How Septic Systems Work | Lee Kirk & Sons Septic, Lakeland FL

How Septic Systems Work

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How Septic Systems Work – If your house has a septic system, it immediately goes to work anytime a toilet is flushed, a shower is turned on, or a washing machine or dishwasher finishes up a load. The waste from your drains collects together in one pipe (called an inlet pipe) and enters the septic system through the top of the septic tank.
How Septic Systems Work
As the amount of waste builds up, it is allowed to flow back out of the tank through an exit pipe, which is also located on the other side of the top of the tank. While it sits in the septic tank, solid waste is prevented from flowing into the drain field by an outlet tee and a filter until it is and broken down by naturally occurring bacteria and becomes small enough to flow through the outlet pipe and into the drain field (also called a leach field), along with the liquid waste. If you have a mound system (one where the drain field is up higher than the septic tank), the liquid first flows into a pump chamber and then into the drain field. From the drain field, the water is distributed through a set of pipes with holes in them into your yard, becoming fertilizer for your grass and plants.

Some items are much harder (or even impossible) for the septic tank to break down, and that’s why you should keep them out of your drains, including fat & grease, hazardous chemicals, feminine hygiene products, cigarettes, paper towels, baby wipes (even if they say they’re flushable), chopped up or stringy food, kitty litter, coffee grounds, medications, and paint. If these items make their way into your septic tank and cause a clog, it could cause the need for septic tank pumping or even replacement.

At Lee Kirk & Sons Septic in Lakeland, Florida, we are fully licensed for septic tank installation, septic tank cleaning, septic tank pumping, drain field repair, and more.

Professional and honest.

 
Testimonial

“They are definitely professional and honest. They came to empty my septic tank the same day that I called them. The price is fair and reasonable. I would definitely recommend them to anyone who needs this type of service. Thank you, Lee Kirk & Sons Septic, for the work that you've done.”

★★★★★ -Denise D.

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Services We Offer

Residential Septic Services

Residential Septic Services

The residential septic services we offer include pump repairs & replacement, septic tank installation, and septic tank pumping.
Septic Tank Pumping

Septic Tank Pumping

With a little maintenance, such as septic tank pumping, your system can work well for years to come.
Drain Field Repair

Drain Field Repair

Even if you are being cautious in your water usage, you might still require drain field repair.

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We’re here to take care of your septic needs, no matter how big or small.

Your Questions About How Septic Systems Work Answered

Septic systems are relatively simple systems in theory, and they’re an effective way to treat wastewater when your home isn’t connected to the municipal sewer system. We’ve answered a few questions about septic systems and how they work down below.

What parts is a septic system made up of?

All septic systems are made up of a septic tank and a drain field. Depending on elevation, some septic systems may also have a lift station to pump wastewater up to a higher level.

Is there any maintenance that needs to be done on a septic system?

Yes! For the most part, septic systems don’t need a ton of maintenance, but you should plan on getting your tank pumped out every few years. How often you need to get your tank pumped depends on your house’s water usage, the number of people living in your house, and the size of the tank.  

How long do septic systems last?

Some septic systems can last up to 30 years with proper care and maintenance. If your septic system is several decades old and you’re starting to have problems with it, you may want to consider a replacement.

What can I do to protect my septic system?

We suggest spacing out your water usage throughout the day, pumping your tank regularly, and keeping liquids, grease, fats, and anything else but water, human waste, and toilet paper out of your pipes.

How can you help with my septic system?

We can provide repairs when something goes wrong and pump your tank when the time arrives. We can also replace your system if you need a new one.

Why Lee Kirk & Sons Septic?

When it comes to keeping your septic system in great shape, our team at Lee Kirk & Sons Septic is here to help. As septic professionals who serve the Lakeland, Florida area, we’re known for the quality of our services, which include septic tank pumping, septic tank installation, drain field repair, and more, as well as our ability to tackle the toughest jobs.

See what some of our satisfied clients are saying about our septic services.

