A septic system consists of a septic tank and drain field, and in some cases a pump tank for those who cannot gravity feed to the drain field like here in many parts of Pinellas County. Septic systems can last for decades, if given the proper maintenance along with some helpful tips and knowledge that all homeowners should know.
Contact Info:
Name: Billy Fowler
Email: [email protected]
Organization: ASAP Advanced Septic & Drainage, Inc.
Address: 5011 E Busch Blvd, Tampa, FL 33617
Phone: (813) 986-6070
Septic Drain Field Problems and Repair: What to Look for and How to Get the Help You Need

Understanding septic systems capabilities and limits is needed to ensure water quality. A septic system is a type of On-Site Sewage Facility and is a self-contained, underground waste-water treatment system. By using natural processes to treat the waste-water on-site, septic systems do not require the installation of miles of sewer lines, making them less disruptive to the environment. A septic system consists of a septic tank, a distribution system and a soil absorption system, also called a drain field. The septic tank is a watertight box, sometimes made out of concrete or fiberglass, with an inlet and outlet pipe. The septic tank treats the waste-water naturally by holding it in the tank long enough for solids and liquids to separate. The waste-water forms three layers inside the tank. Solids lighter than water float to the top forming a layer of scum.Solids heavier than water settle at the bottom of the tank forming a layer of sludge. This leaves a middle layer of partially clarified waste-water. The layers of sludge and scum remain in the septic tank where bacteria found naturally in the waste-water work to break the solids down. The sludge and scum that cannot be broken down are retained in the tank until the tank is pumped. The layer of liquid flows from the septic tank to the drain field. A drain a series of trenches lined with gravel or sand and below the ground. The drain field treats the waste-water by allowing it to slowly trickle from the pipes out into the gravel and down through the soil. The remaining impurities are trapped and disposed of in the soil. The excess water is eliminated through percolation into the soil, and eventually returning to the ground water, through evaporation, and by uptake through plants and transpiration.The Center for Watershed Protection notes that septic systems can be effective methods of water treatment, however failures are common in many areas. Even properly functioning septic systems can leak and are not designed to effectively deal with most of the phosphorus and nitrogen load found in the water it treats. Pathogenic fecal bacteria are also a concern. The primary concern for a municipality is proper maintenance of septic systems, and in some cases the total load of partially treated pollutants that can impact local drinking water and wildlife. A solid understanding of septic systems capabilities and limits, and a good government plan is needed to ensure water quality.
Typically, a 3 bedroom home with 2250 sq ft of living or less has a 900 gallon septic tank and can be used here in Pinellas County . The septic tank receives all the waste water from a home. This includes showers, toilets, washing machine, dishwasher and sinks. According to the American water works association, the average person uses about 70 gallons per day on average. The family of 4 would add up to 280 gallons a day. So, just imagine how fast your septic tank will fill up, and how much water must flow through the tank to make it out to the drain field.
Washing Machine Lint Traps

You know that keeping your septic system running clean is of the utmost importance. If you do not then you could have a very large, very expensive mess on your hands. The good news is that with a few tips, it becomes much easier. Be Careful What You Flush Not everything is meant to be flushed down the toilet. Tampons, paper towels, facial tissues, disposable diapers, and other such products are detrimental to the functioning of your septic system. They can clog up the whole process very quickly leaving you with a mess. Be Careful With Cleaners Heavy duty chemical cleaners can affect your whole septic system. They can actually kill off the bacteria in your tank which means that it will take longer for solids to be broken down, and there will be a greater chance of waste backing up. Keeping your septic system running clean is not a glamorous topic, but it is one that will be a whole lot less glamorous if you do not do it. Waste backing up into your home and onto your property is a clear incentive to follow these tips to a clean running septic system. Follow these tips and enjoy the benefit of everything working as it should.
Through consistent septic tank pumping, and by following these important tips can help avoid costly backup and also increase the life of your system.
How To Repair A Failing Septic System

Septic tanks may not be the most pleasurable thing to care for, but it's important that you keep your septic tank clean. If you don't, chances are it will become backed up. This can cause over flow in not only your toilet, but sometimes bathtub. There are special tools and products that can help keep your septic system clean. There are also chemicals that can help the bacteria grow within the tank so your waste dissolves faster. There are many items you should not put down your drain. Water, waste and some bio-degradable items are acceptable. Things such as feminine products, soil, grease and insecticides are just a few of what shouldn't go down the drain. Should any of these items go down into your drain, you risk backing up you septic system. The health department may recommend that your tank be cleaned manually, especially if there are many residents in the household. Cleaning inside the tank allows for the sides and bottom to be scrubbed and washed. A contractor can be hired to do this type of dirty work. However, an individual can do it alone if they wished. Using a high pressured hose, the insides of the tank can be cleaned. This is the best time to check for any cracks or leaks. Caring for a septic tank is not hard, but necessary. There are large fines involved should you not care for your tank properly. Health departments see a damaged septic system as a major health hazard not only to you, but to those in your neighborhood.
- Septic Tank Cleaning Pinellas County
- Sewage Tank Cleaning Company Clearwater
- Septic Tank Installation Oldsmar
- Septic Pumping Service Palm Harbor
- Septic Pumping Service Pinellas Park
- Cleaning Septic Tank Service Safety Harbor
- Drain Field Contractor Seminole
- Cost Of Septic Tank Pumping St Petersburg



