Aerobic Septic System Diagnostic FAQs

ATU Odors & Smells Q&A
ATU Aerator & Effluent Pump FAQs
ATU Failures FAQs
ATU Maintenance Q&A
ATU Sprinklers & Effluent Disperson FAQs
Index to all ATU FAQs

Aerobic Septic Odor Complaint FAQs

Tip: See complete diagnosis and repair details at AEROBIC SEPTIC ODORS & SMELLS

Aerobic septic system causing smells in bathroom?

I recently had an arobic system installed. It replaced a 35 year old conventional. Every since it was installed I get a septic smell in my bathroom after my shower.

Smells like it is coming from toilet, but not sure.

I have called and had the installers come out a couple of times.

They cannot find anything wrong. Something is not right. Please help. On 2016-09-30 by Jennifer

by (mod) Smell from aerobic SYSTEM

Jennifer:

Changing the septic treatment and effluent disposal system ought not change what odors show up in a shower though like you I'm not a believer in coincidences. Perhaps the plumbing vent system is defective - leaking, incomplete, blocked - and perhaps the new system piping is allowing more sewer gases than previously to return up the sewer piping system.

I'd ask that an expert who knows the specific design requirements and maintenance requirements of your new aerobic system inspect that installation, and I'd ask for help from an experienced plumber to check out the drain and vent piping.

Aerobic septic making rotten egg smell in house?

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 2020-05-06 by GARY D

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

Aerobic septic smells - the plumbing vent ends in the attic?

I have aerobic septic. I have been having sewer gas smells in the house for about 5 months off and on....went into attic today and the master bathroom vent pipe extends into the attic and stops. the other 2 vent pipes in the attic extend through the roof...Is it ok to vent to attic? On 2020-07-25 by MikeR

Reply by (mod) - plumbing vents must extend to outside, not terminate in the attic

A building plumbing vent system should extend above the level of the surface of the roof and may not terminate or "end" inside the attic. Doing so not only causes sewer smells and possible health hazards, but also potentially accumulates explosive methane gas inside the building.

Tri State Jet aerobic system. Bad smell blamed on Aerobic septic system: No it's a dangerous propane leak?

I have a Tri State Jet aerobic system. We at first thought we had a propane leak, because of the rotten egg odor indoors, but after turning off the propane and bleeding off the remaining gas the smell persists.

So I just used a gas detector to check my propane connections and no alarm. Just by chance I decided to use the detector on our sinks and bathtub drains.

The detector alarm went crazy. The smell is so bad we have to keep the windows and doors open, except for the screen door of course which we just open the window on it. Is my guess that methane is coming up the drain pipes possible?

I've contacted the local Tri State Jet company and am awaiting a call back. And of course when I initially called and told what we are smelling they try to tell me I have a propane leak. Hopefully they will get back to me soon because this can't be safe or healthy. Any thoughts on what else I can do? On 2019-04-23 by Dale -

by (mod) - rotten egg odors at drains - not a propane leak & probably not the aerobic system

Dale,

It is common for a combustible gas analyzer - most of them are very sensitive to many gases - to go crazy at a sink, tub, or shower drain; that itself does not explain a sulphur odor indoors since drains contain bacteria and gases and will set off the detector in many situations.

Watch out: however: if the drain traps are also dry - venting sewer gases into the building that not only can explain a rotten-egg or sulphur smell, it also means there is risk of a dangerous methane gas explosion.

A propane leak does not normally show up at building drains - that diagnosis sounds off to me.

When your primary apparent-odor-source is at building drains I do not start by assuming that the problem is with the aerobic septic treatment unit. The problem is more-likely to be a plumbing venting problem.

See SEWER GAS ODORS

and also

see SEWAGE ODOR SOURCE LOCATION

for detailed help.

Aerobic Septic System Aerator Pump FAQs

Tip: See AEROBIC SEPTIC AERATOR PUMP PROBLEMS

In an aerobic septic system, is the agitator running 100% of the time?

With an aerobic agitator system, is the agitator running 100% of the time? Can you give me a general figure as to power consumption ? On 2019-02-02 by Brent

by (mod) - the aerator pump runs continuously in most aerobic septic system designs

In most designs, yes the aerator pump runs continuously.

