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Alderon Versa'larm used to monitor aerobic tank and pump - at InspectApedia.com and cited in this articleAerobic Septic System Alarm FAQs
Q&A on the alarm light or tone on aerobic septic system controls

Aerobic septic system alarm troublershooting questions & answers.

This article series discusses how to fix an aerobic septic system alarm that won't shut off, as well as other problems that occur in aerobic septic systems, also known as aeration septic systems or fine-bubble septic aerators.

InspectAPedia tolerates no conflicts of interest. We have no relationship with advertisers, products, or services discussed at this website.

Aerobic Treatment Unit Alarm FAQs

Norweco aerobic septic system control panel and alarm lights & reset button - adapted from Norweco and cited in detail at InspectApedia.comThese questions & answers about de-coding the meaing of various alarms on aerobic septic systems controls, pumps, equipment were posted originally at AEROBIC SEPTIC ALARM SYSTEMS - be sure to check the advice given there.

Illustration at page top: Alderon's Versa'larm™ I/O that can be used to monitor aerobic septic system effluluent levels & pump operation. We give information about this pump and include company contact information.

[Click to enlarge any image]

Sketch: adapted from Norweco's aerobic septic system manual - the control panel showing alarm light and reset button and other controls; the company produces other models of controls and aerobic septic system components.

Contact information for Norweco as well as other septic system alarms is given

at AEROBIC SEPTIC ALARM SYSTEMS

and at SEPTIC PUMP ALARM SYSTEMS

On 2021-01-20 - by (mod) -

I would start by checking the actual liquid level in the sump pit to see if it is in fact correctly turning on the alarm. If so the outlet may be blocked or you may have a bad check valve.

On 2021-01-20 by Crystal

New effluent pump and two new floats but alarm still on

On 2020-08-31 by (mod) - ServicePro 801P septic alarm is a Norweco product.

Helene, Your ServicePro 801P septic alarm is a Norweco product.

From which we excerpt:
"In the event of an alarm condition from the Singulair system, and up to three separate auxiliary treatment components, the registered service provider is automatically notified. Notification of the alarm condition continues automatically every 48 hours until the alarm condition is corrected. "

Typically a pump failure or high water condition sets off the alarm.


See details about your control at inspectapedia.com/septic/Norweco-Service-Pro-Specifications.pdf

Norweco ServicePro 801P guide at InspectApedia.com

On 2020-08-31 by Helene - Norweco Service PRo red alarm light on

What’s the problem ?

On 2019-05-05 by Matt

Compressor rebuild kit worked! $85 and about half an hour to install it. Running perfectly now.

On 2019-05-02 - by (mod) -

Thank you for the follow-up
do keep me posted

On 2019-05-01 by Matt

Turns out the compressor is not working. Needs a rebuild kit. I have a Hiblow HP80-018. The safety screw inside it broke, which means the diaphragm/s have ruptured. Ordered the rebuild kit for it. Hopefully that is the only remaining issue.

On 2019-04-30 by Anonymous

Thanks for the input. I will check the power to the pump and the switch today when I get home, and go from there.

On 2019-04-30 by (mod) - My septic alarm came on randomly.

Matt

Well you certainly get my Applause for thinking for yourself and not just throwing money at this problem based on what you suggest was a superficial and careless diagnosis by someone who was themselves perhaps being a bit hasty.

Now with all of that griping aside, you found at least the symptom of a problem in the burned connector.

Typically when a connector chars or Burns it's from an overcurrent which in turn could be caused by a short in the wiring or by a seized pump motor. I would inspect the wiring or tested, and if the wiring is intact then check the pump control switch and then pursue the pump motor..

On 2019-04-30 by Matt

My alarm came on randomly. Turned the buzzer off and the light is still on. Had the septic company come to take a look at it. They said it was something in the control box and that they needed to replace the whole box for $1100. I called bs. So I looked at the schematic and thought it might be the air switch.

I unplugged the air switch and it had a black/charred spade connector. So I replaced the air switch bc I thought I was fried. Didn't fix the issue. Think it might be the air pump. It doesn't seem to be running. No loose connections to it. Could it have gotten fried in a thunderstorm? Any other ideas??

