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SKETCH of a typical aerobic treatment unit tank, aerator, chamber Aerobic Septic System Troubleshooting
Diagnose & Fix Problems in Aerobic Septic Systems

Aerobic septic system installation, codes, & problem diagnosis:

This article 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.

These include flushing chemicals or salt into the aerobic system, electrical problems with the ATU pump or sprayer motors, odors and smells, pipe blockages, sprinkler head clogs or failures, and other aerobic septic system snafus.

At this website are 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.

- Daniel Friedman, Publisher/Editor/Author - See WHO ARE WE?

Aerobic Treatment Unit Problems

SKETCH of a typical aerobic treatment unit tank, aerator, chamberArticle Series Contents

Don't Flush into Aerobic Septic Systems

Drugs:

Systems serving homes (or nursing facilities) where occupants are consuming large quantities of medications, particularly antibiotics or possibly chemotherapy drugs, can be rendered inoperative if the antibiotic or drug level concentration is sufficient to kill the microbes in the ATU.

Disinfectants:

Use of improper septic effluent disinfectant in aerobic systems: be sure to use the proper disinfectant in order to avoid both environmental contamination and violation of federal law.

See AEROBIC SEPTIC SYSTEM DISINFECTION WITH CALCIUM HYPOCHLORITE and

AEROBIC SEPTIC SYSTEM DISINFECTION WITH CHLORINE TABLETS for details.

Filter clogging:

I have received complaints of frequent outlet filter clogging on some aerobic septic systems.

I speculate that the cause may have been a fault in the upstream solid-holding tank(s) such as a broken or missing baffle, use of the system beyond its design load, or perhaps improper use of aseptic additive or chemical which may have increased the level of suspended solids.

See details at AEROBIC SEPTIC FILTER CLOGGING

Water Softener Salt Impact on Aerobic Septic Systems

A long-standing concern and opinion in the water treatment and septic design fields has been taht septic systems, including aerobic septic systems serving homes with hard water and which use a water softener can be rendered inoperative if high levels of brine are discharged into the ATU.

Water softener backwash and brine will need to be discharged to a separate drywell.

Research on Water Softener Salt Impact on Aerobic Septic Systems

Overloading:

A residential ATU is at risk of being overloaded and failing to adequately treat its effluent if it has not been properly sized during its design phase.

Aerobic Septic System Alarm Troubles

Apologies for having to ask you to "click again" - for space and clarity we move this topic.

If you are having problems with the alarm system for an aerobic septic system or ATU alarm please

see AEROBIC SEPTIC ALARM SYSTEMS where we have posted a checklist of things to inspect, try, or repair.

Aerobic ATU Septic System Electrical Problems

Reader Question: aerobic septic system problems following electrical storm

(June 22, 2014) Db said:
We had an electrical storm a few weeks ago and some how the breaker got tripped to entire system. I did not notice this until earlier this week. What problems could I be looking at. I am very regular about tablets and consistent with not putting damaging products into the system.

Reply:

Db

I agree that most aerobic septic systems are intended for continual operation. When the aerator pump stops the level of treatment in the tank falls substantially, risking discharge of inadequately-treated effluent into the drainfield. If floating solids are discharged into the fields the field life is reduced as field clogging is sped up.

The best you can and should do is return the system to proper operation. Don't try extra products or additives, chemicals, treatments unless they are specifically required by the manufacturer of your aerobic system.

Such additives are generally not needed, ineffective, and often illegal.

Provided your system did not discharge large amounts of solids into the fields you may not see a significant impact. If you want to be more optimistic or pessimistic you could inspect any distribution boxes or control point downstream from the treatment tank to look for deposits of solids.

Question: no power to the ATU pump

(July 30, 2015) christine said:
speedy rooter, the company I have a contract with for my aerobic septic system did an inspection 3 days ago. They called me today and said there's no power going to my system and that all three tanks a full.

I checked my circuit breakers and can't find anything amiss, I don't see a switch that says septic system either. Speedy Rooter told me I need to get an electrician out here to fix it and then after that I can call them to come pump it. The electrician company are saying they can get out here in four days. I'm very nervous about this. Any advice would be appreciated.

Reply:

Christine

Sounds difficult. I agree with Speedy Rooter. Try calling some more electricians to find someone who can assist you sooner.

If your system uses an effluent pump operated by a float switch a simple check for a stuck float could get the system working again. If not you need an electrician.

Your electrician will probably check for power at the ATU system pump or effluent pump or sprinkler pump and work backwards to find an open switch, control or circuit.

Aerobic Septic System Aerator Pumps, Effluent Pumps & Pump Control Problems

Loose coupling on air piping at aerobic septic prevents proper aerobic septic operation - how to repair (C) InspectApedia.com BrandiQuestion: loose fittings & air leaks at aerobic septic aerator piping

2020/01/24 Brandi said:

The circled area in image is loose, not attached on either side, and vibrating vigorously when system is on.

I'm assuming, not allowing air pressure to build.

Reply: repair loose aerobic septic aerator pipe coupling fitting

Brandi

That sounds like a good diagnosis of an aerobic septic pump problem - leaky piping, no air pressure.

The result is bad as your system may discharge inadequately-treated effluent resulting in an early aerobic septic system failure.

Luckily this isn't a tough problem to fix, with the exception that you might need to move the aerobic air pump a bit to make room for air line fittings that will be more leak and vibration-proof.

In your photo there is a rather short black flexible connector that was probably supposed to isolate the plastic air line from motor vibration.

PVC spring lock compression fitting to stop aerobic septic air piping leaks cited & discussed at InspectApedia.com link to Spears Manufacturing Too-short might mean not enough isolation or else even a mechanical stress on the plastic piping that in turn has caused the white PVC compression unions to loosen.

So to fix this right you'll need to move the pump a few inches further away - as it's less practical (probably) to move the vertical air line going down into the aerobic septic tank.

