Frequently asked Questions
Do I have to have an inspection contract (maintenance agreement)? What does it consist of?
Yes, the agreement is required by the state of Texas. The inspection contract is a basic inspection of all the operating parts associated with the aerobic system. The inspection is to ensure the system is functioning properly, thus appropriately cleaning and dispersing the water. |
Can I use pool chlorine tablets?
No. Pool tablets are made of a different chlorine compound. The pool tablets do not dissolve at a rate fast enough for an aerobic system. You should be careful mixing pool chlorine tablets with wastewater chlorine tablets, because together they form an explosive mixture. |
How often do I need to put bleach in my system? Where do I put the bleach in my system?
The amount of bleach you will need depends on the amount of water your system uses. A 500 gallon per day system typically uses 1-3 gallons of bleach per month. A 750 gallon per day system typically uses 3-5 gallons of bleach per month. The liquid chlorine dispenser is about 6 inches above the ground. There is a cap with a red sticker displaying liquid or liquid chlorine dispenser, this is where you want to add the bleach. "Do not overfill the reservoir" check your levels at least once a month. How does an aerobic system work?
The aerobic plant employs a process that uses bacteria (typically from the human body) to treat and clean up water by accelerating bacteria growth through the introduction of oxygen. Once the wastewater has been treated, the clean, safe water can be distributed above ground to water plants, grass or other vegetation but not edibles or fruit trees. Today the aerobic system is the most popular. Generally, homeowners use a 500-gallon per day treatment plant designed to treat 500 gal ons of typical household waste in a 24- hour period, which equivalent to 20 gallons per hour. If 20 gallons per hour are exceeded, the system 's capability is exceeded. For example: a family of 4 can easily exceed the 20 gal/per hour when the family comes home and washes clothes,takes showers, washes dishes, and flush toilets in one evening. How can I know when something in not right with my system?
If your sprinklers are spraying several times in a 3 to 4 hour period, this is the first Indication that your system may be in hydraulic overload (water going through the system faster than it can be treated). Each spray cycle uses approximately 200 gal/cycle. Sprinklers running frequently means water is running thru the system faster than 20gal/hr. Ultimately water goes thru the system and does not get treated properly resulting in FOUL ODOR, PLUGGGED SPRINKLERS & PLUGGED WATER PUMP. Once the system goes into hydraulic overload it can take a week to 10 days for it to recover. This problem usually occurs due to water leaks in toilets and or frequent operation of the washing machine. If you hear a fairly loud buzzing or see a red light on indicating a high water level in the pump tank. The water pump did not run and pump water out when it should have. Most of the time it was because the electric breaker that powers this pump has tripped and the pump no longer has an electric power supply. Resetting the breaker inside the plant control panel can repair this problem. |
What are bacteria and why is it important to my system?
Bacteria are microorganisms that ingest the waste. Without the bacteria no waste is being disposed. What can happen if my wastewater is not properly treated? Why should I care? What should I do and not do to ensure my system works properly?
Improperly treated wastewater, when discharged into lakes0 rivers, or groundwater can contaminate public and private water sources over a wide area. This contamination lead to outbreaks of such deadly waterborne diseases such as cholera, typhoid, paratyphoid, polio, hepatitis, and meningitis. You can also be fined if your system is causing pollution. Listed below are things you can do and information you need to keep your plant running efficiently and effectively: * Keep an adequate supply of chlorine in the chlorinator. * Do not flush or wash down the drain anything that will not dissolve or is not biodegradable such as condoms, or anything rubber. Do not flush items with cotton or polyester such as diapers, sanitary napkins, baby wipes, tampons, paper towels or cigarette filters. These items will be in your system forever. Antibiotics kill the bacteria your system needs to function. When taking antibiotics, treat your wastewater treatment plant with 2 cups of sugar, dry yeast, or dog food. Use anti-bacterial soaps and disinfectants sparingly. Avoid killing the wastewater's bacteria. 1. Use chemical cleansers according to the instructions. 2. Use low sudsing, low phosphate, and biodegradable detergents. 3. Spread wash loads out over the week. 4. Do not dispose citrus products (lemon, oranges and grapefruits). Click HERE to download the do's and don'ts for owners of Wastewater Treatment Systems.
|