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AEROBIC Septic System Maintenance Procedures
- POST a QUESTION or COMMENT about how to maintain aerobic septic systems or ATUs
Aerobic septic system maintenance and cleaning procedures: maintenance Guide for Fine bubble aeration septic systems.
This ATU system article series provides designs and products for aerobic septic treatment units (ATUs) for onsite waste disposal, also called fine bubble aeration systems. We address aerobic septic system design, features, inspection, repair, and maintenance. Product sources are also listed.
InspectAPedia tolerates no conflicts of interest. We have no relationship with advertisers, products, or services discussed at this website.
AEROBIC Septic System Maintenance Procedures & Products
Maintenance of Aerobic Septic Systems - How to Care for An ATU
You can reduce problems with your ATU and extend the system life by performing basic maintenance. Also see ATU Suppliers.
[Click to enlarge any image]
Homeowners can reduce the operating cost of any septic system by conserving water use.
An aerobic system retrofit may also extend the life of a drainfield - but be sure to read the caveats described in the next section on using an ATU to extend drainfield life.
- Disinfection of septic effluent: use the proper disinfection tablets and use them on the schedule
recommended by your system designer.
Disinfectants are discussed just above. Typically the disinfection\ tablets are added to the system through a PVC pipe that extends above ground level and which has a removable cap. Depending on the design of your system, several tablets may be placed into a tube located inside this pipe.
Don't put in more tablets than the instructions say, since doing so may cause them to break down prematurely and thus not to be dispensed at the proper rate - you'll actually end up wasting tablets and money. Check the condition of your aerobic septic system disinfection tablets monthly. - Proper Tablets Use only the proper type of aerobic or aeration septic system disinfection tablets
in order to avoid contaminating the environment (the system may discharge insufficiently treated septic effluent and thus
pathogens into the soil and groundwater) and to avoid violation of federal law.
See AEROBIC Septic System Disinfection with Calcium Hypochlorite
and AEROBIC Septic System Disinfection with Chlorine Tablets for details. - Aerobic Treatment Unit Pumps Inspect the aerobic aeration pump monthly when you're checking the disinfectant tablets. If the pump motor is making a strange noise (or worse, has stopped working) you need repair service promptly. If your aerobic system uses a timer for pump control, make sure that device is working and has power before attacking a pump that's "not working".
- Protect from Insect Damage In some areas (such as parts of Texas) insects can damage the aerator system and void your warranty. Dulworth Septic Systems in Texas recommends putting ant poison around the aerator compartment.
- Protect from Vehicle Damage Do not drive over the septic system nor any of its components - you may damage or destroy the system. Keep grass mowed to avoid blocking or jamming components or interfering with evaporation from the absorption system.
- Aerobic Treatment Maintenance Contracts Use and maintain an aerobic treatment unit maintenance service if you are not able to reliably and properly care for your system. Studies (West Virginia) demonstrated that a high failure rate for aerobic treatment systems was due to lack of proper maintenance.
- Watch out: Check the safety of the septic system access covers: to prevent someone, adult or child, from falling into the septic tank, the covers of all of the tank's access ports must be securely fixed such that they cannot be opened by children.
At SEPTIC TANK ACCIDENT REPORTS we report decades of very serious events where septic system covers have not been secure.
http://www.ahc.sa.gov.au/site/page.cfm?u=815 Adelaide Hills Council, Australia
Using an Aerobic System to Extend the Life of a Drainfield
An aerobic system might be retrofitted to a conventional septic system in an attempt to extend the life of a conventional drainfield. Also, adding aeration or oxygen to a septic system may boost aerobic bacterial action in the biomat, improving the drainfield function. But it's not quite that simple.
We would look closely at any proposals to make this "improvement" to a conventional septic system. One reader wrote that their installer wanted to simply install an aerator in the original one-compartment septic tank.
