Archive for March, 2009

Drain Field Problems

Tuesday, March 31st, 2009

Question:

Our septic field normally shows up as 5 very green strips in our yard. In the past week two of the green lines have started to die. We are wondering if this is a sign of a problem with our drain field. Thank you.

Answer:

This is a classic story.  You most likely have what is called a serial distribution leach field.

This means that all of the effluent (liquid leaving your septic tank) goes to the first of the five lines of trenches you have until it fails, and then by design flows to the second keeping the first one filled and failed until the second one fails and then the effluent goes to the third one etc etc.

The important fact is that each line stays failed and full of effluent in this process.  An anaerobic conventional septic system is designed to fail from this process.

What happens with the plant growth over the lines is that the effluent in the lines rises to a depth where it gets into the root zone of the plants growing over the lines.  Initially, through a biological process commonly known as nitrification, a group of chemolithotrophic bacteria (you don’t want me to explain what these guys are here) “oxidize” the nitrogen in ammonia to nitrate.

Nitrate is a fertilizer as I’m sure you know.

Now the plants over the drain field have access to liquid and food.  They stay green when surrounding plants don’t and or grow more robustly in comparison with these other plants.  This is the green stripes you mentioned.  Eventually, these plants are exposed to too much fertilizer and liquid and become stressed and die.  Over fertilization is often a problem for plant health.  That is what is now happening with the die back of these green stripes.

This means that your leach field is extremely marginal and very near failure.

This is the time to install a Septic Genie and remediate these lines.  In fact, for remediation, this is the best time to install a Genie as the field hasn’t totally failed and the effluent from your septic tank is still being absorbed sub soil.  Obviously, it takes a bit longer to restore function if the system is in total failure.

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Septic Odors and Gases

Friday, March 27th, 2009

Here’s an interesting question we received about septic odors and gases:

Question:

I have sewer gas leaking back through my septic system into the house. The pipe bringinsewer into the system does not have a 90 degree elbow extending down into the tank. Do I need to install an elbow with a short pipe extending down into the tank. and if so how far into the tank should it extend ?
Answer:

The gases generated in your septic tank by septic bacteria have to get out of the tank or these gases can cause an explosive (not like a bomb) back up in the waste pipes.  Explosive means that you might flush the toilet and a geyser of septic tank effluent and solids can charge back into your house because of the high pressure in the septic tank from gases not being able to escape pushes some of the contents back into the house.

Your waste, drain and disposal pipe system has vents before all fixtures so these gases can excape from the system (typically through the roof) and not get into your house.  Homes that are fifty or sixty years old or older can have a single vent running up the side of the house to vent the sewer line before the house.  Often times these vents don’t penetrate the roof and merely stop at the or just below the eaves.  These are not very effecient and can become clogged by insects, birds and general debris.  These types of vents must be kept open and clean.

If you are smelling septic gases, formed by septic bacteria, in the house, I would need to know if it is constant or merely when you use particular plumbing fixtures.  Over time, solids can and do build up inside the waste pipes of the house and give off septic gases.  Flushing toilets in older homes can often allow these septic gases into the house during the flushing cycle when there is liquid moving through the trap of the toilet creating air channels for gases to get into the house.  More information will be needed to understand your problem.

Obviously, there can be a broken fitting or vent pipe with a hole in it that is allowing the septic gases to get into you walls and house.  If you have a cast iron waste and vent system, and the home is fifty plus years old, this is a real possibility.  There are sulfide metabolizing bacteria living in the aerobic areas of the septic and waste pipes of your house that utilize Hydrogen Sulfide gas and leave Sulfuric Acid on your pipes.  Cast iron pipes will be eaten up over time.  Modern PVC or ABS pipes are inert and non reactive to acids and don’t have this problem.  This would need to be investigated by a plumber or other equally skilled individual.

Have the septic tank opened and inspected.  If you haven’t pumped your septic tank regularly, then solids can build up in the tank and cause liquid and solids from the house to back up into the inlet sewer line from your house.  The pumper should be able to advise you about the condition of your tank.  If the tank is heavily laden with solids, you  might want to have your sewer line jetted or rootered to remove residual solids that may have attached to the inside of the pipe.

Lastly, you could have a broken inlet sewer pipe from the house that can cause a build up of solids in the inlet pipe even though the septic system works.  Its not common but does occur.  Again, have a local septic professional look into the possibility if nothing else seems to help.

