Eljen GSF User manual

CORPORATION
Innovative Environmental Products and Solutions Since 1970
Eljen GSF System
Manitoba Owner’s Manual
How your septic system works
and how to keep it working
for you and the environment
July 2016

Introduction ......................................................................3
Eljen GSF System...............................................................3
Eljen GSF System Description ............................................4
How the Eljen GSF System Works......................................4
Eljen GSF System Operation ..............................................5
Nature of Household Sewage ............................................6
The Eljen GSF Septic System..............................................6
The Septic Tank.................................................................7
Eljen GSF System Designs ..................................................8
.................................................9
Pumped Systems ...............................................................9
System Care and Maintenance ........................................10
Septic Tank Pumping.......................................................10
Potential System Problems...............................................11
Preventing System Problems ............................................12
Service and Maintenance Record ....................................14
Service and Maintenance Requirements ..........................14
Map of Your Septic System..............................................14
System Details.................................................................15
No one budgets for a septic system failure. A new residential
septic system can cost anywhere from $4,000 to more than
$20,000, or higher, to install. If the system is not maintained,
the soil around the system could become clogged causing
house. The bottom line is that rebuilding a failed septic sys-
tem is an expensive burden on the homeowner.
Preventing a septic system failure is easier and more afford-
able than it is to correct. By keeping harmful materials out of
the system and by pumping out the septic tank at least every
three years, the homeowner can protect their system against
premature failure. The minimum cost of having the septic
tank pumped is wise insurance to protect your home’s waste-
water system.
This Manitoba Owner’s Manual outlines the principles of
septic system operations and explains the basic maintenance
procedures that will lengthen the life of your system. If prop-
erly operated and maintained, your Eljen wastewater system
can provide many years of trouble-free service.
This manual applies to the Eljen GSF System in Manitoba.
IntroductionTable of Contents
2

Geotextile
Fabric
Perforated
Distribution Pipe
GSF
Module
GSF A42 Module
The Eljen GSF System
3

The Eljen GSF Geotextile Sand Filter system is a cost-effective
upgrade from other septic technologies. Unlike other systems
that treat efuent only once, the GSF’s patented Bio-Matt™
pre-treatment process treats septic efuent twice. That means
that the soil can absorb the efuent more readily, resulting in a
better-performing system in a smaller area than other systems.
TESTED FOR PROVEN PERFORMANCE
The Eljen GSF system technology is based on research
conducted by nationally recognized engineering scientists from
the University of Connecticut. Eljen Corporation has over 30
years of success in the onsite wastewater industry, with tens of
thousands of systems currently in use. The GSF is recognized
by regulatory ofcials and experts in the industry as one of the
most reliable wastewater treatment technologies in the market-
place today.
The GSF technology is based on scientic principles which
state that improved efuent quality provides increased soil
absorption rates. GSF’s proprietary two-stage Bio-Matt™
pre-ltration process improves efuent quality while increasing
reliability and ease of operation.
• Incoming efuent and bacteria ow through the perforated
pipes which distribute the efuent over the GSF Modules.
• Open air channels in the Modules allow benecial bacteria
to grow on the Bio-Matt fabric and treat efuent.
• A geotextile fabric covers the top and sides of the GSF
Modules, protecting the system’s sand and soil from ne
particles that can clog the system. It also helps maintain
efuent storage inside the Modules.
• After efuent passes through the GSF Modules, a lighter,
secondary biomat forms on the layer of specied sand
below the GSF Modules, where the treatment process is
continued.
• Treated efuent is then absorbed by the native soil where
nal ltration takes place.
How the Eljen GSF System WorksEljen GSF System Description
4

This schematic shows the inner workings of the GSF Module
and the overall operation of an Eljen GSF System.
•Porous Top of the GSF System
allows evapotranspiration and
oxygen exchange for better
efuent treatment.
•Anti-Siltation Fabric
keeps nes out of the GSF System
•Untreated Efuent
•Bio-Matt™ Fabric
•Cuspated Plastic Core
provides separation between
layers of Bio-Matt™ fabric.
Maintains structural integrity of
Modules & aids oxygen transfer.
Increases treatment surface area
and efuent storage capacity.
•Filtered Efuent
•Treated Efuent
Perforated Pipes
distribute efuent to the GSF System.
Pipes are secured to the GSF Modules
with preformed metal clamps.
Primary Treatment Zone
forms on Bio-Matt™ fabric.
Signicant fabric is provided
based on the soil interface.
Secondary Treatment Zone
forms at sand layer. Long term
acceptance rate of this biomat
layer is signicantly increased as
compared to conventional systems.
Specied Sand Layer
provides additional ltration
Native Soil or Imported Sand Fill
provides nal ltration
Eljen GSF System Operation
5
5

