Everything you need to know about our septic services in one convenient place.
At Southern Water and Soil, we understand that septic systems can raise a lot of questions, whether you’ve lived on a property with one for years or are looking to install one on your newly purchased lot. Below, you’ll find straightforward answers to some of the most common questions our team receives about septic systems, our services, maintenance, care, and more. If the information you’re looking for isn’t included below, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us for the answers you need!
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What services does your team offer?
We are proud to be a full-service septic company. We specialize in designing, engineering, and installing septic systems for residential and commercial properties, and our list of services also includes maintenance, pumping, drain field repair and replacement, lift station maintenance, real estate septic inspections, and commercial wastewater management.
What are your business hours?
We are available for standard services Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. We also offer emergency septic services for residential customers.
How do I schedule a service appointment or get a quote?
You can contact our office directly by calling (833) 543-6374, or you can fill out our online contact form. Our team will quickly respond to your inquiry to discuss your project or service needs.
Is your company licensed and insured?
Yes, we are fully licensed and insured. Additionally, our team includes Master Septic Contractors and certified environmental health professionals, which helps us ensure all work is completed in alignment with strict Florida codes and regulations.
Do you offer services for homes and businesses?
Yes, we are proud to provide services for residential and commercial properties. Our team can handle everything from minor home septic repairs to complete commercial system design and installation.
How experienced is your team?
We bring over 30 years of combined experience in the septic industry.
Why should I choose your company to handle my septic needs?
We’re more than just a septic pumping company — we’re septic system diagnostic and design specialists. We find the root cause of failures and deliver reliable solutions that protect your property and the surrounding environment. Our engineering expertise allows us to design septic systems that many other septic companies would find to be too technically sophisticated for their skill level.
Will you assist with permitting and other logistics?
Yes, we are experts at navigating the often complex permitting process, and we’re also here to assist with BMAP (Basin Management Action Plan) requirements so that you can ensure compliance with nitrogen-reduction mandates.
What happens during the design and engineering process?
Our team will carefully inspect your property, including the soil conditions, water table, and expected usage. We use that information to create a custom blueprint for your septic system, which ensures it is properly sized and positioned to meet all the requirements set forth by the Florida Department of Health. This also ensures optimal functionality for as long as possible.
Do you offer nitrogen-reducing or performance-based septic systems?
Yes, we can work with you to design and install Advanced Secondary Treatment systems, which include Passive Nitrogen and Performance-Based Septic Systems (PBSS). These are often a requirement for properties in environmentally sensitive areas, such as near springs or protected bodies of water.
Can you assist with a septic-to-sewer conversion?
Yes, our team is more than equipped to engineer and manage a septic-to-sewer conversion, helping property owners transition from a septic system to a municipal sewer line. We take great care to ensure the old tank and other system elements are properly abandoned and permitted.
How often do I need to pump my septic tank?
The general guideline for most residential homes is to pump the tank every 3–5 years. However, the best schedule will depend on factors like your household size, tank size, water use patterns, and other logistics. The only way to get a precise pumping schedule is to have a trained technician come assess your system and make a recommendation. This is especially true for commercial systems.
Are there signs that indicate a failing drain field?
Yes. Common warning signs include slow-draining toilets, gurgling sounds in the pipes, wet or oddly green patches of grass over the tank or drain field, and sewage odors around the yard. If you spot any of these signs, contact us immediately for an inspection.
Is it possible to repair a damaged drain field?
In some cases, but it will depend on the extent of the damage. Our team specializes in drain field repair and can often save a system if the issue is caught early enough. This is why we stress the importance of routine maintenance to our customers.
What is a lift station, and will I need one?
Lift stations are accessory components of a septic system that are implemented when your plumbing is at a lower elevation than your septic tank and/or drain field. They use a pump to move the waste “uphill” in cases where gravity cannot accomplish the transition. Our team provides lift station installation, repair, and replacement for residential and commercial properties.
Do you provide septic inspections for real estate transactions?
Yes, we offer comprehensive Real Estate Sale Septic Inspections. Our Master Septic Contractors perform a detailed evaluation that ensures the buyer or seller knows the true conditions of the septic system prior to a sale.
What is included with a commercial septic inspection?
Commercial inspections typically include checking the tank integrity, baffles, grease traps, lift stations, and drain field performance to ensure the system can meet the high demands of commercial use.
Do you offer maintenance for aerobic septic systems?
Yes. Aerobic systems require more frequent maintenance than traditional systems because they have more mechanical parts and rely on oxygen to treat waste. Our team provides specialized maintenance for these systems to ensure they are operating correctly.
Will your team be handling my residential septic installation/replacement?
For residential septic system installations or replacements, we handle all the permitting, design, engineering, and considerations for BMAP planning. However, the actual installation will be handled by one of our carefully vetted partners.
What is a “package plant,” and does your team install them?
A package plant is a pre-manufactured treatment system that can be used for small communities or commercial developments. Our team has decades of experience handling package plant installations in the area and is happy to assist you with the process.
Do you offer construction management for wastewater projects?
Yes, we provide end-to-end wastewater project management, including the initial site evaluation, engineering and design, permitting, contractor oversight, and final system commissioning.
What kinds of clients do you typically manage projects for?
Our construction management services are designed for developers, general contractors, commercial property owners, and municipalities. Our team specializes in handling projects that require complex engineering, including housing developments, RV parks, and commercial retail centers.
Can you assist with navigating BMAP and nitrogen-reduction requirements?
Yes, helping clients navigate BMAP is a core part of what we do. Our team will ensure your development meets all local and state environmental mandates, helping you avoid costly fines and construction halts.
Do you consult on existing wastewater infrastructure?
Yes, we offer diagnostic and consulting services for existing systems that are failing or need to be expanded. Our team will manage the retrofit or upgrade process to ensure older systems meet modern code requirements.