3 BIG REASONS TO INSPECT YOUR SEPTIC

Proper usage & maintenance of your septic system has a significant impact on how well it works & how long it lasts

There are THREE reasons why maintaining your septic system is so important:

#1 - MONEY

Failing septic systems can be expensive to repair or replace - improper maintenance in the most common cause of early system failure

#2 - HEALTH

When a septic system fails, raw sewage is released into the environment & can pose serious health risks - plus, sewage can contaminate wells, groundwater & drinking water sources

#3 - ECONOMY

Failing septic systems can cause property values to decline & may contribute to the pollution of local rivers, lakes & shoreline 

Be sure to have your system regularly inspected & serviced by a Qualified Service Professional

(844) 224-2782 (AQUA)

www.betterthanseptic.com

© 2015 Better Than Septic. All rights reserved.

4 SEPTIC TIPS TO AVOID EXPENSIVE MISTAKES

Regular inspection & maintenance along with these 4 tips can help avoid septic system malfunction, premature failure & costly repairs

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#1-SERVICE REGULARLY

Have your system regularly serviced & inspected and pump when recommended by your qualified Service Professional

#2-WATCH THE DRAINS

Don't flush anything that could clog or damage the system & avoid household toxins that can destroy the "biological ecosystem"

#3-REDUCE SOLIDS

Eliminate the garbage disposal to reduce solids & grease


CLICK: GREASE MANAGEMENT TIP

#4-AVOID HYDRAULIC OVERLOAD

• Use water wisely & know where your water is used
• Use water efficient appliances 
• Maintain plumbing fixtures to prevent leaks
• Spread laundry through the week

(844) 224-2782 (AQUA)

www.betterthanseptic.com

© 2015 Better Than Septic. All rights reserved.

TOP REASONS WHY SEPTIC SYSTEMS FAIL

Failing septic systems can expose your family, your community and the environment to disease-causing sewage

Many factors can cause a septic system to fail before the end of its lifetime:

POOR MAINTENANCE

The #1 reason for early septic system failure is improper maintenance... when a system is neglected and not regularly pumped or inspected, solids can accumulate in the tank and flow into the soil - potentially clogging it beyond repair 

CLICK HERE FOR MAINTENANCE TIPS

Maintain fixtures
to prevent leaks

USING TOO MUCH WATER

Another common reason for failure is using more water than the soil can absorb - this can result in sewage backing into drains or even surfacing in your yard
CLICK FOR A WATER USAGE CHART

CHEMICALS & TOXINS

Your septic system is a "biological ecosystem" that digests and treats waste - chemicals, cleansers, caustic drain openers, oil, pesticides, antifreeze, and paint should never be put down the drain

IMPROPER DESIGN

An improperly designed septic system is doomed from the start - failure usually occurs because the system is inadequately sized, installed in poor soils or not properly constructed. 

There are many steps that you can take to ensure a properly sited, correctly installed & regularly maintained septic system - done properly, your system should last 25+ years

(844) 224-2782 (AQUA)

www.betterthanseptic.com

© 2015 Better Than Septic. All rights reserved.

IS YOUR LAUNDRY STRAINING YOUR SEPTIC?

Laundry & septic systems work well together when used properly

WASHERS USE LOTS OF WATER

A washing machine is a significant use of water - accounting for 15-40% of overall household water consumption

HELPFUL TIPS 

Since washers contribute a great deal of water to septic systems, here are some tips to avoid problems:

 

CLICK TO DOWNLOAD MORE INFO

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

© 2015 Better Than Septic. All rights reserved.

WHAT'S IN YOUR WASTEWATER?

After using water to wash clothes, take showers & flush toilets, your wastewater can be quite dirty & contain many different contaminants

MOSTLY WATER BY WEIGHT

Wastewater is mostly water by weight - other materials comprise a small portion but can be present in large enough quantities to endanger public health and the environment

Typical domestic sewage contains many pollutants:

The wastewater components that should be of most concern to homeowners and communities are those that have the potential to cause serious illness or detrimental environmental effects

(844) 224-2782 (AQUA)

www.betterthanseptic.com

© 2015 Better Than Septic. All rights reserved.

WHY ADVANCED TREATMENT?

