K&P Enterprises owners Ken and Peggy Miller have seen their share of failing septic systems, and after years of replacing them and performing labor intensive restorations, they realized there had to be a better way of rejuvenating drainfields.
They created the EarthBuster, a product designed to help with a number of septic system issues like wet or soggy soil over drainfields, foul odors, sewage backing up into homes and gurgling sounds coming from drainpipes.
“The EarthBuster is a deep soil decompactor that uses compressed air to restore compacted soils and biomatted drainfields back to a point of sufficient fluid and air flow,” says Ken Miller. “The fissures created from the compressed air take a path of least resistance, up and out, and with that, the EarthBuster enhances absorption and evaporation.”
A pneumatic probe made from a 3/8-inch thick drawn over mandrel, or DOM pipe, measuring 84 inches long is pressed into the ground to the desired depth. An air compressor attached to the probe forces air into the drainfield, breaking up the soil and biomass film, allowing water to filter through the ground. Users generally repeat this process every three to five feet along the drainfield.
“With a minimum of a 185 cfm tow-behind compressor, the EarthBuster can release 30 gallons of compressed air multiple times in each probe along the outside of a lateral,” Miller says.
The decompactor attaches to the front of a tractor, skid-steer, mini excavator, or any compact loader using a standard quick-attach mounting system. They are built so installers can hook up and use their own air compressor if they meet output requirements of 100 to 150 psi and 125 to 185 cfm. Compressors can also be rented from the company if needed.
The EarthBuster frame is manufactured with heavy rectangle carbon steel tubing. When assembled with all components, it weighs roughly 900 lbs. The steel is powder coated for protection from the elements.
Miller says the EarthBuster creates a long-term solution in lieu of replacing drainfields. He says contractors and private users report great long-term success without the headache of drainfield replacement. 406-670-8318; www.earthbuster.com
