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Probiotics for Your Septic

Probiotics have long been a hot topic in the health community, and they are currently taking the media by storm. The idea is that some people need to add enzymes and good bacteria to their digestive system because, for whatever reason, they have a deficiency.

At BBB Septic, we’ve been promoting probiotics for your septic or advanced treatment system for 20+ years! Unless your home’s water source is a spring-fed well, the water coming in has been chlorinated to kill bad bacteria. That’s great, but the problem is that chlorine is not selective. It kills all bacteria—including the kind that is a necessary part of your septic system. Antibacterial hand soaps, laundry detergents, fabric softeners, bleach, and other everyday chemicals also make it difficult for natural bacteria to grow in your septic tank or advanced treatment system.

We recommend boosting your system every month with a rich bacteria source. Some septic bacteria products are sold in yearly doses. While these start strong, we have noticed that they are eventually killed off over time because of the chemical inflow. A monthly introduction of bacteria is the best way to ensure the health of your system.

Other best practices for septic maintenance include pumping your tank out every 3–5 years to keep the solids content down. This allows for the highest possible amount of water for good bacteria to live in and multiply. Finally—think before you flush. Using quilted or lotion-coated toilet paper is asking your septic bacteria to work overtime. Items like diapers and handy wipes (even though they say “flushable” or “septic safe”) as well as feminine products, contraceptive products, and cigarette butts don’t ever degrade. They just take up valuable working room in your system and, if not cleaned out regularly, can cause severe damage.

BBB Septic offers a maintenance program with packages starting at just $12/month. This includes all of the bacteria your system needs as well as a septic tank pumping every five years. Please visit bbbseptic.com or call 479-271-0058 for more details.

Every Business Should Have a Plan: Preparing Makes Good Business Sense

How quickly your company can get back to business after a terrorist attack, tornado, fire, or flood often depends on emergency planning done today. While the U.S. Department of Homeland Security is working hard to prevent terrorist attacks, the regular occurrence of natural disasters demonstrates the importance of being prepared for any emergency. While recognizing that each situation is unique, your organization can be better prepared if it plans carefully, puts emergency procedures in place, and practices for all kinds of emergencies.

This guide outlines commonsense measures that business owners and managers can take to start getting ready. A commitment to planning today will help support employees, customers, the community, the local economy, and even the country. It also protects your business investment and gives your company a better chance for survival. Every business should have a plan. Get ready now.

Plan to stay in business

Business continuity planning must account for both man-made and natural disasters. You should plan in advance to manage any emergency. Be prepared to assess the situation and use common sense and available resources to take care of yourself, your co-workers, and your business’s recovery.

Continuity Planning/Risk Assessment can be a sophisticated area of expertise that ranges from self-assessment to an extensive engineering study. Your organization’s risk needs will vary according to the specific industry, size, scope, and location of your individual company. Start by reviewing your business process flow chart (if one exists) to identify operations critical to survival and recovery. Carefully assess your internal and external functions to determine which staff, materials, procedures, and equipment are absolutely necessary to keep the business operating.

You should also establish procedures for succession of management. Include co-workers from all levels in this plan as active members of the emergency management team.

Make a list of your most important customers and proactively plan ways to serve them during and after a disaster. Also identify key suppliers, shippers, resources, and other businesses you must interact with on a daily basis. A disaster that shuts down a key supplier can be devastating to your business.

Plan what you will do if your building, plant, or store is not accessible. Talk with your staff or co-workers and frequently review and practice what you intend to do during and after an emergency.

Just as your business changes over time, so do your preparedness needs. Review and update your plans at least annually and inform your employees of the changes.

Proper Septic System Care and Maintenance

The EPA’s SepticSmart program educates homeowners about proper septic system care and maintenance

On Monday, September 19, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency – in conjunction with federal, state and local government and private sector partners – will kick off its fourth annual SepticSmart Week (Sept. 19-23) to encourage American homeowners to properly maintain their septic systems.

“By taking small steps to maintain septic systems, homeowners not only protect our nation’s public health and keep our water clean, but also save money and protect their property values,” said Joel Beauvais, Deputy Assistant Administrator for EPA’s Office of Water.

Here are some of the simple tips from the website:

• Protect It and Inspect It: Homeowners should generally have their system inspected every three years by a qualified professional or according to their state or local health department’s recommendations. Tanks should be pumped when necessary, typically every three to five years.

• Think at the Sink: Avoid pouring fats, grease and solids down the drain. These substances can clog a system’s pipes and drain-field.

• Don’t Overload the Commode: Only put things in the drain or toilet that belong there. For example, coffee grounds, dental floss, disposable diapers and wipes, feminine hygiene products, cigarette butts and cat litter can all clog and potentially damage septic systems.

• Don’t Strain Your Drain: Be water efficient and spread out water use. Fix plumbing leaks and install faucet aerators and water-efficient products. Spread out laundry and dishwasher loads throughout the day — too much water at once can overload a system that hasn’t been pumped recently.

• Shield Your Field: Remind guests not to park or drive on a system’s drain-field, where the vehicle’s weight could damage buried pipes or disrupt underground flow.

The EPA’s SepticSmart program educates homeowners about proper septic system care and maintenance all year long. In addition, it serves as an online resource for industry practitioners, local governments, and community organizations, providing access to tools to educate clients and residents.

Source: EPA.gov

BBB Septic and Portable toilets is proud to bring you these common sense tips to protect your septic system. Call us today to schedule your service.

How Often Should You Pump Out Your Septic Tank?

 

Septic Tank Pumping Schedule

How often should you pump out your septic tank?  Good question.   The rule of thumb is usually every 2-5 years but the makeup of your household and your habits play a big part in this equation.

When a septic tank is operating properly, solids are contained and accumulate and must be eventually pumped out. If the solids are not accumulating in the tank and are washing out into the leaching field, there is a problem with the system and the household is possibly using too much water.

The amount of solids that accumulates in the tank depends on the size of the household, the habits of the members of the household and the water usage.  Every household is different.  Having a professional check the sludge levels on a regular basis can help you gauge if the 2- 5 year schedule is good for your household or if more frequent pumping is needed.

Having your effluent filter checked for clogging can give you an idea of the maintenance  needs of your system.   The filter is designed to stop solids from entering the leaching field but how quickly is it filling up?  If too quickly, you should review family and household water use habits.

The most reliable method for determining if your system needs to be pumped is regular inspection of the septic system including measuring the solids in the tank and distribution box.  Our maintenance plan gives you a report regularly of the solids accumulation in your system and coincides with a pumping recommendation.

The best idea is to have a professional check the septic system on a regular basis.

BBB Septic and Portable Toilet Services has a great maintenance program for your septic system and a team of professionals to help determine what your pumping schedule should be.

Call BBB Septic and Portable Toilets at 479-271-0058 to enroll in the maintenance program.  Prevention is key to preventing a failed septic system.

 

Visit www.bentonvillearseptic.com with all your questions.