Advanced treatment systems are the perfect solution for difficult properties

AquaKlear advanced treatment systems remove more bacteria and organic material than a standard septic system

As a result, the highly treated water can be safely reused for landscape irrigation instead of conventional dispersal that may contaminate groundwater

AquaKlear adds value to:

SMALL LOTS

Limited space is no problem for AquaKlear - our compact footprint requires less yard space and can even be placed under a driveway with our traffic rated models

HIGH GROUNDWATER

Drip dispersal lines
Courtesy: Geoflow

AquaKlear's treated water is dispersed into the upper soil layers to irrigate plants and lawns - this eliminates the need for a deep drainfield that may encroach on the groundwater table

STEEP SLOPES

Sloped dispersal field
Santa Cruz County, CA

Our drip dispersal lines have been installed on slopes ranging from 40-60% gradiant - use your unusable space for wastewater!

POOR SOILS

Fast percolating and really tight soils are AquaKlear's specialty - our drip system can be designed to accommodate a wide range of soil issues

Contact us today for a FREE EVALUATION of your property's wastewater needs

(844) 224-2782 (AQUA)

www.betterthanseptic.com

© 2015 Better Than Septic. All rights reserved.

THIS TURNS WASTEWATER INTO POTABLE WATER??

UV light is a common & non-toxic way to disinfect treated wastewater

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WHAT IS UV LIGHT?

Ultraviolet (UV) light is a type of electromagnetic radiation that is invisible to the human eye

UV lies between X-rays and visible light on the electromagnetic spectrum:

GERMICIDAL PROPERTIES

UV lamps instantly neutralize
microorganisms in treated wastewater

A unique characteristic of UV is that a specific range wavelengths are classified as germicidal - meaning they can render microorganisms (ie bacteria & viruses) as inactive & incapable of reproducing or infecting

BENEFITS OF UV

Ultraviolet is a cost-effective alternative to chemical disinfection (ie chlorine) - plus UV is also non-toxic to the environment & generates no by-products

WHEN TO DISINFECT

UV disinfection is commonly recommended for wastewater systems that are close to water or near environmentally sensitive areas

AQUAKLEAR CASE STUDY

Treated water from AquaKlear's 
clarifier passes over the UV lamp

THIS AQUAKLEAR SYSTEM uses Salcor UV disinfection because the property is adjacent to a creek, has groundwater at less than 3' and is less than 1000' away from an organic farm


Every AquaKlear treatment system is equipped for optional UV disinfection

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

© 2015 Better Than Septic. All rights reserved.

WIPES CLOG PIPES

"Disposable" doesn't mean "Flushable"

Many popular wipe products are labeled and marketed as disposable, flushable or septic safe, but they don't break down when flushed

BIG PROBLEMS

These wipes can clog sewer lines, cause sewage backups and lead to time consuming and expensive repairs

Costs for plumber to unclog your sewer line can range from $75 to $350+ and a septic system pump out can cost $400 to $650

SAVE YOUR DRAIN

"Just because you can flush something, doesn't mean you should", says Better Than Septic founder Jacqueline Sommers "When these items are flushed they don't disintegrate very quickly, and I've seen firsthand the problems they can cause"

Never flush wipes, paper towels, dental floss, feminine hygiene products, cat litter, diapers,  cigarette butts, coffee grounds, pharmaceuticals, egg shells, cooking grease or oil

(844) 224-2782 (AQUA)

www.BetterThanSeptic.com

© 2016 Better Than Septic. All rights reserved.

AQUAKLEAR CASE STUDY

AWKWARD LOT

STEEP SLOPE | LIMITED SPACE | NEARBY WATER

Adjacent to a waterway, this very small and steeply sloped property uses AquaKlear treatment to protect the environment & enhance the life of the leach field

For this extremely small lot, the designer recommended the AK500F - AquaKlear's smallest fiberglass system with gravity dispersal to a rock trench leach field

The compact AK500F measures just 4.5' x 7' & was installed with NO PRETREATMENT TANK. To maximize efficient use of the parcel, the fiberglass tank was placed under an engineered concrete driveway.

