Homeowner Septic System Orientation
1. Septic System Basics – Understanding Your Aerobic Treatment Unit (ATU) Your home is equipped with an Aerobic Treatment Unit (ATU), which is a type of septic system that uses oxygen to help break down waste more efficiently than traditional systems. How It Works: Wastewater from your home flows into the pretreatment tank to separate solids. It then moves to the aeration chamber, where air is pumped in to promote the growth of aerobic bacteria that digest waste. Finally, the water passes through a disinfection unit (often with chlorine) before being safely dispersed to a surface area, like a spray field or drip system. 2. Septic System Do’s and Don’ts (Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) � DO: Have your system inspected regularly (minimum 3 times a year for ATUs). (All new systems include a 2- year contract, homeowners’ responsibility to renew their contracts after the first 2 years.)
Conserve water to reduce the load on the system. Keep maintenance records and inspection reports. Use septic-safe toilet paper and cleaning products.
If you have a DRIP-type disposal system, ensure the filter is being cleaned periodically, usually your maintenance provider will take care of this but depending on the usage and proper care this may be necessary more often as filters can get clogged based on what is being used in the home . The less down the drain and more in the trash is always best. Leaks in the home can also cause clogs as water is continually flowing into the septic. These systems do not require bleach. If you have an aerobic surface irrigation/SPRAY system, ensure bleach is added to the chlorinator periodically as needed, your maintenance provider should let you know when needed. A gallon of regular house hold diluted (not concentrated) bleach should be added upon moving in and from there as needed based on usage (every few months is an average). There is a black/white cap located on the septic lid of the pump tank chamber where the bleach can be added. Ensure that the power to the septic is always on , this is important because the system can overflow as water is being used in the house and with no power it will just fill up possibly causing sludge to move into the pump tank which may require a full pump out of the system and is typically not covered under warranty. If power outages occur, make sure the breaker to the septic is not tripped and on.
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