AEROBIC Septic Systems: Calcium Hypochlorite for Disinfections In Onsite Aerobic Waste Treatment Septic Systems InspectAPedia® -
What disinfectants should be used in aerobic septic systems
Where to buy aerobic septic system chemicals
Use of pool chlorine tablets in aerobic septic systems
Questions & answers about the proper disinfectant products to use in ATUs, Aerobic Treatment Units - Aerobic Septic Systems
What is the proper disinfectant to use in Aerobic Septic Systems? Use of proper and approved septic effluent disinfectants (Calcium Hypochlorite) is required
for aerobic septic systems. What problems ensue if we use the wrong type of disinfectant in an aerobic septic treatment system?
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This article, contributed by a company which produces
aerobic septic system disinfectants, describes the issue and identifies
the proper aerobic septic system disinfectant to be used.
Citation of this article by reference to this website and brief quotation for the sole purpose of review are permitted.
Use of this information at other websites, in books or pamphlets for sale is reserved
to the author. Technical review by industry experts has been performed and is ongoing - reviewers welcomed and are listed at References. Readers of this page should also see Disinfection of Septic Effluent, Swimming Pool Chemicals for Septic Effluent Discharged from Aerobic Septic Systems.
This article is part of our series: Inspecting, Testing, & Maintaining Residential Septic Systems an online book on septic systems.
Use Calcium Hypochlorite for Disinfections In Onsite Aerobic Waste Treatment Septic Systems
A common concern of owners of onsite aerobic waste treatment septic
systems is why they should not use pool chlorine tablets for their
systems instead of the proper chemical, calcium hypochlorite.
There are three primary reasons pool chlorine tablets should
not be used for this purpose - legal requirements, safety issues, and
environmental issues.
Under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) it
is unlawful for anyone to use a registered pesticide (includes chlorine
tablets) in a manner that is inconsistent with its labeling. For septic
systems, enforcement of the law is primarily left with the states. In
Texas and some other states enforcement is passed
on to the counties.
For onsite aerobic septic systems, use only calcium hypochlorite tablets
that have been certified by the EPA for this use. In EPA regulated
areas, if the container is not labeled as such, it cannot be used for
this purpose. In Texas, the use of swimming pool chlorine in aerobic
septic systems carries a fine of about $500 for the first offence, and
the fine increases for subsequent violations.
Use of Swimming Pool Chlorine Tablets in Aerobic Septic Systems
Besides legal, there are safety issues that need to be considered.
Swimming pools tablets, such as Trichlor (trichloroisocyanuric acid or
trichloro-s-triazinetrione), are designed for immersion in water. In an
aerobic septic system feeder, the tablets are primarily above the water
line. Under this condition the tablets will release nitrogen chloride,
an explosive gas.
Under no circumstance should you allow Trichlor to come in contact with
calcium hypochlorite or bleach. These chemicals react violently with
each other. If you have been using Trichlor, completely remove the
tablets from the chlorine feeder. Next, using water, rinse the Trichlor
residue completely from the feeder section of the waste treatment
system. Only after doing so is it safe to fill the feeder with calcium
hypochlorite tablets that are approved for use in domestic wastewater
systems. Never operate your system without the proper chlorine tablets
such as the ClorMor brand of 2 5/8 inch chlorine tablets approved for
use in onsite aerobic waste treatment septic systems.
If you have been using swimming pool tablets for a period of time, you
have probably noticed a browning or dying of grass and other plants in
the area where the sprinkler system sprays it. The chlorine in pool
tablets is stabilized so it doesn't readily breakdown by sunlight as
does the chlorine in calcium hypochlorite that is approved for aerobic
waste treatment systems. Over an extended period of time, the
applications of stabilized chlorine will not only kill the vegetation,
but it can kill the beneficial bacterium that is natural to the soil.
Proper aerobic septic system maintenance
Proper maintenance and care of your septic system is essential to keep
the system working properly. If you need additional information, you
can contact the manufacturer of your aerobic septic system, your local
permitting authority, or you may contact the original author of this
article.
Questions & Answers regarding this article
Questions & answers about the proper disinfectant products to use in ATUs, Aerobic Treatment Units - Aerobic Septic Systems.
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Original Author: sales@aerobicchlorine.com
Maurice Davis,
Product Line Manager Water Utility Chemicals, Inc.
