Thursday 17 November 2011

Effects Of Water Softener Discharge on Septic Systems

!±8± Effects Of Water Softener Discharge on Septic Systems

There are over 20 million households in the United States currently using on-site septic systems, and that number appears to be growing. We get many questions from our customers as to what effect (if any) water softener discharge has on a these systems. With such a wide range of information and opinions available, we felt that it was appropriate to examine some of the studies on this topic, and try to accurately present an overview of current understanding.

The Septic System and Water Softening Process

Septic system function is very straightforward. Your homes plumbing is piped into a in-ground storage tank. When wastewater enters this tank, the heavier solids settle to the bottom. Bacteria present in the storage tank digest the solids, breaking it down to a liquid. After this process is complete, relatively clear water is discharged from the primary tank into a second holding tank or distribution box. Water then re-enters the surrounding soil through a drainage field consisting of perforated underground piping.

The water softening process is accomplished by a chemical cation exchange that replaces the calcium and magnesium in your water with a equivalent number of sodium or potassium ions. During the softening process, your household water passes through the resin bed, and the magnesium and calcium contained in the water are removed. A given sized resin bed has a fixed capacity to remove hardness before it needs to be regenerated to full capacity in order to continue to provide softened water (for example, one cubic foot of resin has the ability to remove 32,000 grains of hardness from your water). When the resin bed is nearing exhaustion, the control valve washes the resin bed, and draws salt containing solution from the brine tank through the resin. As the salt contacts the resin bed, the process of ion exchange occurs, and the magnesium and calcium (hardness) that was collected in the bed during operation is washed to drain. After a final rinse to remove the excess salt, the resin bed is again ready to provide softened water.

The concern of discharging water softeners into an on-site septic system arises out of a belief that sodium salts used by water softeners during the regeneration stage - or the increased amount of water entering into the system - may be harmful and possibly cause septic systems to fail. Although there is no scientific data available that supports harmful effects, there have been many investigations into the potential for problems to occur.

The Effect of Sodium Salt on Septic Systems

Common knowledge supports that higher levels of sodium salt can have a direct impact on bacterial life forms. For instance, most bacteria usually found in fresh water ecosystems would be unable to live in a high salinity environment like an ocean. For this reason, concern was generated that septic systems that rely so heavily on bacterial action may be effected by high concentrations of sodium.

These concerns seem to be unwarranted. First, a typical residential sized water softener discharges between 40 and 70 gallons of water per regeneration. Through much of the regeneration process, fresh water is discharged, containing no salt at all, so the total concentration of salt is very dilute. However, during some stages of regeneration, the sodium concentration can reach as high a 5,000 to 10,000 ppm for brief periods of time.

To see if this level of sodium effected microorganisms typically found in aerobic on-site septic systems, a study was performed that exposed these microbes to a worst case scenario of 10,000 ppm brine solution. The study concluded that "there were no statistically significant differences in the metabolic activity of the microbial community", and that it was "unlikely that failures in domestic water treatment system are the result of exposure to the brine from home water softeners." (1)

Other studies indicate that the effect of putting softened water into septic system can actually be beneficial. There is a very low amount of sodium contained in softened water. For every grain of hardness removed, approximately 8 ppm (parts per million) of sodium is added. Although some naturally occurring water sources have very high sodium levels, softened water normally has a slightly elevated sodium level vs. untreated hard water. While this concentration is normally insignificant at typical hardness levels, these higher sodium levels are more in the optimal range for septic system bacterial growth, and can promote bacterial development.(2,7)

The Effect of Increased Water Volume from Water Softeners on Septic Systems
While the volume of water discharged by a water softener during the regeneration process will vary depending on water pressure, pipe diameter, and softener design, water softeners typically use 40 to 70 gallons of water during regeneration. Questions have been raised as to what effect this increased volume of water (hydraulic load) may have on septic system performance. Did the flow rate and volume of water softener entering the system during water softener regeneration adversely effect the normal settling process, and allow solids to enter the drain field?

Investigations by NSF International determined that the additional volume of water due to softener regeneration is not sufficient to cause any harm to septic tank systems. In fact, water softener regeneration flow rate and volume is lower than the typical discharge from an automatic washing machine.(3) Further, old style "time clock" based water softeners regenerated as set on a calendar basis, normally one to two times per week - the newer generation of metered (on demand) water softeners measure household water consumption, and only regenerate as needed - this further reduces the amount of water discharged into the septic system.

The Effect of Water Softener Salt Discharge on Percolation in Septic Drain Fields

There has been some anecdotal evidence that sodium added to septic systems by a water softener may have negative effects on the ability for the drain field soil to percolate properly.

Many studies have been performed to investigate this issue (2,4,6), and seem to indicate that water softener regeneration discharge does not interfere with drain field percolation, but may actually improve percolation in finely textured soils. This may be due to a higher calcium concentration found in softener regeneration discharge. When this "calcium rich" water enters the drain field, it sometimes increased the porosity of the soil (dependent on the type of soil present), improving the percolation process. To further support this finding, gypsum, another calcium rich material, has long been used for this same purpose.

