So many septic companies say bacteria is snake oil, only replacing the system will work in all cases (very self serving expertise). Thanks for honesty on the bacterial part of the system.
at 2:18 you were pouring in Lye (caustic soda) into the drain field, not "bacteria". It's a great way to clean biomat out, and frankly all yoyu need in most cases
Thanks for watching Jeff. Aftershock was the product we use from Cape Cod Chemical and as far as the ingredients, you’ll have to take that up with them! Frankly, I love it when people tell us how we should be running our business….Cheers!
@@dervinwitmer7371 I wasn't telling you "how to run your business", I was telling the viewer the generic name for the chemical being added. Just lye alone. added at the distribution box, can do wonders. I had a underused system, that was flowing but backing up. After all the gimics the septic company offered, up to and including a new drain field, I did a hail mary with ~10lbs of lye. That was 5 years ago and 3 teenage daughters graduating high school. My 30+ year old system just passed a county septic inspection.
@@jeffking3693 it actually is a bacteria blend. AfterShock Soil Absorption Restorative PURPOSES: Restores drainage to clogged and sluggish drainage fields and structures. Eliminates odors. DESCRIPTION: AfterShock is a unique blend of laboratory-enhanced, naturally-occurring, primarily aerobic organisms that are type-specific to the various substances that typically clog drain fields and leaching structures. AfterShock also contains a proprietary, bacteria-friendly, time-release oxidizing agent that will accelerate the bacterial action of the organisms in the product to restore drainage in most soil absorption areas. AfterShock’s consortium of bacteria and oxidizer can be applied at the same time. The oxygen-accelerated bacterial action will quickly digest the organic solid materials that reduce the drain field’s capacity to absorb water, effectively restoring drainage through a natural process. AfterShock contains no pathogens, acids, or volatile organic compounds. AfterShock is completely safe to store and use according to directions.
for what its worth, my bro had a problem with his drain field so he got this company with this machine that works on high pressure hot water to clean the runs , this was about 3 years ago and it still works. i am not a contractor so i have no reason to lie !!!
Thanks for the video's! Very infomative and helpful. Quick question for you. How do you know if it is beyond restoration and it needs to be replaced? Can you determine that from the video inspection? Thanks!
Most of the time we can determine with the camera. If things are just saturated, and the system is sized according to current codes and pipe is PVC, we can restore it. If there are roots in the pipes, or if the pipes are clay tiles and the system is small we would not recommend restoration and would recommend a replacement!
I'm looking at a drain field replacement right now. In Florida all fields need replacement eventually. They should last 20-30 years in our sandy soil. From what I can tell based on talking to different contractors roots are the cause 90% of the time. Not so much getting into the pipes but surrounding the area where drainage occurs and blocking it from working. Trees grow, roots expand, poop happens. There are a few of companies that offer a "jet system" to clean out clogged pipes but I don't see where that would have any effect on fields that won't drain. If they did work though, you are right about saving 2/3 the cost of replacement but what good would it do if it only helped for a year or so? I am curious if you've ever dealt with the remediation systems that introduce oxygen to the bacteria via a small pump to actually consume the build up? The claim is that they will revitalize a non-working drain field. Of course then you have to service the pump and catalytic agent (aerobic bacteria) on some type of schedule.
LightningDogg we have systems we aerated 8 years ago and they are still working today! Obviously, we don’t want to sell a service that only lasts a year either. We do install the SludgeHammer aeration remediation unit as well if that is the oxygen /bacteria system you are referring to.
The bacteria used in septic systems are anaerobic bacteria, in other words, they thrive in the absence of oxygen. Introducing oxygen to them would not help.
It really depends on the size of your system. We would have to do a camera inspection first to determine the size and feasibility of the aeration before giving an estimate.
What is the cost ratio avg in percentage so we’re dealing with apples and apples to install a new field versus your restoration and next would be how long is the warranty provide it is maintained.
I got a question for you guys: When you pump a tank, once it is empty, do you run a hose and fill the tank with clean water up to the baffel level, or leave an empty tank to fill from normal house usage?
@@PumpThatSeptic Thanks for the quick reply. Just what I thought, gives the drain field a rest too. My property manager and I had a shouting match over this issue last time the tank was pumped.
That is also a good option, but sometimes our customers do not have the room for another system and it is very cost-prohibitive to dig a system out and replace it. Thanks for watching.
@@PumpThatSeptic I am willing to try the Aftershock I can not buy it anywhere. They will not sell directly to me. What makes Sodium Percarbonate not environmentally safe? With where I live out in a big field this is not my biggest concern if Percarbonate would work.
