Sep 28, 2015

GRAYWATER REUSE - EVERYONE'S DOING IT

The use of graywater as an alternative water resource is growing in popularity


Because only 3% of Earth's water is fresh water, more people are reusing graywater to supplement their water needs

WHAT IS GRAYWATER?


Graywater is untreated household wastewater that has NOT come into contact with toilet waste 

 Graywater may contain traces of dirt, food, grease, hair & chemicals from cleaning or personal products


GRAYWATER BENEFITS 


Using graywater is an important part of sustainable integrated water management - it not only "connects" people to their household water supply but it can also:
  • Reduce demand for potable water use by up to 40%
  • Reduce water bills 
  • Reduce energy and chemicals used at municipal wastewater treatment plants
  • Reduce dependency on imported water or local aquifers
  • Encourage the use of non-toxic products
  • Provide landscape "drought insurance" 

© 2015 Better Than Septic. All rights reserved.



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Sep 26, 2015

PRESCRIPTION DRUG TAKE-BACK DAY

Saturday September 26, 2015 is the 10th National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day



Local agencies across the US are providing a safe, convenient & responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs


• Get rid of dangerous, expired, unused & unwanted prescription drugs
• Prevent diversion, misuse & abuse of prescription drugs
• Protect public health by preventing contamination of wastewater & landfills


CLICK HERE to find a collection site near you




© 2015 Better Than Septic. All rights reserved.

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Sep 25, 2015

"SHIELD YOUR FIELD" - DAY 5 - SEPTICSMART WEEK

Shield Your Field!


What you place on or around your dispersal field MATTERS!!!




* Don't drive or operate heavy machinery over your tank or dispersal field

* Don't pave over your dispersal field 

* Direct all stormwater away from your tank & dispersal field
* Check out these tips from the U.S. EPA

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Sep 24, 2015

"DON'T STRAIN THE DRAIN" - DAY 4 - SEPTICSMART WEEK

Don't Strain the Drain!


Efficient water use not only improves the operation of your septic system but it also reduces the risk of failure 

A septic tank must hold wastewater long enough to allow solids to settle before entering the dispersal field



Too much water in a short period of time can cause solids to pass into the dispersal field




(844) 224-2782 (AQUA)





© 2019 Better Than Septic. All rights reserved.
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Sep 23, 2015

"DON'T OVERLOAD THE COMMODE" - DAY 3 - SEPTICSMART WEEK

Don't Overload the Commode!


Only put things down the drains or toilets that belong there & never flush anything that could clog or damage your septic system


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Sep 22, 2015

"THINK AT THE SINK" - DAY 2 - SEPTICSMART WEEK

Think at the Sink!



Everything that goes down your drains has a major impact on how well your onsite wastewater treatment system works



Whether you flush down the toilet, grind in the garbage disposal or pour down the sink, shower or bath - BE AWARE of what goes DOWN THE DRAIN

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Sep 21, 2015

"PROTECT IT & INSPECT IT!" - DAY 1 - SEPTICSMART WEEK

Protect it & Inspect it!


Owners of properties with onsite wastewater treatment systems can save more than $10,000 in repair & replacement costs just by having their septic system professionally inspected & serviced every 3-5 years



The average septic system inspection costs just $250-500.... worth your time & money to help identify potential problems

 ADDED BENEFITS OF REGULAR MAINTENANCE:
Helps to protect your investment, your property, your community & drinking water sources



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Sep 18, 2015

WATER USAGE & SEPTIC SYSTEMS

The average Californian uses 72 gallons of water per day for flushing toilets, showering & bathing, washing clothes & dishes, using faucets & other uses

SIZED FOR YOUR DAILY FLOW



 It is important to know how much water goes down your drains because your septic system is sized for a certain amount of water each day

HYDRAULIC OVERLOAD


 Using more water than your system was designed for can damage the components and overload or even clog the soil dispersal area

(844) 224-2782 (AQUA)

www.betterthanseptic.com


© 2015 Better Than Septic. All rights reserved.
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Sep 17, 2015

IS YOUR DISHWASHER COMPATIBLE WITH SEPTIC?

Dishwashers & septic systems work well together when used properly



Dishwashers use a relatively small amount of water in the average home, accounting for approximately 1-2% of overall water consumption


MODERN EFFICIENCY


Newer dishwashers uses less than 6 gallons of water per load while older models use 10-15 gallons per load

DID YOU KNOW??? The "Rinse & Hold" feature uses less water than pre-rinsing dishes in the sink

HELPFUL TIPS 


Follow these septic system dishwasher tips:
 





(844) 224-2782 (AQUA)
www.betterthanseptic.com



© 2015 Better Than Septic. All rights reserved.
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Sep 15, 2015

SEPTICSMART WEEK: THIRD WEEK OF SEPTEMBER

Every year, the third week of September is celebrated as SepticSmart Week!


