Improve Efficiency with a Septic Tank Aerator

Last Updated on August 2, 2024 by Dave

An aerated septic system, also known as an Aerobic Treatment Unit (ATU), uses an air pump to add air to the wastewater tank. This extra oxygen boosts natural bacterial action. It helps treat nutrients in the wastewater better. Septic tank aerators are great for homes with small lots, poor soil, or near water bodies that are sensitive.

Key Takeaways

  • Septic tank aerators improve the efficiency of wastewater treatment by increasing oxygen levels for natural bacterial activity.
  • Aerated septic systems are advantageous for properties with challenging site conditions, such as small lots, poor soil, or high water tables.
  • Septic tank aerators can help protect sensitive water bodies by enhancing the treatment of nutrients in the effluent.
  • Regular maintenance and the use of genuine replacement parts are crucial for the long-term performance of septic tank aerators.
  • Advanced aeration systems like AeroClear offer energy-efficient operation and high oxygen transfer rates for improved digestion of solids.

Understanding Septic Tank Aeration

Septic tank aeration is key to making your wastewater treatment system work better. At the center is the septic tank aerator. This device adds oxygen to the septic tank. It helps beneficial aerobic bacteria grow.

What is a Septic Tank Aerator?

A septic tank aerator is a device that adds air and oxygen to the septic system. This extra oxygen helps the natural bacteria work better. It makes treating wastewater more effective before it goes to the drainfield.

Benefits of Aeration in Wastewater Treatment

  • Improved oxygen transfer to the wastewater, which boosts the activity of aerobic bacteria
  • More efficient breakdown of organic matter, reducing biological oxygen demand (BOD) and total suspended solids (TSS)
  • Faster digestion of solids, preventing buildup and extending the life of the septic system
  • Reduced risk of septic system failures and the need for costly repairs or replacements
  • Cleaner, odor-free discharge to the drainfield, minimizing environmental impact

The aeration process uses blowers to add oxygen into the wastewater. This lets aerobic and facultative bacteria eat the solids and break them down. This method is great at removing biological oxygen demand (BOD) and total suspended solids (TSS) from the wastewater. It makes the system work better and digest faster.

“The SepAerator™ has been tested and proven to process waste inside the septic tank, discharging clear water to the secondary treatment system.”

Using a septic tank aerator means homeowners get a more reliable and eco-friendly way to treat wastewater. It helps the septic system work well for many years.

Types of Bacteria in Septic Systems

Septic systems need a mix of bacteria to work well. These bacteria are aerobic, anaerobic, and facultative. Each type plays a key role in keeping the system healthy.

Aerobic Bacteria

Aerobic bacteria are great at breaking down waste in septic systems. They work best in places with oxygen. They eat nitrogen, phosphorus, and carbon, turning them into carbon dioxide. This process is like what happens in nature and helps kill harmful germs.

Anaerobic Bacteria

Anaerobic bacteria are common in septic tanks because they don’t need oxygen. They’re not as good at breaking down waste as aerobic bacteria. But, they’re still important for breaking down sludge in the tank’s low-oxygen areas. They make methane and carbon dioxide, which can smell bad.

Facultative Bacteria

Facultative bacteria can live in both oxygen-rich and oxygen-poor areas. They help balance the bacteria in septic systems. But, in places without oxygen, they can make hydrogen sulfide, which smells bad.

Adding air to septic systems helps aerobic bacteria grow. This makes the system work better and smell less. A septic tank aerator can greatly improve your system’s performance and life.

Bacteria TypeOxygen RequirementsKey FunctionsPotential Drawbacks
AerobicRequire oxygen to thriveEfficient at breaking down organic waste, producing carbon dioxideCan be sensitive to environmental changes
AnaerobicDo not require oxygenBreak down sludge in oxygen-depleted areasLess efficient, produce methane and carbon dioxide, can cause odors
FacultativeCan live with or without oxygenProvide a balancing role in the bacterial ecosystemMay produce hydrogen sulfide in anaerobic conditions, contributing to odors

Knowing about the different bacteria in septic systems helps homeowners take better care of them. This can make the system work better and last longer.