Conclusions and Recommendations

The results of our review are corroborated by a fact sheet published by the Environmental Protection Agency(5), that points out the following:

a) High concentrations of calcium and magnesium in the softener backwash water have no deleterious effect on the biological function occurring in the septic tank and may, in some cases, be helpful.

b) The additional volume of wastewater generated is added slowly to the wastewater stream, and does not cause any hydraulic overload problems.

c) Soil structure in the soil absorption field is positively affected by the calcium and magnesium ions in water softener effluent.

Based on a detailed evaluation of information and studies performed in this area to date, we conclude that water softener regeneration discharge does not negatively impact common on-site aerobic septic systems. Slightly elevated levels of sodium in regeneration discharge do not seem to effect septic system microorganisms, and may indeed benefit the septic process.

Other matters seem to play a much more important role in proper septic tank function. You should always minimize the amount of household cleaners that enter the waste stream. Whenever possible, reduce the use of soap and harsh chemical cleaners, and consider "natural" products containing low levels of phosphates. If you already have a water softener installed, remember that you can reduce the amount of soap use substantially - by as much as 50% to 75% - soap no longer has to work as hard to remove the minerals already removed by a water softener. Avoid using a garbage disposal with an on-site septic, as minimizing these types of organic wastes will reduce the load on the system. And finally, reduce when possible the amount of water flowing into the system from showers, baths, washing machines and dishwashers.

Work in this area is on-going, and a symposium discussing this issue is scheduled for March, 2006 in Chicago. A joint task force has been established between the Water Quality Association (WQA) and the National Onsite Waste Recycling Association (NOWRA) to plan and oversee joint activities and investigate any future findings. Failures of specific on-site septic systems will also be examined by this task force in order to determine the cause.

In conclusion, and after reviewing a range of scientific studies to gain a present-day understanding of this issue, it appears that owners of onsite septic systems can continue to enjoy the benefits that softened water provides, without concerns of system damage.


Effects Of Water Softener Discharge on Septic Systems

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Wednesday 9 November 2011

InSinkErator Evolution Essential 3/4 HP Household Food Waste Disposer

!±8± InSinkErator Evolution Essential 3/4 HP Household Food Waste Disposer


Rate : | Price : $202.49 | Post Date : Nov 10, 2011 00:19:18
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InSinkErator® Evolution Series® Disposers
Evolution Series® Disposers feature patented MultiGrind® and SoundSeal® technologies, which means they grind more with less noise. The Evolution Essential® Food Waste Disposer is the ideal choice for a wide range of kitchens. The model that fits the widest range of customer needs, Evolution Essential® features MultiGrind® technology, to grind everything from artichokes to rib bones, and SoundSeal® technology, to cut noise levels by up to 40% over standard disposers.

Evolution Technology: Grind More, Hear Less
Over the past eight decades, InSinkErator® has built more than 100 million food waste disposers. Now the company has put everything it has learned into a line of disposers that sets dramatic new standards for performance. Evolution Series® disposers feature innovative technologies--MultiGrind® and SoundSeal®--that address users' two most common requests: improved grinding ability and reduced noise.




Liquify Waste with MultiGrind® Technology
With the Essential's MultiGrind® feature, you can efficiently grind difficult food items, such as bones. This two-stage technology uses a GrindShear Ring® that enables you to grind food waste significantly better than you could in any previous disposer.

With the Evolution Essential®, celery, potato peels, artichokes, rib bones, and more are virtually liquefied to safely flow into your sewage system. You'll enjoy a cleaner food preparation area and less bagged garbage cluttering your home.




40% Less Noise with SoundSeal® Technology
SoundSeal® Technology utilizes an Anti-Vibration Mount®, an Anti-Vibration Tailpipe Mount™, and Quiet Collar® Sink Baffle, so you can hold a conversation with elevated voices while the disposer is running. This technology also includes SoundLimiter™ insulation to reduce noise levels by up to 40% compared to standard disposers.



Which Evolution Series® Food Waste Disposer is Right for You?
You can choose between five Evolution Series® models, all featuring the patented MultiGrind® and SoundSeal® technologies. Each disposer is specifically made with a particular consumer in mind.



See larger image.
EvolutionEssential®
The ideal choicefor a wide rangeof kitchens.
 EvolutionCover Control®
The extraassuranceof coveredoperation.
 Evolution Excel®
The ultimate inperformance.Nothing grindsmore with lessnoise.
 EvolutionSeptic Assist®
Created specificallyfor homes withseptic systems.
 EvolutionCompact®
Perfect for smallhouseholds orrestricted cabinetspace.




