Aerobic septic system odor problem diagnosis:
This article series discusses problems that occur in aerobic septic systems, also known as aeration septic systems or fine-bubble septic aerators. We identify things that cause problems with or harm aerobic septic systems.
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Start diagnosing the cause of aerobic septic system odors by following these steps
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Below you will find questions and answers previously posted on this page at its page bottom reader comment box.
My sewer smell really bad i have had it pump out about 1 1/2 years ago new yeast chorine and my air pump is working what can i do - Mark 1/23/12
Mark, yeast is not a normal septic system. I would contact the manufacturer of your system and ask for their advice and for a copy of the instruction manual.
According to some expert sources [3] a slight odour from an aerobic septic system is normal but strong, persistent odors indicate that the system is not working normally.
I agree that a strong odor problem is unacceptable, not normal, and can be corrected.
(Aug 10, 2015) Sandy MacDonald said:
What can be done about fairly strong odors coming from an ATU system. Are chlorine tablets recommended? Any suggestion would be appreciated
Sandy
You need an aerobic septic system service company to take a look at your system. I would not amend the normal disinfection treatment specified for your particular system design before determining what's the actual problem. More speculation on my part, with no data about your system, would be mere arm-waving. Do keep us posted as we may be able to comment on what you're told or to suggest things to ask.
Other than an occasional mild odor right at the ATU, the system should not be stinking up the yard.
On 2020-12-23 by (mod) - Aerobic septic odor complaint
Has anyone confirmed that the aerator is properly installed and working correctly?
About running the aerator only part time rather than full time you might want to check with the manufacturer to be sure they think that's a reasonable step and that it won't interfere with the effectiveness of the treatment.
Some aerobic systems expect the aerator to run full time and may fail otherwise.
On 2020-12-22 by Alyssa
I have a Cajun Aire aerator. A few months ago, we noticed a very strong odor when it was running. Our septic company has been out multiple times in the past few weeks attempting to figure out why there is such a strong smell.
The company suggested we put it on a timer, which we have, so it's only running at night so we avoid the smell during the day. The septic company vented our septic system years ago as well. Neither we nor the company can figure out why the smell is starting now, after 16 years.
On 2020-06-04 by (mod) - diagnose and fix aerobic septic odors that occur after showering or running the washing machine
Ben: if your wastewater volume exceeds the daily limit designed into your particular aerobic septic treatment unit then the system may not be able to provide sufficient aeration and oxygen to speed the breakdown of sewage in the aerobic treatment unit tank.
The result can be odors near the septic tank or in the disposal field.
Some aerobic manufacturers specifically recommend limiting the number of washing machine loads you run per day, but of course there are also high efficiency clothes washers and dishwashers as well as low-flow toilets and shower and faucet heads, all of which can make a big reduction in your daily wastewater volume - another approach to solving the ATU odor problem.
Check with your specific aerobic septic manufacturer about the daily wastewater volume that your ATU can handle, and then estimate your actual daily wastewater flow for comparison.
WATER QUANTITY USAGE TABLES may help you make that comparison.
Also double check that you're not un-knowingly overloading your aerobic septic by a less -obvious cause such as a running toilet.
Finally: see if you can track the odor to a specific fixture drain: inadequate plumbing vents or clogged vents can cause loss of the water seal in a plumbing trap - another cause of sewage odors indoors.
See details at PLUMBING VENT BLOCKAGE ODORS
On 2020-06-04 by Ben
I get a slight odor in the house and sometimes it gets stronger after taking a shower or running the washer Machine
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