© 2005-2019 Better Than Septic. All rights reserved.
Nov 13, 2018
Oct 23, 2018
Sep 10, 2018
THIS IS THE PITS
What is a Soil Test?
A soil test determines the type, size and design of an onsite wastewater treatment system
WHY THE SOIL IS IMPORTANT
When designing an onsite wastewater treatment system, it is important to evaluate the soil to determine whether the site is suitable to support a wastewater dispersal field
PERFORMING "THE TEST"
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| Proper design & operation of an onsite system hinges on the soil's ability to absorb wastewater |
- Typically, 2-5+ soil borings (backhoe pits) are excavated in the vicinity of the proposed dispersal field
- Each boring is typically 3-6' deep, allowing designers and regulators to examine the soil's characteristics
- The soil's horizons (layers), depth, color, structure and texture are classified per the USDA Soil Classification System
- The designer is also looking for indications of the seasonally high groundwater table, generally a limiting condition for a dispersal field
THE RESULTS
After analyzing the soils, the designer prepared a detailed map and report describing the soils at each boring location:
- Horizon, the differing layers within the soil
- Depth of soil, described in inches
- Dominant color, based on the Munsell color chart
- Presence of water (mottled colors)
- Texture is mixture of sand, loam, clay & silt (calculator)
- Structure is how well the soil sticks together
- Consistence describes how loose or compact the soil is
- Drainage class describes the relative wetness of soil
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| The designer carefully records his observations |
IDENTIFY LIMITING LAYERS
One of the main advantages of a soil test is that "limiting layers", which can severely affect the proper function of an onsite wastewater treatment system, can be defined
Limiting layers include bedrock, dense soils with slow permeability, sandy or gravelly soils with very rapid permeability, and the seasonal high water table
BENEFITS OF AQUAKLEAR TREATMENT
Many state regulations require at least 2' of separation from the bottom of a dispersal field to the limiting layer, so the results of the soil test will determine the type, design, location and size of the dispersal field
AquaKlear treatment with a subsurface drip dispersal field can help address limiting conditions at your property... learn more:
HOOT SEPTIC JET SEPTIC NORWECO ADVANTEX ORENCO
Sep 6, 2018
PROTECT THE THINGS YOU CARE ABOUT WITH AQUAKLEAR
No other wastewater treatment system protects like AquaKlear
AquaKlear protects...
- the ENVIRONMENT
- our OCEANS
- our LAKES
- our RIVERS
- our DRINKING WATER
- your COMMUNITY
- your NEIGHBORHOOD
- your FAMILY
- your PROPERTY VALUE
- your PEACE-OF-MIND
#septicsystem #environment #oceans #lakes #rivers #drinkingwater#community #neighborhood #family #propertyvalue #peaceofmind
HOOT SEPTIC JET SEPTIC NORWECO ADVANTEX ORENCO
Aug 27, 2018
KLEAR FACTS - DON'T FLUSH THESE
Vital to the vision of 45 million Americans, used contact lenses are adding to the plastic waste that's finding its way into our oceans, lakes, rivers and farmlands
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| A contact lens recovered from treated sewage |
A study from researchers from Arizona State University finds that used contact lenses are prevalent in wastewater sludge after sewage treatment
FACTS
- US wearers use about 14 BILLION lenses each year, amounting to more than 441,000 pounds of plastic
- ONE IN FIVE contact lens wearers admit to disposing contacts down the sink drain or toilet
- Contact lenses are medical devices that are made of plastic and are NOT SUPER BIODEGRADABLE
- Small and flexible lenses often PASS THROUGH treatment plant filters, ending up in the treated water or sludge
- A pair of leftover lenses is found in EVERY TWO POUNDS of wastewater sludge
- SIX TO TEN TONS of plastic lenses end up in US wastewater sludge each year
- Much of the wastewater sludge is spread on farmland, posing an ECOLOGICAL RISK to vulnerable worms and birds
SIMPLE FIX
If you use contact lenses, discard them in the garbage and NEVER flush them down the drain!
HOOT SEPTIC JET SEPTIC NORWECO ADVANTEX ORENCO
Aug 22, 2018
CASE STUDY: CHALLENGING RIVERSIDE SEPTIC UPGRADE
CLICK HERE to read full article
CHALLENGING RIVERSIDE SEPTIC UPGRADE
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| Situated on the San Lorenzo River, this steeply sloped lot is filled with old redwoods |
PROBLEM
When Jill's septic dispersal field failed, she dreaded replacing it, primarily because the field was under a landscaped flagstone path and her steeply sloped lot is filled with old redwoods that she didn't want damaged during installation.
