flows out of the tank and still has small particles of matter that have to be consumed. Also, the water has to be evenly distributed out into the drainfield or the organisms will die or slough off to the bottom of the trench or drainfield. If there is not enough drainfield product (rock and pipe, Infiltrator, PTI, etc.) the organisms die and create a premature failure. If the area becomes overly saturated and not allowed to aerate or dry out then the wastewater will not be treated effectively and the microorganisms die off. Therefore, it is imperative that the septic system is designed for the number of people in the house and the type of soil that the drainfield is installed. The more drainfield you have the longer the system lasts. Four main ingredients cause premature failure or septic problems: too much water, too much organics, poor soils, and poor maintenance by the homeowner.

Are you having septic problems? Are you having your toilets running slow or toilets gurgling? Is the drain in the tub draining slow? Is your tub backing up or filling up with water from the septic tank? If you are on a septic tank call SWS first! Don’t waste your money on a plumber. If it has been a while since you have had your septic tank pumped out or cleaned then it is time for a septic tank inspection. Before you spend lots of money with a plumber call a septic company first. If it has been more than 2 years since you have had your septic tank cleaned then this should be your first step. Call an expert like SWS to get your options! SWS has the septic solutions for your septic problems. Call SWS today at 813-785-0500!

Southern Water and Soil, Inc., We strive to provide you with the education that you need and the options for you to choose the best septic system for your home, business, or community. We have designed and installed systems from 200 gallons to 100,000 gallons. A decision on your wastewater or septic system should not be taken lightly and shouldn’t be decided on just price. SWS provides reasonable designs that are highly functional. Here are some of the projects that we have worked on.

By following a few simple rules, you won’t have to think about your system on a day-to-day basis.  Indeed, with proper use, conventional onsite systems can operate for years without much management.

Maintenance begins with sound water use and waste disposal habits. Since your family will determine which materials enter the system, we encourage you to set rules and stick to them.

Important for the life of your Septic System

Do’s:

1. Do have an operation and monitoring contract with Southern Water and Soil, Inc.
2. Do divert surface runoff water from roofs, patios, driveways, and other areas away from the absorption field and tanks.
3. Conserve water to reduce the amount of wastewater that must be treated and disposed.
4. Repair any leaking faucets and toilets.
5. Only discharge biodegradable wastes into system.
6. Restrict garbage disposal use.
7. Keep your septic tank cover accessible for tank inspections and pumping. Southern Water and Soil reccommends installing risers for easy access.
8. Have your septic tank pumped regularly and checked for leaks and cracks.
9. Call Southern Water and Soil, Inc. when you have problems.
10. Compost your garbage or put it in the trash.

Don’ts:

1. Do not drive over the absorption field with cars, trucks, or heavy equipment.
2. Do not plant trees or shrubbery in the absorption field area, because the roots can clog the lines.
3. Do not cover the absorption field with hard surfaces, such as concrete or asphalt. Grass is the best cover, because it will help prevent erosion and help remove excess water.
4. Do not connect the water softener back-flush discharge to the septic system.
5. Do not install irrigation over or around the absorption field.
6. Allow any repairs without obtaining a permit; use only licensed septic contractors.

Homeowners wanting to take good care of their septic systems should make note of the following items that should never be flushed down the drain or toilet. These items can overtax or destroy the biological digestion taking place within the system or clog pumps and pipes. Remember, if it has not been through your body’s digestive system, it shouldn’t go in the septic tank!

The following examples are only a few items NOT to flush:

hair combings, coffee grounds, dental floss, disposable diapers, kitty litter, sanitary napkins, tampons, cigarette butts, condoms, gauze bandages/Band-Aids, fat, grease, oil paper towels, baby wipes and NEVER flush chemicals that could destroy the life of your system, such as:
paints, varnishes, thinners, prescription medicine, waste oils, photographic solutions, pesticides

Guidelines for a Healthy Septic System

By following a few simple rules, you won’t have to think about your system on a day-to-day basis.  Indeed, with proper use, conventional onsite systems can operate for years without much management.

Maintenance begins with sound water use and waste disposal habits. Since your family will determine which materials enter the system, we encourage you to set rules and stick to them.

Many homes have garbage disposals to help manage vegetable and other food waste. Excessive use of your garbage disposal will introduce a high level of unwanted solids into your system. Use disposals sparingly and consider composting as an option to handle vegetable waste.

If you own a septic system, it is important that it be properly maintained. How often you need to pump the solids out of your septic tank depends on three major factors:

1. The number of people in your household;

2. The amount of wastewater generated (based on the number of people in the
household and the amount of water used); and

3. The volume of solids in the wastewater (e.g., using a garbage disposal will
increase the amount of solids, garbage disposals are NOT recommended).

As part of an O&M contract, Southern Water and Soil, Inc. will measure sludge and scum layers to determine if pump out is needed.

Do not put too much water into the septic system. Excess water puts too much strain on the decomposition process and can cause problems. Maximum water use is 75 gallons per day for each person in the family. Estimate by using the following numbers per person so you can keep track:

• Shower: 2.5 gallons per minute – 10 minute shower = 25 gallons
• Toilet: 2 gallons per flush (for toilets bought in the last 20 years)
• Washing machine: 40 gallons per load
• Dishwasher cycle: 10 gallons

With large families, keeping track of water use can be hard. But laying down guidelines can help everyone do their part. Also consider getting energy and water-wise appliances when you need to replace your current models.

Be aware that your system is sized to handle the number of people anticipated to be using it when it is installed. If that number increases, you may need a larger or more sophisticated pretreatment system.

Do not use harsh drain openers for a clogged drain. The best alternative to conventional, caustic drain openers is to use boiling water or a drain snake to clear clogs. Though this approach may be a little messier, the chemicals in drain cleaners can cause havoc with your septic system.

Use mild or natural cleaners for your bathroom and kitchen. They should either be approved for use in septic systems or marked biodegradable.

Be aware that bleaches and antibacterial soaps can inhibit the enzymatic action necessary to help bacteria break down the solids in the tank.

Again, harsh chemicals can cause expensive and unpleasant problems in your system.

If you use or intend to use a water softener in the home, let your installer or maintenance contractor know. Under certain soil conditions, the salt recharge solution must be handled carefully and the size of your absorption field may need to be increased. We highly recommend NOT connecting your water softener backwash to the septic tank.

Have the sludge and scum layer measured to determine if a pump-out is required.

Remember, more sophisticated systems may require additional maintenance. So always ask your maintenance provider for details.

You can always contact The Septic Experts, Southern Water and Soil, Inc. when in doubt!