Aerobic pumps use very little electricity.

Example: The Cyclone SSX80 Aerobic Septic Pump aerator pump uses a 120VAC 60 cycle motor drawing 1.9A or consuming 92 Watts/hour.

E(kWh/day) = P(W) × t(h/day) / 1000(W/kW)

Running 92W/hr x 24-hours/day = 2208 watt-hours/day - that's 2.208 KWH or kilowatt hours.

Using a typical energy cost from Minnesota as an example:
Energy Charge per kWh is $0.04711

That's $1.04 U.S. / day of operation or about $380. / year

What's causing a humming noise from the aeration pump

I have had my tank pumped and a new aeration pump installed recently.

There is now a loud humming noise inside my house. I have always been able to hear the pump outside, but never inside. The company that did the install said they don't know why it is making the noise inside and that there is nothing they can do. Any suggestions? (Sept 23, 2015) Debbie

Reply:

"Nothing we can do" is a pretty maddening reply, I agree. You want to know at the very least if this sound is actually normal or does it indicate an operating problem? If it's normal, why didn't you hear it before? Is this a different brand or model of ATU pump?

Make a note of the pump brand and model, then give the manufacturer a call to ask an opinion.

Also search InspectApedia HUMMING NOISE DIAGNOSIS where you'll find some notes about noise transmission through piping, vibrating motors or mounts, or failing motors.

A more generous and helpful plumber can

- confirm that the pump is working properly - increased pump noise could indicate a bearing or mounting problem

- install a sound-isolating plumbing fitting or connection on piping connecting the pumping chamber or tank top the building

Diaphragm replacement on an aerator pump for aerobic septic systems

Great site. Can you tell me how often the diaphragm need to be replaced on the aerator for a clear stream system? Currently we are having to replace it every two years. 2016/08/11 Rick

Reply:

Rick,

To have space for a detailed reply I repeat your question and answer it at

AEROBIC SEPTIC SYSTEM MAINTENANCE: Clearstream ATUs

Please take a look and let me know what happens.

Our aerobic septic system is making a gurgling noise underground - blowing air into the soil?

We have a gurgling aerator. It appears that the gurgling occurs in the ground, in a area just before the tank.

As if the aerator was now suddenly aerating the ground instead of the contents of the tank. What could be causing this? On 2012-10-09 by Bates

Reply by (mod) -

Bates,

The aerator pump is normally in the aerobic septic system treatment tank and sends its bubbling air up through the wastewater and sewage in the tank.

It's worth uncovering your system to inspect the pump and its piping connections.

What's the age of my aerobic septic pump & effect of leaky spray heads

I have three questions.

1. How can you determine the age of a aerobic tank pump?

2. What is the effect of not repairing leaking spray heads?

3. What is the effect of not putting spliced wires when installing a new pump in the junction box? On 2016-10-23 by Brenda

Reply by (mod) -

Brenda:

1. Age of septic pump: installation & maintenance records, a note on the pump manual, or the month and year of manufacture encoded in the pump motor data tag

2. Not repairing leaky spray heads: failure of the system to properly disperse septic effluent, system failure, wet areas of inadequately-treated sewage effluent, site contamination, inadequate system pressure and thus inadequate dispersal flow of sprayed effluent, system failure

3. Unclear question. Perhaps you refer to risk of electrical short circuit, risking fatal electrocution hazards

Where to get a rebuild kit for Aqua Aire AA500 pump - the compressor is running all the time.

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? - On 2019-04-06 by Tim

by (mod) -

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

If we fix a broken aerobic septic air pump will the system start working again?

I was noticing that my aerobic air pump was getting pretty noisy to I pulled the cover and inspected it.

Found the coupling to the air injection line had come off. So, I reconnected it.

Now we are getting that raw sewage smell for the vent telling me that our aerobic tank had not been getting air and had gone anaerobic.

What do we need to do at this point?

If we just let it run will the bacteria start digesting again or should we assume the aerobic bacteria are dead and it needs to be pumped out? On 2022-08-24 by Marc

by InspectApedia-911 (mod) - will the bacteria start digesting again or should we assume the aerobic bacteria are dead

@Marc,

Basically, there is usually sufficient bacteria in a septic tank that all that's needed is sufficient oxygen go get it going.