And because her property is located along the San Lorenzo River (Santa Cruz County), the county environmental health department required advanced treatment to mitigate harmful effects on the environment.
SOLUTION
>>CLICK HERE TO READ HOW the septic designer and contractor worked together to creatively locate and install the AquaKlear tanks and Geoflow dispersal field on this small lot with very limited usable space
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| View of San Lorenzo River from homeowner's multi-level deck |
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| View of new AquaKlear ATU and pump tank with headwork's |
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| AquaKlear's state-of-the-art control center automatically notifies service personnel when there is a problem |
CLICK HERE to read more about this innovative AquaKlear installation
(844) 224-2782 (AQUA)
Better Than Septic
Use Your Water Twice®
HOOT SEPTIC JET SEPTIC NORWECO ADVANTEX ORENCO
Aug 7, 2018
7 STEPS TO A SUCCESSFUL AQUAKLEAR INSTALLATION
Whether you need a NEW septic system or have an existing system in need of REPAIR or UPGRADE, we make it easy to quickly & cost-effectively complete your septic project
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| Click to enlarge |
1. CONTACT
Let's discuss your project so we can develop a budget & scope-of-work, then schedule a site evaluation
2. SITE EVALUATION
Soil profiles & percolation tests help conceptualize the size & type of system needed
3. DESIGN
Our trained septic designer will draft plans for your system in compliance with County regulations
4. PERMIT
Your permit application, design plans & fees are submitted to the County for review & approval
5. BIDS
We will help obtain 2 or 3 quotes from qualified contractors with an A, B, C-36 or C-42 license
6. INSTALL
Your AquaKlear system & dispersal field are installed, programmed & tested
7. STARTUP
Your quality-of-life has just improved with the start-up of your reliable & trouble free AquaKlear treatment system
Septic system design is not a "one-size-fits-all" approach because each property is unique & requires different concepts, layouts & setbacks. Our team of septic professionals are ready to help you overcome the challenges associated with your wastewater project. Call us today!
HOOT SEPTIC JET SEPTIC NORWECO ADVANTEX ORENCO
Aug 6, 2018
SEPTIC SYSTEM SAFETY & TIPS
7 Lifesaving Septic System Safety Tips
While rare, septic system dangers are real - be safe working on or around your septic system or cesspool and follow these tips and safety precautions
1. Where is It?
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| Sturdy lids are at-grade for easy servicability |
However, if your lids are buried and you don't know where the tank is, start by looking for a sewer cleanout or follow the sewer pipe out of the crawl space. You might even need to consult county records or even have a septic professional locate the system.
2. Use Sturdy Lids
Every access opening to your septic tank should be properly secured. Sturdy lids that cannot be easily removed should be used to prevent unauthorized or accidental entry. TIP: double check that lids are secure after every visit by a septic professional!
3. Watch Out for Fumes
Septic gases are extremely dangerous and can be an asphyxiation hazard. If inhaled, hydrogen sulfide and/or methane gases can quickly render a person unconscious or even be fatal.Watch out for that "rotten egg" smell that can indicate dangerous gases and NEVER lean over a septic tank opening.
4. Keep Flames Away
Methane gas, a byproduct of every septic system, is highly flammable and can be potentially explosive!
Keep all flames away from your septic tank and system, including cigarettes, fire starters, Tiki torches and fire pits.
5. Never Enter the Tank
Unless you are a septic professional with proper equipment and training, NEVER ENTER THE SEPTIC TANK. If someone falls into a tank, DO NOT GO IN after them - instead call emergency services and, if possible, blow fresh air into the tank using fans.6. Keep it Clean
Debris and tall grasses can hide septic lids making is easy to accidentally stand on your system without knowing. Keep the area surrounding your system free of hazards, debris and tall grasses.7. Protect Your System
Avoid using heavy machinery over your septic system that can compress the ground, break pipes and even crush your tank. And when digging and landscaping, watch for pipes and electrical lines. If you notice any exposed lines, call a septic professional immediately.Taking the right precautions and educating your household members about septic safely will keep your family safe.
- Think your septic system needs a check-up?
- Not sure where your system is located?
- Is something "off" or is there a funny odor?
