Basics about Aerobic Systems

Dr. Sergio Abit and Mr. Lonnie Welch discuss the parts and how homeowners can maintain their aerobic treatment unit.
Additional information is available in our factsheet, "Aerobic Treatment System" (PSS 2275). Find it at factsheets.okstate.edu/documen....
Dr. Abit is Oklahoma's On-site Septic Systems Extension Specialist. Mr. Welch handles sales and technical support for Clearstream Wastewater Systems, Inc.
Copyright 2019, Oklahoma State University
0:00 Introduction
0:04 Basics about Aerobic Systems Homeowner's Guide to Septic Systems
1:08 What is the difference between a conventional system and an aerobic system?
1:56 What are the basic components of an aerobic system?
3:10 What do homeowners need to do for aerobic systems to function effectively?
4:29 Are there safety issues homeowners need to be aware of?
5:43 What are some common maintenance requirements?
8:34 What to do if the effluent has the smell of death?
10:07 What does an alarm mean?
11:04 What does a homeowner need to do during a power outage?

[@suzyq_lasvegas4536]

Good information

[@LizIsRating]

I just bought a house in the country with this kind of system. I was so confused when I saw that I had a "sprinkler system" spraying out into a forest!! Now I'm laughing because I realize that it was the septic system. Thank you so much for helping me understand what is going on and how to maintain it. (I hadn't even considered what to do when we lose power!) :)

[@OkstateWaterCenter]

Happy to be of assistance Liz!

[@elly2154]

But won't the chlorine kill the good bacteria found in the soil at the drip site that is needed to treat the effluent water being expelled? Like surrounding earthworms etc that would build better soil structure?

[@chrisdonawho6770]

Regarding what to do after a power outage. If the power is out for 12hrs, your sprinkler discharge timer will be affected accordingly. If you set your sprinklers to spray at midnight thru 5am, since the power was out 12hrs, your timer will set off the sprinklers from noon to 5pm. Not a pleasant experience for kids in the yard or homeowners mowing. So always check your timer to ensure it's set to the correct time of day, much like you would on your microwave and coffee maker.

[@DR-um2bv]

So basically 3 separate tanks with air system in middle tank. Can i use a tank with baffles 2 section tank close to house, air pump for 2nd part of tank and 1 more tank after ? Or would 1 tank with baffle be ok with air system

[@rosemarybaker]

Very useful information. I’m not in Oklahoma but I have a couple questions if you still check comments

[@OkstateWaterCenter]

Hello Rosemary! Please email us your questions to [e-mail] and we can get them to our expert to reach back out to you!

[@oklahoma2106]

How much larger is the tank?

[@pauldonnelly159]

Yea they have forced people to install these because they can charge more and the equipment is expensive

[@donwelke940]

Wonderful, pay to get your septic inspected every three months! Everywhere I turn, the law is making home ownership impossible using ignorant people as the excuse. Maintain your home, if you don't know how to check a pressure switch, move into a condo! Leave the rest of us alone!

[@sitdowndogbreath]

Don't forget landlords with 80 page leases

[@JesusIsaFlatEarther]

An outhouse is cheaper and less maintenance.