Household sewage is a combination of wastewater from
several sources including sinks, toilets, showers, washing
machines, dishwashers, and garbage disposals. The largest
source of household sewage may vary depending upon the
number of residents and water-using appliances within the
home. Organic matter comes mostly from toilets and garbage
disposals, while sinks, showers, and washing machines con-
tribute large amounts of wastewater containing only small
amounts of soap and dirt (including grease, detergents, lint,
and vegetable matter).
Your septic system is a two-part sewage treatment and
dispersal system buried in the ground. It is composed of a
septic tank with an efuent lter, a treatment/dispersal system,
and may have pumps and other components depending on
your location and system demands. The sewage generally
ows by gravity: rst, into the septic tank where larger particles
settle out and some primary decomposition takes place, and
then into the wastewater system where it is further decom-
posed before slowly soaking into the soil.
Septic
Tank
Distribution
Box
GSF Modules
Water
Table
Ground Water
Cleanout
The Nature of Household Sewage The Eljen GSF Septic System
6

•Access Riser
•InletPipe&Bafe
•Scum Layer
•ClariedZone
•Partition Opening
•Sludge Layer
Access Riser
Outlet Pipe
EfuentFilter
ClariedZone
Untreated household sewage would quickly clog any system
if applied directly to the soil. The function of the septic tank is
primarily a settling tank allowing solids to settle to the bottom
of the tank while a somewhat cleaner liquid is discharged to
the wastewater system for additional treatment. Septic tanks
contain two compartments.
Within the septic tank, as shown below, four important
processes take place.
•The heavier, solid particles in the sewage settle to the bottom of
the tank forming a layer of sludge. Lighter materials, including
fat and grease, oat to the surface, forming a scum layer.
•Anaerobic bacteria living in the septic tank break down some of
the organic solids into liquid components, helping to reduce
the build up of sludge in the tank.
•Sludge and scum are stored in the septic tank rather than being
allowed to ow out of the septic tank, where they would
quickly create problems.
• The septic tank efuent lter prevents scum and other oatable
materials from owing out to the wastewater system.
The Septic Tank
7

In a typical gravity-fed septic system, after primary treat-
-
bution box located just before the system. In level systems,
GSF Modules.
All Eljen GSF Systems are installed on a layer of clean,
the GSF Modules through perforated plastic pipes which are
secured to the tops of the Modules. A geotextile fabric covers
the GSF Modules and distribution pipe assembly. This fabric
All Eljen GSF system designs are to be in accordance with
the Manitoba Regulation, and permitted by your local
approval authority.
TRENCH SYSTEM—Straight or Curved
RAISED SYSTEM
IN-GROUND OR RAISED SYSTEM
BED SYSTEM
SLOPED SYSTEM—In-Ground or Raised
IN-GROUND TRENCH SYSTEM
Eljen GSF System Designs
8

Your septic system includes an efuent lter, which is
located at the outlet of the septic tank. Efuent lters protect
your Eljen GSF System from solids that may carry over from
the septic tank during peak usage. By limiting the maximum
size of particles entering the GSF Modules to about 1.6mm,
they safeguard your system from unnecessary failure.
While efuent lters are
partially self-cleaning, they
must be thoroughly cleaned
when the tank is inspected.
When operating properly,
they provide a fail-safe
reminder that your tank
needs pumping. Efuent
lters may also be added to
an existing system, either in
the tank or externally. Filters
must be installed before a
pump chamber and should
be easily accessible when the
tank is serviced.
Some site conditions require that the system is installed
at a higher elevation than the septic tank, or the designer
species that the Eljen GSF System is to be demand or
time dosed, or installed as a pressure distribution system.
When this is the case, an efuent pump and pump chamber
are used. The pump chamber is typically located in a sepa-
rate tank.
Efuent levels in the pump chamber are controlled by
internal switches that turn the pump on and off, sending
efuent to the system by dosing or pressure distribution.
Access Riser
Efuent
Filter
Outlet Pipe
Septic Tank Efuent Filters
9
Pumped Systems