But for a scientifically exactly correct answer I have to hedge: You ask a great question but not one we can answer as we have no objective data whatsoever about the size, design details, or conditions in your aerobic septic tank.

For example, if the septic tank is overloaded with nearly-solid sewage, just fixing the aerator wnon't be enough.

An option would be to have the tank opened and cleaned now, so as to get a fresh start now that you've fixed the air pump.

That's what I would do. That service minimizes risk to the rest of the electrical system and may be overdue anyway.

Aerobic septic pumps keep failing every 6 months

My pumps keep failing every 6 months and have to be replaced. When I remove them they are totally corroded with a barnacle like organism all over the pump.

This last pump only lasted two months. my original pump lasted 12 years. On 2020-12-09 by Mickey

by (mod) -

Mickey

To make a useful suggestion I need to know more:

1. the brand and model of your pump

2. the pump's operating conditions, including its duty cycle or frequency of operation

3. the condition of and maintenance of the septic system: age, history of repairs, cleaning or pumping frequency

4. the supply voltage

5. the condition of the pump control switch: arcing, burns, replacements

6. signs of excessive water usage, leaks

Examples:

a pump that is short-cycling due to a control problem may have a short life.

a pump that is improperly selected or matched to the task may have a short life, such as using a sump type pump where a grinder pump is needed

Should I use Draino to fix my clogged air line on my aerobic septic system?

I have an aerobic septic tank system. My airline seemed to be clogged up. How do I go about flushing that airline so that my aerator pump can pump air down? Should I use liquid drano? On 2020-11-14 by Duc Vu

by (mod) - NO

No Duc do not put draino into the aerobic air pump line.

You'll want to pull the pump and line and clean them and then have them put back.

Aerobic septic aerator is making a gurgling noise

The tube that runs down in the ground that the air pump blows air into is making a gurgling noise . Air pump is still functioning properly as well aerobic system. What is causing this and should I be concerned? On 2019-11-19 by Aerobic septic ownwr

Answer by (mod) -

I think you're describing the tube that is in essence the key part of the aerator that is pumping air down into your aerobic septic tank. It wouldn't surprise me if there were a gurgling noise from that activity. However if the noise your system is making has changed due there could be a repair needed. Can you tell me if this is the new sound?

by Aerobic septic ownwr

Yes it is a new sound. I keep checking periodically thru out the night and about 530 this morning when I checked last it had stopped and is not making the sound and more. When it was making gurgling noise it sounded like there was water trying to come up the tube but the air was pushing it back this caused it to make the gurgling noise. Have you ever heard this before?

by (mod) - diagnose sounds from aerobic septic

Not exactly, no.

I suspect that there was and is a leak in the air line or that the pump itself is failing.

Aerobic Septic Disinfection System FAQs

Tip: See the details at DISINFECTION SYSTEMS, SEPTIC EFFLUENT

Aerobic system fresh water tank is low

My clean water tank was really low. After I put fresh water from a hose up to top switch , and everything seemed to work perfectly. Why did fresh water tank get so low? (Sept 2, 2015) phil

Reply: ATU disinfection systems?

Phil,

Let's start by giving the brand, model, age of the system we are discussing. Otherwise I don't know what you're asking about.

On some aerobic systems a disinfectant is mixed with fresh water and then injected into the septic ATU effluent before it is discharged to the environment. IF that's what you are asking about suspect that an automatic fill-valve or float valve is sticking on your system.

Aerobic Septic chlorine tablet life

Our chlorine tablets are specifically for septic systems. We have to put 2 tablets in the tube every 4 days. We've read the tablets should last much longer. Do we have a problem or are the reports of 1 - 2 weeks exaggeration? On 2012-05-09 by Rick

Reply: chlorine tablet life depends in part on the volume of wastewater

The life of your chlorine tablets depends very much on the volume of water running through the dispenser; so if your wastewater volume is higher than the design level for your aerobic septic system, some design changes or chlorine dosing changes are going to be needed so that you don't have to keep visiting the treatment tank every four days.