As a very temporary fix, you could try pushing that right-hand horizontal pipe connection back into the compression fitting, then hand tighten the two knurled twist-collars to see if that fixes the problem.

But over time you will almost certainly find the problem recurrent. There are better PVC compression fittings that are less likely to slip, loosen, and leak.

Plumbing Supply, online at www.plumbingsupply.com/pvccomp.html sells the Griploc™ spring-lock compression fitting that's an example.

This is a more-reliable PVC coupling that will resist loosening from vibration or from weather exposure and temperature changes.

The instructions and more details about this example of a more-reliable PVC coupling are at

Reader Question: is it normal for the septic aerator pump to run continuously?

I have a 4 tank aerobic system that eventually sprays the treated water, should the aerator pump run 24/7? System serves our single family (just two of us) house. - S.R. 7/17/2013

Reply: normally the septic tank aerator pump should be left running 24/7

Not necessarily.

Some effluent treatment systems that use an above-ground spray system may run under control of a timer. These systems are not normally on all the time.

Some effluent pumping systems that move effluent from a septic tank or effluent tank to an up-hill effluent disposal system may run under control of an effluent level pump.

Some aerator pumps are designed to run under control of a timer while others are intended to run continuously and further are designed to be quiet and to run rather economically.

In fact since an aerobic septic system depends on aeration to maintain both healthy aerobic bacteria in the septic tank and to assure adequate wastewater treatment to meet the system operating specifications, you should leave the aerator pump on at all times.

Usually these are small aerobic system aeration pumps - about 1/6 to 1/3 hp. Some example data about operating cost include:

Using the Watts = Amps x Volts formula (which is technically right but crude), if your pump is running at 120V AC and draws 2 amps, it's drawing 240 watts - about the same as a heat lamp, or a typical window fan.

By contrast, an attic fan draws about 370 watts, and a well pump, about 2,200 watts; or better, comparing with stuff that people leave running 24/7, a 20 cu. ft. automatic-defrosting or frostless refrigerator may draw about 800 watts.

Using the constant for converting electrical horsepower or hp to watts, 1 hp (electrical, with some simplifying assumptions) = 746 watts.

Watch out: But if your pump is noisy or rattling it may need repair or replacement. If you'd like to give us the brand and model of your aerobic system aerator pump we'd be glad to check with the manufacturer on this question.

Reader Question: problems with jet aerobic unit mixer motor

(Sept 18, 2014) Chris said:
I have a jet aerobics unit with a mixer. The mixer runs for about 10 minutes, then shuts off. The baffles are sitting relatively close to the mixer, maybe only an inch away.

If the mixer is hitting the baffles, would it cause the mixer to shut down? Any other reason it may be shutting off?

Reply:

Chris, besides hitting an obstruction, clogged outlets or an overheating motor can make the motor shut down.

Also check for low voltage, and

see ELECTRIC MOTOR DIAGNOSTIC GUIDE for more help.

Reader Question:

(June 27, 2014) Linda said:
Just had a new pump installed and it was left for 3 years. I cant get it to pump. Motor is working. Dont know what to do?

Reply:

Pull the pump, check it for a clogged inlet or for damaged impeller parts, or clogged outlet or check valve

Reader Question: no discharge from the aerator pump system

(July 17, 2014) Tammy said:

We have an aerator and we never have a discharge. We can see the water going in but never coming out. Can the water or waste going anywhere else?

Reply:

Tammy,

depending on where you live and the type of aerobic septic system that has been installed, yes it is possible for wastewater to be disposed-of entirely below ground.

The "aerator" - if I am guessing correctly at what you are describing - is in a septic tank in order to increase the level of treatment of the sewage; clarified effluent flows out of the septic tank to a disposal field. Some septic systems spray treated effluent above ground, others simply dispose of it in absorption beds.

(July 17, 2014) Tammy said:

We have a 3 chamber air jet system that is in the ground and a pipe that leads to the Creek. It drained for 9 years and now it still comes into the first chamber but we never see a discharge anymore. Would their still be absorption beds also? We have no problems otherwise.

Live in KY. We don't smell anything but do notice wetness around our brick steps. No other blockages either but like I said the water comes into the tank we can visibly see it but we never have a discharge anymore.

Correction it goes all the way into the chlorinator. Last chamber.

(July 17, 2014) Tammy said:
We have a system just liken at the top of the page. Jet aerator that leads out to creek for disposing. We liven in ky. It comes into the 3rd chamber but never leaves a discharge. It use to for nine years. No other problems.

Reply:

Check for a bad float switch on the effluent pump.

Aerobic or ATU Septic System Piping, Lines, Blockages

Reader Question: we have a blockage in our aerobic lines and never pumped the tank for 12 years. Is the blockage due to the pump?

We have semi-blocked lines and we have a two-chamber ATU and has never had it pumped. We've lived on this site for 12 years. What can be the problem? Is it a bad pump, or is it overflowing? - Cody 12/1/11

Reply:

Short answer: Cody depending on the number of occupants you may have fallen behind in septic tank pumping frequency

See SEPTIC TANK PUMPING SCHEDULE.

If a septic tank is not pumped often enough the risk is that the level of treatment falls and solids are pushed into the effluent disposal system causing clogging and sometimes the need for costly repairs. But without opening your system for inspection, one can't accurately guess further.

Details: A competent onsite inspection by an expert usually finds additional clues that help accurately diagnose a problem with the septic system. The inspector will need to open the tank, check the operation of the aerator, disinfection system if any, and possibly inspect the effluent disposal system as well.

That said, if you never pump the septic tank the treatment level drops, solids get pushed into the effluent disposal system, and the system will first, contaminate the environment with under-treated effluent and second, will become clogged - that's in general. Of course the specifics for your system will vary.

You'll want your septic contractor to show you the working parts of the system, the maintenance that it requires, the maintenance schedule, etc.

