Make It Clear: Why You Can't Just Flush and Forget

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 issu...

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...

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 s...

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...

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 h...

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 incredib...

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 developmen...

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 o...

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 conve...

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 Link...

Send us Fan Mail In this engaging episode, we take a surprisingly fun journey through the history of the toilet—from chamber pots and royal inventions to modern low-flush and smart technology. We explore the innovations, myths, and public health milestones that shaped how waste is managed today. Along the way, we connect toilets to sanitation, infrastructure, and water stewardship, highlighting wh...

Send us Fan Mail We’re celebrating a major milestone—our 100th episode! In this special installment, we look back on the moments and conversations that have meant the most to us over the past four years. From paradigm-shifting ideas to memorable interviews, we reflect on what we’ve learned along the way. Most importantly, we thank our listeners for tuning in, sharing the journey, and helping make...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we chat with Darren Mendenhall, Customer Service Manager at Orenco, about the real-world aspects of helping various people with wastewater systems. We hear how the customer service team supports homeowners, installers, and engineers with troubleshooting, training, and plenty of patience. Darren shares how to handle calls about alarms and tricky questions, as well...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we pick up our historical deep dive and explore how wastewater treatment was transformed between the 1800s and the present day. From cholera-prevention breakthroughs to modern filtration, AI, and reuse strategies, we trace the innovations that shaped the clean, reliable systems we depend on now.   If you have comments or questions about our podcast, you can reach...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we journey through ancient civilizations to uncover how humanity first tackled wastewater and sanitation. From the advanced sewers of the Indus Valley to Rome’s engineering marvels, we explore brilliant innovations, surprising missteps, and how history’s sanitation lessons still shape the way we treat water today.   If you have comments or questions about our podc...

Send us Fan Mail We’re diving into all the most common septic system questions—how they work, what not to flush, and how to spot trouble before it starts. With real stories, expert advice, and plenty of laughs, we’re breaking down what everyone’s been Googling about keeping septic systems healthy and worry-free.  If you have comments or questions about our podcast, you can reach us through this li...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we sit down with Carl Thompson, VP of Sales and Business Development at Infiltrator, to reflect on the first year since the Orenco acquisition. We talk through the benefits of bringing two industry leaders together, the exciting innovations from our combined R&D teams, and how our customers are already seeing stronger support and better wastewater solutions. F...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we sit down with Jim Bransfield of Infiltrator Water Technologies to discuss the acquisition of Orenco Systems and how it’s driving collaboration, innovation, and shared purpose across the wastewater industry. The conversation highlights a renewed focus on R&D, meeting stricter regulations, and delivering scalable, cost-effective solutions, especially for dece...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we discuss recent developments in wastewater management and the implications for public health and safety. We cover California's efforts to limit forever chemicals, Eugene's exemplary water quality compliance, Tennessee's innovative approach to drug testing through wastewater, and the plan in Los Angeles to transform wastewater into clean drinking w...

Send us Fan Mail In this conversation, we discuss the US EPA's Septic Smart Week and the importance of inspecting and maintaining septic systems. We also review previous podcasts covering what to flush, septic do's and don'ts, and the signs of failing systems. We emphasize the environmental impact of neglecting these systems and highlight available resources for homeowners to ensure...

Send us Fan Mail Transitions are never easy but change often leads to growth both for individuals as well as organizations. Our guest, Craig Taylor, president of Infiltrator Water Technologies, talks with us about the purchase of Orenco Systems and what that means for the wastewater industry. With our sights set on the future, we talk about the benefits for our customers and end-users of our combi...

Send us Fan Mail In this heartfelt farewell podcast, Angela and Shawn sit down with Tristan Bounds to reflect on his journey at Orenco. They discuss his most enjoyable experiences, the challenges he faced, and the memories he cherishes. Tristan shares insights about the company's culture, the pride in their quality products, and his future endeavors in the engineering field. The conversation...

Send us Fan Mail Traditional infrastructure materials like concrete and steel were once the construction materials of choice. But their disadvantages include weight, high life-cycle costs, and long build times. Using fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites can help solve all of those problems.  In this episode, Eric Ball and Darren Simmie from our Orenco Composites division explain how FRP compo...

Send us Fan Mail In this heartwarming episode, Angela talks with her father, Terry Bounds, about his impending retirement. As one of the cofounders of Orenco Systems, Terry shares his memories of growing the company going back more than 40 years. They reminisce about the good times, the hard choices, and the friends made along the way. Despite his retirement, Terry’s impact on the company and the...

Send us Fan Mail Sometimes, old solutions can be used in new ways to solve problems. Population growth and expanding infrastructure can be big problems for many small communities. In this episode, we talk with Alex Gamota, cofounder and CEO of 3PO Networks, a company that plays a pivotal role in bringing sewer and fiber optics to small communities that face infrastructure challenges. He shares how...