See details and chlorine tablet feeder options

at DISINFECTION SYSTEMS, SEPTIC EFFLUENT

How do I set the drip rate for the aerobic septic effluent disinfection system?

I have an aerobic system with a liquid bleach chlorinator which was designed to drip at a fixed rate directly into the holding tank, from which effluent is pumped to the sprinkler system.

It consists of a capped reservoir of bleach, which is suspended in the inspection/service riser of the holding tank.

Screwed into the bottom of the reservoir is a two-part nozzle - tightening the two parts together reduces the rate at which bleach passes through them, to fall into the tank below.

This drip nozzle was clogged, and I have cleaned it.

However, I now must re-set the drip rate. This design drips the same amount of bleach regardless of how often the discharge pumps cycle. It there a standard drip rate for such a system, or is there a formula based on tank size or discharge frequency?

Finally, there is no vent passage to allow air past the reservoir cap. It appears likely that tightly capping the reservoir would prevent any dripping at all. Is air supposed to enter via the drip nozzle? - On 2016-10-25 by Craig

by (mod) - drip rate setting for aerobic system depends on model, design, pump capacity, absorption bed size and capacity, and wastewater volume generation

Good questions, Craig. I'd start by looking at the aerobic system documentation, manual, or labeling on the pump and equipment to identify the manufacturer as the specific settings are going to be equipment and design-specific.

If you can find any identifying information and send it along (page bottom CONTACT link) I'll be glad to help with that research.

How do I replace the plastic end piece on my aerobic septic chlorine reservoir tube?

In my aerobic system's chlorine reservoir there is a 1/4"hose with a plastic end piece on it...does not look like a filter. What is that plastic piece called, where can I get a new one, and what does it do? Thz! On 2022-03-15 by Don

by Inspectapedia Com Moderator

@Don,

I can but guess since I don't know the brand and model of your chlorinator but most likely you were seeing the chlorine bleach dose pickup tube and a small screen to prevent any debris from entering the dosing pump.

That part is probably quite standard in dimension and can be provided to you by any septic supplier and possibly even by a local hardware store or building supplier.

It would be helpful if you could post a photo of your device as well as getting us its brand and model.

Bad hose causing aerobic disinfection system to fail?

Liquid Chlorinating. I don’t think my hose is working. I usually have to put bleach often and it hasn’t changed levels in weeks. If I remove the hose from the distribution and stick it right into bleach it works.. On 2023-01-27 by Dillon

by InspectApedia Publisher

@Dillon,

Certainly trying a replacement hose would be the least expensive 1st step.

If there's a dosing pump that may need repair.

I poured bleach into the aerobic septic tank pipe and it came bubbling and smoking back out!

I poured my monthly maintenance gallon of bleach into appropriate pipe on my septic tank and it came back up bubbling and smoking like I had poured acid into the tank. Has never done that before in 3 years we have lived here?

Can you tell me if I have an issue that needs to be addressed? On 2021-08-15 by Peter L Heinz

by inspectapedia.com.moderator - never pour bleach into septic system for maintenance

@Peter L Heinz,

First let's clarify something important.

It is never ever proper nor helpful to pour bleach into a septic system thinking that you were doing some kind of maintenance.

You're not doing maintenance, you're only killing bacteria that are needed in the septic tank.

Don't do that.

It's possible that if you kill enough septic bacteria, the septic tank stops working and that can lead to a clog or blockage that could cause the backup that you are describing.

It's also possible that the bleach that you poured into a drain was reacting to some other chemicals that was present in the backed up fixture.

AQUA-AIRE Aerobic septic chlorinator stays full - not dispensing

My aerobic system seems to be working fine, but my chlorinator (liquid type only) was full when I went 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 2 years old any ideas On 2020-12-02 by Shelby

Reply by (mod) -

Shelby

I would look for

1. a water leak into the chlorinator

2. an obstruction or dosing device or tubing crimp in the chlorination system

Aerobic Septic System Electrical Wiring & Timers FAQs

Tip: See AEROBIC SEPTIC ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS

Lights flicker when aerobic system runs

I have a timer aerobic system and it makes my lights flicker when it goes off. Many times it will shorten the circuit to my bedroom and the pump will stop and this is only when the sprinkler comes on.