Reader Question: broken septic line repair

(Apr 27, 2015) Anonymous said:
I have a question, or a possible problem? On residential site has been on basic well and septic tank, lines busted some 13 ft below and for a distance of another 12 ft, the end of the broken line I ran into the city lines.

Unfortunately for me the break happened on my side therefore responsible for all costs and excavations of property not to mention the all the permits, inspections, a lot of red tape. Is this a real possibility for my case or what need answers please any info anyone could provide would be extremely helpful. Thanks

Reply:

Sorry Anon I don't understand the question. If you are asking if truly the property owner is responsible for repairing sewer line breaks on their own property, in most jurisdictions that is indeed the case.

When making repairs ask the plumber and excavator to let you see and photograph the actual damage (use our page bottom CONTACT link to find an email to send me some photos for comment). It may be we can discover a cause and avoid another break in the piping later. For example failing to bed the lines in sand or burying a sharp rock over the line can cause damage.

Reader Question: does an aerobic septic system need to be winterized?

I have recently purchased a new home with an aerobic system that has 2 sprinklers. Do I need to winterize the system or turn off the sprinklers in the winter? If so, what happens to the water? - Stevi 12/5/11

Reply:

Stevi an aerobic septic system would be expected to be functional year round.

But I agree completely that if your system is installed in a freezing climate, and if it uses above-ground effluent spraying, that system cannot work properly in freezing weather. Something sounds wrong with the whole design.

In a climate exposed to freezing the aerobic septic system's piping, pumps, and any controls that pass water or effluent need to be protected from freezing by depth below the frost line or by location in a heated area.

 

Aerobic Septic System Life Expectancy

Reader Question: ATU system life: My home's septic system is 47 years old. Is it working right?

My home is 47 years old, so it would make my 's&p' septic system equally as old. I'm not sure if that is the correct term for my septic design because it is so old. I cannot find a diagram on your website that is comparable to what I think I have.

I have 1 -1000g tank with 1 lid, the solid are pumped from this tank. It is connected to a 2nd (1000g) tank, 50 feet away which is a 2 story tank. You can stand in upper portion of the 2nd tank as it is made of concrete and has a crock hole to the lower part. The bottom portion of the 2 story tank accumulates liquids coming from the 1st tank.

Once the liquids in the 2nd lower tank reach a certain level, a sump pump (hanging in the crock) assists in the discharge through an underground pipe that is laying on the ground in the woods another 50ft away. Because of its age ("grand fathered"), its my septic doing what it is supposed to be doing? - Kim 4/23/12

Reply:

Kim very few septic systems that are basically untouched for 47 years would lead me, even knowing nothing about them, to opine that the system is performing as it should.

The design sounds thoughtful however, as if you have a dosing system = that is, the second effluent tank accumulates effluent in some volume before sending it to an absorption field.

But a pipe laying on the ground? That does not sound right at all. You didn't describe an aerobic septic system (maybe I missed that) and you didn't say in what state you are located, but no where in the U.S. or Canada are we permitted to discharge effluent from a septic tank right onto the ground surface from a distribution pipe such as you describe.

In some U.S. states it is permitted to use an air spray to distribute effluent that is discharged from an aerobic septic design (tank, aerator, separation baffles, holding tank or pumping chamber) that is certified to treat effluent to perhaps 95% or better.

But you are not describing such a system. A conventional septic tank treats effluent to a maximum of about 45% of what's needed. So you may be discharging sewage onto the ground surface.

Question: Clearstream aerobic system aerator diffuser diaphragm failures & life expectancy

2016/08/10 Rick said:
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.

Reply:

Smart question, Rick. I don't know.

I looked at some Clear Stream literature including the company's CLEARSTREAM ATU Maintenance Guide [PDF] and instructions. www.clearstreamsystems.com/pdf/NC2_Book.pdf
The word "diaphragm" doesn't even appear in those procedures. However the instructions do give life expectancies for system parts including:

"Repair or replace aerator every 2-10 years". That "repair" could include the aerator diaphragm.

I would check that there's nothing obvious that would reduce the aerator life such as

Clearstream Aerobic Septic ATU Maintenance Checklist

Clearstream expects you to use a Clearstream agent to inspect and maintain the system - included in the system cost for the first 2 years. I'd take this repair question to that person first.

Then I'd contact Clearstream Wastewater Systems to ask their technical support if there's something we're missing in this question.

Odor & Smell Complaints at an Aerobic Septic System ATU

This topic has moved to AEROBIC SEPTIC ODORS & SMELLS

Aerobic Septic System ATU Sprinkler Problems

We have moved this discussion to AEROBIC SEPTIC EFFLUENT SPRAY HEAD REPAIR

...


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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

On 2023-06-02 by InspectApedia Publisher - aerator pump may have been blocked, overheated, and failed

@Lisa,

That sounds as if your aerator pump may have been blocked, overheated, and failed.

If power is on to the system and the aerator isn't working you need to get a repair person out promptly as without that feature your system's drainfield could be damaged and thus its life reduced.

On 2023-06-01 by Lisa

We have an aerobic septic system that was put in before we purchased the home. When the system is running is sounds like a minimal hum noise but yesterday it sounded like a gurgling noise, loud enough that we noticed.

We took the lid off and look down inside and the water was bubbling and gurgling and not sure why. When I checked this morning the system is not on running at all.

On 2023-06-02 by InspectApedia Publisher - air hose with the diffuser properly seated

@Roger, and others that posted,

thanks for helping out.

On 2023-06-01 by Roger

Sure hope this helps someone else out.

On 2023-06-01 by Roger

@Roger,
If the aerator is on, this is good. Thank you for that helpful update. Other readers might be helped as well if you could post details of exactly what you've done and perhaps some photos, one per comment. But in any case congratulations on a good job.

On 2023-06-01 by Roger

Note the air bubbles now coming from the right of the PVC, but zero water coming out of the PVC. Presto!

