About your Aerobic System
HOW DOES MY SYSTEM FUNCTION
The aerobic system is similar to large municipality sewage treatment plants. It uses an activated sludge process. It depends on AIR being introduced to the wastewater promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria which break down organic material found in raw sewage.
Sewage from your home enters the first compartment of the system known as the "pre-treatment" tank. Inside this tank, solids begin to separate from liquid. The liquid flows into the 'aeration' chamber.
Inside this aeration chamber air is introduced by passing from an aerator motor through pvc pipe diffusers and into the system. The air promotes the rapid, excessive growth of bacteria. These organisms (bacteria) are living units that require oxygen from the air. The bacteria break down organic matter in the wastewater. The wastewater leaves this aeration chamber and enters the stilling or "quiet" zone. No mixing occurs in this area and leftover solids seperate and settle to the bottom (called Sludge) which is returned to the aeration chamber and digested again.
Treated effluent from the clarifier enters the pump tank (crossing over chlorine tablets for further disinfection) ready to be dispensed onto the lawn for release back into the atmosphere.
This never-ending daily cycle produces a clear, odorless, high quality effluent that is safe for the environment. This is the cutting edge of technology that works to address problems with sewage discharge under ground that can contaminate our water resources.
Sewage from your home enters the first compartment of the system known as the "pre-treatment" tank. Inside this tank, solids begin to separate from liquid. The liquid flows into the 'aeration' chamber.
Inside this aeration chamber air is introduced by passing from an aerator motor through pvc pipe diffusers and into the system. The air promotes the rapid, excessive growth of bacteria. These organisms (bacteria) are living units that require oxygen from the air. The bacteria break down organic matter in the wastewater. The wastewater leaves this aeration chamber and enters the stilling or "quiet" zone. No mixing occurs in this area and leftover solids seperate and settle to the bottom (called Sludge) which is returned to the aeration chamber and digested again.
Treated effluent from the clarifier enters the pump tank (crossing over chlorine tablets for further disinfection) ready to be dispensed onto the lawn for release back into the atmosphere.
This never-ending daily cycle produces a clear, odorless, high quality effluent that is safe for the environment. This is the cutting edge of technology that works to address problems with sewage discharge under ground that can contaminate our water resources.
SYSTEM COMPONENTS:
CONTROL PANEL
Each system has it's own control panel. This panel is located either directly mounted to your house or under the aerator cover on top of the system. This control panel is equipped with a complete "Systems malfunction" alarm sysstem. If for any reason the air pressure in the system drops or the system has high water, the alarm will sound and the red light will come on. If you hear the alarm you may mute the alarm by tripping the mute switch located on the side of the control panel or the aerator cover. Then call us for service.
EFFLUENT PUMP
Each system has a stainless, 1/2 hp, 20 gallon per minute, submersible effluent pump. The purpose of this pump is to discharge clear, treated effluent onto the lawn. The pump is contained within the last compartment of your system called the "pump tank". It has floats attached which control the water level inside that tank. One float is adjusted to engage the pump when the water level in that tank reaches a depth of approximately 1/2-2/3 full. The other float is adjusted to engage the HIGH WATER ALARM in the event the pump fails to work and tank is becoming over-full. Inside this tank you will see several electrical wires to the pump (from your control panel). You will want to make certain that these wires and the connections are never corroded or sparking. Make sure no ants, gnats, or other pests are infesting these wires. If you see you have exposed wire ends or other problem please contact us.
Never attempt to service this tank yourself due to risk of electric shock!
AERATOR
Each system has a small 3-5 CFM, linear or diaphragm air compressor (aerator). This air pump is usually located above ground and normally atop the pump tank or installed below or near the system control panel. The purpose of this pump is simple - provide oxygen (via air) to the microbes that live inside the tank. NO AIR - NO BUGS - NO TREATMENT resulting in raw sewage being dispersed onto the lawn. This aerator is the "heart" of the system and it's proper function is crucial to the stability of the system.
Take care to make certain that no rodents, ants or other pests infest the air motor. Ants LOVE the mechanical components of your aerobic system! Make sure that the air pump stays level and that no dirt or excess water infiltrates this pump.
Try to keep the air pump in a cool, dry location as much as possible!
The air pump should be serviced regularly and the small filter located under the screw cap on top should be cleaned regularly. At least remove the filter and shake all dirt on a monthly basis! Make sure that all lines - electrical and pvc - remain intact at all times. Often the ground will shift, especially after heavy rain or excessively dry periods, and the lines may pull away from the fittings.
SPRAY ROTORS / HEADS
Each system has two or more spray heads which are designed to disperse the clear, treated effluent EVENLY in a large area in order to allow the sun and wind to disipate the effluent back into the atmosphere. The heads may become clogged at times and the internal gears become worn. In that event , the heads should simply be replaced in order to keep your system operating efficiently.
CONTROL PANEL
Each system has it's own control panel. This panel is located either directly mounted to your house or under the aerator cover on top of the system. This control panel is equipped with a complete "Systems malfunction" alarm sysstem. If for any reason the air pressure in the system drops or the system has high water, the alarm will sound and the red light will come on. If you hear the alarm you may mute the alarm by tripping the mute switch located on the side of the control panel or the aerator cover. Then call us for service.
EFFLUENT PUMP
Each system has a stainless, 1/2 hp, 20 gallon per minute, submersible effluent pump. The purpose of this pump is to discharge clear, treated effluent onto the lawn. The pump is contained within the last compartment of your system called the "pump tank". It has floats attached which control the water level inside that tank. One float is adjusted to engage the pump when the water level in that tank reaches a depth of approximately 1/2-2/3 full. The other float is adjusted to engage the HIGH WATER ALARM in the event the pump fails to work and tank is becoming over-full. Inside this tank you will see several electrical wires to the pump (from your control panel). You will want to make certain that these wires and the connections are never corroded or sparking. Make sure no ants, gnats, or other pests are infesting these wires. If you see you have exposed wire ends or other problem please contact us.
Never attempt to service this tank yourself due to risk of electric shock!
AERATOR
Each system has a small 3-5 CFM, linear or diaphragm air compressor (aerator). This air pump is usually located above ground and normally atop the pump tank or installed below or near the system control panel. The purpose of this pump is simple - provide oxygen (via air) to the microbes that live inside the tank. NO AIR - NO BUGS - NO TREATMENT resulting in raw sewage being dispersed onto the lawn. This aerator is the "heart" of the system and it's proper function is crucial to the stability of the system.
Take care to make certain that no rodents, ants or other pests infest the air motor. Ants LOVE the mechanical components of your aerobic system! Make sure that the air pump stays level and that no dirt or excess water infiltrates this pump.
Try to keep the air pump in a cool, dry location as much as possible!
The air pump should be serviced regularly and the small filter located under the screw cap on top should be cleaned regularly. At least remove the filter and shake all dirt on a monthly basis! Make sure that all lines - electrical and pvc - remain intact at all times. Often the ground will shift, especially after heavy rain or excessively dry periods, and the lines may pull away from the fittings.
SPRAY ROTORS / HEADS
Each system has two or more spray heads which are designed to disperse the clear, treated effluent EVENLY in a large area in order to allow the sun and wind to disipate the effluent back into the atmosphere. The heads may become clogged at times and the internal gears become worn. In that event , the heads should simply be replaced in order to keep your system operating efficiently.
