Septic Services in West Palm Beach, FL

SEPTIC PUMPING

Southern Septic of West Palm Beach has been helping home and businesses owners throughout the state for many years. Our team of licensed and insured experts is involved in the local community and cares about every customer we work with, striving to exceed their expectations at every turn. One of the most important services we offer to our clients is septic pumping, a key element of property maintenance.

Regular septic tank maintenance like this helps ensure the life and long-term functioning of the entire on-site septic system. The septic tank should be pumped out at least once every 3 to 5 years, given normal household water usage. For all your septic pumping service needs, turn to the experts at Southern Septic.

AVOID DANGEROUS BACKUPS WITH ROUTINE PUMPING

As you use your septic system, solids build up in your septic tank. If these solids aren't cleaned out of your septic system regularly, they can clog the filter or cause sewage to back up into the house. Bacteria converts most of the solids to liquids, but some solids remain. Solids from a full septic tank can flow into the drain field. This is much like a heart attack for your septic system and can cause thousands of dollars of damage to your drain field. Regular pumping and maintenance of your septic system will extend its life and ensure that it keeps operating properly. Don’t wait until disaster strikes and you are left with a huge, expensive project. Count on Southern Septic to keep everything running as intended. For a health bacterium to help digest waste, ask us about Lenzyme a monthly additive to the system.

Installing Septic Tank — West Palm Beach, FL — Southern Septic

The Septic Tank

No matter what size tank you have, Southern Septic knows how to work on it. For many years, we have been installing and repairing septic systems in West Palm Beach, and we can do the same for you. Learn more about the proper way to care for your tank and how the system works below.

The size of your home's septic tank will depend on the number of bedrooms your home contains. The average three-bedroom home will have a 1,050-gallon tank, and the more bedrooms your home has, the larger your tank will be. You should pump out your septic system every 2-3 years, we recommend doing so more frequently for houses that have a higher water usage.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN WATER ENTERS THE TANK?

Your septic system is designed to handle human waste and toilet paper, plus water from plumbing fixtures such as toilets, baths, and sinks. Household cleaners, detergents, and bleach will not damage your system if used in moderation. If you are putting anything else down the drain, your septic system function may be impaired.

These items can cause serious clogging problems. A garbage disposal can be used if your septic system was designed for it, however, you should have your tank pumped more frequently if this is the case. Always remember, do not park on top of a septic tank! 

HOW MUCH WATER IS COMING OUT OF YOUR HOUSE?

Your system is designed to handle gallons per day volume of water. If you consistently overload your septic system, you can cause premature failure. A frequent source of overload is leaking plumbing fixtures. This can amount to hundreds of extra gallons of water going into your septic system. Repair leaks immediately, especially running toilets. Other common sources that will overload the system are no gutters or gutter empty over drain field, over usage of gallon per day or broken irrigation lines.

Reduce the wastewater flow by installing water-saving devices in your showerheads and faucets. Lower the amount of water hitting the system from the laundry by spreading your weekly washing over several days rather than doing it all in one day.

LEARN WHAT HAPPENS WHEN MISTREATMENT OCCURS

When too much solid material accumulates in the tank over the years, it begins to wash out of the tank and into the drain field. These solids clog the drain field so that less effluent is absorbed. As more solids flow from the tank, the drain field will eventually be unable to absorb the liquid effluent and the drain field will fail.

Regular maintenance is critical to the life of your septic system. It is necessary to pump out your septic tank at least once every 2 years if the system is heavily used to ensure that it continues to function properly. As you use your septic system, solids build up in your septic tank. If these solids aren't cleaned out of your septic tank regularly, they can clog the filter or cause sewage to back-up in the house. Solids from a full septic tank can also flow into the drain field. This is much like a heart attack for your septic system and can cause thousands of dollars of damage to your drain field. Regular pumping and maintenance of your septic system will extend its life and ensure that it keeps operating properly.

WHY SHOULD YOU MAINTAIN YOUR SEPTIC SYSTEM?

