The Proper Way to Maintain an Aerobic Septic System to Preserve the Life of the Tank

by | Jun 14, 2016 | Septic Tanks

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An Aerobic Septic System is an environmentally-friendly method for treating wastewater. Septic tank maintenance, as well as pump and installation services, keep systems performing optimally. Aerobic bacteria are healthful microorganisms that ingest other microorganisms from solid waste material deposited into septic tanks. Wastewater goes through about three processing phases from start to end. When wastewater enters the tank, it is treated using aeration and chlorination techniques. Tanks are divided into three sections, with the first being the pre-treatment tank. It holds solid contents that can’t be treated, also known as the sludge layer, at the bottom of the tank. A fluid layer rises to the top of the tank and goes through an outlet to the second section of the receptacle. The fluid is treated with aeration and chlorination in the middle section. A vertical pipe then sends out potable and odorless water only containing simple organisms left over to fertilize upper layers of soil.

Septic systems have a control panel with a feature that indicates a problem. Most modules have a red light indicator to alert the owner. When a light is activated, it usually means the tank has high water or needs maintenance for the aeration function. The owner can check the water level by removing the pump tank lid. If the water is high, the light was activated for that reason. If water levels are okay, the alert is probably due to aeration problems. Checking the status of the tank under the lid can save a maintenance technician time from a couple of service steps, and possibly a reduced service bill.

Septic tanks need pumping service to remove accumulated sludge every two to four years. Family size, number of rooms and household appliances put a more precise period of time between pumping service dates. Septic systems must be used properly to avoid equipment failure. Harsh household chemicals should not go down drains. Cleaning products such as bleach can kill the healthy bacteria essential to treating wastewater. If there are not enough aerobic bacteria to consume other organisms, the tank can become overloaded with sludge. Frequently doing multiple laundry cycles in one day is not recommended. If too much wastewater enters the system per day, Aerobic Septic System performance is compromised. Learn more at website domain.

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