SludgeHammer Septic Systems in San Diego County: A New Advanced Treatment Option
Property owners in San Diego County who need more than a conventional septic system now have another advanced wastewater treatment option to consider: SludgeHammer®.
SludgeHammer uses biological wastewater treatment technology that combines aeration with specialized bacteria to improve treatment inside the septic system. For properties where an advanced or supplemental treatment system is required, the technology may provide another option for the property's OWTS professional to evaluate.
And for San Diego County property owners, there is an important local distinction:
Red Rock Industrial is currently the only authorized SludgeHammer® installer in San Diego County.
Here's what property owners, builders and developers should know about the system.
What Is a SludgeHammer Septic System?
SludgeHammer is an advanced wastewater treatment technology designed to improve the biological treatment taking place within a septic system.
A conventional septic tank primarily operates in an anaerobic—or low-oxygen—environment. SludgeHammer's Aerobic Bacteria Generator (ABG) introduces oxygen and circulation into the wastewater and provides an environment for selected aerobic bacteria to break down organic material.
Rather than functioning as simply another septic tank, the SludgeHammer equipment becomes part of the wastewater treatment process within the OWTS.
Certain SludgeHammer residential systems are certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 40, Class 1, a performance standard for residential wastewater treatment systems.
How Does SludgeHammer Work?
At a basic level, the system uses three things:
Air. A small air pump supplies oxygen to the system.
Circulation. Aeration creates movement of wastewater through the SludgeHammer treatment unit.
Biological treatment. The system provides an environment for specialized aerobic bacteria and enzymes to consume organic material in the wastewater.
The goal is to treat wastewater more effectively before it reaches the final dispersal portion of the OWTS.
SludgeHammer also manufactures systems in different capacities for residential and larger wastewater applications, allowing the technology to be incorporated into systems designed for different wastewater flows.
Why Would a San Diego County Property Need Advanced Septic Treatment?
Not every property needs an advanced treatment system.
Many sites can use a conventional septic tank and approved dispersal system. However, properties with challenging site conditions—or projects subject to particular wastewater treatment requirements—may require a Supplemental Treatment System (STS) or another alternative OWTS design.
San Diego County currently approves both conventional OWTS and supplemental treatment systems. Supplemental systems require site testing and a design prepared by a licensed OWTS Professional.
Conditions affecting an OWTS design can include factors such as soil characteristics, available disposal area, slope, groundwater conditions and the proposed development.
That's why the appropriate septic solution is determined during the professional site evaluation and design process rather than by simply choosing a system from a product list.
Is SludgeHammer an Alternative to Other Advanced Treatment Systems?
Potentially, depending on the property and approved OWTS design.
San Diego County projects requiring supplemental treatment have historically used a variety of approved technologies. SludgeHammer gives OWTS professionals and property owners another treatment technology to consider where its use is appropriate and approved.
One reason this matters is cost and system complexity.
Advanced wastewater treatment can add significant expense to a septic project. SludgeHammer is designed around a relatively simple biological treatment process with limited mechanical components compared with some advanced systems.
However, every property and OWTS design is different. Red Rock Industrial does not recommend assuming that SludgeHammer will automatically be less expensive—or appropriate—for every project.
The system must fit the property's wastewater requirements and approved OWTS design.
Can SludgeHammer Be Used for New Septic Systems?
Yes. SludgeHammer manufactures advanced-treatment systems designed to be incorporated into new residential wastewater systems.
For example, different residential models are designed around different daily wastewater capacities and tank configurations.
That can make SludgeHammer relevant for projects such as:
New home construction
ADUs and property expansions
Replacement septic systems
Properties requiring supplemental treatment
Challenging OWTS sites
Residential projects where an advanced treatment system is specified
The specific model and overall OWTS configuration must be appropriate for the project's approved design.
Can SludgeHammer Help an Existing Septic System?
SludgeHammer technology is also used in existing septic systems.
One of the manufacturer's primary applications is addressing organic buildup—often referred to as biomat—that can restrict the ability of soil in a leach field to accept wastewater.
The manufacturer offers SludgeHammer systems for both new advanced-treatment installations and remediation of certain existing systems.
That does not mean every failing septic system can be repaired with SludgeHammer. Broken piping, structural problems, unsuitable site conditions and other failures may still require physical repair or replacement.
A failing system should be properly evaluated to determine the cause before deciding on a solution.
Who Determines Whether SludgeHammer Is Right for My Property?
For a new or modified OWTS in San Diego County, the first step is generally working with an approved OWTS Qualified Professional.
The Qualified Professional evaluates the property, performs the required testing, determines what type of wastewater system is appropriate and prepares the design for County review.
If SludgeHammer is appropriate for the property and incorporated into the approved system, installation is then completed by an approved septic installer authorized to install the technology.
This distinction is important: the installer constructs the approved system; the OWTS professional determines and designs what the property requires.
Who Installs SludgeHammer Systems in San Diego County?
Red Rock Industrial is currently the only authorized SludgeHammer® installer in San Diego County.
In addition to SludgeHammer, Red Rock Industrial installs conventional septic systems and a range of advanced, alternative and supplemental treatment systems throughout the County.
With more than 20 years of underground piping experience, Red Rock Industrial can work from approved OWTS plans to complete the underground installation and coordinate the septic scope with new construction, ADUs and other property improvements.
Considering SludgeHammer for a San Diego County Property?
If your OWTS professional has recommended SludgeHammer—or you're researching treatment options because your property may require an advanced septic system—Red Rock Industrial can help you understand the installation side of the project.
If you already have plans, send us the project information and we can review the installation scope.
→ Learn more about our Septic System & OWTS Installation services in San Diego County.