The entire system is operated by the easy-to-use AquaKlear controller & monitored by the RMSYS Onsite Monitoring Program. In the event of a problem, the system automatically contacts service personnel.

(844) 224-2782 (AQUA)

www.BetterThanSeptic.com

© 2016 Better Than Septic. All rights reserved.

OUTDOOR CODE OF ETHICS

How long does your trash hang around?

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If you leave something behind, this is how long it will last:

Orange Peel = 3 months

Paper Container = 5 months

Plastic Bag = 20 years

Nylon Fabric = 30-40 years

Plastic Bottle = 50-80 years

Aluminum Can = 80-100 years

Be a good environmental steward and Police Your Trash

(844) 224-2782 (AQUA)

www.BetterThanSeptic.com

© 2016 Better Than Septic. All rights reserved.

WHERE YOUR WATER GOES

DYK: the average Californian uses 72 gallons of water each day

Do you know where your water is used? 

Here's a breakdown of where household water is typically used:

(844) 224-2782 (AQUA)

www.BetterThanSeptic.com

© 2016 Better Than Septic. All rights reserved.

NSF-CERTIFIED

 Standard 40: Class 1 Wastewater Treatment Unit

The amazing AquaKlear system has undergone rigorous performance testing & is NSF-Certified as a "Standard 40 Class 1 Wastewater Treatment Unit"

WHAT IS NSF?

NSF International is an independent testing and accrediting organization that certifies many products including wastewater treatment units like AquaKlear

ABOUT THE TEST

The NSF Standard 40 test takes 6 months to complete: each day the system is dosed with sewage to simulate average home conditions & the treated water is tested to measure the reduction of nutrients (BOD) & solids (TSS)

AQUAKLEAR'S RESULTS

AquaKlear consistently produces a highly clarified effluent that exceeds both national & state standards:

And AquaKlear is excellent at tackling high strength wastewater which is common in California due to lower water use

ULTIMATE PROTECTION

AquaKlear's Clarifying Trio gives you total peace-of-mind that your treatment unit is protecting your family, your community and the environment

(844) 224-2782 (AQUA)

www.BetterThanSeptic.com

© 2016 Better Than Septic. All rights reserved.

YOU HAVEN'T PUMPED IT IN HOW LONG?

Your habits & usage of the system will determine how often your system needs to be pumped

As with all septic systems, occasional pumping of the solids is required to keep your advanced treatment system healthy & to ensure proper treatment

THREE LAYERS

Naturally your system's pretreatment tank will develop three layers: scum at the surface, sludge at the bottom and liquid in the middle

ADEQUATE SPACE

It is important to ensure adequate "space" for the liquids to settle out the solids before the water passes into the aeration zone for processing

THE RULE OF THUMB

The wastewater industry recommends that you pump your system when the collective scum and sludge levels are between 25-30% of the total capacity

(844) 224-2782 (AQUA)

www.BetterThanSeptic.com

© 2016 Better Than Septic. All rights reserved.

WHEN TO USE ADVANCED TREATMENT

More septic professionals are recommending the affordable &  AquaKlear system to their clients

FAST & EASY TO INSTALL

FACTORY ASSEMBLED

Every AquaKlear system is factory assembled and watertight tested for a smooth installation

EASY CONNECTIONS

Minimal plumbing and electrical connections means your systems takes less time (and money!) to install

AFFORDABLE TECHNOLOGY

The innovative AquaKlear system is the most affordable treatment system available in California & Hawaii... Equipment for a 2-5 bedroom home starts at just $5,995

(844) 224-2782 (AQUA)

www.BetterThanSeptic.com

© 2016 Better Than Septic. All rights reserved.

SEPTIC SYSTEM "DIRTY DOZEN"

Follow these tips to maintain a healthy biological ecosystem in your septic system

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"DIRTY DOZEN"

I'm often asked what products shouldn't be used with a septic system. These 12 products & chemicals should be limited in use:

1. Liquid Fabric Softeners - use fabric sheets instead
2. Bath & Body Oils - avoid oily lotions & personal products
3. Drain Cleaners - never NEVER use (so bad for septic)
4. Automatic Toilet Cleaners - adds too many chemicals each day
5. Spray Shower Cleaners - adds too many chemicals each day
6. Degreasers - sends grease into your soil
7. "Quats" - complex organic salt compounds (found in many products)
8. Prescription & OTC Drugs - NEVER flush drugs
9. Antibacterial Products - kills the good bacteria
10. Powdered Laundry/Dishwasher Detergents - use liquid
11. Powerful Surfactants - kills the good bacteria
12. Paint & Construction Debris - organics only down the drain

Will occasional use harm your system? Probably not, but do you want these chemicals to enter your soil and possibly percolate into the groundwater?

