Aerobic septic advice and links

Pumping a Septic Tank: Ditch the Chicken and Pump Frequently

2010-04-12T00:29:00.001-07:00

Pumping a Septic Tank: Ditch the Chicken and Pump Frequently

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Video: Restoration of septic systems

2010-04-06T02:28:00.001-07:00

Restore and repair septic systems with Septic Seep

2010-04-06T02:20:00.000-07:00

SEPTIC SEEP was invented in 1953 by soil and wastewater experts in the labs of Chevron-ORTHO.
Before you replace a septic drain field try Septic Seep
-SEPTIC SEEP is designed to interact with the soil in your drain field and cure hardpan conditions.
-Septic Seep works in ways bacteria and enzymes can't.
-SEPTIC SEEP works in ways that biological products can't to restore drainage to septic drain fields even in clay soil.

Its actually a biological solution, you apply it in your sink or toilet in certanin intervals. Then it is flushed into the septic system and it cures the soil around it.

What does it do?

PROBLEM 1 Sodium in ordinary detergents, soaps, household cleaners, and water softeners causes clay particles in the soils to chemically bond.

PROBLEM 2 Grease and organic matter form a tar-like layer called the biomat. When the biomat grows too thick a waterproof barrier develops and absorption stops.

When soil absorption stops, soils flood. Naturally occurring beneficial bacteria in the soil die off. Standing water may be seen on the surface of the drain field. Water may back up into the tank and even into household plumbing. This is often the first sign of soil failure in your septic system.

Septic Seep claims to solve both these problems. Give it a try
More info on product Homepage

How to Find The Septic Tank - step by step how to locate septic tanks or septic tank lids for inspection and septic tank pumping - Septic Tank Location

2010-04-05T02:43:00.001-07:00

How to Find The Septic Tank - step by step how to locate septic tanks or septic tank lids for inspection and septic tank pumping - Septic Tank Location & Septic Tank Maintenance

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Septic tank aerator

2010-04-04T05:01:00.000-07:00

How to Test Septic Tanks for Leaks | eHow.com

2010-04-03T06:55:00.000-07:00

How to Test Septic Tanks for Leaks | eHow.com

How to Care for Your Septic Tank and Septic System

2010-04-03T06:51:00.001-07:00

Septic System Ongoing Maintenance
If you live in a rural area you probably have a septic system instead of a sewer connection. Taking care of your septic system isn't difficult, because modern systems function efficiently when you follow a few basic guidelines.

Put these tips to use for a clean and trouble-free septic system.

Divert Rainwater From the Septic Drainfield

* A soggy drainfield won't absorb and neutralize liquid waste. Plan landscaping, roof gutters and foundation drains so that excess water is diverted away from the septic drainfield.

Don't Overload the Septic Tank and Drainfield

* Check faucets and toilets for leaks; make repairs if necessary.
* Use aerators on faucets and flow reducer nozzles on showers to help lower water consumption.
* Reduce water levels for small loads of laundry.
* Wait until the dishwasher is full to run it.
* Use a displacer to reduce the amount of water needed to flush the toilet.

Keep Trees Away from the Septic System

* Discourage root damage by keeping trees at least 100 feet away from the septic system.
* Trees with very aggressive roots, such as willows, should be even farther away from the system.

The Toilet Isn't a Garbage Disposal

* Never flush cat litter, disposable diapers, sanitary napkins, tampons, paper towels, facial tissues, coffee grounds, or cigarette butts and filters. They'll clog your septic tank in less time than you might imagine.

Use Garbage Disposals Wisely

* A garbage disposal can double the amount of solids added to a septic tank.

* Choose a top-line disposal that grinds food into tiny particles that are easier for a system to digest.

Minimize Heavy Duty Cleaners

* Overuse of heavy cleaners kills beneficial bacteria in the septic tank, so solids won't break down as well.

Do Not Pour Grease Down the Drain

* Grease can clog the septic drainfield, making it impossible for soil to absorb liquids. If that happens you'll need a new drainfield.

Avoid Hazardous Chemicals

* Varnish, paint thinners, motor oils, gasoline and other similar chemicals can ruin your system and are a hazard to groundwater. Dispose of them properly.

Protect the System from Damage

* Do not drive over the drainfield, build a structure on top of it, or cover it with concrete or asphalt.
* Do plant grass on the drainfield to minimize soil erosion.

Perform Regular Maintenance

* Solids must eventually be pumped from the tank. Many experts advise a family of four with a 1,000 gallon septic tank to have the tank pumped after 3-5 years of full time use. Other experts say you can go much longer between pumping operations.

* Never attempt to open a septic tank yourself. Gases and bacteria in it are dangerous.

