Having passed a rigorous septic tank and leach field test, we purchased our home in September of 2005. The previous owner assured us that the septic tank had been pumped in 2004. In the spring of 2006 I moved a six-yard pile of dirt that had been left by the previous owner for a garden. Within two weeks of moving the pile of dirt raw sewage began to pool where the dirt pile had been. I immediately contacted our local septic company and was told, that since the tank was pumped in 2004, that I needed to “shock the system†with “their†chlorine tablets and begin a regimen of Rid-X twice a month for six months – thereafter, Rid-X treatments monthly. That should take care of any “problems.â€
Over the next four years the sewage ponding became worse and moved from one location to another (depending on the season and rainfall amounts). Contacts with several local wastewater (septic) companies failed to provide any results. Based on the lack of any in-house plumbing drainage problems I was told that the problem was the leach field drain lines, and that they needed replacing – for me, not a satisfactory option.
In early 2010 after much internet research and discussion with contacts at both Texas A&M University and Stephen F. Austin State University I had became convinced that the problem was with the bio-mat beneath the leach field drain lines. Further internet research led me to locate the Aero-Stream website in May 2010. After researching and verifying the validity of their claims, and based on their “satisfaction guarantee,†I ordered the Remediator system on May 31 and received the product as advertised on June 4.
However, I was not prepared for the surprise that I discovered. Upon excavating the septic tank lid I discovered that a water line ran right over the center of the lid, and that the lid was cracked. Further investigation revealed that the water line was installed during the remodeling of the home in 1992! That meant that the septic tank had not been pumped for at least 18 years!
During the pumping of the septic tank it was discovered that not only was the tank smaller than advertised but that due to field drain line outlet configuration that it was impossible to drain the field drain lines or to install the effluent filters. That notwithstanding, (and despite problems trenching in iron-oxide soil) installation of the Aero-System Remediator went by the book, taking only about two hours (including a new lid with risers – no more digging ever). Instructions were comprehensible enough that I had no need to contact either their customer service or technical support departments.
A successful installation June 16th left me with an “aerobic system in a septic tank,†using drain lines and a leach field – not some pricey aerobic tank and messy sprinkler system. The raw sewage in the tank is happily being aerated and began to clear after only a few days. The pooling in the leach field immediately began to diminish and stabilize to one location within one week of installation. Pooling was further reduced to two small wet spots within four weeks and almost unnoticeable within six weeks.
To say the least, I am most satisfied with the Aero-Stream Remediator system. While their literature indicates complete remediation in twelve to eighteen months, I expect the total remediation time to be much less. If you don’t want to pay the high prices of leach field drain line repairs or the installation of an expensive “aerobic system,†you have nothing to lose and everything to gain by at least trying the Aero-Stream remediation products. Like me, I think that you will be pleasantly surprised and greatly satisfied!
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