The Septic Services Gazette

Here’s a handy step-by-step guide describing the proper installation procedure for a shaft–style septic aerator.
Related Articles: Aerator Types | Understanding Septic Tank Aeration

1. Disconnect the power from existing aerator.
   Water and electricity don’t play well together so it’s very important to take safety precautions. Make sure that you disconnect the power from existing aerator prior to removing aerator from tank. If the power to the aerator is on a house breaker, do not just flip the breaker off.
2. Ensure the tank does not require pumping.
   Once the aerator is removed from the tank, use a flashlight and inspect the interior of the tank. If you find a lot of floating debris then your tank likely requires pumping. If it’s been over 4-5 years since your last tank pumping or if you do not know when the tank was last pumped then you should have the tank pumped out prior to replacing the aerator. Just replacing the aerator by itself without pumping the tank will not improve the performance of your septic system
3. Determine and resolve reason for failure of original aerator.
   Once the existing aerator is out of the tank, inspect it for wear. In some case, debris may wrap around the shaft causing the unit to fail. This would be an indication that your tank needs to be pumped. Determine if there is a sewer backup or blockage in the outlet pipe of the septic tank. Also check for an electrical problem. Use a voltage meter to check the power at the tank to ensure that power is working correctly. Replacing an aerator without addressing these issues will not resolve your septic system problem.
4. Assemble the unit per the manufacturer’s instructions.
   You’re now ready to assemble the aerator unit. Follow the manufacturer’s assembly instructions that were included with the aerator.
5. Install aerator in tank.
   Place the aerator, shaft end first, into the tank through the riser. The lower motor housing brackets should rest on the bottom of the riser opening and the top brackets should fit snuggly against the sides of the tank riser.
   • Make sure you are using the proper size mini-breaker in the control panel or use the manufacturer supplied mini-breaker. An improperly sized breaker does not provide proper protection from aerator failure
   • Make sure nothing is interfering with the rotation of the shaft such as loose wires
   • Make sure aerator brackets are tight and that aerator is secure in tank riser. A loose aerator will not operate properly and will wear out quicker.
   • Make sure electrical plug end is free of corrosion
   • Ensure proper voltage reading of power to aerator. Insufficient power will reduce the ability of the aerator to produce proper air flow into tank
   • Make sure control panel or timer is set correctly per manufacturer’s instructions
6. Reconnect power to aerator.
   Aerators are made to run continuously and do not have on/off switch. Once you plug the aerator into the electrical source, the aerator will start.
7. Replace the tank riser cover.

Once you’ve followed these steps and your aerator should be operating properly. We recommend that you inspect the aerator every few months to ensure that is continuing to operate properly. If you need to remove the aerator to inspect it, make sure you follow the safety precautions outlined above.

We’re always looking to help septic system owner’s learn effective ways to keep their septic system operating properly. Here’s a great little article with a few septic tank maintenance tips you can follow to help you keep your septic tank working properly.

Septic systems are an effective, long-term means of treating your household waste water. But in order to function at full effectiveness, septic tanks have to be properly maintained. Otherwise, you could end up paying thousands to replace it. If you have a septic tank and would like to learn some basic maintenance techniques, read on. This article will present three things you can do to help extend the life of your septic system. Read more…

Article by Joel McGee on Construction Fitting.

In a previous article, we explained the process of aeration and the necessity of aeration in supporting the growth of aerobic bacteria. Learn about the importance of aerobic bacteria here.

Aeration is typically achieved through the use of a pump or aerator. There are various types of aerators and they can be distinguished from one another by the method each uses to produce air flow and the method each uses to deliver that air into the septic tank.

Aerator Types Chart

This chart shows each aerator type and its air flow and air delivery methods. Click on the aerator name to view an example of the aerator type and to read more about it.

In terms of installation, maintenance and operation, each aerator type has its advantages. In some circumstances, several aerator types may be used to effectively produce and deliver the proper amount of dissolved oxygen into the septic tank. In choosing the best aerator for your septic system, we recommend that you speak with an experience septic professional.