Aerobic Septic Maintenance

An aerobic treatment unit, often called an ATU, cleans household wastewater with air and bacteria. A typical system has a trash tank where solids settle, an aeration chamber where an air pump feeds the bacteria, a clarifier where the water settles again, and a disinfection step before the water goes to the spray heads or drip lines. Because the system has moving parts, electrical controls and chemicals, it needs regular care. Aerobic septic maintenance in Dripping Springs and across the Hill Country is not just a good habit. In Texas, aerobic systems on homes must be covered by a maintenance contract with a licensed maintenance provider. That rule exists because a neglected unit can put poorly treated water on the ground, where family, pets and neighbors can come into contact with it.

State rules come from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, or TCEQ, under Chapter 285 of the Texas Administrative Code. The maintenance contract has to be with a licensed maintenance provider, and TCEQ describes that provider as an individual person. The contract must list what it covers and say how often routine maintenance, testing and reporting will happen. The provider must check each component on every visit and send a report to the permitting authority and to you at least once every four months. Systems with an electronic monitor can follow a longer reporting schedule. Your county may add its own steps, so the contract on your system is the document that controls what happens and when. Because rules and contract terms can change, keep your own copy and confirm details with your permitting office.

For a new aerobic system, the first contract has a set length. The state rule describes an initial two-year service policy that starts when the system is first used. Hays County requires an initial two-year contract for new aerobic systems, and its paperwork says the owner needs a new contract in place at least 30 days before service would end. After the first two years, a single-family homeowner can either keep a licensed provider or, for certain system types, do the maintenance personally. Some counties require homeowner training or do not allow owner maintenance at all. Check with your permitting authority before you decide to go it alone, since the wrong choice can lead to a notice of violation and extra cost.

A routine visit follows a set pattern. The technician checks the control panel and alarm, the air pump and its filter, the aeration chamber, the clarifier and the disinfection unit. In most systems, disinfection uses chlorine tablets that must be replaced as they dissolve. The technician also looks at the spray heads or drip lines to be sure the water spreads evenly and does not pool or run off the property. The state rule calls for a weather-resistant tag on the system that is marked with the date of each check. When the visit ends, the technician finishes a report that goes to you and to the permitting authority, and you should keep your copy with your other septic records.

Some of the best maintenance happens between visits. Listen for the air pump, which should hum steadily. Walk the spray area now and then and look for matted grass, dead patches, pooling or odors. Keep the control panel dry and the breaker on. Do not shut off the system when you travel, because the bacteria need air to stay alive. If an alarm sounds, silence it, note the time and call for service. Go easy on bleach, antibacterial cleaners and drain openers, which can harm the bacteria. Watch what goes down the drain too. Grease, wipes, cat litter and coffee grounds do not belong in any septic system, and an aerobic unit is no exception to that rule. A few minutes of attention each month can head off a service call and keep your reports clean.

A good maintenance relationship saves money and stress. Most aerobic problems start small, such as a clogged air filter, a worn diaphragm, a low chlorine level or a plugged spray head. Caught early, these are quick fixes. Caught late, they can lead to pump burnout, untreated water on the ground and expensive repairs. Keep copies of every report and contract, since buyers, lenders and county staff may ask for them. If you are not sure whether your system is covered, call your county permitting office or ask us to help you find the paperwork. We can also pump the tank when it is due and handle small repairs on the same visit, which saves you a trip. Staying organized with your records also makes selling the home easier, since buyers often want to see service history.