Conventional Septic Systems Maintenance Tips

Conventional Septic System Maintenance Do's...

  • DO SPACE OUT YOUR LAUNDRY WASH LOADS OVER A FEW DAYS RATHER THAN OVERLOAD YOUR SYSTEM ON ONE DAY.
  • USE NATURAL CLEANERS: BAKING SODA, VINEGAR OR BORAX
  • PUMP OUT YOUR SYSTEM EVERY 4 (FOUR) TO 6 (SIX) YEARS OR AS NEEDED.
  • WE DO RECOMMEND USING A PRO-PUMP HOME SAVER KIT, THIS HELPS WITH THE GOOD BACTERIA IN YOUR SYSTEM. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO START THIS YEARLY REGIME, PLEASE CALL J BAR C SEPTIC SERVICES LLC AT    (830) 998 -2582 AND WE CAN HELP YOU GET STARTED.
aerobic septic systems maintenance j bar c septic services

Conventional Septic System Maintenance Do Not's...

WE RECOMMEND NOT FLUSHING ANY OF THE FOLLOWING DOWN YOUR SYSTEM, EVEN IF IT IS NOTED AS SEPTIC SAFE.

 

  • WET WIPES
  • BABY WET WIPES
  • MAKE UP REMOVER WIPES
  • CONDOMS
  • COTTON BALLS
  • CIGARETTE BUTTS
  • TAMPONS/SANITARY NAPKINS
  • DIAPERS
  • PLASTIC/ LATEX GLOVES
  • USE OF A GARBAGE DISPOSAL AT ALL BUT IF YOU USE IT DO SO SPARINGLY, SINCE THIS WILL MAKE YOUR AEROBIC SYSTEM NEED TO BE PUMPED OUT MORE FREQUENTLY.

THE USE OF THE FOLLOWING PRODUCTS CAN BE HARSH ON YOUR SYSTEM.

  • QUATERNARY AMMONIA
  • ANTIBACTERIAL SOAPS
  • TOILET BOWL CLEANERS
  • DRAIN CLEANERS
  • BLEACH (OVERUSE)

IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS AND ARE LOOKING FOR ALTERNATIVE CLEANERS,

VISIT ENVIRONMENTAL WORKING GROUP WEBSITE  THIS IS A GREAT RESOURCE.

FOR AEROBIC SYSTEMS ONLY:  IF YOU HAVE A WATER SOFTENER

(DEMAND-INITIATED REGENERATION)  IT CAN ONLY DRAIN IN TO THE PUMP TANK AND THAT IS IT.

Troubleshooting Your Conventional System

J Bar C Septic Services has compiled a list of instructions about what to do if you see or hear an alarm going off.  Most conventional systems have two alarms: a Red Alarm (High Water Alarm) and an Amber Alarm (Compressor Alarm)

Red Alarm (HWA)
  1. Locate the HWA switch (it should be located on the side of the panel) and toggle.  To mute, place in middle position.
  2. Are the spray heads spraying? If they are, [roceed to #3.  If they are not spraying, proceed to #4.
  3. Stop using water and check to make sure that there is no running faucets/toilets.  This will allow the water level in the tank to drop below the alarm level.  Once the red light turns off, ou then need to switch the toggle back up to the RUN position.
  4. Reset the circuit breaker in the control panel.  It is the one labeled PUMP/20AMP.  Go check to see if the spray heads are spraying. If  they are, proceed to #5.  If they are not spraying, proceed to #6.
  5. Allow water level in the tank to drop below the alarm level.  Once the red light turns off, you will need to switch the toggle back up to the RUN position.
  6. If after following these steps and the alarm persists, conserve water usage and please call J Bar C Septic Services at (830) 998-2582.
Amber Alarm (COMP)
  1. Locate the COMP switch.  It should be located on the front of the control panel.  Once located, toggle it to the MIDDLE position to mute.
  2. Check to see if the compressor is running.  Most compressors are covered with a concrete “dog house”.  Remove the concrete dog house so that you can see the compressor.  Once located, if you place your hand on top of the compressor, you should feel for vibration. If YES, proceed to #3.  If NO, proceed to #4.
  3. Check to make sure that there aren’t any leaks or detachments within the air tubing.  Start at the bottom side of the compressor and follow up to the bottom rear of the control panel.  If detached, reattach the air tubing.  If a leak is detected, tape it up and call J Bar C Septic Services at (830) 998-2582.  Once the amber light turns off, you will need to switch the COMP toggle back to the UP/RUN position.
  4. Reset the circuit breaker.  This is the middle breaker located inside the control panel.  Now go back to the compressor and place your hand on it to feel for vibration.  If YES, proceed to #5.  If NO, proceed to #6.
  5. Once the amber light goes off, switch the COMP toggle back to the UP/RUN position.
  6. If after following these steps and the alarm persists, pleaase contact J Bar C Septic Services at (830) 998-2582.