OWNER S MANUAL GLENDON BIOFILTER MODELS M31 & M32

Transcription

1 OWNER S MANUAL GLENDON BIOFILTER MODELS M31 & M32 OwnMan Page 1 of 17

2 Table of Contents Your System Info 3 Important Contact Info 3 Foreword 4 Guarantee 4 Section 1 System Basics 5 Septic Tank 5 Pump Tank 6 Control Panel 7 BioFilter & Surrounding Soil 9 Reserve Area 9 Section 2 Owner Responsibilities 10 Do s & Don ts 10 Landscaping 12 Routine Maintenance 14 Maintenance Log 16 NOTICE Glendon systems are protected by patents, copyright and trade secrets. A list of all Glendon licensed persons is available at the Glendon website, by following the links at Find a Licensee near you. Any release, authorization for, or installation or maintenance of Glendon systems by persons not licensed by Glendon is a violation of Glendon s intellectual property rights and liable for sanction. Additionally, neither Glendon nor its licensees accept any responsibility for a system installed or maintained by persons not licensed by Glendon. OwnMan Page 2 of 17

3 Your System Info Model System Design Capacity (gallons per day) Date Installation Completed Date Placed in Service Important Contact Info Your System Designer: Phone: Your System Installer: Phone: Your Septic Tank Pumper: Phone: Your System Maintenance Provider: Phone: Your questions and comments are important to us. Please contact your local Glendon representative directly: WEB: Glendon and the stylized v logo are registered trademarks of Glendon BioFilter Technologies, Inc All rights reserved. OwnMan Page 3 of 17

4 Foreword The average household uses approximately 200 to 250 gallons of water per day, or about 91,000 gallons of water per year. After about 11 years your system will have processed nearly 1,000,000 gallons of sewage. Your septic system makes it possible for you to live in your house, and it is our hope that you will respect and protect your septic system. Your septic system is a mini sewer plant that operates to convert sewage into clean water, which is disposed or dispersed into the surrounding ground. It is a wastewater treatment and disposal machine that relies on microorganisms present in the wastewater and in the soil to break down the organic material, viruses, nutrients, etc. that would otherwise cause human and environmental hazards. Ensuring these microorganisms are healthy and functioning is your primary job as the owner of a Glendon BioFilter system. These microorganisms have a few general requirements which you need to follow to keep them operational: Don t drown them Keep water use low and keep all surface water diverted away from your system areas, especially the BioFilter. Don t overfeed them minimize food scraps and excessive soaps, oils, greases, etc. going in to the system. Don t poison them keep strong chemicals, cleaners and additives out! Guarantee Provided the system is operated and maintained by the owner as described in this Manual, the installer guarantees the performance of each BioFilter for two years from the date of installation. The pump and control panel are guaranteed for one year from the date of installation. OwnMan Page 4 of 17

5 Section 1 - System Basics The system has five major components: 1. Septic tank, 2. Pump tank, 3. Control panel, 4. BioFilter and Surrounding Soil 5. Reserve area. 1. The Septic Tank The septic tank receives the wastewater from your home. It contains two compartments. The solids settle to the bottom of the tank and the soap and greases float to the top of the liquid level in the first compartment. The relatively clearer liquids near the upper center of the tank pass into the second compartment to allow some more suspended solids to settle out. The effluent then exits the septic tank through the outlet baffle, which has a filter in it. The effluent flows by gravity to a pump tank. 24" RISERS WITH BOLT ON LIDS SEPTIC TANK CLEANOUT EFFLUENT FILTER GROUND SURFACE INLET FLOATING SOLIDS OUTLET BAFFLES CLARIFIED ZONE SETTLED SOLIDS OwnMan Page 5 of 17

6 2. The Pump Tank The pump tank contains the pump and the floats that tell the control panel where the liquid level is in the pump tank. The pump sends the effluent from the pump tank to the BioFilter for processing. The pump is turned on and off by the control panel to insure the BioFilter is optimally "fed. The rate is always the same, with the pump chamber storing the effluent in the event that you occasionally use more water in a day than the system is designed for, or in the event that there is a temporary loss of electrical power to the control panel. CONTROL PANEL LINE OUT TO BIOFILTER FINISHED GRADE 24" RISERS WITH BOLT ON LIDS INLET LIQUID LEVEL (VARIES) PRESSURE TRANSDUCER PUMP In some installations the septic tank and pump tank may be replaced with a single tank. However, the functional operation of this single tank is the same as described above. OwnMan Page 6 of 17

