Grease-Eating Bacteria for the Care and Feeding of the Septic Tank
For 15 million or so homeowners, Septi-Save--a new product whose microscopic, grease-eating bacteria, when used monthly, work to keep septic systems clog-free--may cut down on some maintenance headaches.
Introduced to the general market last month by Bio-Care of Campbell, Calif., Septi-Save, its manufacturers say, allows homeowners to forget their concerns about remembering to buy, use and properly store other septic-tank maintenance products.
Bio-Care says its microbiologists have developed a patented formula of seven highly concentrated types of bacteria that dissolve septic tank wastes. The firm started out in 1985 distributing grease-eating bacteria to restaurants so they could keep their drainage systems clean with an environmentally safe procedure.
The company is selling Septi-Save by subscription. For $49.95 a year, including shipping and handling, Bio-Care each month will send a premeasured, biodegradable package--slightly larger than a tea bag. The two-ounce packet is flushed down the toilet and into the septic system. As it dissolves, bacteria are released to do their work.
“The idea is to minimize the number of times a tank has to be pumped and the number of clogs that occur,” said Michael Deffina, Bio-Care executive vice president and chief operating officer. “Typical homeowners spend between $150 and $250 to pump their tanks once every one to four years, depending on the maintenance procedures.” Deffina estimates that using Septi-Save “should cut that (pumping tanks) by at least 50%, and in many cases, eliminate pumping entirely.”
He said the product has been thoroughly tested and found to be environmentally sound and effective.
For more information or to order Septi-Save, write Bio-Care Inc., 503-A Vandell Way, Campbell, Calif. 95008. Or call (800) 468-5655 in California; (800) 421-9740 outside California.
A ‘Native’s Guide to Best of Los Angeles’
Want to know where to go for the best late-night snack in Los Angeles? Or where to locate the best undiscovered discount stores? Or how to buy Disneyland products without going there? Or how to find 10 unusual places to throw a party?
Consider “Very LA, the Native’s Guide to the Best of Los Angeles,” by David Hoffman, a Los Angeles-based writer and television correspondent. The guide also might be handy for guests you might not have time to show around or for those new to Los Angeles.
Although Hoffman is not a native Angeleno--he’s from Richmond, Va., but has lived in Los Angeles for a dozen years--his book provides extensive insights into the city. It appears to have something for everybody, from food bargains, to historic landmarks to how to get a petting zoo delivered to your yard for your child’s birthday.
The 112-page paperback retails for $9.95 and is available nationwide. Among bookstores stocking it in the Los Angeles area are: Waldenbooks, B. Dalton and Crown. If you can’t find it, contact Chronicle Books, 275 5th St., San Francisco, Calif. 94103. Or call its toll-free numbers: in California, (800) 445-7577; outside the state, (800) 722-6657.
Getting the Scoop From Pet Janitor
Jim Hemans, an Everett, Wash., inventor, has come up with Pet Janitor, a new kind of “pooper scooper” that has a telescopic handle and uses common fold-top or locking plastic sandwich bags.
The scooper, which weighs less than a pound, is made of sturdy plastic. It has an adjustable belt clip for easy carrying.
Pet Janitor may be mail-ordered for $10, plus $2 shipping and handling, from Pet Janitor, 9027 Evergreen Way, Suite 123, Everett, Wash. 98206.