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RULE OF THUMB

The general rule of thumb is that if you're okay with using the product directly on your skin, it's probably okay for your septic system

CLICK for Septic Q&A

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(844) 224-2782 (AQUA)

www.BetterThanSeptic.com

© 2016 Better Than Septic. All rights reserved.

CHOOSE YOUR CONTROL PANEL

Whether your septic project needs the most sophisticated pump panel or basic monitoring & operation, AquaKlear has the perfect controller for your dispersal needs

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DRIP DOSE CONTROLLER

For subsurface drip dispersal

• Easy-to-use programmable relay
• Multiple timer settings
• EIGHT programmable zones
• Pump [Hand-Off-Auto] switch
• Automatic field & filter flush capabilities
• 3-float system or transducer pressure switch
• Monitors aeration system & high water
• Audible & visual alarms
• Alarm test & silence switch

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TIMED DOSE CONTROLLER

For timed pumped dispersal

• 24-hour timer operation (or repeat cycle)
• Pump [Hand-Off-Auto] switch
• 3-float system or transducer pressure switch
• Simplex or duplex
• Monitors aeration system & high water
• Audible & visual alarms
• Alarm test & silence switch

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STANDARD CONTROLLER

For basic on-demand pumping or gravity dispersal

• On-demand pump enabled controller
• Floats or transducer pressure switch
• Monitors aeration system & high water
• Audible & visual alarms
• Alarm test & silence switch

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EVERY AQUAKLEAR CONTROLLER IS WARRANTIED FOR THREE YEARS

(844) 224-2782 (AQUA)

www.BetterThanSeptic.com

© 2023 Better Than Septic. All rights reserved.

THE EFFECTS OF F.O.G.

Let's Tackle Grease in the Kitchen

WHAT IS "F.O.G."?

F.O.G. refers to Fats, Oils & Grease

WHERE DOES IT COME FROM?

F.O.G. comes from many things including meat fats, oils, shortening, butter, lard, margarine, mayo, salad dressings and sour cream

WHAT CAN IT DO?

Even with occasional use, F.O.G. can:

• build-up inside pipes

• restrict water flow 

• cause wastewater to backup inside your home

• require costly cleanups and removal

Click to enlarge

CLICK HERE en español

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DO's & DON'Ts

• DO scrape food scraps into the trash
• DO wipe greasy pots, pans & dishes with paper towels before washing
• DO recycle used cooking oil & properly dispose of it by pouring into a sealable container 

• DON'T use a garbage disposal 
• DON'T pour cooking oil, pan drippings, bacon grease, salad dressings or sauces down the drain
• DON'T run hot water over greasy dishes & pans

(844) 224-2782 (AQUA)

www.BetterThanSeptic.com

© 2017 Better Than Septic. All rights reserved.

STOP! YOUR CLEANING PRODUCTS ARE POLLUTING

The use of biocides, antibacterial & disinfectant products can harm or even destroy good septic system bacteria

LOOK AT LABELS

From mild soaps to your most powerful cleansers, every household product that goes down your drain has an effect on your septic system:

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CAUTION:

means the product will have little effect & can be used in normal amounts

WARNING:

means the product should have a minimal impact but should be used sparingly

DANGER:

means the product will kill bacteria & should be used very seldom or even eliminated

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CLEAN WITH CARE

Using normal amounts of these products may destroy some beneficial bacteria, but excessive and cumulative use can cause significant or even total destruction of the bacterial population

AVOID SEPTIC PROBLEMS

If the bacteria are destroyed or compromised, solids will accumulate much faster and may cause problems in the dispersal area

(844) 224-2782 (AQUA)

www.BetterThanSeptic.com

© 2016 Better Than Septic. All rights reserved.