Sorry about pics quality. Obviously captures from a video.

With the aerator on and working. Insert the diffuser on the end of red hose in to white PVC guide tube. If You insert the red hose fully and have water coming out of the pvc, YOUR HOSE IS TOO SHORT. Add a length of hose to the top and keep inserting until the water stops, and the aeration bubbles start flowing across the tank coming from the inlet side.

air hose into guide pipe (C) InspectApedia.com Roger

On 2023-06-01 by Roger

@Roger,

This is not good.

On 2023-06-01 by Roger

An image of the length of hose added to the top of the red air hose with the diffuser properly seated. You can see the red hose was 6-8 inches too short.
I am not trimming the black hose to exact length, the extra hose hopefully prevents stress on the fitting during maintenance

air hose into guide pipe (C) InspectApedia.com Roger

On 2023-06-01 by Roger

The air hose entering guide tube. Note water exiting guide tube. Also note there are no bubbles coming from the right of the guide tube.

air hose into guide pipe (C) InspectApedia.com Roger

On 2023-05-31 by Roger

@InspectApedia Publisher, We got a canned response and a referral to a local dealer for "Emergency Servicing." That's also the last Company to have service, inspected, and passed the system just prior to Us purchasing the property.

Friday I notified Public Health of my findings. Today, DPH was here with a team from the University. They approved the work I did as a repair rather than a modification. They said that right now my system is operating as it should, but they stopped short of saying it was operating incorrectly prior to my work.

On 2023-05-31 by InspectApedia Publisher

@Anonymous,

Thanks for the suggestion, that's worth a try.

On 2023-05-31 by InspectApedia Publisher

@Roger,

Thanks that's helpful and interesting. What do Clearstream engineers at their technical support say about your design question?

On 2023-05-31 by Roger - Clearstream Aerobic System Owners Manual

@Jeff below Me has the same issue.

Please review the diagram for the Clearstream from this website [see Ed. note below]

We have liquid being pumped out of the top of clearstream part #Flex Hose Assembly 600N O/S which is a guide tube the air hose should pass entirely through with the diffuser exiting the other end for precise placement. Design flaw in my opinion.

That guide tube should have holes drilled in it to prevent the freshest wastewater from being siphoned back into the clarification chamber because of diffuser misplacement by a couple inches.

The diffuser being in the 2" guide tube rather than below it is also what causes the back pressure and odor coming from the aerator.

Ed. note: this reader comment was reposted by moderator without disallowed link for reader and website safety but now includes a link to that PDF here:

inspectapedia.com/septic/Clearstream-Aerobic-System-Owners-Manual.pdf

On 2023-05-31 by Anonymous

@Jeff,

I think your air hose is not long enough to reach the bottom of the guide tube.

On 2023-05-31 by Roger - tracked the order back to the aerator

Hi, 2nd Owners of the Home. We purchased in Spring 2021, it was built in 2000. Clearstream 600NC. Occasionial odors in yard since We moved in. We did have the septic inspected prior to purchase and it failed.

They had a reputable company replace the aerator and re-inspect the system and it passed. A couple days ago the odor was fierce, and I tracked it back to the aerator.

Not gonna lie, I think I have already diagnosed and fixed the issue, just looking for some confirmation. toggling the aerator on/off a couple times confirmed the odor was indeed from the aerator.

When I open the cover, there is no scum, only a couple inches of sludge and it doesn't seem very dense. I noticed several feet of the red air hose dangling in the liquid prior to entering the white tube.

BUT THERE WAS GOOD WATER FLOW COMING OUT OF THE 2" WHITE PVC GUIDE TUBE. According to the Septic inspection, that's better than just spitting water like it was. So that's where the problem was.

The diffuser was not seated below the end of the guide tube and instead of acting as an aerator it was acting as a siphon pulling the wastewater from nearest the inlet and dumping it close to the outlet baffle.

My system looks like the diagram for a 500N rather than a 600N btw. The red hose would not reach the bottom of the guide tube, so I assume it was shortened at some point. I added a heavy duty extesnsion to the top of the diffuser hose until it stopped pumping water out of the guide tube and starting releasing air at the bottom of the inlet side along the wall.

Did I diagnose this correctly? How did mutiple professionals not notice the slack air hose as an immediate issue? There was evidence of a 2' x 6' and 10' x 10' recent dig in the yard downstream of our outlet. Presumably they had a drain field failure, which makes sense.

Other than keeping calcium hypochlorite tabs in the downstream chlorinator tube, is there anything else We can do to help Our drainfield which We suspect has been abuse for a long time?

No back-ups to this point, 3 of us in the house. Also, isn't 68% Calcium Hypochlorite as an active ingredient the same whether it's for a pool or a septic system?

On 2023-04-30 by InspectApedia Editor - more than the normal ("faint" ) odor from your aerobic system is not working properly

@Jeff,

I want to be careful not to pretend I'm a Clearstream septic expert and thus get you in trouble. But if you're getting more than the normal ("faint" ) odor from your aerobic system, clearly it's not working properly.

The cause could be that there's not enough oxygen - the aerator isn't really working or isn't properly located, or there can be a different issue: lack of maintenance (when was your primary tank last pumped?) or damage and leakage where it ought not be.

Are the sprinklers even working?

Let's start by getting as accurate idea of what's installed at your home as we can, then finding the actual, correct, maintenance and operation manual so that we get this right.

At https://inspectapedia.com/septic/Aerobic_Septic_Supplies.php

you'll find Clearstream listed for contact information and also some manuals that you can download.

IF we can establish that yours is a Clearstream system, I'm sure those people will be glad to talk with you as they, too, have an interest in their system working properly.

Separately at https://inspectapedia.com/septic/Aerobic-Septic-Pump-Suppliers.php we give contact info and sources for aerobic pumps and parts.