7 3. The Control Panel The control panel turns the pump on and off to deliver sewage to the BioFilter. The panel gets electrical power from a main or auxiliary breaker panel, which is usually in the house or garage. There should be two breakers in the electrical panel, one for the control panel, and one for the septic pump. Both of these breakers must be on for the system to function normally. The hydrostat (or floats in older systems) in the pump tank sense the liquid level in the pump tank and allow a programmed timer in the control panel to turn the pump on and off as necessary to keep the system in balance. Most of the time the liquid is near the bottom of the pump tank, but in the event of abnormally high water use, the high water alarm will sound in the control panel and the alarm light will be turned on. Push the alarm light to silence the audible alarm. The light will remain on until the level in the pump tank returns to normal. During the high water condition you should reduce the amount of water you use so the system can return the liquid level in the pump tank to normal over a period of time. As described above, the pump tank and control system are designed to handle some surges in water consumption, and the system should have very few high water alarms. Frequent high water alarms may be caused by too much water use over an extended period of time, ground water leaking into the septic or pump tank, or a water leak such as a leaky toilet or faucet in the house. If high water alarms persist call your Glendon licensed service provider or maintenance specialist to have them determine and correct the cause. See Page 14 on how to find a Glendon licensee if it is not on the label on your control panel. Glendon Control Panel with Palm Pilot for Programming OwnMan Page 7 of 17

8 Panel Alarm Codes Visual Status Indicator - conveyed via the external alarm light (repeated every 8 seconds) In addition to a high-level alarm indicator, the indicator light located on the front of the panel displays current system status information by illuminating the indicator light in unique patterns. These patterns are repeated every 8 seconds. The lack of any visual indicators for more than 8 seconds signals a problem in the pump controller. The indicator light communicates the following system conditions: On solid = The system is experiencing a high-level alarm condition 1 short flash = The system is idle 1 long flash = The system is pumping 2 short flashes = The system is waiting for the off time to expire Status Information - conveyed via audible alert The audible features are utilized to convey event conditions that require attention. Audible alerts can be silenced by pressing the visual indicator light on the front of the IPC Panel. The following Morse Code characters communicate specific system conditions: Morse Code P.. = Power up; controller was just powered up On Continuous = High level; the water level is above the high-level set point Morse Code S... = Sensor; the level sensor is not communicating with the controller OwnMan Page 8 of 17

9 4. The BioFilter and Surrounding Soil The BioFilter is located in the mound-like area in the yard. It receives the raw effluent from the pump tank and processes it to nearly pure water. There is a cap on the standpipe, which may be removed temporarily to note the liquid level in the standpipe. Model M31 is shown below. Although Model M32 is not shown, its construction and operating principles are closely similar. CLEANOUT & OBSERVATION PORT EDGE OF GLENDON FILTER MATERIAL CAP SAND ORIGINAL SOIL IN BASIN The ground around the BioFilter receives the treated water and disperses it to mingle with normal ground water in the area of the BioFilter. 5. Reserve Area Your reserve drainfield area consists of an appropriately sized and located space in which to build another drainfield. It may be a completely separate area from your existing drainfield, or it may be interlaced with or adjoining your current system. Check your septic design to determine the location of your reserve area. It is important to know where your reserve area is and to protect it just like you protect your BioFilter. If this area is compromised, it may impair your ability to use your property in the future. OwnMan Page 9 of 17