SEPTIC TANK PUMPING
•Do not wait until your system shows signs of failure to have
your septic tank pumped out. Waiting can mean complete
clogging and an expensive repair bill. A septic tank efuent
lter will gradually slow down efuent ow as a reminder
that your tank should be serviced. Efuent lters in resi-
dential systems may need cleaning on an annual or more
frequent basis, depending on household use. Call a profes-
sional to inspect your system.
• Clean your efuent lter as needed.
•Pump out sewage from your septic tank at a minimum of
every 3 years.
•For a list of septic tank service providers in your area,
consult your local health or building department, phone
directory, or the Internet.
•If your system’s access manholes are at ground level or are
clearly marked or mapped, the job of pumping the sep-
tic tank should be fast and easy. While your tank is being
inspected, ask the operator to examine the inlet and out-
let bafes and/or septic tank efuent lter. If anything is
broken, have repairs done immediately. The inlet should
also be checked to see if wastewater is continuously ow-
ing into the tank from previously undetected plumbing
leaks.
•It is not necessary to leave any of the sludge in the tank as
“seed.” Incoming sewage contains all the bacteria needed
for proper operation. Acids or bleaches should not be used
to clean the tank.
• The use of enzymes or other “miracle” septic system additives
has not been shown to be of signicant value. It has been
observed that some of these additives can actually harm
your system. Regular pumping remains the best insurance
against system failure.
•Keep accurate records of your system’s inspections and
pumping in the space provided on page 14 of this manual.
System Care and Maintenance
10

SIGNS OF A FAILING SYSTEM:
• Slow draining toilets or xtures
•Sewage backing up into the house
• Sewage odours near the eld or septic tank
•Sewage breakout on to the lawn
Problems with septic systems can be quite difcult to ana-
lyze. Whenever your system is not operating properly, it is
best to contact a trained professional, such as the installer who
constructed your system, a licensed septic system pumper, or
a knowledgeable designer/engineer. Your area Eljen distributor
will be able to recommend trained personnel to assist you. Keep
a copy of your design plan and septic system building permit on
hand for use in analyzing any malfunctions. Always be sure to
document any inspections or maintenance done to your system.
If toilets or xtures are draining slowly and your system
has a septic tank efuent lter, check your service records to
see if it has been too long between tank servicing and pump-
ing. The pipe between the tank and the distribution box can
also be checked for obstructions. If necessary, have your tank
inspected, pumped, and clean the septic tank efuent lter.
Remember, the efuent lter is there to protect your system.
If sewage is backing up into the house and you have a
pumped system, have the pump and pump controls checked
to make sure they are functioning properly. Make sure that
the pump dose is not excessive and/or is set according to the
original design. The distribution box can be exposed to deter-
mine if efuent is properly owing out of the pump chamber.
Also note that in winter, efuent can freeze in the force main
or the distribution box and block sewage ow if the system is
not used for a period of time.
If you detect sewage odours, sewage over or near the system,
your system is overloaded. This may be caused by excessive
water use and/or ground water intrusion into the septic tank
through a leaking tank seam. Check your water consumption,
check for leaky toilets or xtures, and have your tank pumped
so that the system can be checked for ground water intrusion
into the tank, especially at seasonal high water time.
NOTE: Sewage odours coming from vent pipes are common
with all types of onsite wastewater systems. Call us for infor-
mation about activated charcoal lters that can be attached to
the vent pipes.
Potential System Problems
11

DO’S
• DO have your tank pumped at least every 3 years by a
licensed septic tank service provider. Contact your local
health department or building department, or look in your
phone directory, or on the Internet to nd a qualied
professional.
• DO practice water conservation. Promptly repair leaky
faucets and toilets, run washing machines and dishwashers
only when full, avoid long showers, and use water-saving
features in faucets, showerheads and toilets.
• DO divert roof drains and surface water from driveways
and hillsides away from the septic system. Keep sump
pumps and household foundation drains away from the
septic system as well.
• DO take leftover hazardous household chemicals to your
approved hazardous-waste collection center for disposal.
Use environmental/septic-friendly cleaners and disinfectants
sparingly and in accordance with product labels.
• DO learn the location of your Eljen GSF System treatment
components and record them in the chart provided on
page 14 of this manual. Keep a copy of your plan on le
and attach a complete Eljen System Card to a convenient
place such as the main electrical panel.
• DO use the space provided on page 14 of this manual
to keep a record of pumping, inspections and other
maintenance.
Preventing System Problems
12

DON’TS
• DON’T drive or park over any part of your septic system.
The area over the system should be left undisturbed with
only a mowed grass cover. Roots from nearby trees or
shrubs may clog or damage your system.
• DON’T put large amounts of cooking oil or grease into
the system.
• DON’T discharge water treatment systems into your septic
system.
• DON’T put non-degradable materials such as disposable
diapers, sanitary products, plastic, and cigarettes into the
system.
• DON’T put poisons such as gasoline, oil, paint, paint thinner,
pesticides, antifreeze, or other chemicals into the system.
• DON’T use commercial septic tank additives. These products
usually do not help and some may hurt your system in the
long run.
• DON’T wait for signs of system failure. Follow the
maintenance advice in this manual.
• DON’T use garbage disposals unless your system has
been designed according to the requirements of Eljen’s
Garbage Disposal, Design and Installation Guidelines.
• DON’T discharge water softener backwash waters to the
septic system.
13
Preventing System Problems

Date Type of Service Contractor
Service and Maintenance Record
Map of Your Septic System
Service and Maintenance Requirements
14
It is a requirement that the Owner enter into a Maintenance
Agreement with Enviro-STEP Technologies or it’s licensees to
undertake service and maintenance of your new Eljen GSF
undertaken on an annual basis.