HOOT SEPTIC JET SEPTIC NORWECO ADVANTEX ORENCO
Jun 1, 2018
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY
Today marks an important corporate milestone
Five years of manufacturing & distributing the quality AquaKlear treatment system in California & Hawaii
(844) 224-2782
#anniversary #BetterThanSeptic #AquaKlear #5years #CorporateAnniversary #celebration #congratulations
HOOT SEPTIC JET SEPTIC NORWECO ADVANTEX ORENCO
Feb 20, 2018
FAT FREE PIPES
Fats, Oils & Grease (FOG) Can Damage Your Home & The Environment
Preventing Clogged Pipes & Costly Septic System Damage is Easy
Grease is a byproduct of cooking that comes from meat fats, lard, oil, shortening, butter, margarine, food scraps, baked goods, sauces & dairy products
When washed down the sink, grease sticks to the insides of your pipes & over time it can build up & block an entire pipe
Grease also wreaks havoc on septic systems & can cause more frequent pumping or even damage to necessary components
HOOT SEPTIC JET SEPTIC NORWECO ADVANTEX ORENCO
Feb 14, 2018
CESSPOOLS: A SERIOUS HEALTH HAZARD IN HAWAII
Cesspools are a major source of water pollution in Hawaii
Cesspools contaminate Hawaii's ground water, drinking water sources, streams & oceans with disease-causing pathogens
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| Cesspool = hole in the ground |
WHAT IS A CESSPOOL?
A cesspool is - quite literally - a hole in the ground
Cesspools are open bottom pits that receive & discharge raw, untreated human waste into the subsoil, ground & surface waters
WHAT'S THE PROBLEM?
Cesspools contain high concentrations of nitrogen, phosphorous & fecal coliform bacteria
These bacteria & nutrients present a serious risk of illness to humans & are a significant source of pollution of streams & coastal regions, including coral reefs
CRITICAL AREAS IDENTIFIED IN HAWAII
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| Cesspool runoff, courtesy Hanalei Watershed |
Hawaii's Department of Health has extensively evaluated cesspool contamination & identified 14 critical areas - with more than 43,000 cesspools - as having the greatest need for action:
- Big Island: Kea'au, Hilo Bay, Kona, Puako, Kapoho
- Maui: Upcountry area
- Kauai: Kapaa/Wailua, Poipu/Koloa, Hanalei
- O'ahu: Kahalu'u, Diamond Head, Waialua, Ewa, Waimanalo
* Source: Hawaii Dept of Health
WE CAN HELP
Systems for a 3-bedroom home start at $5,995
Our team of Hawaiian septic experts can help you upgrade your cesspool to an AquaKlear aerobic treatment system without breaking the bank
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| AquaKlear treatment systems can help you build, renovate or solve a problem |
HOOT SEPTIC JET SEPTIC NORWECO ADVANTEX ORENCO
Jan 12, 2018
NOTHING TO BE ALARMED ABOUT
Even with the best care & usage, an AquaKlear alarm can happen any time for any reason
Every AquaKlear system has an alarm that sounds & illuminates when there's a problem... here's what to do when an alarm occurs:
- DON'T PANIC - it's usually not an emergency - your state-of-the-art AquaKlear controller operates & monitors your entire system & is designed to alert you when there is a problem
- SILENCE THE ALARM - if you hear the alarm sounding, move the toggle switch (on the right hand side of the controller) to "MUTE"
- TRY TO IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM - see common reasons below
- CONTACT US - ☎️ call (844) 224-2782 - many times our technicians can help you troubleshoot over the phone
COMMON REASONS FOR AN AQUAKLEAR ALARM
- Tripped circuit breaker: check inside your controller to verify that all circuit breakers are ON.
- Aeration problem:
- Is your blower on? AquaKlear's blower has an internal diaphragm baffle that can break due to age or environmental conditions - WE CARRY REPAIR KITS!
- Are the connections secure? Check the connections to your blower to make sure they're not disconnected, kinked or damaged.
- High water level:
- Was power recently OUT? It can take up to 12 hours for your AquaKlear system to recover from an extended power outage.
- Was there a recent water surge? A leaky fixture or bid discharge from a tub can cause a water surge. Allow up to 12 hours for your AquaKlear system to recover.
- When was the last time your system was serviced? Your filter may be clogged, preventing water from discharging to your field.
- Is it raining, or has it recently rained? Ground or stormwater may be infiltrating your system, especially around the covers & pipes that have settled over time - be sure to direct all stormwater AWAY from your tank!
- Is your water pump working? Just like any mechanical part, eventually the pump's motor or impellers will fail, but it is convenient to access, inspect & replace.
- Sensor issue: a mechanical float may have failed, but they are convenient to access, inspect & replace.
If your system is still alarming after 24 hours, contact us at (844) 224-2782
Whatever you do, don't ignore the problem & hope it goes away!
HOOT SEPTIC JET SEPTIC NORWECO ADVANTEX ORENCO
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