Problem:
Septic systems are typically unable to degrade the bio-solids that accumulate in the tank and leach fields. While indigenous microorganisms are present in most septic systems, they are not capable of degrading the waste at a sufficient rate able to keep the system in proper operating order. In the best case, the tank must be pumped out at a cost of approximately $250 for a standard 500-gallon tank. In the worst case, the system fails to a point where it must be removed and replaced at a cost of $15 to 20 thousands, and certainly much greater for larger commercial systems.

Ecological Laboratories conduct a field evaluation of MICROBE-LIFT (AquaClean ACF-32) in a failing domestic septic system in Florida.

The system selected for the evaluation was a 900-gallon system with 429 square feet of leach field. The system had completely malfunctioned. There was no drain evacuation and water had pushed through the soil above the leach field and was creating standing pools of untreated and smelly waste water. The accumulation of bio-mass in the bottom of the leach field had created a shield (much like a layer of petroleum jelly over sand) that prevented the wastewater from leaching into the ground as designed.

The repair/replacement cost the company had given the owner was broken down as follows:

• $ 3,500 Excavation and disposal of old system
• $ 5,300 New system and installation
• $ 1,750 Replacement of irrigation lines
• $ 1,200 Sod Replacement
• $ 1,100 Landscaping
• $19,200 Total

Along with the expense, there would also be a period of six days that the owner’s property would be in a state of total disruption.

Solution:
First, the septic tank was pumped out. Water began to backflow into the tank from the leach field. This was another indication that the leach fields were definitely not working. The decision was made to pump the system because there was total blockage in all drains and lines, and there was no other method to get adequate flow in system to carry the product throughout the system.

AquaClean ACF-32 was added at an application rate of 1 gallon per 100 gallons of tank capacity directly into the septic tank. (9 gallons for the 900 gallon tank). At the distribution (junction) box, 1 gallon of ACF-32 was added for each 100 square feet of leach field in the system. (4.3 gallons for the 429 square feet in the leach field). Note: If the leach system is a chamber type system, the product must be added into each chamber based on the square footage of each line.

Within three days after treatment, the drains from the building began to flow more freely. Ten days after treatment, drain evacuation was performing as good as new. Sixty days later the bio-mass accumulated in the bottom of the leach fields was cleared and the wastewater began leaching as designed.

Conclusion:
With slightly over 13 gallons of ACF-32 the malfunctioning system was restored to normal operation. The owner saved nearly $20,000 in repair/replacement expenses, and was not exposed to the unpleasant event of having his property in complete disruption during the repairs and re-growth of his lawn.

The recommended maintenance dosage of a system experiencing problems is 1 gallon per month for a six month period. The maintenance dosage thereafter, and for general maintenance of an operational system, is 8-ounces per month.