On 2020-05-07 - by (mod) - rotten egg smell

Well if you were disinfection system is not working that could explain the sewer gas smell

See details of tracking down rotten egg smells

at ODORS, SULPHUR SMELL SOURCES

On 2020-05-06 by GARY D

My aerobic system seems to be working fine, but my chlorinator (liquid type only) was full when I wend to pour in the monthly bleach.

I opened all 4 green lids and the pump tank is empty and the sprinklers are working fine. Then today, I noticed a rotten egg smell throughout the house.

The aqua-aire system is less than 3 years old and I had it pumped out last summer...any ideas?

On 2020-05-02 - by (mod) - aerobic sprinkler head leak diagnosis

No, Brandon, when the sprinklers are "off", the head should stop flowing, or at most, after a small residual volume of water in the head and effluent pipe serving the head trickles out for a minute or so the head should stop.

If the aerobic head continues to leak, I suspect that effluent is siphoning by gravity and/or there is a defective valve or check valve in the system.

On 2020-05-02 by Brandon

I have an aerobic system, less than a year old. When it’s not pumping I have 1 sprinkler head that just trickles all the time. Is this normal? It never dries out and has become pretty nasty

On 2019-04-06 by (mod) - rebuild kit for Aqua Aire AA500 pump that the compressor is running all the time.

Sorry, Tim, but to protect reader trust we don't sell anything. No products not services.

Did you try contacting the manufacturer directly?

See AEROBIC SEPTIC SYSTEM ATU SUPPLIERS & MANUALS

On 2019-04-06 by Tim

I have an Aqua Aire AA500 pump that the compressor is running all the time. The alarm is going off so I turned it off. I checked the air pressure coming out of the pump on both sides and the air line going to the electrical box.

There is no pressure coming out of the pump. I'm looking for a rebuild kit to replace both diaphragms but I'm not sure which kit to buy because none of them show the AA500 pump. The troubleshooting also states the compressor will shut off if the diaphragms are bad but mine is running constantly.

My light must be burnt out too because there is no light on but the alarm is going off. Is the bulb replaced from inside the cover or do I need to remove the plastic lens to replace the bulb? Also, do you have the bulb part number and rebuild kit number for the AA500 pump?
Thanks
Tim

On 2019-01-15 by Anonymous

Who works on aerobic systems near Tahlaquah Ok. area?

On 2018-11-18 by (mod) - decoding the light codes on septic alarms - model and brand dependent

Ger

The meaning of light codes on an alarm is brand and model dependent. But I am guessing that your septic effluent pump may be in need of repair. In a dual pump system if you are running on the backup unit that might turn on a warning light.

On 2018-11-17 by Germaine - yellow warning light just came on.

My yellow warning light just came on. I have no clue. I test thensprinklers they work. I test the other 2 buttons in hear nothing.

On 2018-10-14 by (mod) -

the pump is not working or the waste water level is abnormally High

On 2018-10-13 by Chuck

What does red light with no alarm mean on the septic box mean?

On 2018-10-13 by (mod) - High water alarm isn’t buzzing

Chris

I don't have a clear understanding of the issue.

If the float turns on the sprinklers when it should I agree that that control and switch are obviously working.

Why then would the high water alarm be sounding or why should it sound?

If on the other hand you are seeing the sprinklers on but water abnormally high in the chamber, is there not a second float that activates the alarm?

And let's diagnose, if that's the case, why the wastewater level is abnormally high.

On 2018-10-13 1 by Chris

MY High water alarm isn’t buzzing , but high water alarm float is working once the water level rises by spraying water out sprinklers like it’s supposed to. I am thinking it may just have a bad connection inside the aerobic tank where the installers spliced the wires placing wire nuts. Any thoughts?

On 2018-08-04 by (mod) - NORWECO Singular Aerator and Submersible Pump Control Panel

I would start with help from an electrician. You want some testing to determine if the problem is a shorting motor or a problem with the wiring itself. Be sure to do that before replacing anything or you may find you have replaced the wrong components.

On 2018-08-03 by Ronnie

I have a NORWECO Singular Aerator and Submersible Pump Control Panel installed in 2004 and the singular breaker is popping off and the Aerator Breaker is popping off as well.

If you let them off for a little bit they will reset for a short period of time. Is there a simple fix or a total replacement.