Owner’s Name, Address, Phone: System Address, if Different than Owner’s Address:
Contractor’s Name, Address, Phone: Designer’s Name, Address, Phone:
Contractor’s License Number: Designer’s BCIN Number:
Installation Date: Number of House Occupants:
Number of Bedrooms: SepticTankEfuentFilterModelNumber:
Design Flow in Liters / Day: Number of Eljen GSF Modules Used:
Number of Rows: Number of Eljen GSF Modules per Row:
System Design: ☐In-Ground ☐Raised ☐Pumped ☐Other:
System Type: ☐ Repair / Replacement ☐New Construction ☐Upgrade
Structure Type: ☐ Residential ☐Commercial
System Use: ☐ Year-Round ☐Seasonal
Eljen GSF System Details
15

Eljen Corporation Standard Limited Warranty for Septic Products
Each GSF Module manufactured by Eljen Corporation and installed and operated as an on-site treatment system in accordance with Eljen Corporation’s Manitoba Design and Installation
Manual is warranted to the owner against defective materials and workmanship for two years from the date the system is inspected and activated for operation. In order to exercise its
warranty rights, the system owner must notify Eljen Corporation, or its distributor, Enviro-STEP Technologies, in writing at 125 McKee Street, East Hartford, Connecticut 06108 within
15 days of the alleged defect. Eljen Corporation will supply replacement Modules determined by Eljen Corporation to be defective and covered by this Limited Warranty. Eljen Corpor-
or neglect of the Modules; the placement and or use of improper materials into the system containing the Modules; failure of the Modules or the septic system due to improper design,
-
stalled in an activated on-site system shall void this Limited Warranty. For this Limited Warranty to apply, the Modules must be installed in accordance with all site conditions required
by state and local codes, all other applicable laws, and Eljen Corporation’s installation instructions. This Limited Warranty and its remedies are exclusive and shall apply to no other
party other than the system owner. In case of a change of ownership, the remainder of the limited warranty can be transferable to the new owner with the condition that the system
years from the date of installation.
THERE IS NO IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY AND THERE IS NO IMPLIED WARRANTY OF FITNESS FOR BUYER’S PARTICULAR PURPOSE; THE IMPLIED
WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY AND THE IMPLIED WARRANTY OF FITNESS FOR BUYER’S PARTICULAR PURPOSE ARE HEREBY DISCLAIMED. THERE ARE NO WARRAN-
TIES WHICH EXTEND BEYOND THE DESCRIPTION ON THE FACE HEREOF.
UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHALL ELJEN CORPORATION BE LIABLE TO THE SYSTEM OWNER OR ANY THIRD PARTY UNDER THIS AGREEMENT OR OTHERWISE FOR (a) ANY
LOSS OR DAMAGE CAUSED BY OR ARISING OUT OF ANY DELAY IN FURNISHING ANY MATERIALS UNDER THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY ACT THAT IS NOT INTENTIONAL OR
RECKLESS IN NATURE; OR (b) ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL, EXEMPLARY OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, REGARDLESS OF WHETHER ELJEN CORPORATION HAS BEEN ADVISED
OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. WITHOUT LIMITING THE FOREGOING, SYSTEM OWNER OR ANY THIRD PARTY’S SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDY IN RESPECT OF
THIS AGREEMENT AND THE MATERIALS FURNISHED HEREUNDER SHALL BE LIMITED TO THE REFUND TO SYSTEM OWNER OR ANY THIRD PARTY OF THE APPLICABLE FEES
ACTUALLY PAID TO ELJEN CORPORATION UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WITH RESPECT TO THE PARTICULAR MATERIALS AT ISSUE. IN NO EVENT SHALL ELJEN CORPORATION’S
LIABILITY HEREUNDER EXCEED THE APPLICABLE FEES ACTUALLY PAID TO ELJEN CORPORATION UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WITH RESPECT TO THE MATERIALS AT ISSUE.
This is the Standard Limited Warranty offered by Eljen Corporation. Any purchaser or potential system owner of Modules should carefully read and understand this warranty prior to
the purchase of the Eljen GSF Wastewater Treatment System.
Represented By:
Patented ©2015 1502-4/15
CORPORATION
Innovative Environmental Products and Solutions Since 1970
www.eljen.com
1270, rue de Châteauneuf-du-Pape | Québec (Qc) G3E1Y8
T 418.915.6812 | 1.877.925.7496
[email protected] | www.enviro-step.ca