Wish i knew of someone that ACTUALLY knows what they are doing and isn't just trying to bully me into replacing everything when i flat out don't have that kind of money :( No one in my area does anything other than pump (so far). I'm still looking! Used to live in Albion but now i'm in florida.
I can honestly say, that after more than 20 years in the Septic & Sewer Industry, I don't recommend Effluent Filters to my customers. Typically, homeowners either don't know they have an Effluent Filter or forget about it, which leads to unnecessary problems... potentially big expensive problems, like a back-up, because of clogged Effluent Filter. To be fair, some of the newer technology systems require Effluent Filters, and obviously, I respect and appreciate the manufacturers requirements. Nevertheless, in my opinion, an Effluent Filter is potentially an added maintenance headache that most homeowners don't need and don't want.. Not to mention, an Effluent Filter in the Outlet Baffle of a Septic Tank can prevent or prohibit proper airflow, and I'm a big proponent of Oxygenation or Oxygen Transfer in all Septic Systems. In fact, some manufacturers don't want Effluent Filters in Septic Tanks, because they can impede airflow. Lastly, in my state of New Hampshire, we've had Private On-site Wastewater Treatment Systems a.k.a. Sub-surface Disposal Systems for decades, and nobody needed or used Effluent Filters until about 20 years ago. As a result, I can tell you from experience, a properly designed, properly installed, and properly maintained Septic System with a Stone & Pipe Leaching Field, should last 30 years or more without an Effluent Filter. This has convinced me that Effluent Filters aren't necessary, because we never needed them before, and in my opinion, we don't need them today either.
Thanks for the discussion. I’m always interested in hearing what other people have to say about septic systems in other states. We have found effluent filters to be very helpful especially when there is short term high usage in a system that could potentially put solids out into the drainfield causing premature failure. Higher water usage in homes today also contributes to unprocessed sewage ending up in the drainfield. Properly designed systems are often very expensive and so with the minimum requirements at the house apartments right here the athletic filter is a good insurance to increase pumping frequency and maintain clean effluent to the drainfield. We appreciate your comments.
"Jetting and adding bacteria" is a joke and the homeowner is getting ripped. Notice that he said they had to come back after a month. Why? Because jetting or pumping the tank are a very temporary solutions, if any. Regular septic pumping is needed of any septic tank to keep sludge out of the absorption field. Like most homeowners, this one never had his tank pumped on a regular basis (every 3 to 5 years) so the sludge in the tank built up and entered the absorption field where it blocked absorption into the soils. The contractor is adding aerobic bacteria to an anaerobic environment so these added aerobic bacteria will simply die. The filter is a good idea. They need a new absorption field, or add an aerobic treatment unit to the tank. But this is an old trick of bleeding the homeowner over and over. And yeah, I am an expert with academic, researcvh and practical experience for 35 years.
We came back a month after pumping it the first time to determine why the tank was overfull again. After determining the drainfield was saturated, we restored this system 7 years ago and it is still working today.
This process cost 1/3 the cost of replacement and we saved his backyard and it is still working 7 years later. Stop by and I'll be glad to take you to see the job today!
wow nice job. wish all companies were like you guys.
the best restoration video !! great job !! very professional !!
So many septic companies say bacteria is snake oil, only replacing the system will work in all cases (very self serving expertise). Thanks for honesty on the bacterial part of the system.
Where do you get the Bacteria to put in the system to the leach field 🤔 Thanks 😊
Great videos. I wish you were in CA.
Great show, thanks, from a Maine soil site evaluator and septic system designer... and as I like to say too,"I can dig-it."
Happy soil sampling! We love the information you guys provide us.
Seems like a good man to hire. He really knows his shit.
No pun intended.....RIGHT?
at 2:18 you were pouring in Lye (caustic soda) into the drain field, not "bacteria". It's a great way to clean biomat out, and frankly all yoyu need in most cases
Thanks for watching Jeff. Aftershock was the product we use from Cape Cod Chemical and as far as the ingredients, you’ll have to take that up with them! Frankly, I love it when people tell us how we should be running our business….Cheers!
@@dervinwitmer7371 I wasn't telling you "how to run your business", I was telling the viewer the generic name for the chemical being added.
Just lye alone. added at the distribution box, can do wonders. I had a underused system, that was flowing but backing up. After all the gimics the septic company offered, up to and including a new drain field, I did a hail mary with ~10lbs of lye.
That was 5 years ago and 3 teenage daughters graduating high school. My 30+ year old system just passed a county septic inspection.
@@jeffking3693 it actually is a bacteria blend.
AfterShock Soil Absorption Restorative
PURPOSES:
Restores drainage to clogged and sluggish drainage fields and structures.