10 Section 2 - Owner Responsibilities As the owner and user of a Glendon BioFilter, you have some responsibilities. You have to use the system correctly, protect it from damage, and ensure it is maintained periodically by Glendon licensed professionals. The following sections will tell you the basics of what to do and not do to keep your system running smoothly. Do s and Don ts 1. Do keep all system records such as design, permits, as-built, maintenance records, etc. in a safe place. 2. Do educate yourself about your system, how it works and where the major components are. 3. Do reduce water use by: Using low flow faucets, showers and toilets. Running appliances one at a time (dishwasher, washing machine, etc). Spreading laundry over entire week and avoid partial loads. Washing only full loads of dishes and laundry. Taking showers instead of baths Limiting shower length Taking baths with a partially filled tub Fixing all faucets and toilet leaks promptly Turning water off while brushing, shaving, etc. 4. Do reduce waste strength by: Using less soap and cleaning products ½ to ¼ the manufacturer s suggested amount usually works just as well Putting grease, oils, fat, etc. in the trash, not down the drain Installing a sink strainer to stop food particles from going down the drain Composting food scraps or putting them in the trash Eliminating garbage disposal use Keeping RV waste out of the system 5. Do protect your system and reserve area by: Diverting roof drains, surface water, etc. Keeping cars and heavy machinery off Keeping access ports accessible to maintenance personnel OwnMan Page 10 of 17

11 Planting low shrubs, plants or groundcover on the BioFilter to maintain its shape 6. Do have your system checked annually by a Glendon licensed maintenance person and have the tanks pumped as necessary. 7. Do report problems and alarms immediately to your maintenance provider. 8. Don t allow broken or leaky fixtures to go unrepaired your system is not designed to handle the extra water. 9. Don t use a garbage disposal unless your system was specifically designed to handle one. 10. Don t use septic tank additives 11. Don t discharge water softener backwash into your system 12. Don t use tank deodorizers, chlorine products, or other strong chemicals. They harm the microorganisms in your system. 13. Don t dispose of non-biodegradable items in your system: Diapers Coffee grounds Grease Plastics Kitty litter Paper towels Cigarette butts Condoms Oils Bones Dental floss Hair Tampons/Pads Egg Shells 14. Don t dig, trench or otherwise disturb the ground around your tanks, BioFilter, or reserve area. 15. Don t cover your system with impermeable materials such as plastic, concrete, etc. 16. Don t change the shape of your BioFilter or add soil to it. 17. Don t attempt to change system settings or tamper with the control panel. OwnMan Page 11 of 17

12 Landscaping Your Glendon BioFilter can become a landscaping asset. After it has compacted and solidified, it will support normal soil loading. Unless otherwise directed by you, the system installer will leave your BioFilter with a cover of jute mat and seeded with grass or clover. Water regularly until the grass planting or your other choice landscaping is strong enough to maintain the shape of the BioFilter. Consult a local nursery to discuss recommendations for low shrubs, plants or groundcover for your sun/shade location. Many owners select plants that bloom at various times of the year for an ongoing, attractive appearance. Access to the top of the raised area of the BioFilter can be provided with some well-constructed steps over the sloped area and a flagstone or paver path to the standpipe in the middle. Put a temporary fence or other barrier around the BioFilter to protect its shape from erosion, animals, children and other traffic until the grass or ground cover is well established. Water is approximately 12 inches below the surface of the top. This provides a unique opportunity to grow attractive, profuse and lush wetlands plants such as canna or calla lilies, water iris and many other hardy and exotic varieties. Blueberries and strawberries (both wild and domestic) do especially well there. Shallow rooted plants are recommended. Do not cover the sand with bark or anything that will tend to smother the surface of the unit(s) or interfere with the OwnMan Page 12 of 17

13 unit s ability to breathe. Small shrubs and fruit trees will thrive at ground level around the unit(s). Watering the surface of the unit(s) to assist the seeds and small plants to take root and grow, especially in the dry season, is recommended. Care should be taken not to completely saturate the cover sand. Plants should not need any irrigation or fertilizer after they are established. In view of the many diverse plants that are available for this purpose as well as personal preferences of individual owners, we recommend you visit a reputable local nursery to see what plants would work for your system in your particular sun-shade location. Should you have further questions, please contact us via at tsuppt@glendon.com OwnMan Page 13 of 17

