Things are backing up.  What next?

Hello,

It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to understand septic systems and their problems. After all, there are no moving parts. This is our 40^th year in the business and everyday I go out and look at problem systems. I keep four (4) crews busy installing and repairing septic systems. My point is that I've done this for a while and you can rely on the following information.

I assume you already have a problem or you probably wouldn’t be visiting my website looking for information about septic systems. It is likely that things are backing up on you, probably in your tub or shower because it is usually the lowest point offering the least line of resistance.

The facts are that a clog in the house sewer line occurs much more often then a septic system failure. Therefore, first assume you have a clog. Run a plumbers snake down the line. If the water goes down, you’ve cleared the clog and you are back in business. Of course, you may call a "Rooter" service for this job.

If it is a single fixture (kitchen sink, bathroom lavatory, laundry drain, etc.) that is backing up and everything else is draining, the problem is in the fixture line and not your main line. Again, use a plumber’s snake on this line to clear the clog.

OK, you’ve run a plumber’s snake in the main line and found no clog. Now its time to locate your septic tank and dig to expose the lids. When you lift the lids pay attention to the liquid level. You should be able to see the inlet to the septic tank. Is the liquid level "at" or "above" the inlet level?

If it is "at" the inlet level, you likely have an obstruction just upstream of the septic tank or at the inlet fitting itself. You may be able to clear it with a garden hose by running it up the inlet fitting of the septic tank.

If it is "above" the inlet level, your problem is either a clog at the outlet of the septic tank or down stream of the septic tank, i.e. your leaching system has failed. The latter is the case 99.9% of the time

A failed leaching system may be only temporary.  If you’ve just had all your relatives over visiting for the last week or two, your leaching system may have been overwhelmed with all the people using the system.  Even so, you are very close to the real thing. Sorry. I don’t have good news.

A failed leaching system is a normal event. Even with the best of preventative septic system maintenance (more about this later), they do wear out, just like a roof or a set of tires. Leaching systems simply fail, it’s natural and there is no magic cure or fix. You'll need to expand your leaching system.

In our 40 years of business we’ve seen so many "quick fix" gimmicks, gizmos and chemical solutions, and many were not cheap at all. But, I have never seen anything last. The fact is that you need to expand your leaching system, period. Then perform some monthly preventative maintenance on your system and forget about it for 15-20 years.

Before I get into talking about how to prevent (stall) a failure, let’s talk about getting your system expansion done.

If you have read the FAQ’s I’ve written, you understand that the type and size of leaching system you need depends on water table, soil type and soil porosity (percolation rate).

Of course, you can check with your local health department to determine exactly what you need. But I would call several contractors (I said call several) let them come out and look things over. They know the local codes and soil conditions. Just listen and collect estimates.

To help a contractor try a little harder to give you good pricing, do not mention that you are gathering estimates from other contractors until they are in the middle of walking your job. Watch their demeanor and listen. You will get a good feeling for the right contractor and you will get the best pricing.

Now don’t necessarily accept the lowest price. The best contractor may not be able to match a small, under-equipped, under-insured, etc., contractor. Make sure you deal with a licensed and fully insured contractor. This is more important than price. Workers and passersby can and do get hurt around construction sites. People sue people (like homeowners) with things to lose. Do you get my point?

All leaching systems will eventually fail. That is a fact. But you can "stall" a system failure for years, saving thousands of dollars.

Remember that a septic tank is a processing plant. Everything enters at the top and exits at the top of the septic tank. It has 4-5 feet of water in it. It is in this liquid environment that bacteria begins breaking down solids into a liquid that exits to your leaching system.  But not all solids will break down naturally without a little help.

Natural solids break down well but certain solids (lint’s, greases, detergents) do not break down well at all. It is necessary to pump these accrued solids from your septic tank periodically to keep them from leaching downstream into your leaching system. That causes premature failure and a big expense.

I have seen the benefits of using products that introduce additional select bacteria to the septic tank. These bacteria produce specific enzymes that attack grease and detergents, breaking them down into a liquid. A better quality effluent exits the septic tank and enters the leaching system. These additional enzymes also work on agents that clog the space between soil particles, allowing soil to absorb much more effluent and add years to the life of your leaching system.

Now don’t believe statements like "You’ll never have to pump your septic tank again". I do not believe that statement is true. You should still pump your septic tank periodically.  However, flushing select "bugs" once a month into your septic tank will prolong the time between necessary pumping and save you ton's of money over the years.

