It is important that mechanical components in aerobic systems receive regular inspection and maintenance. For example, air compressors sometimes need to be oiled, and vanes, filters. and seals may need to be replaced. Malfunctions are common during the first few months after installation. In most cases, homeowners do not have the expertise to inspect, repair, and maintain their own systems. Service visits will most likely be carried out by the dealer or another independent service organization that has an agreement with the manufacturer. In other cases, health departments will have maintenance management programs, such as sanitary districts, for aerobic systems and other onsite systems in their area.

Aerobic System Do's and Don'ts

• Do maintain the contract service arrangement offered by the manufacturer after the initial two-year period has expired (unless your community offers its own management program). It is extremely important that aerobic systems receive regular maintenance.
• Do keep your system accessible for inspections and pumping, yet protected from unauthorized entrance. If access to your system is locked, make sure that your service contractor has a key.
• Do conserve water to avoid overloading the system. Be sure to repair any leaky faucets or toilets.
• Do divert other sources of water, like roof drains, house footing drains, and sump pumps away from the aerobic system. * Do become familiar with how your own particular system operates, and the way it looks, sounds, and smells when it is working correctly.
• Do call a service professional whenever you experience problems with your system, whenever the alarm is activated, or whenever there are any signs of system failure.
• Do keep detailed records about your aerobic system, including a map of where it is, and general information, such as model name, capacity, state license, date installed, contract service agreement,, records of service visits, and maintenance performed. This way, you may be able to identify problems before they become serious and alert your service provider to anything unusual.
• Do be sure to ask your service provider questions about how to know if your unit is malfunctioning.

• Don't allow anyone to drive over or park on any part of the system.
• Don't make or allow unauthorized repairs or changes to your aerobic system without obtaining the required health department permits.
• Don't use your toilet as a trash can or poison your treatment system and the groundwater by pouring harmful chemicals down the drain. Harsh chemicals can kill the beneficial bacteria that treat your wastewater.
• Don't use a garbage disposal without checking with your local regulatory agency to make sure that Your aerobic system can accommodate this additional waste.
• Don't attempt to clean or perform maintenance on any sealed aerobic unit or any sealed aerobic unit components.

These items can overtax or destroy the biological digestion taking place within your system.

Do Call If...

• Alarms or lights going off
• Any changes in the system's normal operating sound
• Any changes in the normal color of the wastewater in the aeration chamber (for example, if the color is greyish brown rather than chocolate brown, this can sometimes indicate problems)
• Excessive solids, foam, or scum in the unit
• Plumbing backups
• Sewage odors in the house or yard
  
  Reprinted from Pipeline, Winter 1996; Vol. 7, No. 1.