0 Cart

Category: Why Septic Systems Fail

What You Need to Know About Septic System Care

Posted on by Brendan Manley

How your Septic System’s Cesspool, Dry Well, Conventional Septic System, Leach Field works and how to keep them working? In this post, we’re going to take a deeper dive into how your septic system functions so you’ll have a better idea of what you need to do to keep it working properly.

All systems work first by separating the solids from the liquids. This is accomplished by the use of a baffle in the center of the septic tank which has two chambers: one called the primary; and one called the secondary. This allows solids to settle in the primary side of the tank, by using a baffle separating the tank’s two chambers. The solids that remain in the tank are then consumed by aerobic and anaerobic bacteria.

In the secondary side of the septic tank, there is a baffle that’s attached to the outgoing pipe. It further separates any remaining solids from entering the drain field, leach field or drainage structure.

Effluent is the liquid that leaves the tank flows to a Distribution Box and then into your drain pipes. This effluent contains both liquid and sodium; it’s the sodium that affect the performance of your drainage field, causing the system to fail.

The Problem

Hardpan soil is formed when sodium combines with soil causeing failures. Once a septic fails Bio-Mat forms in your system. The second cause of drain field failure is when organic (i.e. grease) overloading occurs.

While the amount of grease that goes in a drain field can be controlled, sodium is a little more difficult to control. Sodium comes from our diets, the soaps we use, our medications, our water supply and our water softeners. Directing water softeners elsewhere is difficult, because of other hazards associated with salt brine.

The Solution

Luckily, septic system care isn’t rocket science. The single biggest thing you can do to maintain your cesspool, drywell, leach field is to have it pumped and inspected every two years. Leave a small amount of solids in the tank to ensure you have an active colony of bacteria present. Some other things you can do include:

  • Making sure your baffles are intact, which will help prevent any solids from entering your drain field pipes.
  • Every five years it’s important to flush out your drainage pipes, or flush out your wet well, using a high-pressure sewer jet or a pressure washer.
  • To jet out your drain lines, open your distribution box or dry well to pressure wash the walls.
  • Look for signs of concrete erosion. This indicates the last stage of septic failure, when your system’s rotting sewage creates hydrogen sulfide gas, which erodes concrete.
  • Treating your soil and taking care of the biological heath of your system will help ensure your drain field performs for years to come.

Need Help Now?

If your system is showing signs of failure, have your system’s drain pipes jetted out, or your dry well walls pressure-washed, and then add four gallons of Septic Drainer evenly in your drain field pipes or directly in your dry well. The rule of thumb is to add a gallon of Septic Drainer for every 50 feet of 4-inch piping, or for every foot depth of dry well. Also add 1/2 quart (or 16 ounces) of Bio-Septic Boost for every 1,000-gallon septic tank, and then add 3.2 ounces per month for five months in your toilet.

Ongoing Septic System Care

For maintenance, add a gallon of Septic Drainer in your toilet every three to six months, and add 2.5 ounces of Bio-Septic Boost in your toilet monthly. Every five years, add four gallons of Septic Drainer directly in your drain pipes or dry well, after jetting the drain lines or pressure-washing your dry well. Add 1/2 quart of Bio-Septic Boost in your tank and then 3.2 ounces in your toilet for the next five months.

For more information on Bio-Septic Boost, visit its dedicated product website.

Recognizing The Last Stage of Septic System Failure

Posted on by Brendan Manley

[fusion_builder_container type=”flex” hundred_percent=”no” equal_height_columns=”no” menu_anchor=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”center center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” fade=”no” background_parallax=”none” parallax_speed=”0.3″ video_mp4=”” video_webm=”” video_ogv=”” video_url=”” video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_loop=”yes” video_mute=”yes” overlay_color=”” video_preview_image=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” padding_top=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” padding_right=””][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ layout=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” center_content=”no” last=”true” min_height=”” hover_type=”none” link=”” border_sizes_top=”” border_sizes_bottom=”” border_sizes_left=”” border_sizes_right=”” first=”true”][fusion_text]Hey folks, it’s Mark Reynolds, here to talk about the last stage of septic system failure. Hopefully, you’ll never need to recognize the signs of a failed drain field, but if it happens, identifying the problem as quickly as possible is essential.