Eliminates odors.
DESCRIPTION:
AfterShock is a unique blend of laboratory-enhanced, naturally-occurring, primarily aerobic organisms that are type-specific to the various substances that typically clog drain fields and leaching structures. AfterShock also contains a proprietary, bacteria-friendly, time-release oxidizing agent that will accelerate the bacterial action of the organisms in the product to restore drainage in most soil absorption areas.
AfterShock’s consortium of bacteria and oxidizer can be applied at the same time. The oxygen-accelerated bacterial action will quickly digest the organic solid materials that reduce the drain field’s capacity to absorb water, effectively restoring drainage through a natural process.
AfterShock contains no pathogens, acids, or volatile organic compounds. AfterShock is completely safe to store and use according to directions.
Awesome job, that's the way make America. Good Job!
for what its worth, my bro had a problem with his drain field so he got this company with this machine that works on high pressure hot water to clean the runs , this was about 3 years ago and it still works. i am not a contractor so i have no reason to lie !!!
That’s good to hear. There are quite a few restoration and aeration type of options to keep systems working.
I learn something new every day. This is what I learned today. If I'm ever in deep you know what, I'll come back to you guys.
How much does a job like that cost?
Can i ask what the average cost of having this done is?
Heading into lockdown and now i'm watching people clean out shit!
WHAT is that "Bacteria", and where do I get it?
And tank good for swimming and diving.
So a job like that . What was the price?
What's the tool at 0:56 for finding the distribution box?
Scout Locator from Ridgid.
What type of bacteria did you use or do you use? What brand please.
Thanks for the video's! Very infomative and helpful. Quick question for you. How do you know if it is beyond restoration and it needs to be replaced? Can you determine that from the video inspection?
Thanks!
Most of the time we can determine with the camera. If things are just saturated, and the system is sized according to current codes and pipe is PVC, we can restore it. If there are roots in the pipes, or if the pipes are clay tiles and the system is small we would not recommend restoration and would recommend a replacement!
how much does this cost
Whatever the cost is too much because it does not work.
Richard King must be a field line installer haha
Listen people it definitely works We do it every day and save people thousands
I'm looking at a drain field replacement right now. In Florida all fields need replacement eventually. They should last 20-30 years in our sandy soil. From what I can tell based on talking to different contractors roots are the cause 90% of the time. Not so much getting into the pipes but surrounding the area where drainage occurs and blocking it from working. Trees grow, roots expand, poop happens. There are a few of companies that offer a "jet system" to clean out clogged pipes but I don't see where that would have any effect on fields that won't drain. If they did work though, you are right about saving 2/3 the cost of replacement but what good would it do if it only helped for a year or so? I am curious if you've ever dealt with the remediation systems that introduce oxygen to the bacteria via a small pump to actually consume the build up? The claim is that they will revitalize a non-working drain field. Of course then you have to service the pump and catalytic agent (aerobic bacteria) on some type of schedule.
LightningDogg we have systems we aerated 8 years ago and they are still working today! Obviously, we don’t want to sell a service that only lasts a year either. We do install the SludgeHammer aeration remediation unit as well if that is the oxygen /bacteria system you are referring to.
@@PumpThatSeptic I dont remember the name but after looking up Sludge Hammer it is similar to what I saw. Thanks for the reply.
The bacteria used in septic systems are anaerobic bacteria, in other words, they thrive in the absence of oxygen. Introducing oxygen to them would not help.
Where do I buy the bacteria
Cape Cod Chemical company.
I recently got a new drain field installed and it has a pump does anyone knows how often should the pump stay plugged in?
It should always be plugged in, but the plug should be controlled by a float switch that turns the pump on/off as the water levels in the tank change.
The pump should always remain plugged in but it should be turned on/off using a float switch as the levels fill the tank the pump is in.
What's usually the price range pf this drain field restoration?
It really depends on the size of your system. We would have to do a camera inspection first to determine the size and feasibility of the aeration before giving an estimate.
What is the cost ratio avg in percentage so we’re dealing with apples and apples to install a new field versus your restoration and next would be how long is the warranty provide it is maintained.
what is that chemical and where can we get it?
It's called AfterShock and purchase it from Cape Cod Bio Chemical Co.
Don't buy it. Worthless.
What chemical you using ? Sodium Carbonate ?
try sodium percaronate
No. It is a combination of 5 environmentally safe bacterias. It is developed by Cape Cod Chemical Co.
I got a question for you guys: When you pump a tank, once it is empty, do you run a hose and fill the tank with clean water up to the baffel level, or leave an empty tank to fill from normal house usage?
