The S-400 model is designed for advanced treatment of domestic wastewater loads of up to 400 gallons per day. It features the core SludgeHammer® S-400 ABG column, which is installed in the inlet chamber of a 1,500-gallon, double-compartment standard septic tank, providing an efficient and reliable solution for residential wastewater treatment.
Engineered for single-family residences with wastewater volumes up to 400 gallons per day (GPD), the SludgeHammer® S-400 ABG is the ideal solution where certified advanced treatment is required. Designed for seamless integration into new residential systems, this unit offers high-efficiency biological performance while maintaining simplicity, reliability, and minimal maintenance requirements.
At the core of the S-400 system is the SludgeHammer Blend™—a scientifically advanced mixture of oxygen-loving bacteria and enzymes housed within a specially designed refuge inside the column. Air is delivered to the unit via a micro fine-bubble diffuser, where it rises through the column, circulating liquid upward and drawing untreated liquid in from below. This active flow keeps the microbial community constantly aerated and in contact with incoming waste for rapid organic digestion.
Certified under NSF/ANSI Standard 40, Class 1, the SludgeHammer® S-400 meets stringent standards for advanced treatment systems. Installed in the inlet chamber of a standard 1,500-gallon double-compartment septic tank, the S-400 provides a highly effective and economical method for achieving Class 1 effluent with minimal infrastructure impact.
The result: Superior treatment performance, reduced maintenance demands, and a fully certified, biologically regenerative solution for modern residential wastewater management.
Designed for single-family residences with up to 400 gallons of wastewater per day.
Air is delivered to the SludgeHammer® column where it is then distributed into the column through a micro fine-bubble diffuser. As the air rises, it displaces liquid in the column which circulates with liquid entering the column at the base and leaving at the top. A packet of proprietary SludgeHammer Blend™ bacteria is inoculated into the unit and held in a central refuge where it is supplied with a continuous stream of aerated liquid. These live facultative bacteria continue through the wastewater stream with the treated effluent into the final treatment zone.
It is estimated that 95% of all septic system failures are caused by biomat clogging. SludgeHammer® technology is rigorously tested and certified to restore leach systems clogged by organic biomat at a rate of at least 2.5 times that of aerobic treatment alone through testing under IAPMO IGC180-2003. SludgeHammer® is the ONLY technology on the market that holds the IAPMO standard.
Eliminate biomat clogging and optimize septic function with the SludgeHammer® S-400. Instead of rebuilding an entire septic system, installing a SludgeHammer® unit allows homeowners to rehabilitate their septic systems at minimal costs.
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Meeting environmental and health standards in wastewater treatment is a necessity for public safety. Certified systems protect soil, groundwater, and ecosystems. Partner with SludgeHammer® to offer trusted products and help create a healthier environment.
This case study highlights a septic system upgrade in Coloma, Michigan, where a high water table caused system failure. The site presented three major challenges: limited space for installation, a water level near the surface, and a small lot that couldn’t support traditional systems. These issues made a standard septic solution unworkable.
To overcome these challenges, the SludgeHammer® septic system was installed. This system uses air and bacteria to clean effluent inside the septic tank, allowing for smaller pipes, drip irrigation, and eliminating the need for stone or sand. It also enabled a smaller, less intrusive mound, approved by the health department.
Have questions about SludgeHammer® or its products? Browse our most commonly asked questions to find the answers you’re looking for, or reach out to our team for more information.
SludgeHammer® systems have been rigorously tested and certified by the industry’s most elite organizations. We offer a limited lifetime warranty on all technology; however, guarantees cannot be made as we’re unable to control actual daily flows. If harmful substances are introduced to the system or if annual maintenance needs are neglected, issues can arise.
Each SludgeHammer® ABG will take approximately 2-3 hours to install.
Once installation is complete, you can expect the system to fully acclimate within 36 to 72 hours.
Provided you’re using your SludgeHammer® system within its design parameters and maintaining it in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations, your system should last indefinitely.
As with any septic system, common knowledge is key. Do not rinse or flush paint into the septic tank, don’t flush handi-wipes or non-degradable materials (including tampons) down the toilet, and ensure cleaning products such as bleach are used in small quantities.
Yes, all systems, including conventional septic systems, require consistent maintenance. SludgeHammer® systems should be maintained annually for residential systems and multi-annually for non-residential systems.
Yes, the bacteria is safe. However, avoiding contact with the eyes and handwashing are always recommended practices when handling any bacteria.