Aerobic Disinfection

bottle of chlorine bleach

All aerobic systems use some method for disinfection.  It could use liquid bleach, tablets or UV light. Disinfection kills disease causing bacteria called pathogens. If chlorine is not added, there is a possibility that someone could become ill from contact with water from effluent.

IMPORTANT! DO NOT PUT LIQUID BLEACH IN A TABLET CHLORINATOR OR VISE VERSA. Using pool tablets in your septic system can cause an explosion hazard.

For the first month, check the chlorinator weekly in order to get an idea of how much chlorine is being used. After that, monthly or quarterly check-ups will suffice.

Liquid Chlorinator

If your aerobic system disinfection is accomplished using liquid bleach, your tank could have 1 of 2 reservoir styles depending on its age.  You should be looking for a black 4″ cap located near or in your pump tank. Systems that have a UV system installed do not require any chlorine.

Any brand of normal liquid household bleach is acceptable, although generic brands tend to clog parts less frequently. Do not use splashless or scented.  If the bleach is concentrated, dilute to a one-to-one ratio before adding it to the reservoir. The bleach reservoir holds around three gallons. Depending on monthly wastewater entering system, average use varies from 1-3 gallons a month.  See below to find the chlorinator reservoir on a NuWater aerobic.

Tablet Chlorinator

“Sanitary” chlorine tablets are required.  Do not put in more than four tablets at a time. Depending on monthly wastewater entering system, average usage varies from 1-2 tablets a week.

CAUTION, do not use swimming pool chlorine tablets, doing so could cause bodily harm and/or damage equipment or property. 

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