The Drainfield Kickstart Process - Phase One of Michigan Drainfield's Two-Phase Restoration Process

[@TheBloatedPony]

Glad you caught ole feller between mowings...

[@zman-ru3yf]

Hilarious

[@EndUser-yu7gg]

Happy to see this content on KZbin as I am a new owner of a septic system and it is my first and naturally there are issues we are trying to work out to figure out what the deal is ... great to be able to inform myself so when they talk to me I can ask informed questions

[@alaskanalain]

Basically Fracking for your yard.

[@jasonasselin]

The "immediate change" with water going right down has nothing to do with any work done in the field, it ONLY has to do with having a 1000 gallon tank totally empty.

[@michigandrainfield]

This may not have been clear with the editing of the video, but we fracked the field when the tank was above operating level. When we fracked and saw the level in the tank drop this is how we confirm that the fracking was successful. Then we poor bacteria into the field and pump out the tank to give the field time to rest and digest as much biomat as possible.

[@Bo9508]

Continued aeration of drain field lines. Has this ever been tried? Using a blower connected to D-box and supply air to increase aerobic bacteria. Good video. Thanks for making it.

[@bravos6476]

There are some great aerobic units available. Bio-microbics makes amazing products. Soil fracturing like this usually lasts 2 to 4 years. Properly maintained aerobic treated water will clean a bio matted field. There are other reasons for field failure tho.

[@michigandrainfield]

You're exactly right. Air is needed in the field along with the right type of bacteria to eat up the accumulation of biomat and mucous which is the most popular cause of failed/failing fields. The fracking process shown in this video is the first part of a II phase restoration process we perform. The fracking will immediately restore flow to your field to get your system 'kickstarted' and allow the 2nd phase system to work more effectively. For the second phase we install a SludgeHammer Drainfield Restoration System. This is the only IAPMO approved bacterial aerator on the market and works to convert your anaerobic septic tank into an aerobic waste processing tank. The aerated tank allows a special blend of waste processing bacteria to thrive in your tank and constantly bathing the drainfield in oxygen and bacterially rich effluent, naturally cleaning up your drainfield and keeping it healthy and operational for the long-term.

[@SouperAsH]

Is this approach, to septic system repair, available nationwide? I have some problems in northern Alabama, and would love to apply these measures at my house.

[@thelloyd87]

That machine is crazy. Makes sense shooting air in and sending down some bacteria to eat what’s clogging it.

[@michigandrainfield]

Yes! Works great!

[@lenovovo]

Remember to that you can get government assistant for paying some of the cost of the repair bill. Check with your local county extension office. :-)

[@michigandrainfield]

Interesting. Can you share more information about this? We would love to be able to share those resources with our customers.

[@dougwhiting7631]

Its basically fracking for septic fields.

[@rayminthecat]

I own my own little giant 1/3 hp electric pump and some 1 1/2" pool hose. I just pumped out my own septic tank and got some of the sludge too. Put it in a milk crate to keep it out of the thick stuff. Next I'm going to get a light saber or something red hot that can cut them tree roots. I hope I don't blow up!

[@luciepaul1]

Can u recommend a company in South Carolina that uses this procedure

[@kylemellick756]

I wish you guys were in Georgia.

[@michigandrainfield]

Kyle, thanks for your comment. While we do not offer our Restoration services in Georgia, we would be happy to talk with you about your situation and explore whether some of our Bio-Remediation products might be helpful for your system. Call us anytime at 855-444-8795!

[@michaelward9880]

And South Carolina.

[@jamesrevell6475]

And Florida.

[@xopexindustries]

I wish this was offered in Tennessee

[@Dboyquicks10]

Me to

[@independenttntn3276]

This is available in East TN.

[@Dboyquicks10]

@@independenttntn3276 awesome. I'm in west tennessee

[@codyschwoch5451]

I guess my question is what is the difference between this septic tank they are talking about and a two stage septic tank drainfield in my case. I have a drainfield for the water, but there’s a tank specifically that filters out the liquids from the solids and goes into a liquid tank and then the solids stay in the first tank is basically the same thing.

