Woodstock Inn Brewery

Septic Preservation and the Woodstock Inn Brewery in North Woodstock, NH

The Woodstock Inn Brewery in North Woodstock, New Hampshire has had great success since its beginning in 1982 with only 4 rooms and a restaurant.  Two years after it opened, the owners reached over to LincolnWoodstock Inn Brewery to save a bit of that town’s past, its old train station. Sawed in half and carefully, if not memorably, transported a few miles away to the Inn, that station became the Woodstock Station, allowing the expansion of the kitchen and the dining room. In the mid-nineties the owners decided to enter into the almost non existent “craft” brewing world with a small 7 barrel brewery that is still in use today for new test runs as well as specialty beers only on tap at the Inn. Fast forward to today and the Brewery has expanded to a large 30 barrel production brewery, crafting more than a dozen year-round and seasonal beers available throughout New England.

 Septic Preservation was contacted because of issues with the wastewater arriving at the Woodstock wastewater treatment plant. The load and strength of the wastewater coming from the brewery has been overloading the treatment plant. This overload has caused the treatment plant to remove more solids per month than can be managed. The town has mandated that the brewery must pre-treat the outflow from the brewery and will charge the brewery thousands of dollars each month it is not in compliance. This made the incentive to treat the wastewater an easy decision as the return on investment would be relatively quick. If you are in White Mountains region, stop in the visit this beautiful historic Inn and Brewery.
Contact Septic Preservation to help you solve your wastewater problems just like the Woodstock Inn Brewery in Woodstock, NH.  They have the answers to all your questions.  Call 877-378-4279 or www.septicpreservation.com
This blog was posted on www.allclearseptic.com on March 9, 2016.

 

 

Septic Preservation Services

Septic Preservation Videos in the works!

Septic Preservation Services and All Clear Septic and Wastewater are working together to produce a series of short videos to help educate home owners about a variety of septic issues such as, what to expect during a title 5 septic inspection, What do I need to know about having a replacement leach field designed, how do wells effect septic designs, what to expect during the installation of a septic system, why your system should have covers at grade on your septic tank, why you should have an effluent filter in your septic tank, how to properly clean your effluent filter, how to service your Singulair ATU, how to service your FAST ATU, how to service your Fuji Clean ATU, and dozens more. These educational videos will be produced in area towns such as Norton, Rochester, Lakeville, Marion, and Wareham by our team of septic professionals including title 5 septic inspectors, licensed septic installers, engineers, and wastewater treatment plant operators.

septic preservation

Septic Preservation Testimonial

septic preservationAuto Wash, Elliot Maine

The Auto Wash in Eliot Maine has cleaned up their act. After being listed in an online New York Times article as the top water polluter in the state of Maine, the auto wash was in dire need of treatment to their wastewater.
Septic Preservation Services was able to review and analyze the multi faceted and complex issues causing pollutants to be discharged into the ground. The project was critically important due to the close proximity of sensitive wet lands. We were able to take the information gathered and design an onsite wastewater treatment system that solved the issues at hand. The issue was rather complex due to the type of waste generated by the car wash. A significant amount of the waste were solids including, dirt, salt, and road grime not terribly difficult to remove from the wastewater. The rest of the pollutants were soap, wax, oils, grease and other auto fluids. These proved to be more difficult to remove. After many tests we were able to organically treat the wastewater with a special bacteria developed with the ability to consume these organics. After treatment the auto wash is able to recycle the clean water back through the wash and reduce water consumption. This ability to recycle water has a significant impact on the environment and the amount of water discharged into it. With the Auto Wash’s close proximity to sensitive wet lands taking a green approach to the issue was crucial. The Auto wash is now one of the cleanest and greenest in the state.

Septic Preservation has the answer to all your septic problems and needs.  Call 800-378-4279 or visit www.septicpreservation.com to have all your septic questions answered.  Auto Wash in Elliott, Maine called and had all their problems solved.

drain cleaner

Cesspools and Seepage Pits

cesspools and seepage pitsCesspools and Seepage Pits

Cesspools and seepage pits are the predecessors of the modern day septic system.  Older houses may still be utilizing these systems especially if they have not been sold in the last 100 years.  So what is a cesspool and seepage pit?