Each day during SepticSmart week, we collaborate with the EPA to encourage owners & communities to care for & maintain their septic systems



Failure to maintain a septic system can result in costly repairs, well contamination, polluted waterways and risks to public health & the environment

(844) 224-2782 (AQUA)


© 2019 Better Than Septic. All rights reserved.

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Sep 14, 2015

HOUSEHOLD WATER USAGE

How much water do you & your family use?

The average Californian uses 72 gallons of water each day 

THE BATHROOM

Flushing toilets, showering & bathing accounts for more than 45% of water usage 
*********
TIP: Shortening your shower by 2 minutes saves 1000+ gallons each year

THE KITCHEN

About 20% of your home's water usage is attributed to the kitchen
*********
TIP: Check out THESE water saving kitchen tips

THE LAUNDRY

A washing machine is a significant use of water & can use up to 55 gallons per load
*********
TIP: Run full loads ONLY - even if your washer has adjustable settings

LEAKS

Leaks - primarily from toilet fixtures - waste nearly 14% of household water each day
*********
TIP: Regularly check toilet fixtures for leaks & repair when needed

(844) 224-2782 (AQUA)
Better Than Septic
Use Your Water Twice®
www.BetterThanSeptic.com


© 2015 Better Than Septic. All rights reserved.

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Sep 4, 2015

THE SOIL IS THE SYSTEM

What if you have high groundwater or your soils aren't suitable for "conventional septic"?


CONVENTIONAL SEPTIC

Suitable soil is necessary for successful
wastewater treatment (Source: EPA)

The purpose of conventional septic is to hold wastewater long enough to separate solids & begin decomposition

When the effluent exits the septic tank it flows (via gravity or pump) to the dispersal field (aka absorption field or drainfield) for final treatment by the soil 


"THE SOIL IS THE SYSTEM"

These are "poor soils" for septic systems
Read about Percolation Tests here
The soil is the most important part of conventional treatment and it must be suitable to remove microorganisms & nutrients before encountering groundwater



 For effective treatment, soils should be readily perkable and also be above water tables & bedrock

If the soil isn't suitable, advanced treatment may be required

AQUAKLEAR = BETTER THAN SEPTIC


AquaKlear advanced treatment systems use innovative technology to improve the treatment process and provide greater environmental protection than conventional septic



AquaKlear adds value to small lots & difficult properties with high groundwater, poor soils, & steep slopes 


CLICK TO LEARN MORE ABOUT AQUAKLEAR

AquaKlear's innovative Clarifying Trio naturally & completely processes sewage


(844) 224-2782 (AQUA)
www.BetterThanSeptic.com


 © 2015 Better Than Septic. All rights reserved.
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Sep 2, 2015

SEPTIC SYSTEMS CAN BREED MOSQUITOES

Septic tanks can be a breeding ground for mosquitoes, producing thousands of mosquitoes each day

Mosquitoes transmit Zika, Dengue & West Nile viruses & can cause serious illness

LOOK FOR PROBLEMS

Mosquitoes in septic tank - courtesy: CDC

 Your septic tank may be producing mosquitoes if it is:

  • Open, unsealed or missing covers
  • Broken with cracks or spaces between pipes, risers or other components
  • Lacking rooftop vent pipe screens

MOSQUITO-PROOF

Prevent gaps of less than 1/16"

Inspect & repair your system:
  • Secure all risers & lids
  • Screen roofline plumbing vents (see right)
  • Repair broken & cracked pipes 
  • Seal all gaps & cracks (use concrete, silicone, construction foam or screening) 


CLICK HERE for more tips about preventing mosquitos



(844) 224-2782 (AQUA)

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Sep 1, 2015

FACTS (& MYTHS) ABOUT SEPTIC SYSTEMS

Nearly 1 in 4 homes in the U.S. rely on septic systems for their wastewater disposal





What is FACT? What is a MYTH?
MYTH: a septic system needs to be "seeded" with bacteria and enzymes for it to work properly

 FALSE normal household usage provides your system with all of the bacteria it needs from the human waste stream
MYTH: additives eliminate the need for pumping out solids

 FALSE every septic system eventually needs to be pumped of the solids - it's a good idea to have your system professionally inspected every 2 years and follow your technician's advice 

 MYTH: septic systems work on their own and don't need maintenance

 FALSE ignoring your septic system can lead to big problems and expensive repairs
MYTH: household chemicals will not harm a septic system

 TRUE & FALSE small amounts of cleansers and chemicals won't harm your system, but excessive amounts can damage or destroy the beneficial micro-organisms that make the system work

Do you have more questions?
Check out our Septic Q&A page HERE

(844) 224-2782 (AQUA)

© 2015 Better Than Septic. All rights reserved.
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