Aerator Services in Madison County & St. Clair County, IL

Decipher your Septic Aerator System

If you have an aerobic septic system (i.e., one with an aerator), chances are high that your system alarm has sounded at one point or another. More often than not, this alarm does not indicate your aerator is failing and that your system is facing catastrophic failure.

It is more likely that the alarm is signaling that something in your system needs your attention. Sometimes, however, this alarm, especially when coupled with other major telltale signs, alerts you to trouble brewing with your aerator. Here are some ways to decipher what your septic aerator is trying to tell you.

Aerators speed up the process of breaking down solids in your system by adding oxygen, which fosters the growth of the bacteria that breaks down and digests the wastewater inside your holding tank. A higher concentration of this good, natural bacteria in your septic system means a more efficient system that cleans wastewater faster and also more thoroughly. Because an aerobic septic system outputs cleaner effluent, a much smaller secondary treatment system (if any) is required than would be needed for an anaerobic system.

Aeration System Problems

Typically, the first indicator that there’s something wrong with your septic aerator is the system alarm sounding. Unfortunately, there are several reasons your alarm may sound, not all of which are directly associated with the aerator. The septic alarm is similar to the “check engine” light on your car, and, just as with your car, sorting out the cause often requires the help of a professional. Though not all associated with the aerator, the most common causes of the septic alarm sounding we see are:

• Loss of power: This is one of the easier problems to solve. Often this is caused by a tripped circuit breaker. If this problem keeps occurring, however, it’s a sign of a larger electrical problem and should be investigated by us immediately
• Sewage pump failure: If the sewage pump fails, it may cause the water in your system to back up.
• High Water Alarm: If the system has not be recently serviced, you may be overdue.  Generally, an aeration tank should be pumped every 3-5 years, but can vary. 

Call Nolen Septic Services today when your system needs pumping or routine maintenance to make sure your system operates well and you avoid costly repairs.