[@shannonshull6989]

Of course you saw immediate change LOL, they pumped your tank down. Great ideal and should work by theory. Id never pay for it unless it had a SOLID guarantee.

[@swingblade1776]

Is this service available in GA?

[@stephenpalmer350]

How do you locate piping so it dosent pop holes in laterals?

[@maddierosemusic]

You can send a camera with a locating / magnetic device and they can follow it from on top as it goes through the pipe. You can force a metal probe through the soil from on top, much like you see they are doing to find the septic tank at 3:07. You can use a dowsing rod or divining rod or wires to locate laterals.

[@michigandrainfield]

@maddierosemusic is absolutely correct! In addition we also use a GPR (Ground Penetrating Radar) to locate and map unknown septic systems and drainfields.

[@sameralhnaity9063]

I’m looking to do the same thing but I don’t know we have some thing like that in Virginia ??

[@james42804]

The air shoots through the ground like a wave. The drainfield looks like a roller coaster after. It's a short term fix.

[@michigandrainfield]

The soil compacts back down after fracking. We agree with you regarding this fracking of the field being a temporary fix (approx. 1-3 years depending). However it does provide an IMMEDIATE way to restore flow to a drainfield that is prevented from draining due to a biological or soil compaction issue, which can be a welcome relief and a far better alternative than replacement or being on a frequent pump and haul schedule. This is why we refer to this as a Phase I process as it prepares and expedites the effect or our Phase II process. In our Phase II process, we suggest a longer-term solution through a SludgeHammer Wastewater Recycler and Drainfield Restoration System. This is a system that can be retrofitted into the septic tank to continue the restoration of the field, enabling the digestion of the biomat and mucous that is causing the field to clog through automatically "bathing" the field in aerobic bacteria and oxygen rich effluent. We have had tremendous success with this two phase process for these type of failures.

[@ampzip]

Does anyone know who can provide this service in Ashtabula County ohio ?

[@cpubugs]

how are the call backs on this 3 - 4 years later?

[@maddierosemusic]

Probably pretty extensive. I can't imagine this is any long term solution.

[@michigandrainfield]

While this specific fracking process is an immediate way to restore flow to a failed field caused by clogged soil, it is a temporary solution. That being said, we have seen fields continue to work for 3-4 years or MORE after the initial fracking. This specific approach is only used for specific cases, but there is more we do. We also provide long-term solutions by cleaning out the drainfield lines, fixing any areas that might be damaged and installing aerobic bacterial generators for maintaining drainage and providing a long-term health of a septic system post-restoration. These solutions have demonstrated much longer-term results.

[@RobertBrown-sd5dy]

Do you all service the Ann Arbor area, if not do you have a recommendation?

[@michigandrainfield]

Robert, I apologize for the delay in replying to your message! We do service the Ann Arbor area and would be happy to talk with you more about how we might be able to serve you. You can call us anytime at 855-444-8795 or email at: [e-mail]. Looking forward to talking with you soon!

[@matthewperry1230]

@@michigandrainfield do you all service lower Kentucky near Tennessee boarder if not any recommended places that use the aids your company uses

[@jasonfuentes7027]

Does not address the root and scum layer that builds up in the pipe clogging the holes at the bottom of the pipe. It’s a nice option.

[@michigandrainfield]

You are correct. However, if the cause of the drainfield failure is too much biomat clogging in the soil, this process can restore flow immediately. From here we can either opt to clean out any roots and build up in the drainfield lines themselves AND/OR install an aerobic bacterial generator which will essentially let aerobic bacteria continue the restoration by cleaning up the lines and soil perpetually maintaining and extending the health of the system for years to come.

