The Septic Services Gazette

In previous articles focused on shaft aerators, we explained how to properly install these types of aerators, as well as providing troubleshooting hints and maintenance guidelines. A shaft aerator is but one type of aerator that can be used to provide septic aeration in your septic tank. A shaft aerator has an electrical motor attached to a stainless steel hollow shaft. Air is drawn through the shaft and distributed by the aspirator tip submerged in the wastewater. There are several other types of aerators. Choosing the best aerator for your application requires weighing the advantages and disadvantages that each type of aerator offers.

Shaft aerators do offer advantages that may make it the right choice for your application. For instance, the shaft aerator is installed inside the septic tank riser and so it is out of sight. Other types of aerators that operate outside the tank will require some type of camouflage to help them blend into the landscape. And because the shaft aerator is operating inside the tank, it operates more quietly. Sitting in the tank, the shaft aerator is also protected from the elements and extremes in weather. And since delivery of air into the septic tank wastewater is accomplished directly through the hollow shaft of the aerator, there is no need to run air hoses into the tank from and exterior pump so installation is less complicated.

The shaft aerator generally operates at low RPM and low Amps and so the operating cost can be lower than other types of aerators. Shaft aerators also generally have low amp mini-breakers that will protect the motor which not only provide a more reliable but a longer operating life as well.

There are various types of aerators used in aerobic septic systems. A shaft-style aerator is one type that has been used for many years because of its dependability and performance. The shaft-style aerator that is maintained properly will operate for many years but if you suspect your aerator is not working properly here are aerator troubleshooting hints you can check to ensure your aerator is working properly.

Symptom: Aerator has stopped

Symptom: Aerator drawing too much current

Sympton: Aerator making load noises

If you use a shaft-style aerator in your septic tank, you will need to preform some regular aerator maintenance to ensure the aerator operates efficiently.

Like any aerator type that may be used in an aerobic septic system, the shaft-style aerator introduces dissolved oxygen into your septic tank to encourage the growth of aerobic bacteria.

An under-performing aerator will not efficiently perform this task and will reduce the overall efficiency of your entire septic system.

Here are some maintenance tips that you can perform to ensure that your shaft-style aerator is operating properly. Remember to disconnect power from aerator before performing these tasks.

1 . Remove aerator from septic tank riser and set on riser lid.

• Check aerator shaft for debris and clean as necessary
• Ensure air intake is not blocked
• Check tank and riser for evidence of sewer back up
• Check electrical wires for worn spots and replace as needed
• Check electrical plug ends for corrosian and replace as needed

2. Re-install aerator (take care not to bend shaft and brackets).

• Check for proper voltage at the electrical plug end
• Check amerage to determine health of motor
• Check both neutral and ground wire for current (Any voltage indicates bad wire underground.)
• Ensure proper size mini-breaker for aerator unit being serviced.

It’s recommended to perform these maintenance tasks as prescribed by the aerator manufacturer or anytime you believe that your aerator may not be performing properly.