Sewer gases created by septic bacteria are toxic and can make you ill or even cause death.  The smell you are experiencing is most typically Hydrogen Sulfide.  Sulfides will anesthetize the olfactory nerves in your nose and you won’t smell it after a very short period of exposure time but it is still there.  Hydrogen Sulfide gas damages your hemogloben cells so they cannot uptake oxygen.  Simply put, it damages the oxygen transportation system in you body so you can’t use oxygen when exposed to certain concentrations of the gas for a long enough time.  Do not allow this problem to continue undiagnosed and repaired.

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Ask a Question!

Tuesday, March 24th, 2009

Many homeowners have questions about their septic systems…and we’re always happy to answer them!

Here are a couple of recent questions we received and our reply.

Question 1:

I have effluent showing up in my yard, does this mean my leechbed is full and needs replaced? Or can the Septic Genie help me???? Thanks!!

Question 2:

I have to have my tank pumped out twice a year and I live alone so its not used much. I thought my leech lines were plugged so I had them cleaned out in december and the tank is full again. Will your product help my problem?

Answer:

Your situation is repeated over and over every day.  This situation is defined as an extremely marginal septic system.  This means the biomat and other organic material has finally slowed down the absorption process to the point that your system will no longer allow liquid into the soils around the disposal field as fast as you put it in.

Your septic system will continue to degrade unless you do something to reverse the process of biomat slime buildup.  Or you can replace the disposal field.  Costly, extremely damaging to your property and will the new field will fail again from exactly the same process?  The Septic Genie technology was developed to address just this problem.

Jetting the lines merely cleans out any accumulated solids laying within the disposal pipe.  At times, there can be a plugging effect from these solids.  But jetting the lines does not address the soil clogging issue.  In fact, some of the solids in the lines will be washed into the leach lines.  As your tank has refilled, it is apparent that biomat is clogging the soil not solids blocking the outlet holes in the pipe.

This is the ideal time to install a Septic Genie.  There is still capacity in the disposal field so the effluent with the Genie bacteria entrained in it can reach the soil where it is needed to remediate the biomat.  The longer the problem lasts the more time it takes for the Genie bacteria to work at restoring your disposal field.

Septic systems depend on bacteria.  Unfortunately, we have used the wrong bacteria for nearly a century.  Septic systems are a closed system.  In a conventional anaerobic septic system the only bacteria that are “allowed” in are the ones from your intestines.  They normally do not survive outside of your body.  But in an anaerobic septic tank they manage a meager existence.

By adding countless more each day, we develop a large community in the septic tank.  When they leave the septic tank entrained within the effluent, they don’t perish. They again establish a meager existence in the soil pores and over time, they cause 95%+ of failures just like yours by doing what they evolved to do, consume energy, secrete slimes (biomat) and divide.

The Septic Genie provides a better species of bacteria (facultative), kills the vast majority of anaerobic intestinal bacteria we deposit in the septic tank each day, and leave the septic tank and travel to the disposal field and breakdown the biomat slimes.  Everyday, the Septic Genie continues to remediate the soils and keep the system functioning proper

Have a question about your septic system? Leave a comment here and we’ll respond to it, or go to the following ASK page on our web site…it’s that simple:

Ask Septic Genie

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Are There Times When Septic Genie Won’t Work?

Friday, March 20th, 2009

Yes! Not very many but there are a few.

Let me explain…

There are usually only four situations when the Genie won’t guarantee success. It’ll sure help, but it won’t guarantee success for the following problems:

1. If you live in an area with high groundwater, either permanent or temporary.

In these situations your drain field and the soil surrounding your drain field is likely to be saturated or waterlogged. When this condition is present, liquid from your septic system cannot drain through the soil like it’s supposed to do and will cause high liquid levels in your septic tank and possible back-up in the house.

Permanent high groundwater should have been taken into consideration when your septic system was originally designed; a common solution to create a separation to groundwater are mound systems.

In areas where high groundwater is temporary, for example prolonged periods of rain, you may want to consider installing a french drain or other system to divert water around or away from your drain field.

2. If you septic system is under-designed for the number of people living in the house. In other words the septic system was designed for three or four people living in the house but there are actually seven or eight people living there.

In these situations, you will probably need to add more drain field to accommodate increased usage.

3.  Any structural issues with your system like broken or collapsed pipes. It’s always a good idea to have the sewer lines checked from your house to the septic tank and from the septic tank to the distribution box. You need to make sure liquid is getting out to your drain field.

4. Premature failures…in other words your system is only a few years old and it’s failed. This is usually caused by poor design, or incorrect installation…or both! On average, biomat takes about 20 years to develop and cause a drain field to fail; in areas of poor soils this can be sooner. However, if your system fails within 3-5 years, there is something else going on and you need to have it checked out.

