7 Tips To Keep Your Aerobic Septic System in Good Condition

Taylor Walls • June 30, 2023

7 Tips To Keep Your Aerobic Septic System in Good Condition

Septic systems are essential to rural and suburban living, as they effectively dispose of household wastewater. These systems work by separating solids and liquids and treating the wastewater before releasing it into the environment. While most use some more common septic systems, such as the conventional variant, other choices are available. One example is the aerobic septic system, which uses an aeration tank to treat the wastewater.

Aerobic septic systems are a more advanced version of the conventional septic system. They use an aeration tank to introduce oxygen into the wastewater, otherwise promoting aerobic bacteria growth. These bacteria break down the organic matter in the wastewater more efficiently than the bacteria in a conventional system, resulting in cleaner effluent. Aerobic septic systems can also handle more wastewater than conventional systems, making them an ideal choice for larger households or commercial properties.

As with any other septic system, they must be maintained in excellent condition to ensure they work well. To help you with this, here are some tips:

1. Regular Pumping

Unlike conventional systems, aerobic systems require more frequent pumping to ensure that the aeration tank and other system components do not become overloaded with solids. The pumping frequency will depend on the size of the system and the number of people using it. Generally, most aerobic septic systems require pumping every 1-3 years.

Ignoring the pumping schedule can lead to a buildup of solids in the aeration tank, reducing the system's effectiveness. Over time, this can lead to system failure and costly repairs.

2. Monitor the Drain Field

The drain field filters and disperses treated wastewater from the septic system into the soil. Monitoring the drain field regularly is essential to ensure it is functioning correctly. Signs of a problem in the drain field include slow drains, foul odors, and standing water on the ground.

With this in mind, you must avoid planting trees or large shrubs near the drain field as their roots can damage the system's pipes and cause blockages. Additionally, do not park vehicles or heavy machinery on the drain field, as this can compact the soil and damage the pipes.

3. Conduct Regular Aerator Maintenance

The aeration tank is the heart of your aerobic septic system, as it introduces oxygen into the wastewater and promotes the growth of aerobic bacteria. To keep your system running smoothly, you should regularly maintain the aerator. This includes cleaning the air filters and checking the diffuser for clogs or damage.

4. Limit Your Water Usage

Aerobic septic systems are designed to handle a higher volume of wastewater than conventional systems, but they still have their limits. Limit water usage as much as possible to prevent overloading your system. This means taking shorter showers, fixing any leaks as soon as they occur, and avoiding running multiple appliances simultaneously.

5. Avoid Flushing Non-biodegradable Objects

Your aerobic septic system is designed to break down organic matter but cannot handle non-biodegradable objects. You should avoid flushing items such as cigarette butts, feminine hygiene products, or baby wipes, because they can accumulate in the tank and cause blockages.

6. Use Products That Are Septic System Safe

Septic-safe products are formulated to be safe for your septic system and do not contain harsh chemicals that can harm the bacteria in the tank. Look for products with a "septic safe" label, or choose natural and biodegradable cleaning products that are gentle on the environment and your septic system. Avoid using bleach, antibacterial soaps, and chemical drain cleaners, as they can kill the beneficial bacteria in the tank and disrupt the natural breakdown process.

7. Conduct Regular Inspections

Above all else, you must conduct regular inspections of your septic system. Regular inspections can help to identify problems before they become major issues that can lead to costly repairs or even the replacement of the entire system. It is recommended that you have your septic system inspected at least once every three years by a professional septic system inspector.

Conclusion

Aerobic septic systems are a great alternative to traditional ones, providing a more efficient and reliable way to handle wastewater. However, you must ensure it works in excellent condition, especially since it will be used extensively. This way, you can avoid costly repairs and ensure the system functions optimally.

Alternative Septic Management Inc. provides top-quality services for inspections of septic systems. Our septic specialists will check for regulatory requirements to ensure your system operates smoothly and efficiently. Schedule an inspection today!

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The Impact of Household Chemicals on Aerobic Treatment Units

