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

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, I’m joined by Jessy Tucker, Jessica Stiner, and Ashley Donnelly for a candid conversation about building a career in wastewater: how each of them found the industry, what surprised them, and why curiosity, courage, and a willingness to tackle hard things matter. We also look at the growing role of women in wastewater and what the industry can do to introduce more...

Send us Fan Mail Orenco's Michelle Reber joins me to discuss more than two decades of experience supporting wastewater training, trade shows, and industry education. We explore the value of continuous learning, why in-person connections still matter, and how small operational improvements can make a meaningful difference for professionals in the field. It's a practical conversation about...

Send us Fan Mail Documentation doesn’t typically come to mind when we think about tools in the wastewater industry, but it can be just as important as the equipment itself. In this episode, I talk with Orenco’s Glenn Smith II and Cory Lyon about the instructions, drawings, service records, and technical resources that help us make better decisions, avoid frustration, and get the job done right. We...

Send us Fan Mail Chamber drainfields have been around for decades, but many people still have questions about how they work. In this episode, Dennis Hallahan and Chris Strycharz of Infiltrator Water Technologies explain the benefits of chamber systems, common design considerations, and where chambers fit in today's wastewater industry. We also tackle some of the most common questions and misc...

Send us Fan Mail After a summer break, Make It Clear returns with a look at some of the most interesting developments in the wastewater industry. Orenco’s Darren Mendenhall joins the discussion to explore AI tracking of disease outbreaks, new research aimed at removing PFAS and microplastics, innovative approaches to resource recovery, and the future of decentralized wastewater treatment. It'...

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...