And don't believe statements like "This product will permanently open up a failed leaching system". That is a bunch of baloney.  Now, I have seen certain chemicals shake the system loose for a few days, but I’ve never seen anything permanent or lasting.   Usually these chemicals are caustic, will burn you and are not good for the environment.

I use a Powdered Grease and Waste Cutting Bio-enzymatic Formulation once a month to maintain our cesspool at home. That’s right, we are on a cesspool and that means no septic tank at all. Our cesspool is our septic tank and our leaching system.

Our cesspool is 18 years old. I have our pump truck pump it of accrued solids every 5 years. I’ll probably get another 7-8 years before it fails. Why? Because I do some preventative maintenance by flushing 1/4lb of INF-10X powder down the commode each month.

I like this stuff because it works.  I use it at home and so do my customers.   It really cuts down the amount of solids that build up in the septic tank.   Because I use INF-10X, maintenance pumping is signigicantly reduced.  I did not say "eliminates pumping", just pump every 6 years instead of every 3 years.

"It has been just over 3 years now since I began using INF-10X.  (I remember you saying I was your 14th Internet sale back then.)  You were right on, Butch.  I pump my septic tank every 3 years religiously.  Anyway, I just dug up my septic tank and found it did not need pumping.  I've used many products over the years and INF-10X beats them all by far.   I'm gonna wait 4 years before I do anymore digging ...
                             Merle G. - Maysville, MO.

"... From time to time we would smell sewer odors.  Since we began using INF-10X odors are a thing of the past. ..."
                                       Molly M. - Banning, CA.

"... INF-10X has worked great fighting the grease and detergents our tenants pour down the drain.  It has saved us plenty in maintenance costs... "
                                       Humberto L.- Toronto, Canada

"... Butch, you are under-selling the benefits of INF-10X.   Trust me, it is better than you are telling people.  I use it in my sink and shower drains too."
                                       Jeanne D. - Columbus, GA.

INF-10X is a ready-to-use, bio-enzymatic formulation (bacterial/enzyme blend) specifically designed to promote accelerated grease and waste liquefaction and digestion.

INF-10X contains a synergistic blend of new bacterial strains which have been scientifically developed (selectively adapted) to cope with difficult compounds and chemicals present in wastewater effluent. Unlike any other bio-formulation, INF-10X contains bacterial strains, which actually digest difficult and non-biodegradable compounds such as detergents, paper, oil, grease, hydrocarbons, phenols, etc.

INF-10X liquefies and digests fats, oils and greases faster than other competitive formulations. (Covered under U.S. patent numbers 4288545, 4350770 and 4482632).

INF-10X formulation significantly improves the performance of septic tanks and grease traps. These cultures provide the best protection you can buy for your system.

I believe in using INF-10X. I use it myself, supply it to our customers directly and now we can supply you too.

INF-10X comes in 1 pound plastic bags.

Septic Tanks: First and Second Month flush ¼ lb. per each 500 gallons septic tank size (1000 gallon = ½ lb., 1500 gallon = ¾ lb., etc.) down the commode. Each month thereafter, flush only ½ as much (500 gallons = 1/8 lb., 1000 gallons = ¼ lb., 1500 gallons = 3/8 lb., etc.) down the commode.

Grease Traps: Use the same amounts used for septic tanks. Add the proper amount to a gallon of lukewarm water, let it sit for 1 hour, then pour down floor drains (this will sweeten the drains at the same time).

A typical 3-bedroom house with a 1000-gallon septic system can maintain its system for over a year for less than 25% of the cost to pump a 1000-gallon system.  See quanity and pricing schedule.

It is easy to order.

The first and fastest way to order is directly online with our SECURE SERVER. If your web browser will not support secure servers... use our other order form.  This form will let you Fax your order or ask us to call you for information or to just phone in your order.   Keep in mind that when you use either of these ordering methods, our servers will email you a receipt and your order will be shipped free of shipping charges within 24 hours or the next business day.

The last way to order is through "snail" mail. All you have to do is write your name and address on a piece of paper and send it, along with your payment to A-1 Cesspool Service, Inc., P.O. Box 183, Desert Hot Springs, CA. 92240.

If you use our secure server, your credit card will show payment to P&D Associates (Parent Company). So who is P&D Associates? Well the "P" is me, Paul (nickname "Butch"), and my wife, Donna, is the "D".

That's about it.  I hope that this information helps you. Send me an email and let me know.

Respectfully,

Butch Spillman
A-1 Cesspool Service, Inc.

PS…. INF-10X will keep your septic system operating much longer.              Pay me now or pay me later. Your choice.  :-)

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