 
They arrived on time. They were polite, professional and gave me a good price value
Response from the owner: We're happy we could help with your septic system, David! Thanks for the kind review.
Fast service and fair price..couldn't ask for more then that. Thanks again.
Response from the owner: Thank you for the kind words! We look forward to helping you again whenever needed!
Great service. Came the next day. Showed exactly when quoted. Very friendly. Nominal fees. Showed me my septic and explained how it worked. I will use them again. ( you don’t want pictures. lol )
Response from the owner: Thank you for the kind review! We’re thrilled to hear you had a great experience with our team.
This company came when they said they would and did an excellent job! Even cleaned up the area after work completed. Great service.
Response from the owner: We are thrilled that you were so pleased with our team's service, GL! Thank you for taking the time to highlight the great work and conscientious clean-up we provided. If you need anything further at this time or in the future, please do not hesitate to reach back out.
We have used these guys for years for our septic needs. We had a very old system and they have always done a great job taking care of it and helping us get as much life out of it as possible. They have never tried to sell us something we didn't need, like some other companies do. Recently, our drainfield finally reached the end of its life and needed to be replaced. They did a fantastic job!!! Not only are they extremely honest, but their prices are very reasonable and affordable. They are always a pleasure to work with and we know whatever issues pop up we can trust them.
Response from the owner: Thank you for the wonderful review, Jennifer! We're glad we continue to be your septic company of choice.
This company is very professional and has got a family atmosphere great to work in every way they can so don’t just stand their and reading reviews just pick up the phone and give them a call and you will see how professional they are great company kudos to Lee kirk and sons
Response from the owner: Thanks for the great review and recommendation, Jon! We are so glad you've been happy with our work!
We appreciate you guys so much! Dustin is very knowledgable & helped us troubleshoot some problems with our septic. Very thankful that we called Lee Kirk & Sons for a second opinion.
Response from the owner: Thanks, Emily! We're happy to help with septic problems anytime!
Thank you for responding so fast the other day! I called a few companies and they kinda blew me off and you were here as planned. Great Job 🙏
Response from the owner: Thanks so much, Connie! We're glad we were able to help you!
Very impressed!! money well spentTop line ,clean equipmentDressed as a team/on timeIn and out 45 minutes tops.Great job will tell my neighbors.
Response from the owner: Thank you for your kind words Howard, we want to make sure you were completely satisfied with our services. What could we have done differently to increase your Star rating of us?
Honest, knowledgable, family owned, lots of experience, responsible. In April 2023 Lee Kirk and Sons installed new drainfield including permits in fenced yard with pool. Despite confined space, Mike Kirk used equipment effectively and covered and raked yard after inspection. Yard has recovered to 90% in six weeks. Septic system works like new and work is warranted. Good value. I highly reccommend. One day delay in start date due to unexpected delay on previous jobsite. Thanks Mike!
Response from the owner: Thanks for the great review and recommendation, Terry! We are so glad you are pleased with the outcome! of your project!
Came out quick and took care of the issue at a fair price. Would definitely use again.
Response from the owner: Thanks for the great review, Leo! We would love to help you again in the future!
Absolutely,the best experience I've had with a septic company.The most courteous, professional guys ever. HighlyRecommend !!!
Response from the owner: Thanks for leaving us a great review, Jimmy! We're happy to help you out anytime you need septic service!
We called to have our septic tank drained and they came out in less then a half hour after talking to them. They were friendly and professional with a price that was very reasonable. I absolutely would recommended them
Response from the owner: Thanks for the great review and recommendation! We hope you will call us again if you need help in the future.
Replaced a 31yr old drainfield.. Very pleased w/Lee and son..We will definitely refer them to others. Professional, on time, answered all my questions and even spread grass seed!
Response from the owner: Thanks for leaving us a great review, Jill! We're happy we could help you with your drain field.
Extremely polite. Quick, efficient, down to earth, just good people !!! Amazing service. Will always recommend & our first choice for any septic service we need.
Response from the owner: Thank you for leaving us such a great review! We're so glad you're pleased with our septic services.
Lee Kirk & Sons, septic service and pump, was top notch! I will recommend there service to family and friends.
Response from the owner: Thanks, Randal! We appreciate your review and your recommendations.
They are definitely professional and honest. They came to empty my septic tank the same day that I call them. The price is fair and reasonable. I would definitely recommend them to anyone who needs this type of service. Thank you Lee Kirk and sons for the work that you've done.
Response from the owner: Thanks, Denise! We appreciate your review. We'd be happy to take care of any more work you need done on your septic system!
Dustin was on time, friendly & easy to deal with..You wont find a better price in town either. I have dealt with a few other companies in the past that had good reviews but Lee Kirk & Sons will be my go to company to call if I ever need anything septic wise again.
Response from the owner: Thanks for the great review, Richard! We are so glad you were happy with our work and look forward to serving you again!
Wonderful honest family business. Fast response professional would definitely use again
Response from the owner: Kimmie, thank you for the 5-star rating! We appreciate your business and your review.
I can't say enough how wonderful their service was in replacing our 41 year-old drain field. From the first time Mike (third generation owner) gave us the quote--a very reasonable price at that--to the time of install, he was a gentleman, funny, honest, & professional. I signed Mike a check to have the permit be obtained and he took care of that process without fail. We scheduled for the install midweek. He and his team came out & completed the removal of the old system and installation of the new system in just a few hours! A few days later, the inspector came out and we passed with with flying colors. Mike came back out to cover up the trenches, rake the soil flat and applied a layer of grass seed. My wife and I have been stressed for months with this whole draining ordeal and Mike's service remedied it with ease. Thank you for the outstanding customer service, pricing, and workmanship! If you need septic work done, I highly recommend getting a second or third quote and giving Lee Kirk & Sons a call--you won't regret it =) May God continue to bless you, your family, and your business for years to come.
Response from the owner: Thanks for the fantastic review, Hieu! We really appreciate you sharing your experience and giving us a recommendation!
Our septic tank was overflowing. I called for help on a Saturday and they came out promptly and took care of everything in a timely and professional manner. I am a previous customer and highly recommend Lee Kirk and Sons.
Response from the owner: Thanks for the great review, William! So glad we could help you out in your time of need. We hope to help you again in the future!
We had our septic pumped and filter cleaned. Very professional and helpful in explaining and answering questions. Great service. Even though there were complications with irrigation being in the way of the septic covers he was very cautious and attentive to make sure they did not get damaged. Would definitely recommend and will be a returning customer.
Lee Kirk & Sons are the best in the business. Mike has worked for our family & we can't thank them enough.
Our septic tank was over flowing. They sent someone out to my house in less then an hour after I talked to them, on a Saturday! I wish I caught the guys name so I could give him a shout out, but I’m horrible at names. He was very professional and fast working.I’m saving their number and I would definitely recommend them. Thanks guys!
Great job and very professional service. They always go the extra mile.. all are team players.. special thanks to Dustin for getting us back on track in a timely manner..
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The key to a healthy aerobic septic system is conscientius maintenance
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