So, if you have none of the above four situations the Genie is guaranteed to succeed!

We offer a Six Month Money Back Performance Guarantee, and there is a Lifetime Warranty on the Genie
itself.

Let me know if we can help…we can only help if you call or email us. We have over 40 years experience in septic industry and haven’t found a problem yet we couldn’t solve.

We have pride in our product and we think you’ll be thrilled with the results it’ll show for you.

If you’d like to discuss any of the above situations or just need some help give us a call: 1 877-994-3643

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Why Hasn’t My Septic Contractor Heard Of Septic Genie?

Monday, March 16th, 2009

That is a very good question, and one that is simple to answer.

The Septic Genie is relatively new to the market, but the technology has been around for  about eight years.  This new septic system technology, called aerobic bacteria generator (ABG) which the Septic Genie utilizes, has been approved for installation in most states.

The great benefits to the Septic Genie, and the main reason we developed this product, is that it is a cost effective way for homeowners to repair their septic systems without having to hire a contractor.  Most septic system repairs are very costly and require the expertise of septic contractors.  The Septic Genie solves these expense and knowledge issues with a technological solution that is easy to install and priced within range for just about any homeowner.

Septic contractors are in the business to build, install and repair septic systems.  Many have been in the industry for many years.  They know their stuff.  But that doesn’t mean they have kept up with new technology.  They may have never heard of ABG or the Septic Genie because they haven’t stayed current with the septic industry.

On top of that, there isn’t really much money to be made for contractors installing the Septic Genie.  Because of its low cost and easy installation, they won’t make as much as they would if they had to tear up your drain field and replace it.  This isn’t to say these contractors are dishonest.  Most likely they are just ignorant of the new technology.

In addition, many of these long-time contractors don’t understand this technology, and they fear any change to the septic industry.  Because they lack the knowledge, they fear it will threaten their business.  And the Septic Genie introduces a very big change to the septic industry and requires an entirely different way of thinking in relation to failed septic systems.  Many contractors are unprepared for this new technology and don’t feel comfortable with it.

Despite this fear of change, the Septic Genie has taken hold and has proven itself over and over to be the most cost effective solution to drain field failure.  The ABG technology is a proven system, and we have a long track record of success with the Septic Genie.  As such, we offer a money back guarantee to show how much confidence we have in the product.

So just because your septic contractor hasn’t heard of this new technology doesn’t mean it is unproven.  We have all the support documentation to prove the Septic Genie success and feel confident that it will solve your septic system problems for less money, less hassles and will provide many years of quality service keeping your septic system running smoothly and efficiently.

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How Does Septic Genie Work And Do I Have To Keep Adding Chemicals?

Wednesday, March 11th, 2009

Unlike many other septic system “cleaners” there are no chemicals involved when you install the Septic Genie.  One of the great benefits of the Septic Genie is that once it is installed it works non-stop to restore your septic system function without having to do anything else.

The Septic Genie was designed to utilize natural, environmentally friendly bacteria.  This is a very natural process that doesn’t involve any chemicals.

The Septic Genie works like an incubator, growing the natural bacteria that is introduced during the initial installation process.  Over a short amount of time these bacteria multiply dramatically thanks to the Septic Genie incubating qualities.  As these bacteria multiply they eventually work their way into the drain field.

There are two distinct ways these bacteria restore your septic system.  First, these active bacteria work to digest all organic solids in the septic tank.  Any organic matter in your tank, such as human waste, toilet paper, oils and grease get “eaten” by the bacteria.

This digestion of the organic solids is not a normal process in a traditional septic system.  In a normal septic system these solids settle on the bottom of the septic tank, forming a sludge, or they float to the top creating a layer of scum.  This buildup of sludge is the reason septic tanks need to be pumped periodically.  With the Septic Genie this need for pumping your tank is reduced dramatically.

The second and most important process of septic system restoration that takes place after installing the Septic Genie is when the bacteria multiply to a point where they get suspended in the liquid and are transported out of the septic tank into the drain field.  Once in the drain field these bacteria enter the soil and begin to eat away at the biomat that is clogging the drain field.

This biomat is usually what causes drain field failure.  By introducing these bacteria when installing the Septic Genie you ultimately eliminate the biomat and thus avoid the costly and time consuming process of digging up and replacing the drain field.

Once the bacteria reach the drain field it is only a matter of time before they devour enough of the biomat to open up the drain field.  Once restored, the bacteria continue to prosper and prevent future build up, keeping your drain field working efficiently for years to come.

The Septic Genie is the simplest, least expensive, all natural septic system solution.  It is easy to install and you never have to do anything else to keep it working.  And you never, ever have to use chemicals.