Think of your home's septic system as being just as important as your car's engine. If it doesn't work properly, everything is at a standstill. Keeping your home or business’s septic system running properly is important to the overall health of your property. There are three main reasons to be aware of your septic pumping and maintenance.

  • Money: The longer you go without regular maintenance, the more likely you will need complete replacement services in the future.
  • The health of your family and community: Wastewater that isn't treated properly can lead to health risks and contaminate soil and groundwater.
  • Property value: A failing or improperly maintained septic system can lead to devaluing of your property.

COMPREHENSIVE SERVICES FOR EVERY ELEMENT OF YOUR SEPTIC SYSTEM

  • GREASE TRAPS

    Your grease traps play a vital role, especially if you run a restaurant or business that requires the use of a grease trap. Grease traps reduce and contain high amounts of vegetable oils and animal fats, so they don't get pushed into your plumbing system and the main sewers. If grease is allowed to build up, your lines will become clogged and back up. Get your grease traps checked and cleaned by a qualified professional. You can count on the experts at Southern Septic to clean your grease traps more thoroughly than ever before.


    Let Us Handle All Your Commercial Grease Trap Needs


    •  Grease trap testing for BOD, TSS, oil, and grease 
    • Maintenance contracts
    • Installation
    • Hauling
    • Cleaning
    • Repair

    Grease Trap Cleaning


    Southern Septic's grease trap cleaning service methodically services your grease trap. We remove all the grease and scrape away hardened grease. This helps remove odors and safety problems associated with poorly maintained grease traps.


    Grease Trap Maintenance 


    Ask us about our Grease Trap Service Agreement. We will set you up on schedule monthly, quarterly, or annually your choice. Save time and cost on our grease trap service agreement. 

  • DRAIN CLEANING

    Clogged drains are no fun and can only lead to greater clogs when not handled properly. Southern Septic’s experienced technicians will use professional tools such as a motorized snake or our high pressured jet system to remove your clogs. Call the experts at Southern Septic. 


    Residential and Commercial Drain Cleaning Services 


    We have experience working with both residential and commercial clients. No matter what problem you may be experiencing, our professionals can identify the problem and get it solved quickly and reliably.  


    Over-the-counter drain cleaners may be inexpensive and convenient, but they often don't get to the root of your clogged drain and only lead to greater problems down the road. These over-the-counter drain cleaners can also be damaging to pies, leading to corrosion and other forms of deterioration. 


    Any number of things can lead to drain clogs including hair, grease, sanitary products, soap residue, or other miscellaneous substances. 


    Our Drain Cleaning Services


    • Hydro jetting
    •  Water removal
    • Sewage removal
    • Drain cleaning
    • Sewer cleaning
    • video pipe and sewer inspections
    • High-pressure water jetting
    • Sewer drain cleaning
    • Kitchen drains
    • Bathroom drains
  • LIFT STATIONS

    Your lift station transfers your city sewer, septic tank or drainfield waste to the city sewer system, but it won't work if the pump is inadequate or out of commission. Let the professionals at Southern Septic get in there and ensure things are moving smoothly. 


    Monthly maintenance will prevent overflows and emergencies. Solids can build up at the bottom of the dosing tank and need to be pumped out and services every 1 to 2 years. 


    24/7 Services for Your Needs 


    • Monthly or quarterly maintenance programs
    • Maintenance schedules
    • Clean truck service
    • Grinder pumps 
    • Inspections

    Lift Station Services Include:


    • Pump Service and Installation
    • Preventative Maintenance
    • Control Panel Service and Replacement and Installation
    • Septic Tank Replacement Pumps
    • Submersible Pump Stations Replacement and Instillation 
    • Float Replacement and Instillation  

    Service Contracts


    Southern Septic will maintain your lift station according to industry standards. We will prevent costly repairs, and routinely monitor your lift station functions. This will reveal any problems that might be occurring with your pump. We keep control floats operating correctly by keeping them free of grease and debris. Call us today to set up the best plan that fits your needs. 


