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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Why Cost Is Not The Only Thing To Consider When Installing a Septic System

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!

Question and Answer with Greg Mayfield, Tampa’s Septic Solutions Expert

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.

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 you have septic questions and want answers Southern Water and Soil can answer them!

Q. How much does a new septic system cost?
A. Septic system costs depend on what you are building, square footage, number of bedrooms, number of people using the system, soil characteristics, and seasonal high water table.

Q. What is the best type of septic system to put at my house?
A. There are many options for your septic system. An Orenco or Tuf-tite filter is an excellent choice due to the surface area that is on the filter. A staged effluent pump such as Sta-rite or Orenco are great choices for pumps. The use of PTI and Infiltrator chambers are excellent choices for septic drainfield. The best system is an aerobic treatment unit with drip irrigation to reuse the wastewater.