US Patent 7264727 Septic system remediation method and apparatus

An apparatus and a method for the remediation of failing wastewater treatment systems, such systems being comprised of one or more septic tanks and a seepage pit, drywell, absorption field or an above grade mound system having an inlet and a plurality of outlets wherein effluent drains from the inlet to the outlet, comprises a positive pressure pump having an output, a tube having a first end and a second end, the first end being attachable to the pump output, and an air stone attachable to the second tube end. The pump is used to deliver air through the tube to the air stone. As much tube as is required is used to allow the air stone to be introduced into almost any portion of the wastewater treatment system so as to introduce air into the effluent to allow aerobic bacteria to proliferate. The apparatus could also include a plurality of such pumps, tubes and air stones, and in many combinations. The method comprises introducing oxygen to the bio-mat, introducing live aerobic bacteria to the bio-mat, monitoring the level of effluent in the absorption field or dry well, and stopping the introduction of air to the effluent when the bio-mat is sufficiently reduced or made permeable. The method could also introduce live anaerobic bacteria to the treated area after remediation equipment is removed.