Aeration Systems - Do's & Don'ts

DO

..... limited the loads of laundry to two loads per day. Excessive amounts of water entering the system at one time, especially water which contains detergents, dyes, salts, chemicals, etc., can weaken the necessary bacteria.

..... limit the amounts of detergents, bleaches, toilet bowl cleaners, drain cleaners and harsh chemicals such as paint, oil, permanent wave solutions, dyes etc. that enter the system. Only use these products as necessary and only in required amounts.

..... monitor chlorine regularly to ensure that the output of the system is properly sterilized. This protects you, your family, neighbors, pets and the environment.

..... realize that should an occupant of the residence become ill and be placed on antibiotics or related medications that the bacteria in the system could be effected by this. As the bacteria enters the system through input from the house, the bacteria could slow down in treatment. The system should return to normal when the antibiotics are no longer in use by the resident.

..... expect temporary changes in your system during or after holiday gatherings and special occasion parties. During these times large amounts of water are induced into the system. This will bring the system off balance from normal household usage. It will normally take approximately three to five days for the system to return to normal operation. An odor could be experienced during this period.

..... avoid grease entering the system as much as possible. Dispose of grease through other avenues such as with your solid waste.

.....carry a service agreement for regular checks of the system with a licensed wastewater operator. This allows you to know that the system is operating as designed and to react to necessary repairs as soon as they are detected.

..... dispose of any baking soda, such as the boxes sometimes placed in refrigerators to assist with odors, pour down drains which is a plus to the system. Baking soda can enhances the pH level in the system which in return allows the bacteria to work more efficiently.

..... have the trash tank and the solid waste pumped from the unit every four to five years to ensure that the system is not treating very old sludge which may contain small amount of paper or plastic products that should not be allowed to flow though the system.

DON'T

..... use water softeners with this type of system. Water softeners produce excessive amounts of salt/sodium, which when introduced to the system will kill the necessary bacteria and destroy the pH balance.

..... change any setting on the components, such as time clock’s, diffusers or sludge returns. Any change, be it even slight, can change the operation of the system which may produce odor and can slow growth of bacteria necessary in the treatment process. Call a certified technician for any adjusts.

..... allow small repairs to go unattended. By ignoring small repairs you could be faced with a much larger and costly repair in the future.

..... allow hot tubs or whirl pools to be emptied into the system due to the excessive amount of water and chemicals such as chlorine. This will dilute the bacteria to a very serious level and will take several days of normal operation to bring the system back into working order.

..... feed false bacteria, such as packaged formulas, into the unit. The aeration unit, when used as designed, will function properly with the normal household usage. Under normal circumstances, no additional additives are required.

..... allow plastics to enter into the system or feminine products. These items are not biodegradable and can not be broken down by the bacteria in the system. Stoppage with the sludge and skimmer returns can occur.

..... turn the power off to the system. Call your service company and speak with the licensed certified technician for instruction should an emergency occur when this may be necessary.

..... alter your system by removing spray heads or piping directly to drainways or creeks. The aeration unit has been licensed by the State of Kentucky to function as originally designed for the particular site. Any alterations must be approved by the Division of Water prior to application. To do so without approval can result in possible fines or the revoking of the residential wastewater permit.

Other Topics:
Sewage Protection Program | Septic Tank Additives Danger in Disguise | Improve Your System - Practice Water Conservation | "New" Gribbins Whirlair Aeration Unit for Spray & Direct Discharge

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