A) An aerobic septic system has to have dissolved oxygen it at all times or the aerobic/beneficial bacteria will die causing it to smell, you could be hydraulically overloading the system, which means there is too much water running through the system not allowing the system enough time to treat it, or organically overloading the system which means putting too much solids (such as garbage disposal) through the system that the bacteria can't handle. Common household cleaning supplies or other foreign, non- biodegradable material that was added to the system could be the reason your bacteria is no longer active. Leaking plumbing, such as faucets and commodes, can also add excessive water to your system causing it to overload.

A) Usually every 2 to 3 years or whenever an overload occurs. The period between pump outs will depend on the usage of the system- A household of 1 to 2 may go 5-7 years before needing a pump out. A household of 5 may only go 1 year before needing a pump out. This is where the maintenance of your system comes in handy, every visit we do a sludge test which tells us when you need to be pumped out and lessens the chance of damage to your effluent pump. NOTE: The use of a garbage disposal or flushing harmful solids into your system will increase the amount of time between pumping by about 20%. Example: Six people living in a household with a 750 gal. tank would increase their pumping frequency from I year to about every 7 months with the use of a garbage disposal and flushing harmful solids.

A) This could be from the last question also if there is too much sludge in the system and not pumping it out regularly, will clog up the spray heads and effluent pump, causing a loss in pressure. This will also put stress on the effluent pump weaken it until it bums out. Also, a loss of pressure could come from broken pipe or spray head.

A) No, you can’t save money by partially pumping out the system. To correctly pump out a system, all tanks need to be pumped. Attempting to only pump out one take will cause you to waste money in the long run and would be a very temporary relief from the already overloaded situation.

A) No, there is a big difference in pool chlorine and septic system chlorine. Septic safe chlorine is a softer chlorine designed to break down as the effluent flows over it as goes into the pump tank. Pool chlorine is a harder chlorine that is designed to stay hard and not dissolve as fast as it floats in water. It is also designed to get wet and stay wet, once it gets wet and starts to dry it puts off an acid and flammable gas that will break down the system and harm to pumps.

A) How often you refill your chlorine depends on the usage of the system. Check it at least once a week to be sure it has sufficient chlorine. An average house hold should use 1-2 tablets per week. You should not put more than three tablets at a time in the chlorinator, these tablets will swell up when wet and hug the chlorine tube and appear to have chlorine as the water flows underneath without touching the chlorine.

A) Yes, you can have a liquid bleach chlorinator (LBC) installed on any aerobic system. The LBC will be install underground by the pump tank with a 4" cap above. The LBC has a hose that runs into the pump tank and is tied into the effluent pump with a venturi valve that will doses the tank with bleach. This system will have to be filled with one to two gallons of household disinfecting liquid bleach once a month. It will also save you hundreds of dollars per year in chlorine.DO NOT use gel liquid bleach or non-splash liquid bleach. It is too thick for the LBC and will cause they LBC to get clogged.

A) TCEQ states that a residential property owner can maintain their own system but must follow all testing and reporting rules as a maintenance provider. You must also check with your local environmental county offices, which in most cases take that privilege away from the property owner and require that a licensed maintenance provider service your system. Having a professional routinely check your system ensures proper operation and health safety.

A) As long as it is maintained properly, and all mechanical parts are working properly, as well as the system has chlorine in it to disinfect the effluent before it is sprayed into your property. The system should only spray between the hours of midnight and 5:00 a.m. If you have a power outage, your timer will need to be reset to insure the system is spraying at the correct time.

A) It is NOT mandatory to install an aerobic system. It is the site and soil conditions that determine the type of septic system that will be installed. With a sandy-type soil, no indication of seasonal water table or a restrictive horizon, a conventional type system can be installed. Heavy clay type soils or indications of seasonal water table will result in having to install an alternative septic system, such as the aerobic septic system.

A) You can use the existing system, but you will need to get a building permit for the home and a "Septic Disclaimer" for the existing septic. The disclaimer must be accompanied by a "Site Evaluation" and a "Soil Analysis". These tests are performed by a Registered Sanitarian or a Professional Engineer. For more information on this process contact our office.

A) Your overall soil and site conditions will determine the type and size of septic system you will have to install on your property.

A) For the soil analysis you will need a registered site evaluator and for the septic design you need to hire a registered sanitarian or a professional engineer to perform the work needed and acquire the proper paperwork for pulling a septic permit. If you have any questions about this process, call our office we would love to help.

A) The minimum lot size for land subdivided, plated, recorded after January I, 1988 and served by a public water supply but utilizing individual on-site sewage disposal methods, shall provide a minimum of 112 acre (Montgomery County minimum is I acre). Lots created after 1938, that utilize individual private water supply (well) and on-site sewage disposal shall have a minimum of I acres (Montgomery County 1.5 acres). If a piece of property is less than the above dimensions and has been recorded prior to January I, 1988 may install septic, if the proper separation distances can be met.

A) No. Texas Administrative Code rule 285.33 (d) (2) (B) does not allow watering gardens with water from aerobic septic tanks. The rule states that "Unacceptable surface application areas" is "Land that is used for growing food, gardens, orchards or crops that may be used for human consumption.

A) Gray water is defined in Texas Administrative Code rule 285.80 (a) and (b) as wastewater from showers, bathtubs, hand washing lavatories, sinks that are not used for disposal of hazardous or toxic ingredients or for food preparation and clothes-washing machines". Gray water does not include wash water from diapers or other clothes soiled with human excreta or water that has meet toilet waste.

A) A permit from your permitting agency is required to move, extend or cap an existing sprinkler line, or to add an additional line- A permit from your permitting agency is also required for any alteration or major repair to an existing onsite wastewater treatment plant. Your permitting agency can advise you whether new drawings are required for your specific set of circumstances.

A) One point of concern is that the reclaimed wastewater be properly disinfected at all times. If the wastewater is not disinfected before it is pumped out of your aerobic treatment system, it is contaminated with fecal bacteria. You will find a list of the bacteria that may be found in contaminated wastewater and the diseases that those bacteria can cause. A major safety issue develops when tank lids are broken, not secured or left off the tanks, or ill-fitting or improper lids used. Unfortunately, at least one child has drowned in Texas when she fell into a tank with an ill-fitting or improper-type lid. Dogs, puppies, cats and kittens have also drowned in septic tanks because tanks were left open or improperly secured. Boards, bricks, particle board, rocks, etc. are not sufficient or legal to cover the tank openings.