The last stage of septic system failure is when the rotting sewage creates hydrogen sulfide gas which erodes concrete. That’s why you’ll often see an eroded distribution box when you dig up a failed system.

It is a widely know fact that the rotting sewage that creates Hydrogen Sulfide gases erodes concrete Distribution boxes and Septic Tanks.

Today, distribution boxes and septic tanks are made out of plastic, so if you find your distribution box eroded, just replace it, flush out your drain pipes and add four gallons of Septic Drainer evenly in your drain lines. Septic Drainer is a soil conditioner that opens soil that no longer drains. To learn more go to www.septicdrainer.com

Steps to Take

Keeping your system’s biological processes healthy is achieved using our Bio-Septic Boost. Bio-Septic Boost is an all-natural compound that stimulates the biological activity of natural bacteria by 30%-40%.

We recommend to maintain your septic system is to have your entire system pumped and inspected. Call or email your professional today to get on their schedule. Be sure to ask upfront for a written report with photos of all your structures.

To learn more about Bio-Septic Boost, visit its dedicated product website.[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]

The Top Four Signs of Drain Field Failure

Posted on by Mark Reynolds

Hey, it’s Mark Reynolds here, to teach you how to diagnose whether your septic drain field has failed. There are typically clear signs of septic drain field failure. Once you understand these, you’ll be better prepared to take action in the event of septic system failure.

These are the four most common signs of septic drain field failure:

1.) Sluggish outside house drains

2.) Foul odors outside

3.) Saturated Leach Fields

4.) Liquid sewage running back to your tank after pumping

It is estimated that 25% of all septic leach fields have failed, or are failing, as we speak. So that begs the question: When was the last time you had your septic system pumped? When was the last time you performed preventative maintenance? You may be long overdue for a system overhaul.

We have a saying in the septic business: If your septic system is telling you it’s time to pump, your leach field is in failure mode. Don’t wait until your leach field reaches this critical stage. Take a proactive approach now and save thousands in leach field repair costs later.

Order Septic Drainer and Bio-Septic Boost today to keep your system working as it should! Our complete care package is the ideal solution for all septic systems.

signs of septic drain field failure
Ponding Sewage

 

Septic Treatments – Know The Facts

Posted on by Mark Reynolds

Hey, folks! It’s Mark Reynolds here to talk about septic treatments and their impact on your septic system’s biological and soil health.

Septic systems require biology and permeable soil to function. Adding harsh chemicals from septic treatments harms your system’s biological health. For instance, someone using bleach in your toilet will destroy the active bacteria in the system. An oxygen-deficient system can cause aerobic bacteria to die. Adding too much laundry detergent or household cleaners also causes biological failure. Adding sodium to the system causes failure too, by stopping water drainage and air flow.

Your system has both aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. Anaerobic bacteria live without oxygen. Think of it this way: Anaerobic bacteria live below the surface of the water, and aerobic bacteria live above the water surfaces. A septic system requires both aerobic and anaerobic bacteria to function properly.

When your system’s soil stops allowing liquid to drain, the oxygen in your system stops flowing as well, which starves aerobic bacteria of oxygen and causes them to die. When aerobic bacteria die off, anaerobic bacteria — bacteria that live without oxygen — take over.

Aerobic bacteria aspirate waste in the air, while anaerobic bacteria secretes its waste organically as a sulfide. (Another term used for this waste is “bio-mat.”) This bio-mat forms over a system’s failure point, which is the layer of soil called “hard pan.”

The septic treatment that best maintains both the aerobic and anaerobic bacteria’s biological health is a product called Bio-Septic Boost, which is a bio-stimulant nutrient. If you add bacteria, you need to add both aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, and by adding a bio-stimulant nutrient, you’re enhancing the growth of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, without the risk of adding the wrong type.