I will go out into the garage and flip the breaker and the sprinkler will resume spraying and sometimes shorten the breaker again.

Sometimes I have to cut the switch off to the pump so that my pump will stay on. I have replaced the breaker and there is no improvement. I have replaced the pump. I think it may be with the timer. Do I need an electrician or someone to work on the system?

I meant to say I cut the switch to my pump so that my electricity to my bedroom will remain on, (Mar 9, 2016) Yona

Reply:

Yona:

I suspect a short or an overloaded / failing electric motor on the circuit that is causing lights to dim. I'd ask for help from a licensed electrician.

If you can find a local plumber who can scope your sewer lines with a camera I'd do so, as I suspect there is a collapsed or damaged sewer pipe. But before making that examination ask the plumber to check the septic tanks for signs of a backup at the tank or tank outlet.

Norweco septic system trips circuit breaker

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 2018-08-03 by Ronnie

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.

Electric wires in aerobic septic tank are corroded and burning

My aerobic septic tank the last where the wires hook to the pump and floats seem to have way to much moisture inside. It has caused the wires to corrode several times. This time I put the silicone type wire nuts on the wires.

But now when I open the lid the wires are dripping wet and it looks like smoke, Steam or some kind of gas comes pouring out for a few minutes. What would be causing this? On 2020-11-16 by Jim

Answer by (mod) -

Can you tell me the brand and model of your pump and controls for your aerobic septic system?

That way we can check with manufacturers specifications on how wiring connections are supposed to be made.

Watch out: I agree with you that what you describe sounds troublesome and unsafe.

Aerobic Septic System Failures FAQs

Tip: See AEROBIC ATU SEPTIC FAILURE RATES, COSTS

Our aerobic system was blocked

We have an aerobic septic system with two tanks. Two days ago it was blocked completely. We took a snake and pushed it down the pipe and unblocked it. as soon as someone flushed the commode it would completely clog again. What could be wrong? (Mar 14, 2016) Anonymous

Reply:

My first guess is that there is a clogged or broken waste pipe. See CLOGGED DRAIN DIAGNOSIS & REPAIR  to read details.

Our Aerobic septic system is "slow" when the ground is rain-saturated - the effluent pump doesn't work

Our aerobic tank is 14 years old and we've never had any issues with back-ups into the house, etc.

However, we have it pumped once every 1-2 years because it's "slow"- especially when the ground is saturated like after a week of rainy days. (There are only 2 of us and it's the type of system that distributes the water underground.)

We finally got an electrician out and he found that our effluent pump motor was burned out and not running at all (the aerator pump is working just fine however).

We want to replace it but it's rated at 12 Gallons Per Minute, and the closest suitable replacement we can find online is 20 GPM.

Would this difference negatively impact the system in any way? BTW, I've also read that the effluent pump isn't critical for the system to work- it just helps it work more efficiently.

So I'm curious- without a working pump, how does the clean water get distributed? By sheer osmosis or something? Thanks for any info you can provide. On 2016-09-07 by Danny

Reply by (mod) - pumping a "slow" aerobic septic system won't fix a treatment problem, your effluent pump is needed

Sorry but I don't understand your aerobic design and don't have enough detail to give an authoritative answer.
In general, a manufacturer, motivated by cost control, does not include features such as a pump that a system does not need to function properly.

Effluent pumps move clarified effluent out of a treatment tank and into a disposal field or soil absorption system. Without the pump to move the effluent I speculate that if your septic system doesn't actually back up into the home it may at least be on the brink of that messy condition - hence you see it as "slow".

An effluent pump normally runs on cycles, activated by the wastewater level in a discharge chamber or tank. If the pump empties its charge more quickly (20 gpm) than required (12 gpm) that probably has little effect on the operation of the system. It may simply mean that the pump has slightly longer OFF times.

The actual GPM flow rate from a pump, including effluent pumps, is not a fixed number. Instead it will vary depending on the "head" or lift height that the pump has to achieve.

For example

A low-range, low-head pump such as Liberty's 250 series effluent pumps will pump at a flow rate of 45 GPM if the pump lift is only 5 feet while that rate falls to 5 gpm at a 22 foot lift.