Our opinion was that unless a settlement chamber or tank outlet filter were installed the result of aeration and agitation in the primary single-chamber septic tank would be to push suspended solids out into the drain field where it would be clogged quite rapidly.
While there are a number of interesting pre-packaged advanced wastewater treatment systems on the market, a web search (in 2005 and again in 2006) does not turn up much on installation, operating, or repair costs.
The manufacturers argue that each site is unique so installation costs vary. OPINION: we suspect that as with any costly but necessary product, some vendors just don't want to give the bad news up front. When we collect more explicit septic system failure and maintenance cost data we will post it at this website.
See details at AEROBIC SEPTIC SYSTEM MAINTENANCE COSTS
See also SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANTS, RESIDENTIAL
Aerobic Treatment Unit ATU Maintenance Tasks & Schedule Chart
Below we quote an adapted version of Clearstream Wastewater System Inc.s List of Aerobic Treatment Unit ATU Maintenance Requirements & Schedule, rearranged to list items in order of frequency.
Clearstream & Other Aerobic Septic System ATU Maintenance Schedule, Tasks, & Costs [1] |
|||
| Maintenance Task | Schedule in order of frequency |
Typical cost [2][3] | Comments |
Sand filter & other ATUs in Australia Check blowers, contact media, pipework, valves, diffusers, effluent clarity, sludge return, removal of excess scum, pump operation, supply of chlorine tablets |
Every 3 months | or as recommended by the manufacturer's service manual [3] |
|
| Check surge control weir | Every 6 months | Varies by state. Florida:$200./yr maintenance + $50./yr permit Texas: $200 - $600./ year |
Free from the manufacturer for the first two years of operation [2]. |
| Clean aerator filters | Every 6 months to 2 years | In our OPINION, new ATU owners should first perform maintenance on the earliest recommended schedule. Depending on observations made at that time and provided that system usage level does not change, you may be able to extend out the service interval to longer periods. |
|
| Break up clarifier scum | Every 6 months to 2 years | ||
| Clean aeration diffuser | Annually | ||
| Pump sludge from aeration tank | Every 2 - 5 years | $250.+./ per pumpout; | Some readers report pumpout required every 6-months. Australia government recommends tank pumpout every 4 years or more often depending on the permit's specifications. |
| Pump sludge from trash trap | Every 2 - 5 years | $535. ? | Reported by FL reader to clear clogs & system backup |
| Repair or replace aerator | Every 2 - 10 years | $350. - $750. + labor, depending on pump model & components | |
| Additional aerobic septic system steps & costs | |||
| Check, replenish, install disinfectant tablets or chemical | Monthly | $200-$200. / year | See AEROBIC SEPTIC DISINFECTANTS - Calcium Hypochlorite |
| Check, repair effluent disposal spray heads for above-ground disposal systems | Every 4 months | see AEROBIC SEPTIC SYSTEM MAINTENANCE COSTS | See AEROBIC SEPTIC EFFLUENT SPRAY HEAD REPAIR |
| Aerobic septic alarm test | Every 4 months | 0 | See AEROBIC SEPTIC ALARM SYSTEMS |
Notes to the table above
- Aerobic Septic Systems Installation, Operation, & Maintenance Manuals
- [1] Clearstream ATU website, retrieved 3/21/2013, original source: http://www.clearstreamsystems.com/service.asp . The company includes this important ATU maintenance notice:
- [2] For the first two years form the date of purchase, your local installer, from whom you purchased your Clearstream System, will inspect your system on a routine basis for operational problems.
- Service on Clearstream electrical and mechanical components will be performed at no charge, if such components are found to be defective. After the termination of the guaranteed service period, your local installer will make available a service policy for a nominal fee.
- [3] Costs for ATU maintenance tasks are gleaned from reader email and a survey of septic maintenance company websites performed through September 2015.