On 2023-04-30 by Jeff

Hello, I have what I'm told is an "older" clearstream style. It has one tank where you have to open the lid and put the chlorine tablets into the riser. I think that is the tank that has the water sucked out and pumped into the sprinklers.

The other tank is where I can see the pvc pipe where the aerator tube goes. It has the tiny diffuser on the flexible tube and you stick it straight into that pvc pipe that runs parallel to the ground.

I presume that goes into a third tank, but I don't know because I only see two access covers. Anyways, I took the aerator out because even after pumping the tank, it smells bad. I can tell the aerator is old and probably needs to be replaced.

But I did test it by placing it temporarily into the water in the tank, and bubbles still did come out.

I then put the aerator back into the PVC pipe that runs sideways and although it wasn't easy to fit it all in there, I was able to get it in all the way. I'm going to order a replacement diffuser.

All of this being said, when I put the diffuser into that PVC pipe, I don't see bubbles anywhere (Should I?). What I do notice is that grey-in-color water is coming out of the PVC pipe where the diffuser goes. Is that the way it's supposed to work?

I never had aerobic septic before and I am not the first owner of this house, so I'm trying to figure it all out. I do know my air pump works, it's one of the Medo LA-80BN pumps.

Thank you in advance for perhaps letting me know if it's normal to not see bubbles/but grey-colored-water coming out of the PVC tube.

On 2023-04-05 by InspectApedia Publisher - Low pressure alarm will not clear

@Mike R,

You changed the things that I might have tried.

Can you tell me the brand and model of your treatment system?

On 2023-04-05 by Mike R

Low pressure alarm will not clear. I have replaced the pressure sensor, replaced all tubing from the air blower to the sensor in the control box and I have bought a new Hiblow air blower. The low air compressor alarm will clear for a few hours and then come back on.

I'm not sure what else I can do to fix the problem. Do I have a bad control board? That is the only part that is not new. Thanks for any advice.

On 2023-02-09 by InspectApedia Publisher - What does the red light on my air pump to my septic system mean?

@Mark,

The significance of warning lights on septic systems is very dependent on the specific type of septic system and equipment installed.

For example an aerobic system might sport lights indicating that the aerator is not working or that a chlorine injector has failed, while on a simple septic pumping station that pumps effluent up to a disposal field might use a red light to indicate abnormally high wastewater level in the pumping chamber: a warning that the pump isn't working properly.

Let's get more specific: tell us the brand and model of your septic pumping and chlorine injector system; then we can look at the instructions for that specific brand and model.

Meanwhile, in general,

A red warning light on an aerobic or other septic pumping system pump unit usually means that the wastewater level in the pumping chamber is abnormal: too high, or too low.

So first check the actual effluent level, then check that the pump runs, that it's not clogged or blocked, and then that when the pump runs, it is actually moving effluent (as opposed to a motor spinning but not pumping).

Then check for a failed check valve that's draining effluent back into the pumping chamber, or for groundwater or surface runoff leaking into the chamber.

On 2023-02-09 by Mark

I have a waste management system it's 2 concrete tanks I have to put chlorine tablets in the second tank and the air pump blow's into the first tank the red light on air pump stays on what does this mean

On 2023-02-09 by Mark

What does the red light on my air pump to my septic system mean?

On 2022-12-19 by InspectApedia (Editor)

@Nate,

I can only make a wild guess since we have no information about your septic system, components, design, so this may be off-base, but if the sewage level in your septic tank is below the normal level (which would be up to just at the bottom of the septic tank outlet pipe),

and provided you haven't just had the septic tank pumped/cleaned in the last few days, then the risk is that there is a leak in the septic tank itself. If that's possible in your case you might want the tank pumped, cleaned, and then inspected for damage.

On 2022-12-19 by Nate

The water level is not reaching the chlorinator, what to do?

On 2022-11-06 by InspectApedia (Editor) - aerobic spray system diagnostics

@Jason rudolph,

You might want to step through the aerobic spray system diagnostics given above on this page.

From your brief text we can't know if the problem is a bad pump, a broken effluent line, failed spray head(s), or something else.

On 2022-11-06 by Jason rudolph

Septic stop spraying I can here the pump but not spraying liquids out

On 2022-07-21 by InspectApedia-911 (mod)

@Joy,

Septic effluent would not normally damage trees unless there were some harmful level of chemical (such as disinfectant) included in the discharge.

On 2022-07-21 by Joy

In less than 2 years, 3 large oak trees have died that are located below my system and all the grass around the system is dead

On 2022-05-31 by InspectApedia-911 (mod) - water got in the motor and ruined the bearings

@Randy,

I have an opinion about this but I don't claim to have expertise in this particular aerator motor failure. It sounds as if the failure is due to a motor gasket defect or the screws that hold parts of the motor together we're not fully tightened or there was unusual vibration or torque on the aerator motor chassis.

I suppose it's also possible that your aerator motors all came from the same supplier and were made by the same manufacturer in the same production run at the same time.

If that's the case, then there could have been a bad batch.

So that's a point worth researching.

When installing a new aerator, I would be sure that all of its hardware screws are snug, and I would be alert for vibration which can loosen motor parts and cause a gasket to leak.

On 2022-05-31 by Randy

Our Jet aerator motor has failed for 2nd time in 3 years. Both times the bearings were shot which overloads the motor and shuts down. Since the aerator motor was out of warranty I took it apart and as I did a substantial amount of water ran out of the motor. The motor supposedly is sealed. Any idea how water is getting into the motor and ruining the bearings?

On 2022-04-07 by Inspectapedia Com Moderator - aerobic air pump blower motor is in trouble

@Ryan,

Thanks, that's a helpful question on aerobic air pump troubleshooting.

I agree that the hot motor is telling us the blower motor is in trouble.

My guess at the causes in order of probability include:

1. a kinked or blocked air line between the pump outlet and the bottom diffuser in the aerobic septic tank

2. a broken or clogged bubbler or diffuser in the bottom of the aerobic tank

3. low voltage to the motor

4. motor damaged by prior backup and flooding

5. (uncommon) improperly located motor, insufficient air supply or circulation at the air inlet.