J Law we let the normal household activity fill it back up. Takes a family of 4 approximately 7-10 days to fill a 1000 gallon septic tank again.
@@PumpThatSeptic Thanks for the quick reply. Just what I thought, gives the drain field a rest too. My property manager and I had a shouting match over this issue last time the tank was pumped.
Bottom line - What's the cost for the work you performed?
That depends where you live?
Honest answers are given in good faith, but omitting them?@@PumpThatSeptic
Need help who should I call
Depends where you live Tammy. We only work in SW Michigan.
Just install new chambers system...
That is also a good option, but sometimes our customers do not have the room for another system and it is very cost-prohibitive to dig a system out and replace it. Thanks for watching.
Aftershock works!!
or sodium Per carbonate
NOT a good environmentally safe option!
@@PumpThatSeptic I am willing to try the Aftershock I can not buy it anywhere. They will not sell directly to me. What makes Sodium Percarbonate not environmentally safe? With where I live out in a big field this is not my biggest concern if Percarbonate would work.
Great company, who do you recommend in Houston area?
Wish we could recommend someone!
`Contact the Texas On-Site Wastewater Association at www.txowa.org or call 409 718 0645 for a recommendation in your area.
Wish i knew of someone that ACTUALLY knows what they are doing and isn't just trying to bully me into replacing everything when i flat out don't have that kind of money :( No one in my area does anything other than pump (so far). I'm still looking! Used to live in Albion but now i'm in florida.
I’m in Florida to and it’s like nobody wants to help expect do a new leech field! It’s bs
Always nice to be able to provide options for people.
We had a vacuum truck and found the distribution box in minutes. Every line in the leach field was root bound
Roots are definitely a dealbreaker.
I can honestly say, that after more than 20 years in the Septic & Sewer Industry, I don't recommend Effluent Filters to my customers. Typically, homeowners either don't know they have an Effluent Filter or forget about it, which leads to unnecessary problems... potentially big expensive problems, like a back-up, because of clogged Effluent Filter. To be fair, some of the newer technology systems require Effluent Filters, and obviously, I respect and appreciate the manufacturers requirements. Nevertheless, in my opinion, an Effluent Filter is potentially an added maintenance headache that most homeowners don't need and don't want.. Not to mention, an Effluent Filter in the Outlet Baffle of a Septic Tank can prevent or prohibit proper airflow, and I'm a big proponent of Oxygenation or Oxygen Transfer in all Septic Systems. In fact, some manufacturers don't want Effluent Filters in Septic Tanks, because they can impede airflow. Lastly, in my state of New Hampshire, we've had Private On-site Wastewater Treatment Systems a.k.a. Sub-surface Disposal Systems for decades, and nobody needed or used Effluent Filters until about 20 years ago. As a result, I can tell you from experience, a properly designed, properly installed, and properly maintained Septic System with a Stone & Pipe Leaching Field, should last 30 years or more without an Effluent Filter. This has convinced me that Effluent Filters aren't necessary, because we never needed them before, and in my opinion, we don't need them today either.
Thanks for the discussion. I’m always interested in hearing what other people have to say about septic systems in other states. We have found effluent filters to be very helpful especially when there is short term high usage in a system that could potentially put solids out into the drainfield causing premature failure. Higher water usage in homes today also contributes to unprocessed sewage ending up in the drainfield. Properly designed systems are often very expensive and so with the minimum requirements at the house apartments right here the athletic filter is a good insurance to increase pumping frequency and maintain clean effluent to the drainfield. We appreciate your comments.
Solids really means KaKas!!!
If you’re speaking Spanish it is!
"Jetting and adding bacteria" is a joke and the homeowner is getting ripped. Notice that he said they had to come back after a month. Why? Because jetting or pumping the tank are a very temporary solutions, if any. Regular septic pumping is needed of any septic tank to keep sludge out of the absorption field. Like most homeowners, this one never had his tank pumped on a regular basis (every 3 to 5 years) so the sludge in the tank built up and entered the absorption field where it blocked absorption into the soils. The contractor is adding aerobic bacteria to an anaerobic environment so these added aerobic bacteria will simply die. The filter is a good idea. They need a new absorption field, or add an aerobic treatment unit to the tank. But this is an old trick of bleeding the homeowner over and over. And yeah, I am an expert with academic, researcvh and practical experience for 35 years.
We came back a month after pumping it the first time to determine why the tank was overfull again. After determining the drainfield was saturated, we restored this system 7 years ago and it is still working today.
Sounds more like an academic background in business or at least the business of squeezing money out of people.
Too much $$$
This process cost 1/3 the cost of replacement and we saved his backyard and it is still working 7 years later. Stop by and I'll be glad to take you to see the job today!