On 2017-08-02 by (mod) - re-set Norweco Aerator Alarm

JR- Typically an alarm has to be re-set; at NORWECO, Inc. see the Norweco Aerobic septic manuals and also see the company contact information there and

at AEROBIC SEPTIC SYSTEM ATU SUPPLIERS & MANUALS

On 2017-08-02 by JR Contreras - NORWECO BIO-KINETIC aerator shut down

My NORWECO BIO-KINETIC aerator shut down because of high water reaching the foam restrictor. Alarm set off, red light on on unit. The cause fixed. The installer claims that water will have to recede before aerator starts again. Do I have to wait?

On 2017-04-12 by Jackie Hall - aerobic system and the red light is staying on

I have a aerobic system and the red light is staying on. The aerator is working and the pump that sends the water out to the heads is working. I have cleaned and blew the inside of the motor out, cleaned filter and the red light is still on. What's next

On 2018-03-12 by (mod) - septic alarm won't shut off

Albert

When a septic alarm won't shut off and we have no other information, I am left giving only general lists of things to check.

I would be glad to research further if you can - tell me the brand and model of septic pump and alarm installed along with any other descriptive information about your septic system that is handy, and perhaps Use the "Add Image" button next to the Comment button to show me a photo or two of the actual alarm box.

On 2018-03-12 by Albert - My system alarm stays on

My system alarm stays on even when i resrt it what should i check i did pump out the second tank same results

On 2018-02-25 by (mod) -

Penfield,

Perhaps if you give your country, state or province, and city, a suitable local expert can contact you. The issue you describe is not one that can be diagnosed reliably by telephone nor email as you need an onsite expert to take a look at the tank, controls, etc.

I'd expect your contractor to start by examining the sewage level in the tank and the condition of the float control and alarm.

Let me know what you're told and I may be able to suggest more-detailed follow-up questions.

On 2018-02-25 by Penfield Brown

I had my outdoor pump rebuilt about 18 months ago. Then, in October 2017, I had both chambers of my trash tank drained, which extintiguished the alarm. About two weeks ago, the alarm came on again.

The guy that rebuilt the outdoor pump looked at my system and could no determine the cause of the problem. I've called the original installer of my ATU with no reply. I need to resolve this issue immediately and do not want waste backing up into my home. Please, call or email me at 478-319-1742 or penfieldbrown@gmail.com with a POC that i can hire to fix this issue.

(June 5, 2014) David said: - The alarm on my aerobic system went off. Fixed a bad aerator diaphragm

The alarm on my aerobic system went off. After seeing the person give me a rebuilt aerator a few years back I did some research.

It was the diaphragm inside the aerator that went bad

. I replaced it and the alarm and light went off. It works now as it is humming. I noticed it Monday afternoon and fixed it yesterday. My question is, should my sprinkler system should have kept going off and if not, how long does it take for it to start going back off?

Reply:

Nice going on fixing the aerator pump diaphraghm, David.

The sprinkler pump for disposing of aerobic septic system effluent is a physically separate pump that is normally controlled by a float switch or a timer. It should be working. Check the effluent level and the pump float switch or timer.

On 2017-01-08 by (mod) - high water alarm for aerobic system

Suggests a backup, clog, or frozen line.

On 2017-01-08 by roland

high water alarm on what to look for aerobic system just had cleaned @ 2 years back

On 2016-11-08 by (mod) - red light on septic alarm box

Kim

I don't know what brand and model of aerobic septic system you have installed, but all of the installation and operating manuals for aerobic septics include a table describing the meaning of various lights, warnings, alarms, and controls. That's what we need.

Typically a red light goes on to tell you that the tank is at abnormal sewage level and that service or repair is needed. Your system may be operating on a backup secondary pump but I'd call a local aerobic septic company for service.

Ask also for an outline or tour of just what you have installed, and if you don't know the brand and model you need help finding that so that you can find what the manufacturer says you're supposed to do to maintain the system working properly.

On 2016-11-06 by Kim rosa

Bought house feb 2016. Now red light went off on control box. Silenced the alarm flip the 1st switch down causing the light to turn off. Does that mean the pump is working again.
I have an aerobic system. Just bought the house in february 2016.

Red light went off. Silenced the alarm . check the tank on the outside where as there was a little bit of waste on the ground with a ful smell. The other tanks were dry on the outside. switch the first switch down which caused the light to turn off . does that mean the pump started running again?

