Q: What septic drain field problems does EarthBuster solve?
A: A heavy-duty and highly efficient soil busting machine, EarthBuster loosens compacted soil, which, in turn, allows air (including oxygen), water, and nutrients to flow into the soil. This has several uses, such as septic drain field rejuvenation, draining areas where puddles often form and persist after a rain, and relieving trees that are suffering from tight soil.
Q: How does EarthBuster’s septic probe work?
A: EarthBuster presses a septic probe into the ground at depths of up to 6 feet. Compressed air is released quickly through the septic probe, creating a heaving effect that breaks up your soil from bottom to top.
Q: How long does it take for the soil to loosen?
A: It depends on what else needs to be done to your system that day, but EarthBuster’s septic probe treatment is normally done in under 4 hours, start to finish.
Q: Does a septic probe inject polystyrene pellets into the soil?
A: No. Polystyrene is a known toxin and is advertised as “non-biodegradable”. It is believed that it will take about 500 years for it to break down into its inert components. EarthBuster is a completely “green” solution, and uses no chemicals or toxins whatsoever.
Q: How does EarthBuster’s septic probe compare to other machines?
A: Yes. There are two patented pneumatic soil fracturing machines on the market: Earthbuster, which mounts on a tractor of some sort, and an older machine that is a walk-behind unit. Both do basically the same thing, and in the hands of competent technicians, can relieve drainage problems and rejuvenate septic drain fields that are built up with biomass. You’ll want to be sure that the company or technician you hire is competent in pneumatic soil fracturing. A great machine is a waste if it’s in the hands of a technician who doesn’t know how to use it.
Q: I’ve heard about other soil fracturing machines not being effective. What makes EarthBuster any better?
A: It’s true that the tractor-mounted EarthBuster has more power and speed available, and can do the job faster, but that may not be what’s really in question here. First of all, pneumatic soil fracturing is not for every septic problem. It is specifically for cases in which the drain field is overgrown with biomat–that black, slimy film that builds a waterproof barrier that won’t let the fluids flow through your drain field soil as they should. Generally, pneumatic soil fracturing is an excellent way to remediate biomat, because it breaks it up. This allows not only fluids but air to penetrate it. The fluids drain away, and the air helps to break down the biomat through natural bacterial feeding—making it disappear and relieving the original problem.
Even though the older competitor to EarthBuster is considerably slower to use, it should work adequately for this purpose, provided the technician is patient enough to create enough injection points in the field to fracture it adequately. The EarthBuster is both easier and faster, so it’s likely that the technician won’t be as tempted to cut corners on your job. And again, if biomat was not the primary problem, then an ineffective repair with any soil fracturing machine is not the fault of the machine, but of the poor diagnosis of the problem.
Q: Does the EarthBuster work well on Infiltrator systems, and stone and pipe systems?
A: Yes, the EarthBuster works well on Infiltrator systems, mound systems, and conventional pipe and stone. The EarthBuster is the ideal septic probe machine to use when fluids need to absorb through the soil more rapidly. The EarthBuster septic probe should enter the absorption area one to four feet outside of the chambers or stone channel, releasing compressed air at multiple depths and if the soil and water table allow go up to one or two feet below the bottom of the stone or chamber floor.
With a 185 cfm or larger compressor the process can be repeated without delay to recharge the tank to full pressure. The septic probing should continue on both sides of the stone or chambers every two to five feet, depending on the soil condition. This procedure will accomplish several things. The blast of compressed air will break up the biomat, loosen up the soil below and surrounding the gravel or chambers so effluent water can percolate efficiently once again. The upward formation of created fissures enhances desired evaporation, rather than forcing the effluent down, threatening ground water.