'Evolutionary' Disposer is Easy to Install
Designed with a 3/4-horsepower Dura-Drive® Induction Motor, the EvolutionEssential® is truly 'evolutionary'--giving you the horsepower you need to grindmore types of food waste than standard disposers. An added bonus, the EvolutionEssential's 40-ounce stainless steel grind chamber and grind component is built tohandle more volume than other disposers.

The Evolution Essential® food waste disposer is constructed with a stainless steel Quick Lock® sink mount for easy installation. All InSinkErator® food waste disposers are built with this feature, making replacement of older units a breeze--simply disconnect and replace your old disposer using the same sink mount.



, Wallet-Friendly Choice
The Evolution Essential® food waste disposer is a practical and environmentally responsible way to help reduce the 31 million tons of solid waste generated from food scraps in the U.S. each year.

Instead of throwing this food waste away, grinding it with the Evolution Essential® sends it to your local municipal wastewater treatment plant, where it can be recycled to produce methane, a renewable source of power for the plant. Additionally, wastewater treatment plantscan process food waste into biosolids to be used as fertilizer (check the plant in your area).

Food waste disposers average less than 50 cents a year in electricity to operate and account for less than one percent of a household's total water consumption. In fact, the Evolution Essential® features an average water usage of one gallon per person per day and an average electrical usage of three to four kilowatt hours per year, making it among the least expensive installed kitchen appliances.





We Come To You® Parts and Labor Warranty
The Evolution Essential® is backed by an exclusive six-year We Come to You® In-Home Service Warranty.This warranty from InSinkErator® includes free house calls (including parts and labor) for the entirewarranty period.


What's in the Box
InSinkErator® Evolution Essential® Food Waste Disposer, Quick Lock® Sink Mount, Quiet Collar® Sink Baffle, Jam-Buster™ Wrench, Anti-Vibration Tailpipe Mount™,Anti-Vibration Mount®, Stainless Steel Sink Stopper, Spring Type Hose Clamp, and installation instructions.

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Saturday 5 November 2011

Instant Hot Water Dispenser - Ever Ready Boiling Water With So Many Uses

!±8± Instant Hot Water Dispenser - Ever Ready Boiling Water With So Many Uses

An instant hot water dispenser can instantaneously provide near boiling water whenever you need it. It can be a boiling water tap that is permanently mounted on the edge of a kitchen sink, a plug-in countertop model or a free-standing unit.

These units are a luxury that you soon become dependent on, because they speed up so many kitchen tasks. You will be surprised at how many timesaving uses there are for these dispensers. Without having to heat water, you will conveniently be able to prepare hot beverages, instant soups, noodles and sauces. You will also be able to reduce the cooking time of many foods, by filling a pan with near boiling water from your dispenser.

But that's not all. You can use boiling water to thaw juices, melt chocolate, soften butter, or warm baby foods and bottles. Instant boiling water is also a great help in all kinds of cleaning tasks, from removing cheese from tiny grater holes, to removing baked-on food from pans or wax from candle holders. You can even use it for warming plates or polishing silver.

An in-sink instant hot water dispenser consists of a dispensing tap at the edge of the kitchen sink, and a small hot water heating tank under the sink. Water enters the bottom of the tank from the main water supply line, and is heated to between 190 to 200 degrees Fahrenheit. The hot water then expands and moves into a small, very well insulated expansion tank. When the hot water lever on the dispensing faucet is activated, cool water flows into the bottom of the tank and pushes the hot water out of the spout. Some models filter the water before it enters the hot water tank. If you choose a two lever hot and cold dispensing faucet, you can also receive cold filtered water or even chilled water, if you choose to purchase an under sink chiller.

In-sink instant hot water dispensers can deliver 60 cups of near boiling water every hour. They are extremely economical and will cost you less than 10 cents a day to operate.

Faucets come in wide variety of styles from sturdy units with twist handles to models with elegant levers and tall gooseneck spouts. Designer finishes range from white or black to chrome or oil-rubbed bronze. The most popular models are manufactured by Insinkerator, Kitchenaid, Franke, Mountain Plumbing, Whirlaway, Elkay and Kohler. Models generally range in price from 0 to 0.

Zojirushi, Tatung and Panasonic make the most popular "Thermo Pot" instant hot water dispenser models. These countertop units are a combination of an electric kettle and an insulated storage pot. Because they are not connected to a water supply, they have to be regularly refilled. They have 0.5 to 1.3 gallon capacities, and their prices range from to 0.

If your budget is very limited, you can purchase a 16 oz plug-in countertop unit, like the Sunbeam Hot Shot for less than . This model looks like a drip coffee machine.

Aquaverve, Whynter and Avanti make both free-standing and tabletop hot and cold instant hot water dispenser models. Some of these units have a self-cleaning feature which uses near boiling water to flush out the lines and keep them bacteria free. Many models also have a childproof locking hot tap.


Instant Hot Water Dispenser - Ever Ready Boiling Water With So Many Uses

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