Q. What is a septic system?
A. The septic system is basically an on-site sewage treatment and disposal system.

Q. What is proper maintenance of my septic system?
A. [The following is reprinted from "The Voice", July/August 1995] Septic system maintenance means two simple things. First, the sludge (inorganic matter) that accumulates in the bottom of the tank must be pumped out periodically. There is no additive that can be introduced into the septic tank to rid the tank of inorganic sludge that settles to the bottom of the tank. It must be pumped out! If not pumped out, it will eventually overflow into the absorption area, causing it to fail. The second part of the septic system maintenance involves the bacteria necessary for solids digestion. Since bacteria killing products of some sort are used in every household, the bacteria must be replenished. If the bacteria are not replenished, the septic system will fill up with solid material and overflow into the absorption area, again causing the system to fail.

Q. Why do I have to add bacteria to my septic system?
A. Bacteria must be present in the septic tank to digest the organic solids. No bacteria, no digestion - it's as simple as that!

Q. Can I use any type of bacteria in my system?
A. If there is bacteria in your system, you can use enzymes, spore or vegetative bacterias to boost the bacteria in your system. However, if there is no bacteria in your system (after pump outs, clean-outs) because of over use or excessive use of caustic chemicals, etc., you must add live "facultative" bacteria.

Q. Why must I use a 'Facultative" bacteria, and what is that?
A. There is no oxygen at the bottom of your septic tank. Only "facultative" bacteria can adapt to anaerobic conditions. In simple terms, the "facultative" bacteria become bacteria that will thrive in situations where there is no air.

Q. My professional septic pumper recommended that I use PRO-PUMP, the 100% liquid-live facultative bacterial culture - why should I add more bacteria to the problems that I already have?
A. Having the right bacteria is an essential part of the solution. Before and after a required pump-out, it is essential that sufficient bacteria be present within your system - to properly digest and liquefy the organic wastes in your septic tank or cesspool.

Q. Is PRO-PUMP dangerous?
A. Absolutely not! It is non-toxic, non-pathogenic and is completely harmless to man, animal, marine and plant life. It is 100% safe to groundwater.

Q. What will PRO-PUMP do for me?
A. With the application of PRO-PUMP, we introduce nature's biological process back into your present system's biological imbalance. This will result once again in the proper biological balance you used to have - AND NEED TO HAVE NOW!

Q. Can you be more specific?
A. Sure. PRO-PUMP liquefies organic wastes and suspended solids. This facilitates drainage of the liquid into the subsoil. At the same time odors will be substantially reduced.

Q. When should I start my application of PRO-PUMP?
A. Anytime... and especially when your professional septic pumper gives you his O.K. The powerful but 100% safe bacteria contained in PRO-PUMP will begin immediately to attack the solids within your system.

Q. How will I know PRO-PUMP is working?
A. Very simply. PRO-PUMP will enter and colonize the lateral lines and holding tanks, keeping them open and functioning.

Q. Is PRO-PUMP difficult to use?
A. Quite the contrary. It is very simple to use. Unlike many other products that usually have to be mixed with water before being applied - PRO-PUMP needs only to be shaken in the jug and can be applied immediately.

Q. Why must I use a larger amount of the product on a purge application? How often will I be doing this?
A. We recommend that if a system has any history of failure, that you purge the system in the first 2 months by using 1 quart of PRO-PUMP every week. Once you notice improvement, spread maintenance dosages to once a month. Then use PRO-PUMP once every 6 months.

Q. Where is PRO-PUMP applied?
A. Your septic professional will add PRO-PUMP directly into the system. He will go directly to the area he thinks the bacteria will be needed most. It might be in a hard to reach outside area, or simply poured directly into the toilet. It's up to his assessment of your individual needs where to apply the PRO-PUMP.

Q. I have no capacity in my system. What can I expect PRO-PUMP to do?
A. After the professional pump-out, use the recommended purge disposal as above. Total success does not happen overnight, just as the problem did not develop overnight. You must have a degree of patience - the product will always work, but in systems that have failed, it takes 90 days for the bacteria to work its way into the drainfields.

Q. Why does the product have a sulfur odor when first applied?
A. That is because it is 100% natural! This should not be looked upon as a problem, as the odors quickly disappear upon reapplication.

Q. Do you add coloring to PRO-PUMP, because it has a rich purple cast in the jug?
A. PRO-PUMP does not contain any masking agent or artificial coloring. The bacteria cultures are from the Thiobacillus purple sulfur group - again, 100% natural!

Q. Can you name some of the types of home-care products used today that impede the bacteria that are necessary for adequate and proper septic operation?
A. Some examples of the "culprit' products are: excess acids, antiseptics, bleach, caustic drain openers, cleaning compounds, chlorine materials, disinfectants, lotions, medicinal residue, polishes, sink & tub cleaners and toilet cleaners.

Q. Will common home-care products such as soap and detergents harm the effectiveness of PRO-PUMP?
A. The modern home uses a myriad of cleaning products; all of them have some effect on your septic system. The bacterial cultures in PRO-PUMP are resistant to many of these products and will actually break them down to harmless by-products. Overloading your system with these products will require a lengthier period of time for PRO-PUMP to degrade these materials. Common sense and following manufacturer's dosages will save you money and extend the useful life of PRO-PUMP in your system.

Q. Will PRO-PUMP go bad if I don't use it right away?
A. No it will not go bad; this special formula we have developed has an excellent shelf-life. The bacteria have been trained (so to speak) to lie dormant in the jug, and will become 100% active once they are introduced into an organic waste environment.

Q. My drain field is blocked with solids, should I consider a new drain field?
A. Only as a last resort and only on the recommendation of your professional pumper. A 2 gallon purge of PRO-PUMP and the addition of 1 quart, once every 6 months should help to reverse the clogging. However, it's up to you to start a maintenance program and to keep a watchful eye for the warning signs of septic system failure.