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Can I Install The Septic Genie Myself?

Monday, March 9th, 2009

This may be one of the greatest advantages of the Septic Genie.  Yes, the Septic Genie was designed specifically so that you could install it yourself.

For many years, while selling a similar product, we had many customers who lived in areas where we didn’t have installers.  These customers wanted to be able to install the product themselves, but we weren’t completely comfortable with that.  As a result, we spent several years developing a new product that would be just as effective but would be simpler to install.

The result was the Septic Genie.  We developed this product based on feedback from our many customers.  The result was a product that requires as little as two or three hours to install, requires no special tools and begins to work immediately.

Even for the technically challenged, the Septic Genie is simple enough to install for anyone.  If you aren’t comfortable, hiring a handyman or recruiting a family member with a little knowledge and a couple of hours to spare will insure proper installation.

We have developed procedures that are simple to follow.  When you get your Septic Genie, the first thing you find when opening the box is the installation instructions.  All you need to do is simply follow the directions from start to finish.  There are even pictures that show you what each step will look like to make sure you are doing things correctly.

In addition, we have a video on our website that you can watch.  This video shows me installing a system from start to finish in about two hours.  This video really shows how simple the Septic Genie is to install, and by watching the video it should give you the confidence to do it yourself.

It really is simple to install the Septic Genie.  Remember, we made this product specifically for the homeowner to install themselves.  As such, we simplified the entire process, provide almost everything you need and simple, easy to follow instructions.

The Septic Genie is such a unique product and there is nothing like it on the market today.  Instead of paying thousands of dollars to replace your drain field, you can get an affordable product that is designed to last a lifetime.  And you don’t have to pay a contractor to put it in for you.

When designing the Septic Genie we listened to our customers.  They wanted a superior product that would be simple to install themselves, keep their septic system running smoothly, last a lifetime and not cost an arm and a leg.  So that is what we did.

If you are thinking about purchasing a Septic Genie for your septic system, don’t let the fear of installing it yourself keep you from getting one.  It really is as simple to install as it sounds.  And if you ever have questions we are here to answer them.

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A Little Information About Us

Friday, March 6th, 2009

When investing in the Septic Genie, we want to make sure that you buy with confidence.  Many people want to know who we are and what makes us, and thus our Septic Genie product worth buying.

Septic Genie was started three years ago by me, Michael Grubb, and a group of other septic professionals.  I am a National Association of Wastewater Transporters, Inc. (NAWT) Certified Septic System Inspector.  NAWT is the leading national organization responsible for certifying septic system inspectors.

Me and my team have over 50 years of experience in septic systems, including wastewater treatment, septic system design, installation, maintenance and repairs.  Basically we are experts at building, installing and fixing septic systems and have spent many years doing just that.

Over the years we have gained valuable knowledge and experience of septic systems which gave us the ability to create a product that helps the homeowner keep their septic system running smoothly and efficiently for years.

For example, team member Jerry Fife, a life-long contractor and septic system expert, decided years ago that the septic industry needed to be changed.  In 1995 he invented the Aerobic Bacteria Generator, or ABG.   This device used air for treatment of the septic systems.  He then introduced the use of special bacteria to increase the products ability to improve septic system efficiencies.  By 2000, Jerry’s “Pirana Method” was born.

The Pirana System has been used in many septic systems since then.  In most cases, however, modifications of septic tanks are necessary to install the Pirana.  I worked with Jerry in marketing and sales of the Pirana System, and we found many homeowners wanted to install the unit themselves.  After many redesigns we came up with a pre-assembled package specifically for homeowners to install.  That was three years ago and we named the new product Septic Genie.

This new design was simple to install and has been a huge success since hitting the market.  The Septic Genie was a direct result of customer input.  We listened to you, the homeowner, and created a product that was affordable, effective and easy to install.

As a group we are here to help you.  We have extensive knowledge that we are able to use to help solve your septic system problems.  We have assisted thousands of customers like you to fix their septic system and they now have peace of mind that their system will run efficiently for years to come.

When you buy a Septic Genie you are buying a product that we have spent years developing.  We used our vast knowledge, built it with high-quality products and package it in a way that allows you to install it in just a couple of hours without any special tools.

There is nothing else like this on the market.  Take a look at all of our information and videos.  If you still have questions, don’t hesitate to contact us.  If you are unsure whether the Septic Genie will work for you we have a form you can fill out that allows us to evaluate your current system.  We want you to buy with confidence.  Contact us today and find out why the Septic Genie will be the last investment you will have to make in your septic system.

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