[@MrKco63]

what is the material you dump down the drain pipes...is it a trade secret or do you sell that at your store or is it readily available

[@michigandrainfield]

That is a specially formulated blend of Aerobic and Anaerobic Bacteria we had made just for our company. It's called BioPro SRS. We basically bought all of the septic bacteria products on the market and had a lab create something that was better than anything else. Most of these products contain mostly enzymes which do work well in the short-term but stop after a limited time. Ours is pure bacterial spores which are able to multiply and constantly produce enzymes to break down solids and continue working for longer. You are welcome to call us to order: [phone]. Thanks!

[@HmongGuitarPlayer]

So if I can get the effluent out I’m good. Got it.

[@electromechanicalstuff2602]

Question need help! Found my second tank collapsed. Solids have made it into my Field. How do I test if the field is still any good. Got hose in d box and letting it run overnight. If it doesn't back up I'm good?

[@maddierosemusic]

Yes, and don't let the hose run too fast. It should absorb 400 = / - gallons in a day depending on the # of bedrooms in your house. So figure a flow rate of one gallon per minute over 6 hours or so and you should be good.

[@michigandrainfield]

Good rule of thumb there @maddierosemusic! Ideally the field is engineered and installed correctly to be able to absorb the correct flow rate based on number of bedrooms in the home and the type of soils and ability to perc. In Michigan we don't have a uniform septic code, so it's a bit of the wild west out here with various counties having different requirements for the same number of bedroom homes.

[@foxgroup23]

These guys were really helpful, unfortunately we found out I had a concrete drainfield which sucked. Even though, that sucked bc they couldn’t do what they wanted, but my drainfield was inspected and working properly. Just have to find a plumber and find the clog.

[@TootCommons]

Could you all fly down to Alabama to service my field??

[@1tojo]

Just have your tanks pumped and pore ridex in the second tank so it goes to field lines that will eat sludge in field lines

[@DrainMedic]

Do you sell the machine?

[@michigandrainfield]

Unfortunately not.

[@cevans0974]

I have been in the septic tank business for 35 years. And I am calling BULLSHIT!

[@pewpewpow4681]

Typical septic scammer....calling B.S. but offering no real solution except "yep...gotta replace your leach fields...that'll be 15K".....

[@michigandrainfield]

Congratulations on your years in the business! However, our services do work as our customer constantly publicly attest to. Wishing you the best in your business ventures!

[@mikemurphy2814]

How do I order a jug

[@michigandrainfield]

Feel free to call to get some shipped to you; [phone] Thank you!

[@jeffenglishsetter8339]

Give me an average estimate for a system that doesn’t drain between tank and field for a yard no larger than 60x100. I know the best response will be “let us send out a guy to look” but I’m not in a position to get my place red flagged if I can’t afford the cost of the solution. Disabled Vet, with limited resources.

[@Hyestar]

but what if you have root infiltration in the leach pipes?

[@rovid1000]

Root killer if you can get it there ..,trees nearby ? cut a backhoe big trench around .

[@youguyshearthat]

so that drain field is as big as a whole field 😲😲1/4 acre or so insane 😆😆

[@michigandrainfield]

Yes! This was a particularly large field!

[@larrywatson3842]

Its called fracking like the oil wells !

[@zackdreamcast]

Offered in New Hampshire?

[@jprh96]

Banned in NH

[@leianehiltz2486]

We don't know what the heck has happened to our septic system. We had the tank pumped out this summer (and it wasn't too bad, not terribly full despite 12 years since last pump out). No more than a week after this our well collapsed but all we could afford was to have a guy come in and pound a sandpoint down. Only reached 18 feet before hitting hard pan. Had failed water test But get this... We began to smell a foul stink inside our home. Waters still draining but septic tank is filled to the top with ground water. Oh yes, we'd had heavy rains after pumping tank out. We're retired and live on a low income so have been wringing our hands and keeping windows open. Still filling water bottles with drinking water from neighbors. My husband thinks if we buy a big bottle of a similar bacteria product to dump into septic tank that that will fix it. My theory is invading roots in the drainage field. When we first bought the place I went nuts clearing back all the saplings and tall weeds at the back of the property that leads to a wetland area. I leveled and planted grass hoping he would keep it mowed back. Had a back injury so wasn't able to mow myself and now it's grown back worse then ever. So I think all the new roots have clogged the system and any sludge eating bacteria won't help until that's cleared again. Any thoughts anyone?

