Is an aerobic system the answer?

Question:

I have a septic system with lateral lines. Lines are on a slight slope, so in addition to the 1,000-gallon trash tank, I have a 1,000-gallon pump tank. I’m in Oklahoma, where we had record rainfall the past year. I am now experiencing water surfacing when the pump activates.

The septic system contractors I talked to say the field is saturated and I need to convert to an aerobic system. The three companies I talked to use all-in-one tanks, but would use my existing trash tank and cave in my existing pump tank. In my research it seems I might be able to drop in an aeration tank between the existing trash and pump tanks and add lines and sprinkler heads for distribution of the effluent.

Does anyone have experience with this they can share?

Answers:

Converting a septic system to aerobic bacteria is a fairly simple process. Aerobic bacteria is claimed to be faster-acting and more aggressive than typical anaerobic bacteria. It is also claimed that when the aerobic bacteria gets to the field, it will devour the biomat — which is a common cause of field failure — and in fact, restore a failed drainfield (according to system manufacturers).

Supporting aerobic bacteria requires an air-infuser, also called an oxygenator. An air pump sits outside the tank, which pumps air to the infuser inside the clarifying chamber of a tank. The already somewhat clean effluent is “bubbled” and the fine particulates fall to the bottom, super-cleaning the effluent. Aerobic bacteria is manually added (periodically), above the bubbler, and is mixed in by the bubbling action. Filters are optionally added at the tank’s outlet.

A riser above the bubbler is necessary for ongoing, scheduled maintenance and adding the aerobic bacteria packets. It sounds like you have a “forced” system. In other words, it drains under pressure (with a pump) rather than typical gravity. Although what you suggest may be helpful, I would also consider installing a chamber system to add drainfield capacity. And protect the chambers from rain infiltration with the appropriate products.

If you’re going to dig a hole, you may want to install the chambers and get it over with at the same time. Also, give the rainwater some place to go instead of sitting on top of your field.

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All this talk of adding things to the system, but nothing about how much it will cost. Mound systems are expensive, tending to be $3,000 to $6,000 more than a typical tank and drainfield system.

I like the aeration system solution the best, since it is a minor change to your existing system. Some companies advertise an aerator motor for an existing septic tank; then you wouldn’t have any tank costs.

The problem you have is you’re trying to put water into water. Septic systems don’t work underwater. One of the best things you can do is conserve water. Turn off the water when you’re brushing your teeth or shaving. In the shower, get wet, turn off the water, soap up, then turn the water back on to rinse off.

Replace an older top-load washing machine with a front loader, which uses half the water and detergents. Replace all faucet aerators and showerheads with water-conserving devices. If you really want to get radical, replace your toilets with new water conserving toilets (or even more radical with a composting toilet). Bottom line — less water will help your system.

I tell folks, if you never use your system, then it will never fail.

Maintenance contracts, anyone?

Question:

We are thinking of doing service contracts. Have any of you done this?

Answers:

I use service contracts and they are a great way to keep the money rolling in during the winter. But they do have a downside. Some people think the contract covers parts, labor and pumping, and they get mad when they don’t see you doing the testing. I test twice a year and leave a sticker on the door to show that I’ve been there.

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In my opinion, the only thing better than cleaning septic tanks is having your customers on a checklist paying you to tell them when it’s time for you to pump it. But you must let them know when they sign up that any repairs or pumping costs additional money. Other than that, the only thing to avoid is price wars. Stick to your deal, and if the next guy wants to work for nothing, that’s his business.