- CLEARSTREAM AEROBIC SEPTIC SYSTEM OWNERS MANUAL [PDF] Models 500NS - 1500N Owners Manual, Parts List, Flow Diagram, Installation Instructions, Design Drawings, Specifications, Service Policy, Warranty, Clearstream Systems, retrieved 2018/03/13, original source: https://www.clearstreamsystems.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/N_Book.pdf
- HOOT AEROBIC SEPTIC TROUBLESHOOTING
- HOOT Septic Systems Homeowners Manual for the H-Series IPA & EPA NPDES Systems for Ohio [PDF], HOOT Systems LLC, 2885 Highway 14E, Lake Charles LA 70607 USA, Tel: 888-878-HOOT, Website: wwwhootsystems.com retrieved 2018/03/13, original source: http://www.odh.ohio.gov/~/media/ODH/ASSETS/files/eh/sts/p-hoot-npdesownman
- Hoot Models H-500-NPDES, H750-NPDES, H1000-NPDES MANUYAL - or give Hoot a call at 888 878 HOOT or see their website www.hootsystems.com
- NESC, AEROBIC TREATMENT UNITS: An Alternative Septic System [PDF]. Pipelines, Vol. 16 No. 3 2005, NESC, West Virginia University, retrieved 2018/03/13, original source: http://www.nesc.wvu.edu/pdf/WW/publications/pipline/PL_SU05.pdf
Excerpt:
Aerobic systems treat wastewater using natural processes that require oxygen. Bacteria that thrive in oxygen-rich environments break down and digest the wastewater inside the aerobic treatment unit as they are suspended in the liquid. - Oklahoma DEQ, AEROBIC SEWAGE TREATMENT SYSTEM MANUAL [PDF], Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality, P.O. Box 1677 Oklahoma City, OK 73101-1677 USA Tel:(405) retrieved 2018/03/13, original source: http://www.deq.state.ok.us/eclsnew/Fact%20Sheets%20ECLS/System%20Fact%20Sheets/Aerobic.pdf
See specifics at AEROBIC SEPTIC SYSTEM MAINTENANCE COSTS
and at AEROBIC ATU SEPTIC FAILURE RATES, COSTS
Also see installation and maintenance and test instructions
at AEROBIC SEPTIC ALARM SYSTEMS
Reader Comments, Questions & Answers About The Article Above
Below you will find questions and answers previously posted on this page at its page bottom reader comment box.
Reader Q&A - also see RECOMMENDED ARTICLES & FAQs
Common Reader Question: Yellow air pump warning light on for aerobic septic system.
(May 30, 2015) Jay Rennie said:
Yellow air pump warning light on for aerobic septic system. The pump is pumping air.
How do you check/clean (unclog) the diffuser aeration line and diffuser? (3 tank system, with above ground aeration pump)
Moderator reply: response to aerobic system alarm lights or sounds
Jay
The yellow light on your aerobic septic system control means that there is a problem with the aeration system - just as you suspect.
A red light on the aerobic septic system is a high-water alarm that's critical since it means that either an outlet is blocked or an effluent pump is failing, leading to a sewage backup.
You may also hear an audible alarm on your aerobic controlbox, usually a shrieking whistle or a buzz.
Details of just what to do to fix the problem causing the aerobic septic alarm to sound are found
at AEROBIC SEPTIC ALARM SYSTEMS
Please look there and don't hesitate to ask follow-up questions.
...
Continue reading at AEROBIC SEPTIC SYSTEM MAINTENANCE COSTS or select a topic from the closely-related articles below, or see the complete ARTICLE INDEX.