Hardpan Soil

When your septic’s soil mixes with sodium, especially in clay soils, it creates Hard pan soil. This sodium comes from our diets, laundry detergent, chlorinated water and of course, water softeners. The septic treatment that corrects and prevents hard pan soil is a soil conditioner called Septic Drainer.

It’s our recommendation to add 2.5 ounces of Bio-Septic Boost per month directly in any toilet or drain for maintenance applications. We also recommend adding one gallon of Septic Drainer every six months directly in an toilet or inside drain. If your system is failing or has failed, we recommend shocking the system with higher dosages of Bio-Septic Boost and Septic Drainer.

Protect one of your second-biggest home investments: your septic system. It only costs an average of $ 0.52 cents per day. Let’s not forget to have your system pumped every two years. Every five years, have your drain field lines flushed and the entire system vacuumed out. Be sure this includes the field lines, the distribution box and the septic tank.

Order Septic Drainer and Bio-Septic Boost at www.septicdrainer.com or by phone at 518-812-0000.

RCS II, Inc

Hygiene Wipes and Septic Systems

Posted on by Mark Reynolds

Every time someone comes up with a new hygiene product, humans benefit. But, the environment suffers in one way or another. This holds true with hygiene wipes, which are continually increasing in popularity. They may be convenient and comfortable, but they can also spell disaster for septic systems and the environment. So read on and think twice before using these products.

In the case of septic systems, hygiene wipes are causing issues that recently affected a system at a local apartment building. The wipes collected inside the drain lines, causing grease to build up behind them, causing a backup. The expense was around $650 to have the tank pumped and the lines flushed. The owner now realizes these wipes have entered the dry well, blocking the drainage holes in the dry well. This means the tank needs to be cleaned out.

Be careful what you put in your systems: no wipes, no harsh toilet cleaners, no paper towels or other hygiene products. Remember that everything you flush down the toilet still has to end up somewhere. You certainly don’t want any of those items in your septic system.

hygiene wipes

For more information visit Septic Drainer and Bio-Septic Boost or call 518-812-0000

Septic System Tips – The Do’s and Don’ts

Posted on by Mark Reynolds

If you live in rural America, you’ve probably heard about septic systems. In addition here are some septic system tips and other useful things you need to know:

1) The location of your system.

2) The type of system you have.

3) An understanding of how a system works.

4) Accurate maintenance records.

Many folks have questions like:

1) How often should you pump your system?

Every two years is a good rule of thumb. Every five years you should pump your tank and flush out your drainage system.

2) Should you add additives?

For the biological health of the system, we recommend a bio-stimulant nutrient (BSN), which is the safe bet. There’s no need to match your septic environment to a specific type of bacteria additive. Pick the wrong bacteria and you might waste your money. Using a BSN is the safe bet.

For drain field soil health, use a soil conditioner to keep your soil draining properly. Remember, 90% of the septic failures happen in the soil of the drain field, according to the U.S. EPA.

Common Questions

3) Is it ok to build things on top of your system?

Building driveways, patios and pools, and planting trees, prevents access and compacts the soil, compromising your system.

4) Should you dispose of paper products, female hygiene products or handy wipes in a septic system?

Absolutely do not dispose of anything other than human waste or toilet tissue in your septic system.

5) Does adding harsh cleaning products or paint products negatively affect a septic system?

Yes, these chemicals destroy the biological health of your septic system. Do not use toilet chlorine cleaning dispensers, harsh cleaning chemicals or any other chemical in your septic system or you will have soil drainage issues.

For more information and septic system tips, visit www.septicdrainer.com


Mark Reynolds

Drain Field Wet Spots – Signs of Septic Trouble

Posted on by Mark Reynolds

Septic systems fail long before you ever see it or notice anything is wrong. But when you do see drain field wet spots on your lawn, then you really know you’re in trouble.