Enhancing Aerobic Digestion with a Septic Tank Aerator

The septic tank aerator is key to making your wastewater treatment system work better. It adds oxygen to the septic tank, boosting aerobic digestion. This is vital for managing wastewater well.

Aerobic bacteria are the stars of this show. They love oxygen and are great at breaking down waste. The septic tank aerator makes sure there’s enough oxygen. This lets the bacteria eat the waste better, reducing solids in the tank.

Better aerobic digestion means the water coming out is cleaner. This means less strain on the soil that treats the water. So, your septic system lasts longer. The aerator keeps your septic system running smoothly for many years.

septic tank aerator

The septic tank aerator brings 100% fresh air into the tank, boosting dissolved oxygen content. It uses blowers to add oxygen, helping aerobic bacteria grow. These bacteria are better at digesting waste than others, leading to less solids in the tank.

Choosing the right septic tank aerator lets you use aerobic digestion fully. This means a septic system that works well and lasts longer.

Choosing the Right Septic Tank Aerator Size

Choosing the right septic tank aerator size is key to a healthy septic system. The aerator’s size depends on your septic tank’s volume. AeroClear offers a detailed sizing chart to help you pick the right aerator for your tank.

Tank Volume and Aerator Sizing Chart

AeroClear suggests the following aerator models for different tank sizes:

  • Size 500 Series: For tanks ranging from 500 to 1,000 gallons
  • Size 1000 Series: For tanks ranging from 1,250 to 2,000 gallons
  • Size 2000 Series: For tanks ranging from 2,250 to 3,000 gallons

It’s vital to pick the right septic tank aerator size for good aeration and system performance. The right aerator sizing keeps a healthy balance of aerobic bacteria. These bacteria are key for breaking down waste efficiently in your septic system.

Tank VolumeRecommended Aerator Model
500 – 1,000 gallonsSize 500 Series
1,250 – 2,000 gallonsSize 1000 Series
2,250 – 3,000 gallonsSize 2000 Series

Choosing the correct septic tank aerator size ensures your system works well. It also helps with aerator sizing. If you’re unsure about your tank volume or need help picking the right system selection, talk to a professional.

The Septic Tank Aerator

The septic tank aerator is key to a working on-site wastewater treatment system. It makes sure the aeration process happens, keeping the septic system healthy. This device brings in outside air and spreads it through the septic tank. This air helps the aerobic bacteria grow.

Aerobic bacteria are vital for breaking down organic waste. They turn it into something easier to handle. This makes the septic system work better, treating the wastewater well before it goes into the soil.

The septic tank aerator keeps the system running by providing oxygen for the bacteria. Without it, the system would fail, causing big problems for the environment.

SpecificationValue
Original Price$167.00
Liters Per Minute of Air60
Noise Level34 dba
Voltage115
CFM Max Air Flow3.8
Power Usage62 Watts
WarrantyTwo Years, Covering Manufacturing Defects Only

The JAM 60 septic tank aerator is made to give the air needed for digestion in the septic system. Its features like air flow, power use, and warranty are key for its performance and life.

Jam 60 compressor with alarm

Knowing how the septic tank aerator works and its details helps people choose and care for it. This is important for those who work with or have on-site wastewater treatment systems.

septic tank aerator

“The septic tank aerator is the heart of an efficient wastewater treatment system, continuously supplying the oxygen that fuels the aerobic bacteria and optimizes the digestion of organic waste.”

Installation and Maintenance

Installing and maintaining your septic tank aerator right is key to its long-term success. It’s best to have a pro do the first setup. They make sure the aerator fits well with your septic system and works right.

Professional Installation Recommended

Choosing a qualified pro for installation is smart. They know how to connect the aerator with your septic system right. This ensures it works well and lasts longer.

Regular Maintenance and Aerator Replacement

Keeping your septic tank aerator in good shape is vital. This means cleaning the diffusers inside and replacing the pump when needed. Always use genuine parts to avoid compatibility issues. Replace the aerator every 4-5 years or as the maker suggests to keep your system running smoothly.

