What is aerobic sewer?

An aerobic treatment system (ATS), often called an aerobic septic system, is a small scale sewage treatment system similar to a septic tank system, but which uses an aerobic process for digestion rather than just the anaerobic process used in septic systems.

How does an aerobic septic system work?

An aerobic system injects oxygen into the treatment tank. The additional oxygen increases natural bacterial activity within the system that then provides additional treatment for nutrients in the effluent.

What are the disadvantages of an aerobic septic system?

Increased cost: An aerobic septic system can cost up to three times as much as a traditional septic tank. The cost varies by design and location, but they are almost always more expensive than a traditional system. Property owners must weigh this cost with potential conveniences, such as space-saving measures.

What's the difference between septic and aerobic?

In traditional septic systems, once wastewater leaves the septic tank, it flows to the leach field where oxygen-loving bacteria go to work. As the effluent is pulled downward by gravity, aerobic bacteria in the soil kill harmful components in the effluent before it joins clean groundwater.

Are aerobic septic systems good?

Aerobic bacteria break down waste solids faster than their anaerobic counterparts. The treated water that flows out of an aerobic septic system is cleaner, making an aerobic system a good choice if your property has a higher water table or other environmental challenges.

Basics about Aerobic Systems

How often do you pump an aerobic septic system?

Household septic tanks are typically pumped every three to five years. Alternative systems with electrical float switches, pumps, or mechanical components should be inspected more often, generally once a year.

Can you use a garbage disposal with an aerobic septic system?

But is it wise to install a garbage disposal if you own a home with a septic system? From our perspective, the simple answer is no. We recommend that you avoid using a garbage disposal with a septic system for three reasons: It reduces the effectiveness of your septic system.

Which is better conventional or aerobic septic system?

Conventional septic systems are generally less expensive than aerobic systems, though this is not always the case. Conventional systems involve much less maintenance than aerobic systems. Both conventional septic systems and aerobic systems are environmentally friendly when designed, used, and maintained properly.

How do you maintain an aerobic septic system?

Which septic system is best?

The best choice is a precast concrete septic tank. Precast septic tanks hold many advantages over plastic, steel, or fiberglass tanks. This is why so many cities and towns actually require the use of concrete septic tanks.

Do aerobic septic systems smell?

A common myth is that aerobic systems smell. Well, some do, but they shouldn't! A smelly septic system is a sign of a problem, one that needs to be fixed sooner instead of later.

Which is better aerobic or anaerobic septic system?

Even solid waste, which otherwise settles at the bottom in anaerobic septic system, is exposed to aerobic bacteria. Such a mechanism makes sure that the effluent is cleaner and easier to treat in the leach field. Aerobic systems are more efficient, but the installation process is more complicated, hence more expensive.

How much electricity does an aerobic septic system use?

Daily operating electrical usage: 86 Watts/Hr x 24 hrs/day = 2,064 Watt-hours/day.

Can you use bleach in an aerobic septic system?

Bleach chlorination systems can be installed on any aerobic septic.

How do you know when your aerobic septic tank is full?

How do septic systems work in the winter?

During winter, the freezing temperature outside makes the various components of your septic system freeze up. With the septic tank being frozen, the waste does not break down quickly, which causes problems for the residents.

How do I winterize my aerobic septic system?

Shut off the water where it enters the house and drain all lines. Drain the pump and then run a couple of seconds to be sure all water is out of the lines. Drain the system by opening all the faucets and leave them open. Completely drain the pressure tank.

How many bathrooms can a 1000 gallon septic tank support?

Most governmental recommendations for the smallest septic tank capacity in home use is based on the number of bedrooms in the house. The recommendation for home use is a 1000 gallon septic tank as a starting point. The 1000 gallon size tank is a minimum and *can be suitable for a 2 bedroom, 3 bedroom house.

How often do you put chlorine tablets in aerobic septic system?

Chlorine can harm the helpful bacteria in septic tanks, so it is important to use it correctly. The instructions on most chlorine tablet products recommend one to two tablets inserted into the wastewater tank each month for every person living in the household.

What are the 2 types of septic systems?

There are two basic septic system types — conventional and alternative. Site and soil conditions generally determine the type of system that should be installed.

How often should aerobic septic sprinklers go off?

We normally recommend you to pump out all your tanks/compartments when the sludge level reaches approximately 50% or higher in the aerobic unit or if excessive sludge builds up in the pump tank. (The average household will need to have the system pumped every 2-5 years).

Can I flush toilet paper in an aerobic septic system?

Septic tanks contain anaerobic bacteria that break down waste. Many common chemicals, like bleach, solvents, and some cleaning products, can disturb the delicate balance in the septic tank and affect waste breakdown. For this reason, it's best to avoid highly chemically treated toilet papers.

Does kitchen sink water go to septic tank?

All drains in the home converge to a single pipe that leads to the septic tank buried outside. When the waste water from your toilet, shower, sinks and washing machine leave your house, it's combined. When it hits the septic tank, however, it begins to separate.

Can you flush toilet paper with a septic tank?

Do Not Flush. The best thing to do for your septic system is to be sure not to flush anything other than human waste and toilet paper, preferably single-ply toilet paper. Even if items are marked as “septic safe,” do not flush them. For example, some baby wipes and cat litter may be labeled this way.