Aerobic Information:

   Maintaining Your Septic
   Monitoring Contracts           
   Pumping / Cleaning
   About Chlorine 
   Alarm Sounding
   Foul Odors
   Repairing System 
   Warranties
   Moving Sprinklers 

Contact Us:

(972) 617-4100
(903) 326-4400

Email: Dulworth@gmail.com

How Aerobic Septic Systems Operate


What is an Aerobic Treatment Unit (ATU)?

  • Mini-waste water treatment plant for home use 
  • Used where conventional septic will not work due to clay, wet soils or rocky conditions

Aerobics Septics consist of four compartments: 

  • Sludge tank - All household waste water enters into the sludge tank from the homes plumbing system the majority of bulk solids settle in this tank and must be periodically removed by pumping out system. Septic effluent moves out of the "sludge tank" to a separate aeration chamber.
  • Aeration chamber - is where the sewage treatment takes place by air (oxygen) being pumped into the system; it comes from a small external compressor on most systems.  The added level of oxygen permits a variety of microbial life forms (aerobic bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and others) to oxidize or otherwise process pathogens and nitrogen compounds in the discharged septic effluent. This biological process is what treats the wastewater, therefore it is imperative that the compressor is working properly and left running at all times. 
  • Clarification chamber - small partials still remaining settle out and are returned to the aerobic chamber. Remaining effluent  is disinfected by chlorine tablets or bleach as it passes into pump tank.
  •  Pump tank - normally is 500-750 gallons, with a submersible pump inside that pumps out the treated effluent through either sprinkler heads or a drip irrigation system.

Distribution of Treated Effluent

  • Surface Irrigation - Water is distributed onto yard through two or more sprinkler heads; activated by system timer and mechanical floats.
  • Drip Irrigation -  Water is distributed through sub-surface lines with drip emitters.