Aerobic Chlorine Division
PO Box 1057
Caldwell, TX 77836
979-567-7960Maurice Davis maurice@wucinc.com
Design Alternatives for Septic Systems: Alternate Onsite Wastewater Disposal Designs for Septic Systems - design engineers, consultants, products, books for special problem situations, difficult soils, old system repairs.
Aerobic septic systems, chemical, composting, incinerating & waterless toilets, Evaporation-Transpiration (ET) Septic Systems, septic media filters, greywater systems, holding tank septic systems, mound septics, raised bed septics, pressure dosing septic systems,
sand bed filters, peat beds, constructed wetlands, septic disinfection systems.
Books & Articles on Building & Environmental Inspection, Testing, Diagnosis, & Repair
Our recommended books about building & mechanical systems design, inspection, problem diagnosis, and repair, and about indoor environment and IAQ testing, diagnosis, and cleanup are at the InspectAPedia Bookstore. Also see our Book Reviews - InspectAPedia.
Advanced Onsite Wastewater Systems Technologies, Anish R. Jantrania, Mark A. Gross. Anish Jantrania, Ph.D., P.E., M.B.A., is a Consulting Engineer, in Mechanicsville VA, 804-550-0389
(2006), Advanced Onsite Wastewater Systems Technologies.
Outstanding technical reference especially on alternative septic system design alternatives. Written for designers and engineers, this book is not at all easy going
for homeowners but is a text we recommend for professionals--DF.
Builder's Guide to Wells and Septic Systems, Woodson, R. Dodge: $ 24.95; MCGRAW HILL B; TP;
Quoting from Amazon's description: For the homebuilder, one mistake in estimating or installing wells and septic systems can cost thousands of dollars. This comprehensive guide filled with case studies can prevent that. Master plumber R. Dodge Woodson packs this reader-friendly guide with guidance and information, including details on new techniques and materials that can economize and expedite jobs and advice on how to avoid mistakes in both estimating and construction. Chapters cover virtually every aspect of wells and septic systems, including on-site evaluations; site limitations; bidding; soil studies, septic designs, and code-related issues; drilled and dug wells, gravel and pipe, chamber-type, and gravity septic systems; pump stations; common problems with well installation; and remedies for poor septic situations. Woodson also discusses ways to increase profits by avoiding cost overruns.
Country Plumbing: Living with a Septic System, Hartigan, Gerry: $ 9.95; ALAN C HOOD & TP;
Quoting an Amazon reviewer's comment, with which we agree--DF:This book is informative as far as it goes and might be most useful for someone with an older system. But it was written in the early 1980s. A lot has changed since then. In particular, the book doesn't cover any of the newer systems that are used more and more nowadays in some parts of the country -- sand mounds, aeration systems, lagoons, etc.
US EPA Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems Manua [online copy, free] Top Reference: US EPA's Design Manual for Onsite Wastewater Treatment and Disposal, 1980, available from the US EPA, the US GPO Superintendent of Documents (Pueblo CO), and from the National Small Flows Clearinghouse. Original source http://www.epa.gov/ORD/NRMRL/Pubs/625R00008/625R00008.htm Onsite wastewater treatment and disposal systems,
Richard J Otis, published by the US EPA. Although it's more than 20 years old, this book remains a useful reference for septic system designers.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Water Program Operations; Office of Research and Development, Municipal Environmental Research Laboratory; (1980)
"International Private Sewage Disposal Code," 1995, BOCA-708-799-2300, ICBO-310-699-0541, SBCCI 205-591-1853, available from those code associations.
"Manual of Policy, Procedures, and Guidelines for Onsite Sewage Systems," Ontario Reg. 374/81, Part VII of the Environmental
Protection Act (Canada), ISBN 0-7743-7303-2, Ministry of the Environment,135 St. Clair Ave. West, Toronto Ontario M4V 1P5 Canada $24. CDN.
Manual of Septic Tank Practice, US Public Health Service's 1959.
Onsite Wastewater Disposal, R. J. Perkins;
Quoting from Amazon: This practical book, co-published with the National Environmental Health Association,
describes the step-by-step procedures needed to avoid common pitfalls in septic system technology.
Valuable in matching the septic system to the site-specific conditions, this useful book will help you install a reliable system in
both suitable and difficult environments. Septic tank installers, planners, state and local regulators, civil and sanitary engineers,
consulting engineers, architects, homeowners, academics, and land developers will find this publication valuable.
Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems, Bennette D. Burks, Mary Margaret Minnis, Hogarth House 1994 - one of the best septic system books around, suffering a bit from small fonts and a weak index. (DF volunteers to serve as indexer if Burks/Minnis re-publish this very useful volume.)While it contains some material more technical than needed by homeowners, Burks/Minnis book on onsite wastewatre treatment systems a very useful reference
for both property owners and septic system designers. We refer to it often.
While Minnis says the best place to buty this book is at Amazon (our link at left), you can also see this book at Minnis' website at http://web page .pace.edu/MMinnisbook
Septic Tank/Soil-Absorption Systems: How to Operate & Maintain [ copy on file as /septic/Septic_Operation_USDA.pdf ] - , Equipment Tips, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 8271 1302, 7100 Engineering, 2300 Recreation, September 1982, web search 08/28/2010, original source: http://www.fs.fed.us/t-d/pubs/pdfimage/82711302.pdf
Planting Over Septic System Component", Daniel Friedman (author/editor, InspectAPedia.com), The Innovator, Winter/Spring 2008, BCOSSA, British Columbia OnSite Sewage Association, 201-3542 Blansard St., Victoria BC V8X 1W3 Canada
Septic System Owner's Manual, Lloyd Kahn, Blair Allen, Julie Jones, Shelter Publications, 2000 $14.95 U.S. - easy to understand, well illustrated, one of the best practical references around on septic design basics including some advanced systems; a little short on safety and maintenance. Both new and used (low priceO copies are available, and we think the authors are working on an updated edition--DF.
Quoting from one of several Amazon reviews: The basics of septic systems, from underground systems and failures to what the owner can do to promote and maintain a healthy system, is revealed in an excellent guide essential for any who reside on a septic system. Rural residents receive a primer on not only the basics; but how to conduct period inspections and what to do when things go wrong. History also figures into the fine coverage.
Test Pit Preparation for Onsite Sewage Evaluations, State of Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, Portland OR, 800 452-4011. PDF document. We recommend this excellent document that offers detail about soil perc tests, deep hole tests, safety, and septic design. Readers should also see Soil Percolation Tests and for testing an existing septic system, also see Dye Tests
Grass is Always Greener Over the Septic Tank, Bombeck, Erma: $ 5.99; FAWCETT; MM;
This septic system classic whose title helps avoid intimidating readers new to septic systems, is available new or used at very low prices.
It's more entertainment than a serious "how to" book on septic systems design, maintenance, or repair. Not recommended -- DF.
US EPA Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems Manual Top Reference: US EPA's Design Manual for Onsite Wastewater Treatment and Disposal, 1980, available from the US EPA, the US GPO Superintendent of Documents (Pueblo CO), and from the National Small Flows Clearinghouse. Original source http://www.epa.gov/ORD/NRMRL/Pubs/625R00008/625R00008.htm
Water Wells and Septic Systems Handbook, R. Dodge Woodson. This book is in the upper price range, but is worth the cost for serious septic installers and designers.
Quoting Amazon: Each year, thousands upon thousands of Americans install water wells and septic systems on their properties. But with a maze of codes governing their use along with a host of design requirements that ensure their functionality where can someone turn for comprehensive, one-stop guidance? Enter the Water Wells and Septic Systems Handbook from McGraw-Hill. Written in language any property owner can understand yet detailed enough for professionals and technical students this easy-to-use volume delivers the latest techniques and code requirements for designing, building, rehabilitating, and maintaining private water wells and septic systems. Bolstered by a wealth of informative charts, tables, and illustrations, this book delivers: * Current construction, maintenance, and repair methods
* New International Private Sewage Disposal Code
* Up-to-date standards from the American Water Works Association
Wells and Septic Systems, Alth, Max and Charlet, Rev. by S. Blackwell Duncan, $ 18.95; Tab Books 1992. We have found this text very useful for conventional well and septic systems design and maintenance --DF.
Quoting an Amazon description:Here's all the information you need to build a well or septic system yourself - and save a lot of time, money, and frustration. S. Blackwell Duncan has thoroughly revised and updated this second edition of Wells and Septic Systems to conform to current codes and requirements. He also has expanded this national bestseller to include new material on well and septic installation, water storage and distribution, water treatment, ecological considerations, and septic systems for problem building sites.
The NSFC Products List has an excellent list of design manuals/modules available from their website or by telephone 800-624-8301
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