Onsite Septic Systems and RCWSWWW (RC Worst Septic-Wise Words of Wisdom)
Homes or other structures that are hooked up to an aging central sewer system have no control of the impact of the wastewater after it leaves the property. For every foot that untreated wastewater travels it increases the chances of finding a leaky pipe and, therefore, contaminating soil or water. The property may also be letting go of value nutrients that could benefit its local ecosystem.
Four percent of the nation’s energy expenditure goes to water and wastewater treatment. Treating water and wastewater can eat up 35 percent of a city’s budget. The EPA estimates that failing infrastructures will cost around $298 billion to replace over the next twenty years.
Interest in onsite alternatives is on the rise as communities contemplate how to replace aging systems.
We, at RC Worst & Company, are a dealer for Orenco Wastewater Solutions. Orenco designs and manufactures affordable, sustainable wastewater technologies for individual properties and whole communities. They design and manufacturer fiberglass septic tanks, septic systems, advanced treatment systems, effluent sewers, effluent pump, and electrical control panels. Their award-winning technologies are cited in wastewater texts and installed all over the world.
Looking for that peace of mind of having an affordable, sustainable septic solution for your property? Call us today at RC Worst & Company to discuss the right system to meet your needs.
RC Worst Septic-Wise Words of Wisdom
Spread out laundry use throughout the week. Consider doing one load per day rather than seven loads on Sunday. The average load of laundry uses 47 gallons of water. Also, front loading washers use less water than top loaders.
Minimize the use of household cleaners including bleach, harsh cleaners, and similar toxic substances. For example, using bleach to clean the toilet or regularly applying Draino to keep sinks un-clogged can kill the “bugs” that do the work of cleaning effluent in your septic tank.
Clean off plates as best as you can in the garbage and use your garbage disposal sparingly, if at all. Many argue that it is best to not even have a garbage disposal if you have onsite septic. Regularly sending solid food waste to the septic system overburdens it with nutrients and can cause the tank to fill faster.
Keep kitchen greases out of the septic system. Greases are not easily broken down and can clog the system.
Septic tank additives are not recommended. There is no need to supplement the bacteria supply in a septic tank. Additives advertise that they control septic odors by killing bacteria, but this objective is counter to the purpose and function of septic tanks. The tanks rely on bacteria to decompose the solids and contaminants in wastewater
Medical Waste. Pharmaceuticals don’t get taken up by soil organisms, and instead end up in groundwater or waterways, where they can impact fish and other aquatic creatures—or people, if the water body serves as a source of drinking water.
Additives Detract. Septic tank additives break down the solids into liquids, which then leave the tank and clog the drainfield.
Use water-conserving devices where possible. Options include low flush toilets, low flow shower heads, dishwashers, and clothes washers to name a few.