3 Tips to Keep Your Aerobic Septic System Strong

1. Protect Your Aerator

An aerobic septic system derives its advantages from the bacteria used to break down waste. A traditional system incorporates anaerobic bacteria, which can survive in the oxygen-deprived ecosystem of a septic tank. Aerobic septic systems contain aerobic bacteria — those that require a consistent supply of oxygen to do their job.

To provide this oxygen, an aerobic septic system uses a component known as the aerator. An aerator is basically an air compressor that pushes air from the surface down into your septic tank. If the aerator ceases to function, then the bacteria fail to receive oxygen. Soon those bacteria begin to die off, which leaves you with a vat of raw sewage.

Aerators die for two common reasons. The first involves clogged air diffusers. If the filter at the end of the pipe which leads into your tank becomes excessively clogged with sludge, air can't get into the tank. Moreover, the clog creates high pressure inside of the aerator itself. This pressure eventually causes the aerator to overheat and burn out.

The second most common cause of a failed aerator involves insect infestations. Specifically, the housing of an aerator makes an ideal nesting ground for fire ants. Once the nest becomes developed enough, it causes a short that renders the aerator non-functional. A technician can prevent infestations by placing ant poison around your aerator.

2. Never Use Pool Chlorine

Aerobic septic systems also contain a unique component known as the chlorinator, which disinfects the waste water before the system pumps it out onto your yard. As its name implies, the chlorinator uses chlorine as a disinfectant. The chlorinator needs to be restocked with chlorine on a semi-regular basis.

Many chlorinators use special chlorine tablets, which allow for easy replacement with no pouring. These tablets closely resemble those used in many swimming pools. Yet you should never use your swimming pool tablets in your septic system chlorinator. Swimming pool tablets contain trichlorisocyanuric acid. Septic chlorine tablets, by contrast, contain calcium hypochlorite.

Swimming pool tablets do not dissolve quickly enough, or possess the necessary chemical power to disinfect septic system waste water. Always stock your chlorinator with tablets specifically intended for that purpose.

3. Get Regular Clarity Tests

An aerobic septic system uses two tanks. As waste flows out of your home, it accumulates in the main tank, also known as the trash tank. There the aerobic bacteria break solid waste down into sludge. The bacteria also treats the liquid waste, which then flows into the pump tank. From the pump tank, the liquid flows through the chlorinator and out onto your lawn.

In a well-working aerobic system, the bacteria in the main tank break down liquid waste far more than the bacteria in an anaerobic system. Yet an unhealthy or poorly maintained system may not break down liquid waste as much as it should. As a result, the liquid that flows into the pump tank appears much cloudier or dirtier.

A technician can perform a clarity test to determine how clean the water in your pump tank is and how well your system functions. For more information about having a clarity test performed on your aerobic system, please contact the septic pros at Walters Environmental Services.