Troubleshooting a Septic Aerator

Septic tanks consist of a series of components among which the septic aerator is among the most critical parts. Septic tanks are used for the treatment of water before it is returned to the environment. Household drainage is connected to the septic tanks wherein the water undergoes a minimal treatment to get rid of toxic substances.

Among such domestic septic tanks, aerobic septic treatment, supported by a septic aerator is preferred. The septic aerator is needed to maintain a basic level of oxygen gas within the tank. The aeration system consists of aerator pumps that help to direct fresh air from the outside toward the tank. This ensures that aerobic bacteria easily proliferate within the tank and decompose the toxic substances.

Troubleshooting Septic Aerator Pump

The septic aerator pump is composed of different parts and you need to check and maintain each of them.

Diaphragm

The diaphragm is vulnerable to getting very dry and wearing out. You need to repair and lubricate the diaphragm as per the owner’s manual provided at the time of installation or the retailer’s advice. If the diaphragm has extensive surface damage, replace it. Lubrication is done with standard oils available at hardware stores.

Filter

Each aerator system uses some sort of a blower or a compressor. Usually, the retailers provide extra filters that are meant to be changed every few months. Used filters promote greater sedimentation within the tank and limit the decomposition of toxic substances. Cleaning the filters is rather difficult and a messy affair. Simply replace them according to the retailer’s recommendations.

Diffuser

The diffuser doesn’t need to be replaced often. You simply need to treat it with muriatic acid. Disengage the diffuser and dip it in a bowl of muriatic acid. This helps to remove all the hardened grime.

Troubleshooting Lack of Bacteria in Septic Aerator System

The septic aerator system might be suffering from a lack of aerobic bacteria. This can impair the entire utility of the septic tank system. The easiest way to decode this problem is checking the amount of sludge in the tank. Open the aeration chamber. Insert a rod within the tank. If the sludge deposits occupy about half or greater length of the rod, you need to unload the sludge.

For this, you need to find a day when there is minimal water in the tank. Ensure that no water is used within the house for a few hours. Switch-off the septic tank system. Open the septic aerator tank and flush-out the sludge using a high-pressure garden hose. Flush the entire tank and rinse the tank’s walls repeatedly. You can use a mop for scraping the impacted grime. If some of the deposits seem too sticky, you can use water-soluble, organic additives retailed for decomposing the grime and promoting bacterial growth.

Troubleshooting Septic Aerator through Timely Prevention

If there are any indications of the internal surface of the tank being worn-out, check the materials being drained into the septic tank system. Ensure that paint thinners, paints, industrial solvents and other chemicals aren't routed to the aerator tank. This prevention is also needed from the perspective of supporting bacterial growth. Such chemicals can easily kill the healthy bacteria that are needed for decomposition. Ensure that clot-forming materials like plastics, paper towels and napkins aren't routed into the septic tank drainage system.