February 10, 2025

Aerobic treatment units (ATUs) are an essential part of advanced septic solutions, providing efficient wastewater treatment for residential and commercial properties. Unlike traditional septic systems, ATUs rely on aerobic bacteria to break down waste, ensuring cleaner effluent and reduced environmental impact. However, maintaining a healthy bacterial ecosystem within an ATU is crucial for its effectiveness. One of the most common threats to ATU health is the improper use of household chemicals. Many common household cleaning and personal care products contain harsh chemicals that can disrupt the delicate balance of beneficial bacteria in an ATU. Understanding how these chemicals affect your system and what steps you can take to protect it can help extend its lifespan and maintain its efficiency. Alternative Septic Management specializes in helping homeowners and businesses in Georgia maintain their ATUs by providing expert guidance, routine maintenance, and solutions to protect bacterial ecosystems. Their professional services ensure that your system continues to function at peak performance while minimizing environmental impact. How Household Chemicals Affect Aerobic Treatment Units The Role of Bacteria in ATUs Aerobic treatment units depend on a thriving colony of aerobic bacteria to break down organic waste efficiently. These bacteria require oxygen to function properly, and ATUs are designed to supply continuous aeration to support their activity. When household chemicals enter the system, they can disrupt this bacterial balance, leading to reduced treatment efficiency and potential system failures. Common Harmful Household Chemicals Certain chemicals are particularly harmful to ATU bacteria, including: Bleach and Disinfectants: While effective for killing germs in the home, these chemicals also kill the beneficial bacteria necessary for wastewater treatment. Drain Cleaners and Solvents: Harsh drain cleaners contain caustic substances that can kill bacteria and damage system components. Antibacterial Soaps and Detergents: These products are designed to eliminate bacteria, which can weaken the microbial balance in an ATU. Medications and Personal Care Products: Flushing medications, particularly antibiotics, can severely disrupt bacterial populations within the system. Harsh Laundry Detergents and Fabric Softeners: Some detergents contain phosphates and chemicals that can be toxic to ATU bacteria. Signs of Chemical Damage in Your ATU When an ATU is exposed to harmful household chemicals over time, several warning signs may indicate a bacterial imbalance or system inefficiency. Recognizing these signs early can help prevent costly repairs and potential system failure. Foul Odors A properly functioning ATU should not produce strong, unpleasant odors. If you notice a persistent sewage smell near your drain field or around the system, it could indicate that bacteria are struggling to break down waste efficiently. Slow or Failing Wastewater Treatment If your drains are slower than usual or wastewater is not processing correctly, it may be due to bacterial die-off caused by chemical exposure. A lack of active bacteria means that waste is not being properly treated before being discharged. Increased Sludge Buildup and Clogging A loss of bacterial efficiency can lead to excessive sludge buildup in the ATU. This can cause clogging in the system, leading to backups, overflow, or even mechanical failures. System Alarms or Mechanical Issues Many ATUs are equipped with alarms that alert homeowners to operational issues. If your system’s alarm is triggered, it is essential to investigate the cause, as it may be linked to chemical contamination. Safe Alternatives: Protecting Your ATU From Chemicals To maintain a healthy ATU and ensure the longevity of your system, it is crucial to use septic-safe products and adopt responsible household habits. Choosing Safe Cleaners for Septic Systems Opting for natural or biodegradable cleaning products can help preserve the bacterial balance within your ATU. Consider using: Vinegar and Baking Soda: A natural alternative for cleaning surfaces and unclogging drains without harming bacteria. Plant-Based and Biodegradable Cleaning Products: Many eco-friendly cleaners are designed to be non-toxic to septic systems. Enzyme-Based Drain Cleaners: These products use natural enzymes to break down organic matter without killing beneficial bacteria. Responsible Chemical Disposal Instead of flushing harmful chemicals down the drain, dispose of them properly: Take unused medications to designated take-back programs instead of flushing them. Dispose of paint thinners, solvents, and other toxic chemicals at hazardous waste collection sites. Use minimal amounts of bleach and disinfectants, and opt for ATU-safe alternatives. Best Practices for Preserving ATU Health Along with avoiding harmful chemicals, implementing regular maintenance and best practices can help optimize ATU performance. Routine System Maintenance Regular inspections and maintenance are essential for keeping an ATU in optimal working condition. Professional service providers, such as Alternative Septic Management, offer expert inspections to ensure all system components function correctly and that bacterial levels remain balanced. Spacing Out Laundry Loads Excessive detergent use and high water volume can strain an ATU. Doing multiple loads of laundry in one day can overload the system, diluting bacterial levels and reducing treatment efficiency. Spreading laundry loads throughout the week can help maintain balance. Using ATU-Friendly Products Choose liquid detergents over powdered ones, as powder detergents can contain fillers that clog system components. Look for labels that indicate a product is septic-safe or biodegradable. Alternative Septic Management: Your Partner in ATU Maintenance Alternative Septic Management specializes in the maintenance and care of aerobic treatment units in Georgia. Their team understands the unique needs of ATUs and provides expert services to keep your system running smoothly. From routine inspections to system troubleshooting, their professionals help homeowners prevent issues caused by household chemicals and other common septic challenges. Why Choose Alternative Septic Management? Expert Knowledge: Their team is highly trained in aerobic treatment systems and bacterial balance. Regular Maintenance Plans: They offer scheduled service plans to keep your ATU operating efficiently. Eco-Friendly Solutions: Alternative Septic Management helps homeowners choose safe and effective products for their systems. Taking proactive steps to protect your ATU from harmful household chemicals can save you money and extend the life of your system. If you need professional guidance or septic services such as a septic system inspection or alternative septic system maintenance, Alternative Septic Management is here to help. Contact their team today to schedule an inspection and ensure your ATU remains in top condition.

Understanding the Role of Bacteria in Aerobic Treatment Units

January 27, 2025

Aerobic treatment units (ATUs) are an advanced septic solution designed to treat wastewater more efficiently than traditional systems. At the heart of an ATU's functionality is its reliance on bacteria. These microorganisms are essential for breaking down waste, ensuring the system operates effectively, and protecting the environment. Alternative Septic Management specializes in maintaining and optimizing ATUs, ensuring that the bacteria within these systems thrive and perform at their best. In this blog, we’ll explore the vital role of bacteria in aerobic treatment units, how they work, and how to optimize their performance for long-term success.