From Janet Wickell, former About.com Guide

Charlotte septic tank pumping a family affair

2010-04-03T06:48:00.000-07:00

Charlotte septic tank pumping a family affair

Fixed film systems

2010-03-24T07:53:00.000-07:00

Fixed film systems use a porous medium which provides a bed to support the biomass film that digests the waste material in the wastewater. Designs for fixed film systems vary widely, but fall into two basic categories (though some systems may combine both methods). The first is a system where the media is moved relative to the wastewater, alternately immersing the film and exposing it to air, while the second uses a stationary media, and varies the wastewater flow so the film is alternately submerged and exposed to air. In both cases, the biomass must be exposed to both wastewater and air for the aerobic digestion to occur. The film itself may be made of any suitable porous material, such as formed plastic or peat moss. Simple systems use stationary media, and rely on intermittent, gravity driven wastewater flow to provide periodic exposure to air and wastewater. A common moving media system is the rotating biological contactor (RBC), which uses disks rotating slowly on a horizontal shaft. Approximately 40 percent of the disks are submerged at any given time, and the shaft rotates at a rate of one or two revolutions per minute

Source: Wikipedia

Tom Watson invents a inexpensive aerobic septic system

2010-03-24T07:18:00.000-07:00

Forget everything you think you know about conventional wastewater system design. Crazed genius Tom Watson has come up with a design which breaks every rule in the book.

You could call it a shallow cesspool which receives rainwater as well as sewage, and has an overflow to daylight (that sound you hear is the rules breaking).

Or, you could call it a subsurface bioswale which provides all the advantages of a flush toilet, septic system, and composting toilet, with lush plants around it and few of the disadvantages.

Tom has installed systems at 9000 feet in New Mexico. The oldest systems are pushing thirty. Some are working perfectly, some are not.

Something highly significant is definitely going on here. If you ask Tom how they work, you'll get an answer that sounds like the the sound of one hand clapping. Tom really knows his stuff, but he thinks so far out of the box that it is hard to grok what he is saying sometimes.

What this technology really needs is a grad student to to a thesis on it. Each system should be inventoried, photographed, drawn, measured, and characterized as to it's context and performance

More info here: Oasis Design

Clor Mor Septic Tabs review

2010-03-24T06:52:00.000-07:00

Clor Mor Septic Tabs are formulated to achieve dependable and effective chlorine disinfection for residential and commercial wastewater treatment systems. These tablets are designed for the unpredictable flow rates that are associated with aerobic septic systems. When used as directed, in an approved tablet feeder, this product allows the system to meet state and local regulatory disinfection requirements. These tablets supply beneficial chlorine residual that provides a long lasting bacterial kill by continually destroying undesirable microorganisms entering the wastewater stream. Disinfection of secondary wastewater is generally attained within fifteen minutes of contact with these tablets. Clor Mor Septic Tabs are the economical and convenient alternative to more expensive and hazardous liquid or gas systems, and can be used in all aerobic wastewater treatment systems utilizing approved tablet feeders. Slow Dissolving & Highly Effective. Convenient & easy to use. Leaves no residue. Continuous chlorine residual aids in killing harmful bacteria.

The effect of Borax on septic systems

2010-03-23T13:48:00.000-07:00

Borax is a natural-forming, non-biodegradable cleaning alternative to the toxic, chemical-laced household cleaning products and substances often flushed into or poured down the drain of septic systems.

Function
1. In large amounts, chemicals in certain household cleaning products can upset the treatment process of waste water in septic systems, in which beneficial bacteria break down and digest raw sewage. Borax, a natural-forming mineral, does not deliver the same hazardous effect on septic systems as those chemicals.
Natural Alternative
2. Nontoxic to people and animals, borax can be used safely to bleach, deodorize, remove stains, disinfect and aid the cleaning power of laundry soap.
Types
3. Pennsylvania's Department of Environmental Protection lists borax as a safe alternative to these harmful substances and chemicals that enter septic systems: oils and grease, gasoline, antifreeze, varnishes, paints and solvents, harsh drain and toilet bowl cleaners, laundry detergents with high sudsing elements, bleach and pesticides.
Considerations
4. While nontoxic to people, borax is only less harmful to a septic system's biological treatment of waste than the chemicals found in everyday cleaning products. Large amounts of borax filtered into the environment through a septic system's drain field could injure trees and other plant life.

How to Clean Septic Tank Filters | eHow.com

2010-03-23T13:46:00.000-07:00

How to Clean Septic Tank Filters | eHow.com

Ants and your septic system

2010-03-23T13:43:00.001-07:00

1. Keep aerobic chlorine tablets in the septic system. Chlorine kills all bacteria in the treated wastewater before it is dispersed trough the irrigation system. The State requires chlorine be kept in the system at all times. Tablets should be placed in the chlorinator, which is located inside the 4 inch PVC pipe with a screw on cap that is protruding from the ground where your septic system is located.

* After locating the pipe remove the cap and pull the chlorinator out using the wire that's attached.
* Place the bottom of the chlorinator on the ground and place 5 tables in tube then place it back in pipe and replace cap.
* Check tablets once a month and replace used tablets.
* Do not over fill the tube with tablets the moisture in the tank will soften them and you will waste tablets.
* Use only aerobic chlorine tablets they can be found at your local hardware store. Do not use swimming pool chlorine tablets they do not dissolve quickly enough so the waste water does not get treated properly and the gases they put off can actually damage the electrical wiring going to the pump in the system.