Cesspools

The cesspool is the forerunner to the modern day septic system. The cesspool is simply a vertical pit dug into the earth. This pit is lined with a porous cement, or block, or stone. Gravel fills the area outside of the liner.   Wastewater from the home is channeled to the cesspool. The solids fall to the bottom where they are partially digested by bacteria and microorganisms that occur there naturally. The effluent leaches out into the gravel and soil surrounding the pit.

Today, cesspools are not the best method of dealing with household wastewater. If your home has one and it is working properly, keep it carefully maintained by having it pumped regularly. Avoiding putting grease and food down the drains will help keep it working properly.

Seepage Pits

Many people confuse cesspools with seepage pits. They serve different purposes in treating wastewater. A seepage pit is similar to a cesspool in construction. It  consists of a large pit lined with concrete rings, or porous masonry block to support the walls of the pit, and a surrounding bed of gravel. The difference is that only effluent that has come from a septic tank enters a seepage pit. The effluent has already been through the first stage of processing in the tank. Once it enters the seepage pit it is temporarily stored there until it gradually seeps through the walls and into the surrounding soil. A biomat forms in the bottom of the pit and as the pit ages the biomat grows thick clogging the pores of the pit walls. Seepage pits are not as efficient at processing effluent as drainfields or soil absorption beds.

The most serious concern with both cesspools and seepage pits involves the water table.  They are both closer to the water table, and therefore, they do not protect our groundwater as well as a modern septic system.

 

All Clear Septic can answer all your septic questions and help you maintain the system you utilize.  Call 508-763-4431 or visit www.allclearseptic.com and ask the experts.   Whatever town you reside in, whether Middleboro, MA or Portsmouth, RI, etc. we can answer all your questions.

This blog was posted on www.allclearseptic.com on February 24,2016.

septic system

Bacteria and Enzymes in Your Septic System

What makes a septic system work properly? Billions of naturally occurring microscoBasic Septic Maintenancepic bacteria and enzymes are responsible for a major part of the three-stage treatment that processes wastewater in a septic system.

The wastewater in the septic tank begins the process of decomposition by separating into layers.  Bacteria, which is naturally present in all septic systems, will begin to digest the solids which have settled to the bottom of the tank.  These naturally occurring bacteria will change up to 50% of these solids into liquids and gases.

There are all kinds of additives on the market advertised to improve the biological environment of your septic system, but most experts agree that they are not needed.  The best plan is to keep high doses of cleaners and bleaches out of your septic system which can kill off the beneficial bacteria.

Another important part of the process occurs in the drainfield.  The effluent, or wastewater from the septic tank enters the drain or leachfield and comes into contact with the biomat.  There are organisms living in the biomat which further digest the organic matter in the effluent and from there it reaches the soil where the last part of the process occurs.  Bacteria in the soil further treat the waste. It is important that the drainfield not be flooded.  Many of these bacteria found in the soil and biomat are aerobic or oxygen dependent.  If water floods a drainfield, they may die off and will not be replenished until the flooding is relieved.

All Clear Septic can answer all your septic system questions.  Call them at 508-763-4431  or visit www.allclearseptic.com.  Ask them about their maintenance program and emergency services.  They have all the answers to your septic needs.

This blog was posted on www.allclearseptic.com on February 17, 2016.

 

drain field

Soil and Your Septic System

Soil and

Drainfield Soil

 Soil plays a major part in the proper functioning of a septic system. Many people do not realize what an important role the type of soil can make in your drainfield. Soil failure can be  a major cause of septic system failure.

 Soil works as a fine filter, and is the home to trillions of microscopic organisms that feed on organic matter in the effluent from the drainfield.

Soil Types

The texture of the soil  determines how quickly wastewater will be absorbed in the drainfield.  Soil percolation is the ability of the soil to absorb water.  The best types of soil for drainage or percolation contain a balance of coarse and fine particles. 

Gravel, or soil with a coarse texture, or coarse sand may not be adequate.  They allow wastewater to pass too quickly to provide adequate treatment. These types of soils work only if they are deep. Soil may be brought in for septic systems and drainfields when the current soil is inadequate.

