Product Spotlight - August 2021

Product Spotlight - August 2021

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The effectiveness of conventional septic systems and their drainfields can deteriorate over time from biological failure, costing homeowners thousands in drainfield replacements and re-landscaping. 

The RetroFAST system from BioMicrobics is designed to aid in biological rejuvenation for aging or failing septic systems and help drainfields recover before costly repairs are needed. As conventional systems get older, the layer of biological slime that grows in the trench areas of the drainfield, known as a biomat, can become too thick, resulting in poor percolation forcing the normal flow of wastewater to surface into the soil above or back up into the distributing piping. 

“Failed septic systems announce themselves with soggy lawns and backed-up plumbing,” says Jennifer Cisneros, vice president of marketing for BioMicrobics. “The traditional fix requires digging a new drainage field in another part of the yard. The RetroFAST gets water flowing with minimal digging.”

The device is engineered to work inside the existing septic tank. After self-expanding chambers are inserted, they are attached to a regenerative air blower located above ground. Aeration raises the dissolved oxygen levels to accelerate the breakdown of the pollutants causing clogs. 

The RetroFAST system is designed to biologically combat the issue in two ways. 

“First, RetroFAST’s aerobic treatment process removes the organic matter that originally formed the clogging layer,” Cisneros says. “Second, RetroFAST’s oxygenated effluent, containing dissolved oxygen, fosters the development of aerobic bacteria in the soil that will naturally digest the existing clog.” 

According to BioMicrobics, FAST systems are designed to consistently deliver an average of 95% BOD5 reduction and 70% total nitrogen reduction depending on the application and will reliably provide dissolved oxygen to the drainfield. 

They are not only effectively used as a repair, but also applicable in new septic systems. “The RetroFAST will consistently deliver high levels of treatment — 90-95% of treatment in the tank — and provide dissolved oxygen to the drainfield,” Cisneros says. “This helps to assure the clogging layer is reduced or never forms in the first place.” 

RetroFAST systems are available in sizes to fit various applications from one-person dwellings to households with eight people. The RetroFAST 0.150 is designed for 150 gpd, the 0.250 unit is for up to 250 gpd and the 0.375 unit will handle 375 gpd. The package ships fully assembled and includes a collapsible module liner, mounting tabs, attached growth media blocks, airlift assembly, plastic cover for access lid, PVC vent/cleanout assembly and an air blower with plastic blower housing. 800-753-3278; www.biomicrobics.com 



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