A 1/2HP Liberty FL50 pump will pump at about 82 GPM if it is only lifting the waste 10 feet, while its pumping rate falls to 10 gpm if it has to lift the waste 50 feet.

This is considered a mid-range capacity pump.

Aerobic Septic System Effluent Pump FAQs

Tip: See DISINFECTION SYSTEMS, SEPTIC EFFLUENT

Aerobic pump keeps cycling on every half-hour

The aerobic septic pump comes on every 30 to 40 minutes and sprays for 10 minutes. (Apr 24, 2016) Anonymous

Reply:

Anonymous:

Aerobic treatment units may use both an aerator pump (that is normally always on though some run by a timer), and an effluent dispersion pump that may be used to operate sprinklers that dispose of the effluent on to the ground (depending on your ATU system design and type).

I'm guessing that you're asking about the effluent dispersion pump, since the aerator pump normally runs all the time, 24/76.

If you are NOT running wastewater into the system and the effluent dispersion pump keeps cycling on I would ask for inspection and repair by your aerobic system service company. I suspect groundwater leaking into your system. But check first for a running toilet.

Why is our aerobic septic sprinkler pump short-cycling every 10 seconds?

Our aerobic system sprinkler heads are turning off and on every 10 to 15 seconds instead of staying on in the allotted time. What could be the issue? On 2019-07-11 by Vicki

Reply by (mod) -

Causes of short-cycling of an aerobic septic pump might be

- a bad float control switch

- a blocked pump inlet or outlet opening

- a leak of groundwater or other water source into the pumping chamber (example: an unusual inflow of wastewater from the building because of water left running continuously into the drain system)

OK to run the effluent pump if the aerator pump is not working?

Is it ok to run my nayadic pump when the air system not working? On 2016-05-16 by Debbie

by (mod) - No; if your septic aerator is not working you're not treating the wastewater and risk clogging failures

Watch out: If your aerator is not working on your aerobic septic system then the system is in self-destruct mode and needs a prompt repair. Pumping untreated septic effluent risks clogging spray heads or other effluent distribution system comonents or the soil itself in the effluent absorbtion field.

Our aerobic septic system air pump runs continuously - is that normal?

Aerobic air pump runs constantly is this normal? On 2019-03-15 by Vince

by (mod) - normal for aerobic pump to keep running

Yes Vince.

Or an aerator may run for 20 out of 24 hours - giving some settling time in the tank - depending on the aerobic design.

Check the specifications for your specific aerobic septic treatment unit.

Aerobic system for a cottage that runs on a timer but not running often enough or long enough

I have an aerobic system for a cottage that runs on a timer.

The aerator runs for 20 hours, shuts off for 3 hours to let everything settle and then for 1 hr the clear effluent is pumped to the discharge area. What I have discovered is the 1 hr of discharge time is not long enough to keep up with the volume of water added to the tank each day.

I often find myself manually running the pump for several hours to get the water level in the tank to drop. The majority of the time, there are just 2 adults and 1 child in the cottage. The effluent pump was replaced this past summer and I believe it's 3/4 hp.

I know for sure it has more hp than the previous pump.

My question is could I add a second float that will trigger the effluent pump to run at the same time as the aerator or will that somehow compromise the system.

I need to figure out a way to keep the water level in the tank at a level where the high water alarm isn't constantly triggering. Thank you in advance for your response. On 2019-02-17 by Stephen

Answer by (mod) -

Your ideas may br workable and is interesting but...

It should be possible to adjust the timer to run the pump longer, but It sounds so me as if your system is not operating at its design point and needs review or adjustment by a designer or engineer - as a step more reliable than adding components and controls.

by Stephen

Thank you for your response. I will contact the manufacturer and see if I can arrange for a service call/inspection in the spring

Aerobic Septic System Design FAQs

Tip: See AEROBIC SEPTIC SYSTEMS, ATUs - home

What kind of aerobic septic system do I want?

I don't know - what do i want? I'm trying to determine exactly what i need for my septic system.

i have done a lot of research and i am a capable DIYer.