[@chrisE815]

"We saw an immediate change?" Yeah no shit, the tank was pumped

[@desmo8755]

Ha. No shit indeed!

[@michigandrainfield]

This may not have been clear with the editing of the video, but we fracked the field when the tank was above operating level. When we fracked and saw the level in the tank drop this is how we confirm that the fracking was successful. Then we poor bacteria into the field and pump out the tank to give the field time to rest and digest as much biomat as possible.

[@samuelp1227]

Replaced a lot of systems that did this crap. Might give relief for a short while but it's a scam.

[@michigandrainfield]

We agree with you regarding this fracking of the field being a temporary fix (approx. 1-3 years depending). We offer other solutions for longer term solutions. However it is definitely not a scam. We have saved thousands of customers, tens of thousands of dollars over replacing their entire systems and have seen them last for another 20+ years. That being said, not all systems are a good fit for restoration, so we must be careful not to oversimplify. Some systems absolutely should be replaced instead of restored. We take all these factors into consideration and only recommend restoration if we are confident we can be successful and it is a worthwhile alternative for our customers.

[@raybin6873]

Really didn't need the music....it's distracting.

[@michigandrainfield]

Thank you for the feedback!

[@davidluna4653]

Septic fracking...

[@desmo8755]

“We saw an immediate improvement because the water went right down.” Well, the tank’s empty! Check back in a few weeks.

[@michigandrainfield]

This may not have been clear with the editing of the video, but we fracked the field when the tank was above operating level. When we fracked and saw the level in the tank drop this is how we confirm that the fracking was successful. Then we poor bacteria into the field and pump out the tank to give the field time to rest and digest as much biomat as possible.

[@BEV0323]

First of all, you have to have decent yard space in order to get this. Then, it costs a small fortune! I've been here for 36 years and have never had my septic tank pumped out.

[@billypreston12]

Where do you think the slur goes? You have to have that removed, it don’t just disappear, we get ours done every 3 years.

[@clydesolomon8533]

Wow, so I guess out of mind out of sight right!! When yours backs up don’t expect a pumping to do miracles because it won’t, you have ruined your drainfield if you have not kept it serviced as it should be!! Good luck

[@BlainsTube]

@@billypreston12 Just had mine pumped out yesterday. Our schedule for the past 21 years has been every 3-5 years (2 adults/ 1 bath). Take care of your septic and it will take care of you.

[@michaelward9880]

@@BlainsTube Learned that the hard way!

[@justjulie45T]

I didn't know I had to pump out 10 years later I'm in trouble it's best to get it done

[@jprh96]

This system is banned in a lot of states as it can pollute the water table. Most people that do this type of repair are not capable of getting a license to install a septic system.Lots of times this will not work . good luck

[@michigandrainfield]

Jerry, Thank you for your comment. 1. You might be confusing the soil aeration method (what we do with our machine), which has NOT been banned in any state, with the hydraulic fracturing (fracking) process (used for natural gas extraction), which has been subject to bans and regulations in various states because of the very issues you mention. These are two totally different processes. The water table is far below the depth of our aeration probes which only stay in the drainfield area. Most all states/counties have gap requirements between water tables and drainfields or effluent dispersal systems. If gaps can’t be reached they require mounded fields. 2. We actually do have the licenses required to install drainfields but would agree many do not. 3. You are exactly correct in that this as a solution is not a good fit for every failed/failing system and is a temporary and/or partial restoration solution, which is why we also offer longer term solutions and methods not shown in this video.

[@diytwoincollege7079]

Sounds like fracking