Learn the Parts of Your NuWater Aerobic Septic Tank
Your aerobic system might look complicated at first, but it’s really just a series of steps that clean your water before it’s sprayed out. The basic operation is the same as a wastewater treatment plant.
Once you know the basics, it’s easier to understand what’s going on and notice if something doesn’t look right.
How the Trash (Pretreatment) Tank Works
This is the first stop. Heavy stuff sinks to the bottom, and oils, grease and other lightweight products (like toilet paper) float to the top. The trash tank’s job is to hold that waste so the rest of your system deals with primarily water.
It functions much like a regular septic tank where anaerobic bacteria starts breaking down the waste.
Aeration Chamber (ATU)
Next, air gets pumped into the aerobic treatment unit (ATU) to help aerobic bacteria grow. These bacteria are stronger and break down a lot more of the waste than the trash tank can on its own. This is the workhorse of your system.
Clarifier
This is a quiet area so any solids still floating around can sink to the bottom. That sludge gets sent back to the aeration chamber, where the bacteria can keep working on it.
The water that moves forward is much cleaner than when it started.
Pump Tank and Sprinklers
The last stop is the pump tank. When the water reaches the floats, the pump pumps it out to your sprinklers.
By this point, the water has gone through every step of treatment and is safe to be sprayed on your lawn.
Understanding Your Floats and Their Alarms
Bottom Float: This is your pump float. If the water has reached this level this float will turn your pump on in the middle of the night. This is the normal operation.
You should not normally see your sprinklers come on during the day.
Middle Float: This is your override float. If the water level reaches this float, your pump will kick on regardless of the time of day. This can happen for several reason including high water use or rain water getting into the tank.
Top Float: This is your alarm float. If the water reaches this level, your system will have a highwater alarm. This means your pump tank is 50% full (or more!). You need to limit your water usage and call for service within 12 hrs if you have a high water alarm.
We’re Here if You Need Help
It’s okay if you don’t understand every part of your aerobic. That’s why the pros at Cyclone Septics are here to help!