Helpful Info
What not to do: In the kitchen, avoid washing food scraps, coffee grinds, and other food items down the drain. Grease and cooking oils contribute to the layer of scum in the tank and also should not be put down the drain. In the bathroom do not use the toilet to dispose of plastics, paper towels, facial tissues, tampons, sanitary napkins, cigarette butts, dental floss, disposable diapers, condoms, kitty litter, etc. The only things that should be flushed down the toilet are wastewater and toilet paper.
Garbage disposals can increase the amount of solids in the tank up to 50 percent and should not be used. Eliminating a garbage disposal can greatly reduce the amount of grease and solids that enter the sewer system.
FAQ's
The most important thing to know about your new aerobic treatment unit (ATU) is how to use it properly. It is important for the safety of your system to know what not to put into it.
Do not put the following into your system:
– Non-biodegradable materials, grease, cooking oil, solvents, paints, drain cleaner or other toxic materials.
In addition, make sure to avoid the following:
– Allowing surface water to gather around the unit.
– Allowing any water other than sewage water to enter the unit, including rainwater and water-softener backwash.
– Performing any repairs yourself or having them performed by someone not certified to repair your system.
– Adding additional products to the system not recommended by Bordelon Septic Systems.
We do offer products specifically designed for your ATU; ask a Bordelon Septic Systems representative for details.
Maintenance for your ATU is very easy. Your system was designed to be easy to use and to maintain. To ensure proper usage year-round, please take note of the following parts of your system on a regular basis:
Aerator operation: Be sure to inspect the air pump regularly to make sure it’s running. Your pump will have a quiet, natural sound when running. Any new or strange noises could be a sign of a malfunction, and you should call Bordelon Septic Systems for service immediately.
Water Discharge: Check the water discharge monthly for a clear flow of water. If your water discharge is black or murky, call Bordelon Septic Systems for service.
Aerator Filter: Your inlet filter should be checked every six months and either changed or washed, depending on conditions.
Your aerator operates 24 hours per day. You do not need to turn the system on or off, so generally it does not require a lot of attention. Your system will run at optimal levels in about four to 16 weeks, after the right amount of microorganisms have developed inside. To ensure that they develop and maintain your system, avoid letting these substances enter your aerator:
– Strong disinfectants or bleaches (small amounts, such as detergent for laundry loads are fine, but do not overuse), oil, grease or chemical waste, disposable diapers, tampons or sanitary napkins, cigarette butts, latex or rubber items, discharge from water softener.
Yes. However, please note that your warranty covers repair and replacement from damage or malfunction as a result of a defect in your system. Your warranty does not cover, and may be voided by, any of the following actions:
– Alterations, be it damage or repair, performed by anyone other than authorized representatives of Bordelon Septic Systems
Use of parts not authorized by Bordelon Septic Systems.
– Non-sewage water flows including those caused by infiltration, storm water connections, leakage from improperly maintained plumbing fixtures and water softeners.
– Damage to the system as a result of not maintaining electrical power to it as required by the certified manufacturer or the authorized service representative.
– Damage to the system as a result of disposing non-biodegradable materials including plastic or rubber products, coffee grounds, chemicals or solvents, grease, oil, paint or non-domestic hard water.
– Flow of sewage into the aerobic treatment unit that exceeds the system’s hydraulic organic design capabilities.
– Using the system for any purpose other than those stated in the owner’s manual or recommended by Acquired Wastewater Technologies or another certified manufacturer.
While your system is designed to run effectively with only normal maintenance you can do yourself, should you need the service of a Bordelon Septic Systems technician, we will do the following:
– Check your control panel, high-water alarm and electrical connections for dirt, debris or other problems that could prevent operation.
– Ensure the alarm has not accidentally been activated and is working properly.
– Ensure the system is free of bugs, debris, scum or other impurities that could prevent clean water from flowing through the system at the correct level.
– Check for odors, discoloration and problems in the drainage that would indicate a sign of malfunction.
Call Bordelon Septic Systems and our professional service technicians will be happy to assist you.
Call Us at No Cost
We are a family-owned Septic Service with well over 20 years in the industry. We have the sewer treatment systems experience your home or business needs.
What to Do
- DO learn the location of your septic tank and drain field. Keep a sketch of it handy with your maintenance record for service visits.
- DO have your septic system inspected annually.
- DO have your septic tank pumped out by a licensed contractor, approximately every three to five years, or as often as is appropriate for your system
- DO keep your septic tank cover accessible for inspections and pumping. Install risers if necessary.
- DO call a professional whenever you experience problems with your system, or if there are any signs of system failure.
- DO keep a detailed record of repairs, pumping, inspections, permits issued, and other maintenance activities.
- DO conserve water to avoid overloading the system. Be sure to repair any leaky faucets or toilets.
- DO divert other sources of water, like roof drains, house footing drains, and sump pumps, away from the septic system. Excessive water keeps the soil in the drain field from naturally cleansing the wastewater.
What to Avoid
- DON’T allow anyone to drive or park over any part of the system.
- DON’T plant anything over or near the field lines except grass. Roots from nearby trees or shrubs may clog and damage the drain lines.
- DON’T dig in your drain field or build anything over it, and don’t cover the drain field with a hard surface such as concrete or asphalt. The area over the drain field should have only a grass cover. The grass will not only prevent erosion, but will help remove excess water.
- DON’T make or allow repairs to your septic system without obtaining the required health department permit. Use respectable; professional licensed onsite contractors when needed.
- DON’T use septic tank additives. Under normal operating conditions, these products usually do not help and some may even be harmful to your system.
- DON’T use your toilet as a trash can or poison your septic system and the groundwater by pouring harmful chemicals and cleansers down the drain. Harsh chemicals can kill the beneficial bacteria that treat your wastewater.
- DON’T use a garbage disposal regularly. Leftover food will cause trouble in the long run in the life of a sewer system.
