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Frequently Asked Questions

The initial phase of wastewater treatment happens in the septic tank where the conditions are optimal for bacterial growth. Bacteria digest organic solid waste and what remains settles at the bottom of the tank as sludge.

The remaining fats, oils, and grease (FOG) that float on top of the water or effluent are referred to as the scum layer. Effluent (otherwise known as the clear zone) moves on to the next stage in waste treatment.

Your county may have the layout of your system attached to the original filed permit. If you still can’t find it, feel free to call us to help.

Tanks are not all the same and can be made of concrete, steel, and polyethylene.

A common cause of concrete tank deterioration is the buildup of hydrogen sulfide gas from rotting food and some water softeners.

The standard interval for tank pumping is every 3-5 years. You may need a pump service sooner if you have a smaller septic tank or a lot of people living in your household. Even if nothing is wrong, it’s important to pump the take to prevent issues from arising.

Some wastewater and even a small amount of solids may still remain in the tank as it is impossible to get everything. Healthy bacteria are also living in this remaining material which is imperative to your tank’s environment.

Call a septic contractor like Septic & Drainfield Depot rather than a plumber. Septic professionals are highly experienced in all things septic and have the expertise to diagnose and treat a variety of problems.

Because the average load of laundry uses 40-60 gallons of water, we recommend spacing out the loads over several days to minimize the impact on your septic system.

Small amounts of bleach can be used in moderation, but note that too much can kill vital bacteria in the tank that are essential for breaking down waste.

Excess water can be harmful to your septic system. Use the following tips to help conserve water:

  • Use high efficiency toilets
  • Only wash larger loads of laundry to maximize water use
  • Install high efficiency showerheads and faucet aerators

Septic companies can add bacteria to your septic tank. Call us for a free consultation?

Depending on the type of materials your system uses and how well it is maintained (frequent pumping, etc.), your septic system can last anywhere from 15-40 years. For example, concrete tanks typically last longer than steel ones.

Our experts recommend a yearly inspection to ensure everything is working properly.

Get regular pumping services and inspections from a licensed, local septic company. Also, refrain from introducing products into the drains that aren’t meant to be there! Toilet paper is the only product made to be truly septic safe.

The best thing to do during power loss is to conserve water as the pumps will not work to move effluent to the drain field unless you have a backup generator.

When alarms are triggered, there is typically an issue that needs to be addressed. Call a septic contractor as soon as possible.

Please visit our “Septic Tank Inspection” page to see the differences between the two services.

Ultimately it depends on the cause of the problem. Sometimes repairs are appropriate and other times replacements become necessary. Preventative maintenance is the best way to avoid costly issues.

Engineered septic systems are installed in cases where conventional systems are not possible. Visit our “Engineered Septic Systems” page for more information.

Septic systems are highly efficient at processing the waste from your home and can be very easy to own as long as regular maintenance services are performed. Make sure you get a full inspection before purchasing a house with a septic system in place.

Since gravity cannot carry waste from the basement uphill, your system will have a lift station or sewage ejector system to pump waste to a higher elevation.

Depending on where the smell is coming from, you can do one of two things:

a. Indoors – check that the p-traps have water in them (which acts as a barrier to smells). Sometimes, if water isn’t run through the drains for a few days the water will evaporate and odors will be detectable. Simply run the faucets, showers, or bathtubs for a couple of minutes and it should remedy the smell.

b. Outdoors – it’s normal for some odors to exit through the small vents. If it smells more intense or unusual than normal, give us a call for an inspection.

Both of these terms can be used interchangeably, so regardless of which one you see, they are the same!

Without a drain field or soakaway system, wastewater would not be purified by the soil. The field is a necessary step in waste processing.

Other than just grass, no other trees, plants, or flowers should be planted near the field. Roots can infiltrate the system and cause serious damage that may result in costly repairs or replacements.

This process can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks depending on size and location.

Call us immediately! You could have blockages causing sewage backup that need to be fixed as soon as possible.

Septic & Drainfield Depot currently serves all of Polk County including Lakeland, Brandon, Davenport, Winter Haven, Fort Meade, and beyond!

Yes, we are licensed and insured in the state of Florida to perform work on septic systems.

Sometimes, emergencies just can’t wait. We are available to take calls 24/7 for your convenience.

Our company does work on both residential and commercial systems including excavations, installations, repairs, and maintenance.

Absolutely! Call us any time or fill out a form for a free estimate.

Contact Lakeland Septic & Drainfield Depot

With our transparent pricing, free estimates, and honest professionals, our company shines above the rest in Lakeland, FL. We are committed to finding out the issue the first time we walk foot on your property, and finding an effective and efficient solution that will fit within your budget. A septic problem is never something anyone wants to deal with, but we are ready to tackle anything you need. Contact us for a free estimate.