2. Put out ant poison around blower box. (Warranty will not cover any blower that has been ruined due to fire ants.)

3. Keep grass mowed around sprinkler heads.

4. Do not drive anything directly over the sprinkler heads and nothing heavier than a riding lawn mower over your septic tanks.

5. Have your septic cleaned out every 3 years or if solids appear in the pump tank which ever occurs first. If solids are observed in the pump take during one of our scheduled inspections a note will be made on the inspection report and pumping recommended.

6. Keep an aerobic monitoring contract on your system.

Best Way - Aerobic Septic System Maintenance | eHow.com

2010-03-23T13:40:00.000-07:00

Best Way - Aerobic Septic System Maintenance | eHow.com

About aerobic septic systems

2010-03-23T11:34:00.000-07:00

An aerobic treatment system or ATS, often called (incorrectly) an aerobic septic system is a small scale sewage treatment system similar to a septic tank system, but which uses an aerobic process for digestion rather than just the anaerobic process used in septic systems. These systems are commonly found in rural areas where public sewers are not available, and may be used for a single residence or for a small group of homes.

Unlike the traditional septic system, the aerobic treatment system produces a high quality secondary effluent, which can be sterilized and used for surface irrigation. This allows much greater flexibility in the placement of the leach field, as well as cutting the required size of the leach field by as much as half.

Source: Wikipedia

Problems in Aerobic Septic Systems (Aeration Septic Systems) - Fine bubble aeration septic systems

2010-03-23T11:08:00.001-07:00

Problems in Aerobic Septic Systems (Aeration Septic Systems) - Fine bubble aeration septic systems

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Septic genie

2010-03-23T10:53:00.000-07:00

There are many different types of septic systems, but the vast majority are conventional anaerobic septic systems. Despite their type, they all do the same thing. These conventional septic systems all share one problem; they fail from biomat build up in the soil surrounding your drain field. The average expectancy of a drain field is about 20 to 25 years before you have a problem. An aerobic septic system runs faster and more effectively then the conventional system. If you have a biomat problem you do have choice. There is no need to do the traditional fix of ripping up your lawn and replacing the drain field. There is a new product called the Septic Genie. This company has over 50 years of septic and waste water experience and wanted to offer a product directly to the homeowner to save them a bundle of money.

Biomat is a thick slime created by intestinal bacteria that clogs the soil surrounding your drain field. In the drain field soil there are air pockets that allow the liquid to flow through, and this is where the slime clogs and causes problems. The Genie will convert an existing conventional septic system into an aerobic septic system and get to work right away.

Each Genie is handmade and shipped directly to your home.

The Genie?s special bacteria are introduced to the tank, and when the air pump is switched on, transform it to an aerobic septic system. The bacteria will live and reproduce inside the Genie, consuming all organic material in the tank. Some bacteria will travel with the liquid to the drain field and start to eat and digest the biomat. This will start your conventional system on the path to aerobic septic system efficiency. It can take as little as two weeks to work or longer. It will depend on how long your system has had problems and how much biomat there is to get rid of. Should you have any septic odor problems they will be eradicated after 24-36 hours and are unlikely to return.

The company has a very informative website, http://www.septicgenie.com. You can read all about septic systems, and watch installation videos. You can contact them through their website with any comments, concerns, or questions. You can also reach them by phone if you would prefer. The Genie comes with a lifetime warranty, as well as, a six month money back performance guarantee. They are confident that this product will correct your biomat problem, and offer long term protection from any future biomat problems. You will need to do a minor check up once a year and replace the bacteria inoculum, that?s it. Easy to maintain, saves you money, and it will extend the lifetime of your system indefinitely.

Advantages and disadvantages of Aerobic Systems

2010-03-23T10:48:00.000-07:00

Aerobic systems have a few advantages over conventional septic systems:

* Aerobic systems can often be paired with a smaller leaching field than a similar conventional septic system. This can substantially reduce the space required, which can be useful in lots where a large drainage field is unacceptable.
* Aerobic systems generally produce cleaner effluent (the wastewater that is returned to nature after processing). This is useful in environmentally delicate locations, areas with high water tables and similar sensitive areas.
* Aerobic bacteria typically break down household waste faster than anaerobic bacteria.

Disadvantages

Despite these substantial benefits, aerobic systems are in generally limited use. Their main use is to replace failed septic systems. Here are a few of the substantial disadvantages:

* Their initial cost is often several times that of a conventional septic system.
* Since these systems use electric pumps to circulate air through the sewage, the site must have electricity, and the owner must bear the ongoing cost of electric usage.
* These are substantially more complicated systems than traditional gravity-powered systems, and as such, their ongoing maintenance costs are higher.
* Not all municipalities allow aerobic septic systems, so be sure to check with your town or city before completing a purchase.

While aerobic septic systems are often used as replacements for existing failed gravity-powered septic systems they can be expensive to maintain and install.