Clay Soil

Some soil mixtures may contain some particles of clay. Clay soil can be used in drainfields, but water moves through it much slower than in gravel or coarse textured soil. The problem with clay particles is that they can swell and block soil passages.  This slows the movement of wastewater even more.  If clay particles  electronically bond to sodium molecules contained in wastewater, hardpan can occur.  The passage of wastewater is totally blocked and this can lead to septic failure. Hardpan conditions in clay soil can be chemically treated.  There are some products on the market to treat this condition.

Since soil plays such a critical part in the life of your septic system, it’s best to leave it up to the experts.  Call All Clear Septic at 508-763-4431 for all your septic needs and questions.  Ask them about their septic system maintenance program.  Or visit www.allclearseptic.com

This blog was posted on www.allclearseptic.com on February 10, 2016.

 

septic functional inspections

Septic System Failure

What causes a septic system to fail?  What are some of the signs of a failed septic and what can you septic system failuredo to avoid this?  If you are a home owner with a private septic system, these questions may have run through your mind.  

What causes a septic system to fail?  We must start by understanding that wastewater is made up of organics and water. The organics come from human waste, soaps, garbage, etc. When excess organics are introduced into the system they clog the soils preventing water from passing through. If too much water is introduced into the system it can wash organics out of the septic tank and into the field speeding up the clogging of the soils. Excessive water can also hydraulically overload the system. Each septic system is similiar to a funnel and can only allow a fixed amount of water to pass through. If you exceed that amount of water the system will flood resulting in breakout of sewage onto the ground or backup of sewage into the house. Regular septic system maintenance can identify problems that can damage your system. 

What are some of the signs that your septic system is failing?    A foul smell inside the house or outside near the drainfield is a bad sign.  Also, wastewater flowing up to the ground near the drainfield, muddy soil around the septic system, water in the basement, toilets that back up as well as sinks when laundry is running and also thick, lush grass over the drainfield.  If you notice any of these signs, call a septic system professional from All Clear Septic right away.  Also taking part in the preventative maintenance program All Clear offers as well as regular inspections can prevent your septic system from  failing altogether.

What are other ways to help avoid septic system failure?  Keep toxic chemicals out of your system.  Never clean any oil-based products or chemicals in your sink such as paint rollers.  Keep toxic household cleaning products from entering your septic system.  Try to use “non-toxic” and “septic safe” cleaners.  Do not drain your hot tub into your septic system drainfield.  It was not designed to handle the large amount of water.  Make sure you let it cool and drain far away from your drainfield.  Also, garbage disposals can spell disaster for your septic system.  Start a compost pile for all your kitchen scraps and you can use this in your garden or flower beds.  Water softeners are also a sure way to kill your septic system. The backflush from water softeners containing salt should never be placed into the septic system

The best defense against septic system failure is prevention.  Call All Clear Septic at 508-763-4431 or visit www.allclearseptic.com  and see how they can help you with a maintenance program to keep your septic system functioning properly.

This blog was posted on www.allclearseptic.com on February 4, 2016.

 

All Clear Septic

How to Take Care of Your Drainfield

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What is a drainfield?   drainfield  is sometimes called a leachfield or absorption field.   It is a network of pipes, trenches, gravel and soil. The pipes are perforated to allow wastewater to drip and flow through. They are laid inside of trenches or beds that are filled with gravel, which is also part of the filtration process. Soil surrounds the entire drainfield area and works in other ways to help your septic system work effectively.

Once it reaches the drainfield, the wastewater trickles out of the pipes and passes into the gravel layer. Then it passes on down into the soil, which is where filtration happens on a micro level. The soil actually filters the wastewater like a composting system, passing through the various pore-like spaces within the soil. This is where the soil microbes go to work, treating the wastewater before it enters the ground water supply.  Soil that is dry, permeable and rich in oxygen that is located  below the actual drainfield is best suited for this process and will yield the most positive results.

How to Take Care of Your Drainfield

Locate your drainfield and reserve area  You should never plant a garden or anything larger than grass over top of your drainfield.  Planting grass is a good idea to combat erosion of the soil over the drainfield.  Don’t park cars, equipment or anything heavy over the top your drainfield or reserve area.   Conserve water and find out what your maximum water usage should be for your system.  Keep excess water away from your drainfield such as drainage ditches, irrigation systems, runoff from roofs in storms or draining hot tubs and pools.  Don’t plant any trees or shrubs within 30 feet of the drainfield.  Try not to build anything or pave over your drainfield – no patios, garages, driveways or other structures.  The drainfield  in not a  safe place to house livestock.