  • Inspect the aerator every few months to ensure proper operation
  • Check for proper voltage readings to maintain adequate airflow
  • Ensure the aerator brackets are tight to prevent issues and wear
  • Regularly inspect the electrical plug end for corrosion

By sticking to these maintenance tips, you can make your septic tank aerator last longer and keep your system efficient.

septic tank aerator installation

“Proper installation and regular maintenance are essential for ensuring the long-term performance and reliability of your septic tank aerator.”

Eliminating Odors with Aeration

A septic tank aerator is great at getting rid of bad smells from septic systems. It does this by cutting down on hydrogen sulfide, the stuff that smells like rotten eggs. By adding oxygen, aerobic bacteria take over, stopping the bad-smelling anaerobic bacteria from growing.

This means no more bad smells for homeowners. It makes living near a septic tank much nicer.

Aeration is really good at odor control. Research shows that systems like the AeroClear™ boost oxygen levels in wastewater. This leads to better wastewater treatment and no more bad smells from the septic tank aerator.

“The AeroClear™ systems are designed to transfer 100% outside/room air efficiently into wastewater tanks, leading to increased Dissolved Oxygen (DO) levels to improve waste digestion rates.”

With enough oxygen, aerobic bacteria beat out anaerobic bacteria that make hydrogen sulfide. This stops smells and makes the wastewater treatment work better.

septic tank aerator

Also, keeping the septic tank aerator in good shape is key for ongoing odor control. Homeowners should follow the maker’s advice for upkeep and watch for problems to keep the system working right.

Extending the Life of Your Septic System

Getting a septic tank aerator can really help your home’s wastewater system last longer. These devices boost the aerobic digestion process. This means they reduce solids in the septic tank. This helps the drainfield work better, preventing early failure and keeping the system running smoothly for more years.

Reducing Soil Treatment Area Loading

The septic tank aerator makes organic matter break down better. This reduces the load on the drainfield. The drainfield is key for treating wastewater by spreading it in the soil. With less solids, the soil stays clear and the system works well for a longer time.

Regular checks and septic tank pumping are key to keeping your system running. By taking care of problems early, you can avoid big repairs or replacements later. This saves you money and trouble.

“Investing in a septic tank aerator can significantly prolong the life of your septic system, saving you money and hassle in the long run.”

A well-kept septic system with a good soil treatment area is also good for the environment. It treats and spreads wastewater better, lowering the chance of harming groundwater. This keeps the ecosystem around your home healthy.

Using a septic tank aerator wisely can really make a difference. It helps your septic system last longer, saving you time, money, and the worry of early failure. By knowing how aeration helps the drainfield, you can make smart choices to keep your septic system running well for years.

Environmental Benefits of Aeration

Septic tank aeration boosts the efficiency of wastewater treatment and offers big environmental wins. It cuts down the biological oxygen demand (BOD) and total suspended solids (TSS) in the effluent. This protects nearby water bodies from getting polluted with nutrients.

It also stops harmful compounds from getting into the groundwater. This makes aerated septic systems a better choice for handling wastewater on-site. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) says more people are using Aerobic Treatment Systems (ATS) because they’re good for the environment.

Some places offer incentives or rebates for using eco-friendly wastewater treatment like aeration systems. These systems can go decades without needing big repairs or replacements if taken care of. So, they’re a sustainable choice for the long haul.

Whether it’s possible and affordable to add an aeration system to an old septic system depends on the system’s condition and the property’s needs. But, the environmental perks of aeration in septic systems are big. They’re a smart move for homeowners and communities looking to protect their local ecosystems.

MetricRange
Fecal Coliform Concentration in ATS Holding Tanks10,000 to 200,000 MPN/100 mL
E. Coli Concentration in ATS Holding Tanks1,000 to 100,000 MPN/100 mL
Fecal Coliform Concentration Limit for ATS in OklahomaNot to exceed 200 cfu/100 mL per sample
Aeration Power Requirements for Wastewater TreatmentOver 60% of total power requirements

Good aeration systems speed up the process, use less energy, and cut costs. Without enough oxygen, bacteria can’t break down organic matter well. This leads to slower processes and less effective removal of contaminants. So, proper aeration is key for meeting environmental rules on how to dispose of effluent.