Or see these
Recommended Articles
- AEROBIC SEPTIC SYSTEMS, ATUs - home page for Aerobic Septic Systems
- AEROBIC SEPTIC ALARM SYSTEMS - how to silence & troubleshoot
- AEROBIC SEPTIC FILTER CLOGGING
- AEROBIC ATU SEPTIC FAILURE RATES, COSTS
- AEROBIC SEPTIC SYSTEM ATU SUPPLIERS & MANUALS
- AEROBIC SEPTIC SYSTEM MAINTENANCE COSTS
- AEROBIC ATU SEPTIC OPERATING COSTS
- AEROBIC ATU SEPTIC PROBLEMS
- AEROBIC ATU SEPTIC MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES
- HOOT AEROBIC SEPTIC TROUBLESHOOTING
- SEPTIC DRAINFIELD FAILURE CAUSES
- SEPTIC SYSTEM ODORS
- SEPTIC TANK PUMPING SCHEDULE
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AEROBIC ATU SEPTIC MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES at InspectApedia.com - online encyclopedia of building & environmental inspection, testing, diagnosis, repair, & problem prevention advice.
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INDEX to RELATED ARTICLES: ARTICLE INDEX to SEPTIC SYSTEMS
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Citations & References
In addition to any citations in the article above, a full list is available on request.
- [1] Septic Solutions, McKinney Texas, "Aerobic Septic System Installation & Maintenance in Collin County, Texas", Septic Solutions, 3380 East University Drive, McKinney, Texas 75069. Office: 214 733-8883, Website: http://www.septicsolutionstexas.com retrieved 2 September 2015
- New York State Department of Health, APPENDIX 75-A WASTEWATER TREATMENT STANDARDS - INDIVIDUAL HOUSEHOLD SYSTEMS , [PDF] New York State Department of Health, 3 February 2010, retrieved 3/1/2010, original source: https://www.health.ny.gov/regulations/nycrr/title_10/part_75/appendix_75-a.htm
- AEROBIC Septic System Disinfection with Calcium Hypochlorite - Use of calcium hypochlorite tablets for aerobic septic systems
- [2] Clearstream Wastewater Systems, Inc. , 4899 US Hwy 69 South, Lumberton, Texas 77657, Tel: 800-586-3656, Website: http://www.clearstreamsystems.com. Quoting the company's warranty retrieved 3/21/2013:
The Clearstream System has a two-year limited warranty against defects in material and workmanship from the date of purchase. The system and/or its components will be repaired or replaced with new or rebuilt equals to the original equipment, if all installation, operation and maintenance instructions of the manufacturer have been adhered to. - [3] "Maintenance of aerobic wastewater systems", Wastewater Management, Public Health SA System, 1st Floor, Citi Centre Building, 11 Hindmarsh Sq., Adelaide SA 5000, PO BOx 6, Adelaide SA 5000, Email: public.health@health.sa.gov.au, Web: www.health.sa.gov.au/pehs/environ- health-index.htm [copy on file as Aerobic_Septic_Maintenance-Australia.pdf]
- "International Private Sewage Disposal Code," 1995, BOCA-708-799-2300, ICBO-310-699-0541, SBCCI 205-591-1853, available from those code associations.
- "Manual of Policy, Procedures, and Guidelines for Onsite Sewage Systems," Ontario Reg. 374/81, Part VII of the Environmental Protection Act (Canada), ISBN 0-7743-7303-2, Ministry of the Environment,135 St. Clair Ave. West, Toronto Ontario M4V 1P5 Canada $24. CDN.
- Manual of Septic Tank Practice, US Public Health Service's 1959.
- In addition to citations & references found in this article, see the research citations given at the end of the related articles found at our suggested
CONTINUE READING or RECOMMENDED ARTICLES.
- Carson, Dunlop & Associates Ltd., 120 Carlton Street Suite 407, Toronto ON M5A 4K2. Tel: (416) 964-9415 1-800-268-7070 Email: info@carsondunlop.com. Alan Carson is a past president of ASHI, the American Society of Home Inspectors.
Thanks to Alan Carson and Bob Dunlop, for permission for InspectAPedia to use text excerpts from The HOME REFERENCE BOOK - the Encyclopedia of Homes and to use illustrations from The ILLUSTRATED HOME .
Carson Dunlop Associates provides extensive home inspection education and report writing material. In gratitude we provide links to tsome Carson Dunlop Associates products and services.
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