Make It Clear: Why You Can't Just Flush and Forget
Make It Clear: Why You Can't Just Flush and Forget
Orenco Systems
Every two weeks, we'll bring you new episodes of “Make It Clear” that cover timely and relevant topics in the water and wastewater industries. Our guests will also provide their unique insights as we discuss the world’s most precious resource.While our content is mainly geared toward water and wastewater professionals, we welcome everyone who’d like to listen.
System Longevity: Simple Habits That Make a Big Difference
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we walk through what really impacts the longevity of an onsite system from a homeowner’s perspective. We cover simple habits, smart installation choices, and the maintenance practices that can make a system last longer—or fail early if ignored. We also highlight common mistakes and red flags to watch out for so you can protect your investment and avoid costly issues. If you have comments or questions about our podcast, you can reach us through this link.&nbsp...
Jun 16
39 min
Smarter Solutions for New Developments
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we sit down with Orenco’s Johnathon Honeywell to find out what’s really driving wastewater decisions in new developments—including liquid-only sewer systems, why they’re gaining traction, and how they compare with “big pipe” gravity sewer. We get into the real-world costs and how the right approach can open up new opportunities for communities. If you’re involved in development or just curious about smarter infrastructure, this one’s worth a listen. If ...
Jun 2
20 min
Tools on the Truck
Send us Fan Mail Join us as we talk about the “tools on the truck” — basically the must-haves for anyone working on septic systems. We get into everything from PPE and safety basics to the everyday tools and diagnostic gear that can save you a trip back to the shop. We also discuss how prepping ahead of a job and asking the right questions can make your day a whole lot easier. Through it all, we share practical tips from real experience to help you show up ready and get the job done right. &n...
May 19
21 min
Control Panels: Getting the Right Panel for the Job
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we dive into control panels—the “brains” of septic systems—and explain what they do, how they work, and why choosing the right one matters. We break down the differences between alarm panels and control panels, including timers, relays, PLCs, and telemetry. We also share planning tips, common mistakes to avoid, a practical checklist to ensure the correct panel is specified, and troubleshooting insights—plus a few warnings, especially about panel placement. De...
May 5
18 min
Avoid Hidden Costs by Selecting the Right System
Send us Fan Mail Drawing on Orenco’s decades of experience, we explain why “cheap” wastewater treatment is almost always expensive in the long run. Talking through the pitfalls—wrong technologies, undersized systems, poor‑quality components, and ignored alarms—we show how they can snowball into major repairs, environmental problems, and big hits to property value. We also share some simple steps homeowners can take to avoid or address these issues. If you have comments or questions abou...
Apr 21
13 min
Of Memories and Friendships: Saying Farewell to Angela Bounds
Send us Fan Mail We open this episode with full hearts for a conversation that’s emotional and deeply meaningful—because this time, we aren’t interviewing a guest, we’re talking about Angela’s retirement. With our longtime friend Jeff Ball stepping in as guest host, we look back on decades of memories, from soldering parts as a kid to building an industry‑leading company and podcast we’re incredibly proud of. We share the hardest moments, the funniest stories, and the unexpected joys that sha...
Apr 7
53 min
Treatment on Small Lots
Send us Fan Mail As homes are built on smaller and smaller lots, wastewater design can get complicated fast. In this episode, we’re joined by Bill Hensley, Senior Systems Engineer at Orenco, to talk through the realities of designing treatment systems for tight spaces. We cover site constraints, soil challenges, regulatory considerations, and some creative solutions that make small-lot development possible. If you have comments or questions about our podcast, you can reach us through th...
Mar 24
16 min
When the Power Goes Out
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we break down what really happens to on-site wastewater systems when the power goes out and why some setups are more vulnerable than others. We explore the differences between gravity systems, pumped systems, and grinder systems, and then share practical steps homeowners can take to protect their systems during outages. If you have comments or questions about our podcast, you can reach us through this link. To discuss a project or talk to on...
Mar 10
14 min
Inside the Tank
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we dig into one of our favorite (and most important) topics: septic tanks. We’re joined by Jessy Tucker, Senior System Engineer at Orenco, to break down why septic tanks matter, how they work, and what really happens inside them. From watertight design and biology to everyday habits that help—or hurt—system performance, we keep the science practical and the conversation easy to follow. If you have comments or questions about our podcast, you can reach us thro...
Feb 24
20 min
Wastewater in the News
Send us Fan Mail In this timely webinar, we break down what’s been making waves in the wastewater world: AI showing up at treatment plants, wastewater data being used to track public health trends, and sewage spills hitting the headlines. We also dig into emerging tech aimed at PFAS and other tough contaminants, helping make sense of what the news really means for water professionals. Article Links: https://www.wwltv.com/article/news/health/whats-in-the-water-wastewater-gives-an-early-warning...
Feb 10
16 min
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