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

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 also look at how documentation is becoming clearer, more visual, and easier to access.  If you have comments or questions about our podcast, you can reach us through this link. To discuss a project or talk to one of our engineers, call 800-348-9843.

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 misconceptions surrounding chamber technology.  If you have comments or questions about our podcast, you can reach us through this link. To discuss a project or talk to one of our engineers, call 800-348-9843.

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's an optimistic conversation about the next generation of water and wastewater solutions. Articles Discussed in This Episode Grants to Help Scripps Research Expand Life-Saving Wastewater Program [Wastewater...July 2026 | Word], [ie.headtopics.com]Study to Evaluate Powdered Activated Carbon for PFAS Removal from Wastewater Effluent [Wastewater...July 2026 | Word], [carollo.com]Wastewater Plants Could Remove 90% of Microplastics by Tweaking Bubbles, Not Rebuilding [Wastewater...July 2026 | Word], [thecooldown.com]German Researchers Remove Ammonia From Wastewater [Wastewater...July 2026 | Word], [interestin...eering.com]Future of Wastewater Treatment: Trends in 2026 [Wastewater...July 2026 | Word], [sevenseaswater.com]If you have comments or questions about our podcast, you can reach us through this link. To discuss a project or talk to one of our engineers, call 800-348-9843.

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. To discuss a project or talk to one of our engineers, call 800-348-9843.

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 you have comments or questions about our podcast, you can reach us through this link. To discuss a project or talk to one of our engineers, call 800-348-9843.

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.   If you have comments or questions about our podcast, you can reach us through this link. To discuss a project or talk to one of our engineers, call 800-348-9843.

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. Details matter and getting them right protects the investment. If you have comments or questions about our podcast, you can reach us through this link. To discuss a project or talk to one of our engineers, call 800-348-9843.

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 about our podcast, you can reach us through this link. To discuss a project or talk to one of our engineers, call 800-348-9843.

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 shaped her life at Orenco. We also talk honestly about what she’ll miss most—the people, the purpose, and the everyday moments that made this place feel like family. It’s a warm, heartfelt farewell … and a reminder that while roles change, the relationships and stories stay with us.  If you have comments or questions about our podcast, you can reach us through this link. To discuss a project or talk to one of our engineers, call 800-348-9843.

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 this link. To discuss a project or talk to one of our engineers, call 800-348-9843.

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 one of our engineers, call 800-348-9843.

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 through this link. To discuss a project or talk to one of our engineers, call 800-348-9843.

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-on-community-health/289-c08b7448-841f-4cbc-88d9-b3be6572df0a https://techxplore.com/news/2026-01-optimizing-wastewater-green-hydrogen-production.html https://mocoshow.com/2026/01/25/millions-of-gallons-of-wastewater-rerouted-after-sewer-line-collapse/ https://arxiv.org/abs/2506.10490?utm_source=chatgpt.com https://www.boston25news.com/news/local/cocaine-levels-nantucket-sewage-50-above-us-average-health-data-reveals/P4QHYTYWUBDG5M23R2OXZUGZWY/?utm_source=chatgpt.com https://www.waste360.com/pfas-pfoas/gradiant-s-forevergone-sets-new-standard-for-pfas-destruction-with-breakthrough-cost-and-performance If you have comments or questions about our podcast, you can reach us through this link. To discuss a project or talk to one of our engineers, call 800-348-9843.

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 why this often-overlooked invention plays such a critical role in protecting health and the environment. If you have comments or questions about our podcast, you can reach us through this link. To discuss a project or talk to one of our engineers, call 800-348-9843.

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 this podcast possible. If you have comments or questions about our podcast, you can reach us through this link. To discuss a project or talk to one of our engineers, call 800-348-9843.