An aerobic septic service tech would probably pull the entire pump, tubing, and bottom diffuser for inspection and cleaning.

If you do that (don't work alone, there are safety hazards), post photos of what you find as that may allow us to comment further (one photo per comment, as many comments as you need).

On 2022-04-07 by Ryan

Recently rebuilt my Hiblow HP-80 and thought everything was working until a few days later the alarm was going off again. Inspected the air pump and it was hot on the outside so turned it off to let it cool back down and checked the air flow that goes to the safety switch for the alarm and while it was over heating it was barely putting out air. After it cooled off it’s working correct.

From what I’ve researched is that there’s a blockage in the air line going to the septic causing the pump to work harder and over heat because it’s now just working against itself.

I remember years back I had one replaced and the technician some how put acid down the line to break it up then sucked it back up to insure the line was clean but I can’t find anything about that on the internet. Any insight on how to fix this would be great, thanks.

On 2022-04-06 by Inspectapedia Com Moderator - toilets were not flushing properly and sewer water coming up in our back yard

@Brock unruh,

From your description, the drainfield is flooded and in failure - that alone is sufficient to cause sewage backup in the building.

I agree that a failed aerobic air pump might contribute to field failure by sending solids out into the drainfield.

But when a drainfield is flooded that's an unambiguous failure of that system. You may indeed need a new drainfield.

On 2022-04-06 by Brock unruh

We just had alot of rain and noticed our toilets were not flushing properly, further inspection we have sewer water coming up in our back yard, we then check our solar air pump and realize it's not working, when we hit the test switches neither the red nor yellow light come on, we checked all the breakers but have no power to our septic box, what could be the issue?

On 2022-03-15 by Inspectapedia Com Moderator - air will stop entering the tank

@Stan,

I won't be smarter than your on-site aerobic septic maintenance company, but for sure you'd start by a chat with the service manager of the company, asking that s/he send out an experienced troubleshooting technician.

That earlier backwards installation of the air pump would make one a bit nervous. And if nobody changed the pump it may have been damaged by that operation - drawing water or sewage into the pump body where it expects to see only air.

That would result in a "weak" blower pump.

On 2022-03-14 by Stan

We have a new aerobic advanced treatment septic system. The tank is an Infiltrator plastic type. The advanced treatment is Biomicrobics. The main problem is that although the blower continues running, the air will stop entering the tank. This happens about a week (or less) after the tank fills up with sewage and effluent, after having been pumped.

The septic company has been out many, many times trying to troubleshoot the problem. Last time they raised the plastic basket in which the blue mesh treatment plastic sheets rest, so there would be less water on top of them; this was a solution agreed up by the septic company and the manufacturers (both Infiltrator and Biomicrobics), I believe.

Note that the septic company hooked the plumbing up backwards, so that air was being sucked out of the septic rather than air being blown into it. We thought something was wrong, but having never had a septic system before, not to mention an advanced treatment unit, we weren't confident for a while.

Could the blower be too weak to blow air into the septic tank once there is sufficient liquid on top of it? What else could be the problem? Thank-you in advance.

On 2021-08-14 by inspectapedia.com.moderator

@Darren Rettie,

I agree with you completely, it's often troubling that people invent a system, sometimes an expensive one, without the least bit of common sense about real-world conditions that their system is going to encounter.

Sometimes it's because different engineers in different parts of a project or simply not talking to one another.

I had a Bultaco 360 Montadero Motorcycle whose engine was placed into the frame such that the frame blocked the oil pan drain plug.

The only way to change the oil required removing whole engine from the frame. Or you might remove the oil fill plug and turn the motorcycle upside down.

It was completely nuts.

We used to say that the Bultaco engine was designed in Toledo and the frame was made by engineers in Madrid, and the whole motorcycle perhaps was installed in Barcelona

On 2021-08-13 by Darren Rettie - Hiblow HP80 blower working and blowing air out of unit but no bubbles

re:
On 2021-01-24 by John

Hiblow HP80 blower working and blowing air out of unit but no bubbles or circulation in Whitewater DF50. Also, is it normal for the outlet pipe of the ATU unit water to sit 3 inches below the intake? Just had trash and ATU pumped then issues started

I had a similar issue. same set up. No issues with HP 80, normal op. problem was as installed, there is a alarm for low or no air pressure from the HP 80, but not a blockage. our blower was fine, but the bubbler piping in the tank had some blockage, and likely got worse over the 15 years since install.

Not good as the system requires air for proper function. did a retrofit to add a shutoff and a t connector to the 3/4 PVC line before it exited our crawlspace to the tank. The t connector I fitted a variety of provisions: to vacuum the line when the tank is drained, an air chuck fitting to blow it out, and a water hose valve to flush it out.

As ours silted ( or something) up, and would not aerate at all, I had the tank drained and first vacuumed the line, used compressed air and finally water to flush. I intend to do this at each pump-out as a precaution as as much as smart engineers designed it, they didn't add any provision to do this maintenance. For 20 dollars in parts, the omission cost me hundreds in pump-outs. The system is now running as designed again.

On 2021-08-04 by inspectapedia.com.moderator (mod)

@Anonymous,

You posted this question and we replied at

https://inspectapedia.com/septic/Aerobic-Septic-Problem-FAQs.php

On 2021-08-04 by Anonymous

Will a clog in the inlet chamber not allow effluent or air into next chamber causing the tank to overflow at inlet?? Is it possible to have a clog after the inlet baffle and before the effluent reaches the outlet baffle?

On 2021-07-29 by inspectapedia.com.moderator - septic system the aerator pipe is leaking air

@Amos,

Yes, I am concerned that if the aerator is leaking you will not be pumping sufficient air through the waste water and it will not be adequately treated.