Question: red warning light on the aerator; septic alarm sounds

(Mar 18, 2016) Carlos said:
Red light on aeration problem what can be wrong

(July 2, 2016) Anonymous said:
In the on position, the alarm sounds. In the off position, the alarm is silent but the Red light is on. My
maintenance company does not know the reason for this because the toilet is not backing up. The system does not need pumping. Do you have any suggestions?

Reply: 600n Clearstream system and the alarm has gone off several times

Carlos:

I agree that the light probably means something's wrong, but without the brand, model, and service manual and where the light is located, any guess would be wild speculation. Typically warning lights on aerobic systems tell you that the pump is not working or that the sewage level is abnormally high.

Anonymous:

I think we need to start by identifying the brand and model and serial number of the septic alarm; that'll take us to the operation manual and answer the question more reliably than my mere arm-waving.

Perk Field:

This may help you with details

CLEARSTREAM AEROBIC SEPTIC SYSTEM OWNERS MANUAL [PDF] Models 500NS - 1500N

On 2017-12-10 by Perk Field and Pump Allighment

Hello, I have a 600n Clearstream system and the alarm has gone off several times. I had it pumped and troubleshooting was attempted.

I have now taken it into my own hands. The timer was set to 10 mins on and 8 hours off. Its now on constantly. Still not working. Valve alignment appears to be the problem based on his good working system. It seems to be working better now but it still can't keep up.

My question is what should the valve alignment be and what should the pressure be on the 2 gauges?

I've spent 1500 in pumping in 4 months. My military check cant keep up with this tempo.

On 2017-08-20 by (mod) - My red alarm light came on but no beeping.

The pump on an aerobic system is typically "blowing" air through an aerator in the tank.

Perhaps if you know the brand and model of your system we can check the installation and operation manual where we'll find a decoder for error lights.

The switch is probably telling you the pump is working or that it's working against backpressure.

On 2017-08-20 by Steve

My red alarm light came on but no beeping. After checking the air pressure switch by unplugging it, the light goes off. Disconnecting the pressure hose made no difference. To test the pressure switch, is it supposed to be sucking or blowing a minimum of 1psi out of the 1/8" clear hose? Can I pressure test the switch?

On 2017-06-20 by Jay Hollingsworth - aerobic septic alarm light has been on

My aerobic septic alarm light has been on and after a filter cleaning (I was told that should fix it) it hasn't gone off. I had a company come troubleshoot and said because I have a leaking toilet (small consistant leak) I will need my aerobic tank pumped. I believe he said the sludge has been forced into the wrong tank and there is no fix other than pumping. Can this be true and is there any alternative to a $400+ pumping bill?

On 2017-06-07 by (mod) - flooded septic fields sets off alarm

Chris,

Surface or subsurface runoff that leaks into the septic tank or into the drainfield will guarantee that the system will not work. Flooding the soil means that the effluent will not be treated and flooding the tank risks as sewage backup into the house.

The right fix for this problem is to find the water source and directed away from the septic tank. Very modest water leaks into the top of a septic tank might reasonably be dealt with by ceiling those leaks or openings but significant water entering the tank needs to be intercepted and routed away.

A backflow preventer would not prevent this problem since you would still be flooding the drainfield

On 2017-06-07 by Chris

Hey, I had my aerobic septic system pumped on May 31st. The very next day we had an extreme amount of rain that lasted through Saturday. According to my septic waste service company, there is no backflow to prevent rain water from flowing into the tank and filling I up.

I have 2 questions:

1) can that overflow cause my alarm to go off and will the alarm reset as the water flows back out.

2) can I DIY a back flow on my Effluent pipe by the ditch for future overflow prevention?

On 2017-05-23 by (mod) - aerobic septic alarm going off, septic pump off

Anon:

I'm a bit worried that rainfall is flooding a pumping chamber, causing high water levels and of course that's not good for the septic system. You'll need to look into the pumping chamber to see the wastewater levels there.

On 2017-05-23 by Anonymous

My alarm is going off on my aerator system float was changed out four months ago. Alarm is going off after heavy rain but should the pump be on because it's not and how can I figure out if it's a bad pump or diaphragms inside?

Pump is around 10 years old we had the tank pumped before we moved in August 2016. Float was replaced in November 2016. Its may 2017. I think it's the pump but how can I tell what pvc pipe to look down to see if anything is blocked or if my pump is bad.

My wife noticed the alarm going off pump off and I turn the break off then back and and it was working alarm went off later not sure when probably after the rain. Fuse is good inside my box.


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