Septic tank aeration not only makes wastewater treatment more efficient but also has big environmental benefits. It reduces nutrient-rich discharges and stops harmful compounds from getting into groundwater. By choosing aeration systems, homeowners and communities can help protect local ecosystems and follow environmental laws.

Cost Savings with Efficient Aeration

Installing a septic tank aerator can save homeowners a lot of money. The aeration process is very efficient. It uses the AeroClear system to transfer oxygen well and uses little energy. This means lower costs over time compared to old septic systems.

Low Energy Consumption

The design of septic tank aerators, like the AeroClear system, uses very little energy. This means lower electricity bills and long-term savings for homeowners. Plus, the system works better and lasts longer, avoiding expensive repairs or early replacements.

On average, replacing a septic system costs between $6,000 and $50,000. Up to half of this cost goes to the installer’s profit. Systems usually need replacing every 15 years, and fixing one can cost from $5,000 to $50,000. But, the Aero-Stream septic system restoration product costs less than $1,700, with no extra landscaping costs. This makes it a cheaper option for homeowners.

Switching from an anaerobic to an aerobic septic system also saves money. Anaerobic systems dump 70 to 80% raw sewage into the drain field. The SepAerator™ can make septic tanks aerobic, sending out about 95% clear, odorless water. This cuts down on biomat buildup and makes the system work better, saving homeowners from the high costs of early replacement or big repairs.

By choosing a high-efficiency septic tank aerator, homeowners save money over time. They use less energy, need less maintenance, and their septic system lasts longer. This green solution helps the homeowner’s wallet and the environment too.

Conclusion

Adding a septic tank aerator to your system boosts its efficiency and performance. It brings oxygen into the wastewater, helping with aerobic digestion. This process cuts down solids, gets rid of smells, and makes the system last longer. Plus, it’s good for the environment by removing more nutrients and lessening the impact on water.

A septic tank aerator uses low energy and saves money over time. It’s a smart choice for making your wastewater treatment system better and more sustainable. The market for these aerators is expected to grow fast, with big names like Blue Diamond, Medo, and FPZ leading the charge.

If you want to make your septic system work better or are setting up a new one, think about getting a septic tank aerator. It offers real benefits in system efficiency, smell control, and caring for the environment. Upgrading to one can make a big difference for your home and the planet.

FAQ

What is a septic tank aerator?

A septic tank aerator is a device that adds air and oxygen to the septic system. This extra oxygen boosts the natural bacteria work in the system. It makes the wastewater treatment more effective before it goes to the drainfield.

How does aeration enhance septic system performance?

Aeration from a septic tank aerator helps with the digestion of wastewater. More oxygen lets aerobic bacteria break down solid waste better. This means less solid waste in the tank and better quality water going to the drainfield.

This leads to less strain on the soil and makes the septic system last longer.

What types of bacteria are present in a septic system?

There are three main types of bacteria in a septic system: aerobic, obligate anaerobic, and facultative. Aerobic bacteria need oxygen and are great at breaking down waste. Obligate anaerobic bacteria don’t need oxygen but are less efficient. Facultative bacteria can live in both oxygen-rich and oxygen-poor conditions.

How does a septic tank aerator eliminate odors?

A septic tank aerator gets rid of bad smells by adding oxygen. This stops the formation of hydrogen sulfide, which smells like rotten eggs. Oxygen helps aerobic bacteria grow, which stops anaerobic bacteria from making the smell.

How can a septic tank aerator extend the lifespan of my septic system?

A septic tank aerator makes your septic system last longer. It helps break down solids in the tank, which means less strain on the soil. This keeps the system working well for a longer time.

What are the environmental benefits of a septic tank aerator?

Septic tank aeration is good for the environment. It makes wastewater treatment more efficient. This means less pollution in water and less harmful substances in the ground.

How can a septic tank aerator save me money?

A septic tank aerator can save you money. It works efficiently, using less energy and transferring oxygen well. This means lower costs over time. Plus, it helps avoid expensive repairs or early replacements, saving you money in the long run.

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