On 2021-07-29 by Amos

On my septic system the aerator pipe is leaking air is that pipe supposed to be secure with no air leaks

On 2021-07-13 by danjoefriedman (mod) - irrigation system makes noises in bathroom?

@Vincelakatos@gmail.com,

No, that does not sound normal to me. I'm a bit worried that you have flood water is running through your plumbing drain system. If so and if you connected to subject yourself to field is flooded and not working.

On 2021-07-13 by Vincelakatos@gmail.com

Is it normal to hear your irrigation system running through the pipes in the bathroom if there's flooding outside in the creek

On 2021-06-25 by inspectapedia.com.moderator - aerobic septic flooded in wet weather

@Angie,

With Just a smidgen of information I can but guess that your septic system is not working properly in that it floods in wet weather.

That condition or the leak point needs to be found - leaks into your septic tank or other problems need to be fixed.

Otherwise your septic system pushes contaminants into the environment.

It may be that your septic system is not working normally but I can't tell. An inspection of the tank by a professional will tell you if the tank is at normal levels. It could simply be that with the end of weather and your tank on flooded it doesn't need to run the sprayers so often. Let us know what your inspector tells you.

On 2021-06-25 by Angie

after we got a lot of rain it flooded my yard and it was over the top of my Aerobic system and the sprayers would spray evry 10 to 15 minutes Now we havent noticed them spraying at all. What could cause this,why and what do I need to do?

On 2021-04-28 by (mod) - sprinklers on the aerobic septic system are spraying multiple times per day

@Ella Higgs,

I'm not sure that something is wrong. A lot depends on how much waste water is entering your aerobic system.

If for example you have a running toilet that could be flooding the aerobic system and setting off the sprinklers.

o start by having someone inspect the septic tank to be sure that there's no water entering it when you think that no waters been running the building. Beyond that check the aerobic timers and controls

On 2021-04-28 by Ella Higgs

Our sprinklers on the aerobic septic system are spraying multiple times per day. What could be wrong.

On 2021-03-22 by (mod) - Clearstream septic system aerator does not work

@Joey, do you think there could be an air leak, clogged diffuser, kinked tubing, or failing pump? That would explain why the pump can't push much air into full depth of the aerobic septic tank.

On 2021-03-22 by Joey

Hi there I have a Clearstream septic system and the aerator does not work when it’s fully submerged. It works if it’s at half height? There water seems clean and easy to move around right to the bottom, the filter is new, the pump is pumping air? What could this problem be? The system was last cleaned and drained 6 months ago. Any help would be appreciated

On 2021-02-15 by (mod) - aerobic septic system float control failure

Ted that sounds like a float control failure.

On 2021-02-15 by Ted

My pump that runs the sprinkler does not shut off and when cleans water runs out the dirty water starts to come out the sprinkler heads.

On 2021-01-27 by (mod) - Hiblow aerobic septic aerator pump troubleshooting

John

I'm not sure what's going on; if you don't have the HiBlow manual for your system (and its troubleshooting tips) you can download a copy (and also find company contact information) in this

HIBLOW HP80 INSTRUCTION MANUAL [PDF] that covers these aerator Models: HP-40 through HP-200

https://inspectapedia.com/septic/Hiblow-Aerator-Pump-manual-HP40-200.pdf

Contact: HIBLOW USA 1300 Tefft Ct. Suite 8, Saline, MI 48176 Tel: 734-944-5032
Email: info@HIBLOW-USA.com

Or if your Hiblow aerobic septic aerator pump is one of the newer models with a slide switch see this

HIBLOW HP-SERIES AERATOR INSTRUCTION MANUAL [PDF]

from the same source.

On 2021-01-24 by John

Hiblow HP80 blower working and blowing air out of unit but no bubbles or circulation in Whitewater DF50. Also, is it normal for the outlet pipe of the ATU unit water to sit 3 inches below the intake? Just had trash and ATU pumped then issues started

On 2020-10-27 - by (mod) -

Tennie

What you describe sounds very odd to me, too. It is simply not reasonable to expect to have to replace septic pumps so frequently, so there is almost certainly something wrong.

Start your investigation with the pump manufacturer - identify the pump brand and model, call the manufacturer, and ask

1. are we using the proper pump type and model for our application? And how can we know that the pump is properly or improperly installed? What SNAFUs should we look for?

2. If so, have you seen this problem before and can you offer an explanation and cure?

DO please let me know what you're told as that may permit further suggestions from us too.

Beyond that let's look at the electrical system and pump wiring and grounding:

- the pump wiring and the electrical system grounding; an improper electrical ground ANYWHERE In the electrical system might cause a current leak (very dangerous, can shock or kill someone) and that in turn can also cause surprising corrosion or pinholing; I've seen that in HVAC systems, ground water source heat pumps, and other piping installations

The electrical concern will be particularly true if/when you confirm to me that the pump body where the pinholes are developing is metal rather than plastic

On 2020-10-27 by Tennie

We moved in our new home in Oct 2019, and didn't know the Nu Water aerobic septic system was not connected to the quick disconnect box until January 2020 when we received inspection. The system failed in March and the pump had to be replaced and again in May. We had the system pumped out in June. Our maintenance provider no longer wanted to service us so we lost the 2yr warranty. The new provider had to replace the pump in July and again in August.

I decided to keep the last 2 pumps and upon closer examination I noticed pinholes in the stainless steel at the bottom of the pump on both. I understand the supplier said he could not honor the warranty on the next pump. I have been to the county (Ft Bend ), the state (Texas ) and no one can tell us what the problem is or where to get answers. I have also noticed the alarm on the control panel is very low and you can barely hear it. I would appreciate any help or advice you could give us.