    Lift stations are used to lift or raise wastewater from a lower elevation to a higher elevation. The term “lift station” usually refers to a wastewater facility with a relatively short discharge line to a downstream gravity sewer. A “pump station” commonly is a similar type of facility that is discharging into a force main. The purpose of this document is to provide adequate equipment and process control information, necessary to ensure the station operates as designed, routine inspections, and preventative maintenance are performed to prevent costly repair bills, eliminate spills, and avoid property losses. The following are suggestions that may insure fewer breakdowns and problems:


    • Dosing tank should be pumped out and cleaned every 1 to 2  years, or more often if necessary, to prevent solids and grease build-up. The build-up of solids can create odors and damage to the pump.
    • Inspection of pumps (submersible and dry) should be performed quarterly. Inspection of the impeller should be performed quarterly. 
    •  Inspection of the check valves should be performed at least twice a year, to ensure proper working order and to prevent backflow from the force main to the wet well.
    • Cleaning and inspections of floats should be performed four times a year to assure proper performance. The buildup of grease prevents floats from working properly. 
    • Installation of an hour meter on each motor will give one an accurate record of how often each motor is cycling; and hence, the amount of water being pumped through the system. It is recommended to alternate lead pumps at least weekly. Installation of a flow meter on each pump will give one an accurate record of how much flow is being processed through the system. 
    • An annual inspection of all electrical motor control equipment should be performed to find poor connections and worn parts.

    The following examples of things to keep out of a sewage grinder pump system are excerpted from that article:


    • Ashes such as from a fireplace
    • Baby wipes
    • Cat litter
    • Chemicals & Drain Cleaners: some of these can corrode sewage grinder pump parts causing costly damage
    • Cooking oil, fat, grease, lard
    • Cigarettes, cigarette butts, filters
    • Condoms
    • Cotton swabs or wipes
    • Dental floss
    • Diapers
    • Explosive or combustible liquids or materials
    • Glass fragments or debris
    • Gravel or stones such as from an aquarium
    • Hair
    • Metal fragments or scraps
    • Plastic toys, scraps, fragments, plastic-stemmed Q-tips
    • Q-tips of any sort
    • Rubber gloves
    • Sanitary napkins, tampons
  • DRAIN FIELD CARE

    The drain field is ideally located in a sunny open area for maximum evaporation. Tree and shrubs should not be planted near the drain field as root intrusion may impair the drain field. Grasses and ground cover provide the highest level of evapotranspiration (the cycle of plants taking moisture from the soil by their roots system and giving it off to the atmosphere using the sun's energy) without the complication of root systems slogging drainpipes and gravel beds. Mulched areas of flower beds do hold moisture and decrease drain field efficiency.


    Walkways, patios, parking areas, decks, or other permanent structures should not be constructed over either the septic tank or the drain field. Vehicles should not drive over the drain field regularly and heavy trucks and equipment should be kept off the drain field.


    Rainwater or other drainage water should be diverted from the drain field area. The drain field size is designed for water coming from the house. Adding extra water from poor drainage may cause problems.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT SEPTIC SYSTEM MAINTENANCE

  • WHEN SHOULD YOU HAVE YOUR TANK PUMPED?

    Pumping the tank depends on a lot of variables, such as the number of people in the home, how much water is used, and the size of the septic tank and age of the drain field.

  • WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF A SYSTEM FAILURE?

    • Gurgling noises
    • Sluggish draining/flushing
    • Surprisingly lush, green lawn over drain field
    • High nitrate content in well water
    • Backup of toilets, sinks, and drains
    • Odors
    • Wet or mushy ground around the tank
  • WHAT CAN HARM A SYSTEM?

    • Non-flushable Wipes, Such as baby wipes or other wet wipes
    • Photographic Solutions
    • Feminine Hygiene Products
    • Condoms
    • Dental Floss
    • Diapers
    • Cigarette Butts
    • Rags
    • Cat Litter
    • Paper Towels
    • Pharmaceuticals
    • Household Chemicals such as Gasoline, oil, pesticides, antifreeze and paint
    • Parking on Top of Septic System

For more information about any of these septic system services, call or text us today at (561) 968-8081.

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