Follow these tips and you can extend the life of your drainfield.  Call All Clear Septic at 508-763-4431 to inquire about their septic maintenance program.  They can help keep your septic system running smoothly and extend the life of the system.  Visit www.allclearseptic.com for more information.

This blog was posted on www.allclearseptic.com on January 20, 2015.

Maine

Septic Maintenance in New England

Weather in New England and Southeastern Massachusetts can be brutal and unpredictable especially in the winter.  Maintaining your septic system is particularly important at this time of year.  Winter is not the time to deal with a costly repair.  Your way of life and haseptic maintenancebits can drastically affect your septic system for the good or the bad.

The Bathroom is the first place everyone thinks of when you talk septic system.  One-ply toilet tissue is better than the thicker brands and flushing only toilet tissue down the toilet is a good rule of thumb. Flushing anything else can cause problems with your system.  Making sure small children do not have access to the bathroom unattended can keep unwanted items from accidentally being flushed down the toilet.

Restricting the amount of water that goes into your system everyday can help extend the life of your system.  Low-flow showerheads and taps, water-saving toilets, shorter shower time, fixing any leaky faucets, turning the faucet off while you brush your teeth, can all reduce the amount of water that goes into your system daily and give the system time to effectively work.

The kitchen is also an important area to be diligent. Solids should never be put down the drain.  The more solids in your system, the harder it will have to work to break them down.  Curbing the use of chemical cleaners, especially bleach will help keep the beneficial microbes that naturally occur in a septic system in place.  These cleaners can kill off the good bacteria that help break up the waste in your system.

Composting can help.  Setting up a bucket near the sink for food waste such as egg shells, fruit and vegetable peelings, coffee grinds etc.    Then start a compost pile outside away from the septic system and periodically dump the bucket in this pile.  It will break down over time and be great fertilizer for your vegetable or flower garden in the spring.

Also, keep a grease can in the fridge. An old coffee can is ideal.  Keep straining your grease from cooking into the can and when it’s full, simply throw away and start with a new can.

These are some of the ways to keep your New England septic system up and running.  For more information, visit www.allclearseptic.com for everything you need to know about septic system maintenance and troubleshooting.  Call 508-763-4431.

This blog was posted on www.allclearseptic.com on January 13, 2016.

 

All Clear

Up Your Game with Septic System Risers

SEPTIC SYSTEM RISERS, COVERS AND FILTERS

You can extend the life of your septic system by just performing a couple of simple and cost-effective tasks. Signing up for the All-Clear Preventative Maintenance Program is one way to eliminate septic system surprises and make simple adjustments that will prevent costly repairs or replacements. Another way to improve the effectiveness of your septic system is through the use of risers, covers and filters.

RISER AND COVER INSTALLATION

When your septic system is more accessible, it is also much more safe and attractive. These goals can be achieved through the use of strong, durable risers and system covers. Once installed, homeowners will be able to provide easy access to the system for future repairs, upgrades or cleaning services, eliminating the need to dig and excavate the system each time it needs to be pumped or inspected, making these services less costly.

EFFLUENT FILTER INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE

People in the septic industry, including engineers, scientists and educators, suggest that property owners install an effluent filter in the outlet tee of their septic tank to extend the life of their system. Coupled with a regular maintenance program, such as All-Clear’s Preventative Maintenance Program, and professional pumping, your septic system could actually last indefinitely.  Due to the high cost associated with replacing a septic system, this seemingly small upgrade to your system will pay off in a big way.

UPGRADE YOUR SYSTEM WITH ALL-CLEAR AND SAVE!

Give All-Clear Septic & Wastewater a call at 508-763-4431 for more information about adding risers, covers and effluent filters to your septic system. Consultation services are available for both residential and commercial property owners free of charge.  We can help you save thousands of dollars over the lifetime of your septic system through our Preventative Maintenance Program, services, education and system upgrade options.

Visit www.allclearseptic.com for more information.

This blog was posted on www.allclearseptic.com on January 6, 2015.