On 2020-10-14 by Colin

Bacteria will not well enough to brake down solids have skin of washing powder on the surface of the solids

On 2020-08-24 by Curt

Red light is on what I need to check

On 2020-08-09 by Rick

Sprinkler heads are not coming on but test lights are working and aerator is working

On 2020-08-06 - by (mod) -

Loss of electrical power, a failed pump, or a blockage

On 2020-08-06 by Marsha

What would cause my system to quit spraying

On 2020-07-26 by Albert

We are getting a sewage smell on the sprinkler heads go off we have plenty of tablets and they are the correct tablets not the pool ones and we have a pump seems to be working as well as the air compressor putting air in so what would cause the bad smell or cause it to stop being an aerobic system

On 2020-06-15 - by (mod) - when will sewage-effluent-sprayed soil be safe for children's play area?

Anon

In my OPINION if the system was recently spraying (or leaking) sewage effluent onto the ground surface then the top layer of soil may include sewage pathogens that as dust or mud could be a health risk. It'd be better to give it some time. With NO data I'd have guessed at 6 months to be safe.

"In the soil with aerobic conditions, bacteria use for food the organic material that produces the BOD (literally, they break down the BOD and solids, and incorporate them).

Pathogens are trapped in the soil, either by being adsorbed onto soil particles (electrical and chemical interactions between the soil particles and the surfaces of the sewage microbes), or by becoming stuck to the microbial slimes laid down by soil bacteria.

Once trapped, some pathogens die because of unfavorable temperature, lack of moisture and food, and other causes. Others are inhibited or killed by antibiotics given off naturally by soil fungi and other organisms.

Still others are actually preyed upon by soil bacteria and are literally eaten. This process proceeds faster with warmer soil temperatures and slower with cooler temperatures"

- source: BASIC PRINCIPLES of ON-SITE SEWAGE SYSTEMS [PDF] Washington State DOH, retrieved 2020/06/15, original source: https://www.doh.wa.gov/Portals/1/Documents/Pubs/337-083.pdf

On 2020-06-15 by Anonymous

Thanks for the information! We now have the drainage rerouted and have done away with the sprinkler irrigation system. We intend to just make this area part of our yard now. Is that ground safe for kids to play on now? Aerator pump was installed after 4.5 months of operating without it and the system operated with the aerator pump still with spray irrigation system for one month before the drainage was rerouted to the ditch. Thanks!

On 2020-06-09 by Donna

Hello. Aerobic system is making a sound but not humming like normal and it is very hot. The sprinkler heads are not coming up even when you push the test button

On 2020-06-06 - by (mod) -

Ben

Let's start our motor diagnosis by noting where the odor is strongest and whether you are xarvio der Outdoors or indoors

On 2020-06-06 - by (mod) -

Leigh

No, "remediation" of under-treated-effluent-wet soils outdoors is not something I've found anyone doing nor recommending other than allowing time - months or longer - for soil bacteria to break down pathogens. You may not want children playing on such an area nor would you plant root crops or low-growing vegetables thereon.

On 2020-06-06 by Leigh


Thanks so much for your reply. Will have to try and get information about the system from the company that installed it, again, to dig further into it.

So as far as the effluent not be treated - what does that mean for the ground where the water was spraying for 5 months. Should that area be remediated?

On 2020-06-06 - by (mod) -

Leigh

Those aerobic septic system malfunctions sound really aggravating and disappointing at best. I worry that you simply haven't had installation, or repair service, by someone with enough expertise on your particular septic system.

Take a look at the brand and model information on your system, its controls, and on any bills or invoices; identify the manufacturer, give them a call, and ask for help.

Finally: there is no aerobic septic system that is designed to operate without its air pump (thus no aerobic or aeration) for months. The result is likely to be clogged distribution piping and spray heads. And of course the effluent being dispersed was not treated.

On 2020-06-05 by Leigh - immediate issues with float for aerobic septic pump

We have an aerobic sewer system on our home. Our home was completed and we moved in in December. Immediately had issues with the float switch not signaling the system to kick on and then not signaling the system to kick off. The next issue was the smell.

For MONTHS I informed the company that installed the system that the smell was awful and getting worse. The smell was absolutely putrid - just like raw sewage. Finally, 5 months later, a technician discovered that the aerator pump was never put on the system.

The aerator pump was put on, it’s been a month, and now for the last 2 weeks, the sprinkler heads (spray ideation system) have not been functioning - not spraying and very little water coming out. Of the water that is coming out, the smell is still awful. I am at my wits end with this system.

My question is - due to operating without an aerator pump for 5 months, was the effluence water coming out of the system sanitary? The smell alone leads me to believe it wasn’t.

On 2020-05-16 - by (mod) -

Jennifer

Usually the problem is a faulty check valve near the pump or dirty or damaged O-rings in the sprinkler heads.

Take a look and let me know what you find.

On 2020-05-16 by Jennifer

After my sprinklers on my system run they go back down but there is water just barely trickling out of them and it will not stop! Need answers ASAP! Could they be faulty?

On 2020-05-15 - by (mod) -

Yes, Mark,

An aerobic septic system spray head can be clogged. Try disassembling and cleaning the unit.

On 2020-05-15 by mark attebery

I had to open my air pump and reset the back pressure safety switch. I found that the line going to the aerator is blocked. Probably from ground shifting, I am in Texas after all. But is it possible that the aeration head has become blocked somehow? The unit was pumped this past year.

On 2020-05-02 - by (mod) -

Look for an air leak in the suction line first, Joseph.

On 2020-05-02 by Joseph

Hello,
My liquid chlorinator stopped dispensing bleach. I assume line or suction is clogged? All else is working great on the system.

Question:

Joleene Duncan

What does the red light mean

dssaunders said:

I can’t get my aerobic system to manually turn on

Reply:

(mod) said: - Aerobic Pump Won't Turn On

I'd start by tracing power to the switch and to the pump;

If you're delivering power to the pump and it's not turning on, and if the float switch should be making it run, and if there is power out of the float switch, then the pump or pump wire is defective. Pull the pump and bench test it.

...

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