Drainfield Media and Design

Drainfield Media and Design
Septic pipe cover provides aesthetic solution in garden area

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Aerated filter system helps rejuvenate clogged septic drainfield

Problem: The homes in Glenwood, a 300-home subdivision built in the 1970s in Nebraska, all used individual septic systems. At the time, there were no local regulations, and 1,000-gallon concrete tanks were installed and outfitted with only 50- to 100-foot drainfields on an old blue clay riverbed with a soil peculation range of 50 to 60 minutes per inch. Over the next 40 years, many of these systems failed.

Solution: Nathan Cramer of All American Sewer & Drain found the S.O.S.-Save Our Septic Program through Bio-Microbics. For one of the problem systems he was pumping every few weeks, he installed his first RetroFAST in the tank. After he had the septic tank pumped, cleaned and inspected for leaks and deficiencies, he installed the retrofit aerobic system inside the existing tank. By sending less-loaded, higher-treated and oxygen-rich effluent into the drainfield, the clogged biomat around the drainfield trench sides and bottom began to perc and repair itself.

Result: Within a few weeks under observation, the visible signs of failure had subsided and clear, bubbling effluent was visible in the tank. Four other properties have been repaired, with more scheduled. 800/753-3278; www.biomicrobics.com.


System allows seasonal home to be converted to full-time residence

Problem: The owner of a small seasonal home on Lake Michigan’s Green Bay in Dyckesville, Wisconsin, wanted the property to become a full-time residence. To do so, he needed to upgrade the decentralized wastewater system. A compact and flexible treatment system was needed that could conform to the challenges of the lot, fit in the small footprint and protect the bay.

Solution: Door County designer Bob Berceau specified the Eljen GSF system to minimize the footprint and give the homeowner a system that meets state and local code. He specified a 1,000-gallon tank and a 15-unit GSF system, which was installed by Lily Bay Sand & Gravel and supplied by First Supply.

Result: The homeowner now lives on the bay with his family year-round, and several neighbors are looking into how they can do the same. 800/444-1359; www.eljen.com.


Vent filters used to eliminate campground odor problem

Problem: The owners of Tall Timbers Association campground in Vernon, New Jersey, were concerned about reduced business due to complaints caused by odor from a vented septic system.

Solution: A new Puraflo Peat Fiber System was installed, and 20 Wolverine brand vent filters from Simple Solutions Distributing were connected at each park unit and travel trailer site. The odor filters were tied into the drainlines, providing a flow for the air exiting the trailer wastewater systems. This allowed the odorous air to be scrubbed, eliminating odor problems. A second stage of odor control was later installed by placing Super Wolverine filters with solar fans on the pump stations in the campground. They circulate fresh air throughout the plumbing system, reducing gas concentrations and eliminating any odors as they pass through the filter.

Result: After two years, the campground is odor-free and the original carbon that came with the filters is still in use. 866/667-8465; www.industrialodorcontrol.com.


Septic pipe cover provides aesthetic solution in garden area

Problem: A Massachusetts homeowner spent thousands of dollars on a new porch and landscaping, only to have a 3-foot-tall vent pipe next to his porch in the middle of his garden. Traditional vent filters only addressed the odor problem, not the aesthetics.

Solution: Kevin Orlando from All Season Septic in Stoughton, Massachusetts, was scheduled to pump the system, and the homeowner informed him of the problem. Orlando suggested The Dirty Bird septic pipe cover. The product addresses odor problems with an included charcoal filter, comes in three colors and fits into the landscape as a common yard ornament, a pedestal/birdbath.

Result: Grateful for a simple solution, the homeowner has a focal point instead of an eyesore. Guests don’t even know he has a vent in his yard, and Orlando can service the charcoal filter when he pumps the system. 866/968-9668; www.thedirtybird.com.



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