I studied control systems in college and i know i want a "sprinkler system" instead of a drain field. i, of course, want a functional system that's not over built.

i've seen "3-tank systems"; solids/settling flows into a clarifer/sanitizing tank and finally into a pump-out which feeds into a sprinkler system.

however, on this site i found a much simpler tank system...but no dimensions or pump-out tank.

plz help! i need a clear picture of what i need! i know i can buy all the parts online but i am not finding clear step-by-step design details...here's the pic i found on this site: 2019/08/11 JD

Reply:

JD

Septic Design Basics

I am doubtful that you can simply buy some components and install a septic system arbitrarily based on what appeals to you.

Worse, while I respect the DIY initiative and spirit, the fatal flaw is that you don't know, in fact don't even have the slightest glimmer of don't knowing, just what it is that you don't know. The risk is a costly DIY septic system that doesn't work, contaminates the environment, pollutes local wells and waterways, puts occupants at health risk, and is illegal to boot.

A septic system design must first be informed by:

1. the type and size of dwelling it serves, the number of occupants, and ultimately the anticipated daily and peak wastewater outflows to the septic system

2. the size, shape, location of the land into which the septic system will be installed

3. the soil properties such as percolation rate in the area where effluent is to be dispersed

4. local sanitary or health regulations and ultimately just what your local building or health department officials will accept as a suitable septic design.

My advice is

1. Consult your local officials to ask what permits and inspections are required to install a septic system

2. Consult a local septic design engineer to help you with soil testing, septic site area properties, and thus to give you an idea what system designs can possibly work on your site.

3. Based on that work, perhaps with help from your engineer, make a septic design that you then take to your local officials for approval.

4. With an approved septic plan, AND an OK from local officials for a DIY installation (not permitted in some juridictions where a license may be required) you can decide if you are capable of operating excavation equipment, proper trench grading construction, and installation of septic piping, tank, D-box, distribution piping etc.

To simply latch onto a "type" of septic effluent disposal system that's appealing and dig holes and plop stuff into the ground would be, in my opinion, a big mistake.

For Aerobic septic tank sizing

see AEROBIC ATU SEPTIC TANK SIZES

To become familiar with the basic terms and requirements for an onsite septic system you should read

HOME BUYERS GUIDE to SEPTIC SYSTEMS

and

SEPTIC SYSTEM BASICS

What kind of aerobic septic system has a deep round septic tank with nothing attached

Just looked at a house that has a deep, round septic tank.

There is a pvc pipe that goes right down into the center of the tank, it is attached to a small compressor inside the house.

There is nothing else attached to the tank - no pumps, no wires, no alarms. What kind of system is this? Thank you. On 2013-04-01 by R Buckly

by (mod) - a home made system of questionable function

R Buckly

From just your description, I have no idea. It sounds as if there is perhaps a home-made or add-on aeration system installed.

Watch out: a DIY septic tank aerator or add-on aerator installed on a septic tank not designed for aerobic use may churn and stir the sewage resulting in destruction of the drainfield.

What makes sense is to get local septic tank installers over to take a look at your system so that you have a more accurate understanding of what's there and what maintenance or repair may be needed.

by R Buckly

It is round, deep tank. Funnels to a point on the bottom.

According to the original sewage permit paperwork it is an aerobic system. Sewage dumps into the center, then there are two more rings around it. The air line comes out of the house with the sewage line and goes straight down into the center section.

According to the homeowners paperwork the tank discharges into a distribution box and then branches into 3 lines. I think it said they are 75' long with crushed stone.

The sewage paper has no more information on it, just states approved for aerobic system. Has a comment about the sewage field being within 100' of a well. Seems like the homeowner only runs the compressor every once in a while.

Said the homeowner before never ran it. Looks like it is a plain conventional system and they used a deep, round tank due to space limitiations. But, why the air compressor? Thanks!

Answer by (mod) -

RB

The compressor is how we get air to circulate (in fine bubbles) through the aerobic treatment tank - increasing the level of treatment by improving the level of oxygen needed by aerobic bacteria.

But as you say there are no pipes leaving the treatment tank this sounds to me like a home made combination cesspool and aerobic treatment unit of questionable design.

I recommend getting an experienced septic contractor on site to be sure you've identified all of the components of the system and that you have some idea what's installed.

Watch out: OPINION: From just your description I doubt that there is a usable septic system installed.