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

Caring for Your Septic System

By Amanda Furmage

Last week, we discussed how damaged septic systems can result in an unwanted mess. Not only can septic system failure threaten public health, the environment, and property value, but it can also be extremely expensive. In fact, installation of a new septic system can cost thousands of dollars.

The experts at Southern Water and Soil are always available to thoroughly inspect your entire septic system before it becomes a massive problem. Inspections should take place every three to five years. In the meantime, care for your wastewater system by following these simple tips:

Hazardous Household Chemicals

Your septic system contains the bacteria needed to digest and treat waste. Pouring hazardous household chemicals down the drain kills these beneficial organisms. Instead, take the following chemicals to an area hazardous waste collection center for disposal:

• Oil-based paints
• Paint thinners
• Wood stains
• Gasoline
• Motor Oil
• Pesticides
• Antifreeze

In addition, use bleach, disinfectants, toilet bowl cleaners, and drain cleaning gels sparingly. Try to purchase cleaners that are nontoxic and septic safe.

Solid Waste

In addition to chemicals, non-degradable solid waste can disrupt your septic system by increasing the scum and sludge layers within the tank. Never use your toilet to dispose of cat litter, diapers, feminine hygiene products, facial tissues, coffee grounds, cigarette butts and filters, cotton swabs, dental floss, plastic products, and other items that could clog your system.

Garbage disposals double the solid layers within your septic tank. In fact, experts suggest homeowners suspend or lower the use of garbage disposals to reduce the amount of grease and waste that can clog the system.

Commercial Additives

Beware of commercial septic tank additives as they can potentially destroy your system, or are useless at best. Instead, have Southern Water and Soil introduce their trusted bacteria and enzyme additive to your tank during pumping and inspection.

Outdoor Care

Maintain the external structure of your septic system by planting only grass above and near the tank and drainfield to minimize soil erosion. Trees and shrubs should be at least 100 feet away from any septic system component to discourage damage from roots.

Avoid further damage by not driving over the septic system as the weight from your vehicle can compress the surrounding soil.

Finally, direct all outdoor drainage systems away from the septic system drainfield to avoid excessive flooding.

Household Water Use

If possible, replace old household appliances and plumbing fixtures such as washing machines, dishwashers, and toilets to reduce water use. High-efficiency toilets use 1.6 gallons of water less per flush than older fixtures, while high-efficiency washing machines use up to 35 percent less energy and 50 percent less water.

If you cannot afford new appliances, reduce your water use by placing aerators on faucets, flow reducers on shower heads, and displacers on toilets. Moreover, don’t run the dishwasher unless full, and choose the proper load size on your washing machine. Also, instead of doing load after load of laundry in one day, spread the work out over the week to allow your septic tank enough time to adequately treat wastewater.

For more helpful tips on caring for your septic system, contact Southern Water and Soil. They are always ready to help and have the experience and knowledge necessary to answer all your wastewater-related questions.

5 Quick Tips for Keeping Your Septic System Working Properly in the Tampa Bay Area

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.

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

Southern Water and Soil, Inc., provides superior septic service to the Tampa Bay Area, including, Lutz, Plant City, Brandon, Odessa, Dade City, Zephyrhills, Riverview, Gibsonton, Ruskin, and Tampa!

SWS provides septic tank pumping, drainfield repair, drainfield replacement, septic design and permitting, septic inspections, septic engineering, and soil evaluations.

Choose a septic tank company that cares that you are a customer. We provide feedback to our customers. We investigate potential septic problems. We provide first class septic service. Let us help you with any of your septic problems.

When it comes to septic tank inspections let SWS take care of your inspections. Greg  Mayfield is the owner and is a former Department of Health Inspector. SWS will let you know if there are any septic concerns or septic problems that could arise. When it comes to septic maintenance let the septic experts take care of your septic servicing needs. SWS has cost effective septic solutions and can answer your septic questions!

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.

“I heard that septic systems are required to have effluent filters. Is there a difference between filters?”

Yes, there is a difference between filters. There are two factors that you have to consider when choosing an effluent filter: Surface Area and Flow Area. The Surface Area is where the particulates are caught and the Flow Area is the amount of openings that are in the filter allowing the effluent to pass. A large surface area is great, however, if there is nowhere for the effluent to flow then it requires more maintenance. So, flow area is just as important as surface area. SWS can help you determine the correct filter for your application ensuring a filter that peforms without frequent maintenance.