14 Routine Maintenance All maintenance on your system and the control panel must be accomplished only by a Glendon licensed installer or Glendon licensed operation and maintenance (O&M) specialist licensed. Failure to observe this policy may result in revocation of your warranty. A current list of Glendon licensed installers and maintenance specialists is available at click on the link List of Glendon Licensees and Affiliates. If your panel has a tamper proof seal installed and the installer or licensed technician arrives to accomplish maintenance, and finds the seal has been damaged, they will assume that an unauthorized person has tampered with the panel. Glendon licensed technicians will report this intrusion to the installer, who, at his discretion, may void the warranty on the system. Some health districts may require maintenance and periodic testing of the BioFilter system. If so, this must be accomplished by Glendon licensed technicians. Health districts may require the owner to provide proof of maintenance service by having your technician provide copies of a maintenance contract or report the results of their maintenance visits. The owner accomplishes routine maintenance of the system. If you are the initial owner you should sow fast growing grass seed or ground cover on the BioFilter. This is required so the BioFilter will maintain its shape, which is important to its proper operation. Ground covers or other small plants may also be planted on the BioFilter. Also see the amplifying information on Owner Responsibilities and Landscaping. Septic & Pump Tank The septic tank and pump tank should be checked for solids every three years and pumped if necessary. Annually, the filter in the outlet baffle of the septic tank should be washed off with a garden hose while holding the filter over the riser of the septic tank so the debris is washed back into the septic tank. The riser lids on the pump tank and septic tanks should be checked to see that they are in good condition and that the cap screws are installed tightly so the lids are childproof. Control Panel The control panel is set at installation to deliver the designed capacity of the BioFilter on a daily basis. The Glendon label on the control panel must be legible and in good condition with the name and phone number of the installer or current Glendon licensed O&M specialist, if maintenance is required by the Local Health Department. If installed, the plastic lock seal on the control panel OwnMan Page 14 of 17

15 should be checked as intact. If it is broken or its wire hasp has been cut, contact the service company whose name appears on the face of the control panel. If for any reason the company listed on the control panel cannot be contacted, then see our list of Glendon licensees at click on the link List of Glendon Licensees and Affiliates. High water alarms may occur due to occasional excessive consumption of water while entertaining guests or other temporary high water use demands. Push the lighted button on the face of the control panel to silence the audible alarm. The light in the alarm button will remain on until the level in the pump tank returns to normal, possibly 1 to 2 days or longer depending on the amount of water currently being used. If frequent or persistent high water alarms occur, check for a leaking toilet or water fixture in the home. If water use has not been abnormally high and there are no water fixture leaks, then a maintenance technician should be called to check the septic tank and pump tank for watertight integrity, and check the control panel and pump for proper operation. BioFilter There should be no changes made to the shape of the BioFilter unit after it is installed. It is the owner s responsibility to protect and maintain the integrity of the BioFilter as installed. The top and sides of the BioFilter should present a smooth appearance, and no soil or other material should be added or removed without consulting the installer. The top should be approximately horizontal and the sides should slope away from the BioFilter at approximately 40 degrees until the sand reaches a depth of about Grass or similar ground cover should be planted and maintained on the top and sides of the unit throughout its lifetime. The top and perimeter may be planted to small shrubs or similar plants. Remove the cap from the standpipe (or inlet pipe) in the center of the top of the BioFilter. Verify that the liquid in the standpipe does not overflow the top of the standpipe. If this condition occurs, the unit requires maintenance. Replace the cap on the standpipe snugly. For systems that have multiple units installed, the water level should be approximately at the same level in each standpipe. The area around the BioFilter may be moist or soft because of the wicking of treated effluent. This is a normal condition and there is no cause for concern because there is moisture or dampness around the edge of the BioFilter where it meets the native soil. No problem is indicated under these circumstances unless there is a foul odor associated with this dampness. This odor will be similar to that in the standpipe when the inspection cap is removed. OwnMan Page 15 of 17

16 Maintenance Log DATE: ACTION TAKEN: SERVICE PROVIDER: NOTES: Make additional copies of this sheet as necessary and keep them with your records OwnMan Page 16 of 17

17 Glendon BioFilter Technologies, Inc. Receipt for Owner s Manual Initial Owner Site Address City, State Model System Design Capacity Gallons Per Day Installed By Date Install Completed Date Placed In Service For Service Call at ( ) I agree to read and abide by the recommendations set forth in the owner s manual being provided to me at this time. Failure to do so may void any warrantees, either express or implied. X Signature of Initial Owner Printed Name of Initial Owner Date OwnMan Page 17 of 17