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The Gear Box: Three Ways Septic Tech Has Changed

THE GEAR BOX:

Three Ways Septic Tech Has Changed

The septic service industry is one that leans heavily on what works and avoids what doesn't. After all, what we're trying to accomplish is simple, although it is still a big job. Most of the time, in this field of work, making changes to how things work or how things are done amounts to reinventing the wheel. Nevertheless, material advancements

will still come down the pike and better technology will inevitably change how things are done.

These changes don't come as often as they might in other tech fields, but they do come - and when they do, they make a big difference. Here, we'll discuss three major advancements in septic tech in recent years. As you know, the septic business is highly competitive, and any one of these technological advancements could easily give one company an edge over the competition. Our goal here is to help you stay abreast of the latest tools of the trade.

3 SEPTIC TECH ADVANCEMENTS YOU SHOULD BE AWARE OF

The following advancements solve some longstanding problems facing septic professionals. They also have the potential to streamline your process significantly. As with the advent of the portable toilet and the miniaturization of inspection cameras, early adopters of these advancements are sure to gain a competitive edge in their service areas.

SEPTIC TANK INSPECTION TECH

Three new tools hit the septic tech market in 2021. They are more advanced inspection cameras, Internet of Things (IoT) tools, and alarm systems. Like computers, camera tech does advance quickly. That means you need to keep an eye out for the latest and greatest. IoT seems less convincing at first. But for this industry, it means installing devices that have the ability to self-diagnose and report their condition. These do have to be powered, but they can be as long-lasting as a digital watch, and they can be designed to alert property owners to a low battery. It also offers the opportunity to assess septic systems via computer for more complete

diagnostics without even having to open the tank or break ground. IoT and advanced alarm systems have a lot in common. But an alarm system does not necessarily need to have wireless connectivity. All it has to do is stay armed and ready to use its advanced sensors to alert property owners to a problem. Modern electronics, weather-proofing, and sensor equipment make built-in alarms more useful than ever.

SOLVING THE PROBLEM OF "UN-BUILDABLE" LOTS

In what might be the most industry-changing development, a new type of septic tech is making it possible to build on lots that were previously considered unsafe to build on.

A stainless steel treatment unit is mounted on top of a double-chambered septic tank. This system pumps effluent through the unit instead of pushing it into a leaching field. In the tank, biologicals eliminate nitrogen, bacteria, phosphorous, viruses, and other contaminants. The result is clean output, clean

In what might be the most industrychanging development, a new type of septic tech is making it possible to build on lots that were previously considered unsafe to build on.

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enough to be safely discharged even near bodies of water.

This opens up previously forbidden zones to housing development. This is going to be a boon to the housing market, real estate developers, and the septic service and installation industry.

NITROGEN REMOVAL SIMPLIFIED

In locations where systems like the one described above are not needed, simplified nitrogen removal is a viable option. Last year, the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) approved a test project to examine an experimental nitrogen removal septic system known as a "layered soil treatment area." Similar to the systems described in the above section, these layered soil treatment areas would take no power to run and make nitrogen removal more effective. But the overall goal is to make the more intense nitrogen removal needs of coastal residents more affordable.

The one drawback is the soil treatment area will have to

be periodically dug up and replaced. Rather than venting, electric fans, and other powered equipment, a layered soil treatment area uses sand, mulch, sawdust, and gravity to do the work. It's a vast simplification of a heavily regulated part of property development. But if it is approved, it will open up new options to septic companies and their customers.

CHECK BACK HERE FOR MORE UPDATES!

We've covered dozens of stories in which an upstart company finds some key competitive advantage and almost every time, it's either a willingness to do what no one else will, or it's leveraging some new tech. If you see any room in your process for any of these new examples of septic service tech, our advice is to integrate it as rapidly as possible. Check back here regularly for ongoing updates to septic tools, techniques, and tech, and we'll help you stay relevant, competitive, and efficient.

Rather than venting, electric fans, and other powered equipment, a layered soil treatment area uses sand, mulch, sawdust, and gravity to do the work.

Sources https://www.affordablepumpingservices.com/blog/2021/ march/the-latest-technology-used-to-inspect-septic-tan/ https://www.probuilder.com/new-septic-technology-allows-building-previously-unbuildable-lots https://ecori.org/2021-4-2-the-possible-future-of-septics-asimpler-cheaper-nitrogen-removing-system/

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