Septic drain fields come in many shapes and sizes. To better understand the type of system you have, try visiting Septic Drainer for great illustrations on the types of septic drain fields. If you notice wet spots on your lawn, that would be the third or fourth stage out of four in your septic drain field failure level. That’s when you know that it’s crucial to take action.

drain field wet spots

Sodium is the real problem. This sodium comes from salt fillers used in laundry detergents, sodium from our diets and last but not least, your water softener. Over time this sodium mixes with the soil, especially clay soils, to form “hard pan soil.” Hard pan is a thin hard layer that sits between the soil and stone or gravel. Hard pan soil prevents liquid waste from draining. Septic Drainer breaks up hard pan soil using a non-toxic, non-hazardous product that can restore or prevent septic drain field failure.

For more information, visit us at www.septicdrainer.com or like us on Facebook.

Do Tree Roots Affect A Septic Drain Field?

Posted on by Mark Reynolds

Hi, it’s Mark Reynolds here, to provide a few facts in hopes of dispelling some long-believed myths when it comes to septic drain field failure. A very common question is: Do tree roots create septic drain field failures?

Most tree roots require oxygen to live. Roots like a very hydroponic environment to prosper and won’t grow underwater. In conventional septic drain fields, the drain pipes have drain holes in the bottom of the pipes. Since roots need oxygen and mostly don’t grow underwater, roots will be hard-pressed to enter the pipes from the bottom drain holes, especially if they are underwater.

Now, if the roots permeate the top of the drainage pipes, they still won’t grow underwater. That’s not to say the roots can’t grow into the pipes while they are dry and then create a secondary failure after the soil failure. It can happen, so be aware.

When restoring a failed septic drain field it would be important to remove the roots, the bio-mat and any debris found in the drainage structures, using Septic Drainer and Bio-Septic Boost. This proven process will get your septic system back on track and will help prevent future problems.

tree roots

Learn more at www.septicdrainer.com

What’s The Most Expensive Home Repair?

Posted on by Mark Reynolds

Any guesses? Besides your home, the most expensive repair would be your septic system’s drain field. That’s why keeping it running smoothly is absolutely critical, unless you want to foot the bill of repairs and other remediation methods.

More and more communities are requiring raised mound systems that are costing as much as $35,000. Usually a raised mount system is required, because the percolation rate or liquid draining capability of the soil is very low, mostly in clay soils. It’s a very expensive, and potentially unnecessary, step to take.

In my opinion, a raised mount system only raises the distance between the drain field and the bad soil (clay). Using Septic Drainer opens poorly draining soils by breaking the bond between the soil and sodium. Raised mound systems can be restored using Septic Drainer. Septic Drainer can prevent septic failure and help you avoid the most expensive home repair, just by adding a gallon once every six to 12 months!

Go ahead: Make that investment today and get free shipping when you add another of our great products, Bio-Septic Boost. Use promo code Boost when checking out. Click here to Order Septic Drainer Today!

most expensive home repair
Mark Reynolds

CEO

RCS II, Inc

Do You Have A Water Softener?

Posted on by Mark Reynolds

Do you have a water softener? Did you know the average home with a water softener uses up to 50 pounds of salt (sodium) a year, which discharges into your septic system? That can cause big trouble.

Water softeners are whole-house filtration systems that remove calcium and magnesium from your water supply through a process called ion exchange. These are the same minerals that cause water hardness and its negative effects in your home. Unfortunately the byproduct of the process is sodium, which can cause septic issues.

The biggest contributing factor to septic failure is sodium. Sodium, when combined with the soil in a septic drain field, creates hardpan soil. The other sources of sodium are laundry detergents, as well as our diets and even the medications we take. Americans consume more salt in their diets per capita than most other countries in the world.

If you use water softeners, you should use a gallon of Septic Drainer every six to twelve months, poured directly in any household septic drain. This will help manage the increased levels of sodium the water softener is producing and sending into your septic system. Order online at www.septicdrainer.com or call 518-812-0000.

© 2026 Septic Drainer. | Design & Developed By : Digital Guider