Aerobic Septic System Maintenance in Ocala, FL
Aerobic treatment units (ATUs) need regular service by law in Florida, plus a maintenance contract and an operating permit. If yours is alarming, smells, or your contract is about to lapse, a local septic contractor can help.
Free, no-obligation estimate from a local septic contractor.
What the law requires
Florida’s rules for aerobic systems
An aerobic treatment unit adds air to the tank so bacteria break waste down further than a conventional tank can. Many are installed in the Silver Springs and Rainbow Springs areas because NSF-245 units count as nitrogen-reducing. They come with ongoing obligations under Florida’s septic rule (62-6.012):
- A maintenance contract. Owners must keep a current maintenance contract with an approved maintenance entity. The first contract must run at least 2 years, and renewals at least 1 year.
- Service at least twice a year. The maintenance entity must inspect and service a residential ATU at least two times each year (commercial units four times).
- An operating permit. The rule’s fee schedule lists a biennial operating permit for ATUs and performance-based systems, so it’s renewed every two years.
- An alarm. Every ATU must have a visible and audible warning device in a conspicuous place.
- No bypassing. Owners may not bypass, remove or disconnect any part of the system.
Sources: Fla. Admin. Code r. 62-6.012 (aerobic treatment units); Fla. Admin. Code r. 62-6.030 (fees).
If your contract is ending
The rule requires a maintenance entity to give at least 30 days’ notice before it stops servicing your unit, and maintenance entities report owners who don’t renew. If your provider goes out of business, you have to arrange new service promptly.
Florida DEP runs a “find a maintenance entity” search for DEP-permitted counties, including Marion County.
Buying a home with an ATU? Ask the seller for the current contract and operating permit, and plan to put both in your name.
Sources: Fla. Admin. Code r. 62-6.012 (aerobic treatment units); Florida DEP, find a maintenance entity.
Living with an ATU
Keep your aerobic system working
Never turn off the air
EPA’s advice for ATU owners: don’t switch off the air pump, alarm or any electrical part. Without air, the unit stops treating wastewater and starts to smell.
Pump with your provider
EPA also says not to have an ATU pumped without your service provider involved. Pumping it the wrong way can damage the unit.
Budget for upkeep
ATUs use electricity every day, roughly 1 to 10 kWh depending on the design, according to EPA. Ask for the yearly contract price before you sign.
Sources: EPA SepticSmart, ATU owner tips; EPA, aerobic treatment fact sheet.
Common problems
Signs your aerobic unit needs service
- The alarm light or buzzer is on
- The air pump is silent, hot or rattling
- A rotten-egg smell from the unit (a healthy ATU should smell earthy, not like sewage)
- Cloudy or smelly water at the discharge or spray heads
- Wet spots or backups after heavy use
If the alarm is sounding, cut back on water use, check that the breaker for the unit hasn’t tripped, and call for service.
What to ask a provider
- Are you an approved maintenance entity for my brand of unit?
- How many visits a year are included, and what do you check?
- Are parts like air pumps and diffusers covered, or extra?
- Do you file the inspection reports the state requires?
- How fast do you respond to an alarm?
Questions
Aerobic septic FAQ
Can I service my own aerobic system?
How much does an ATU maintenance contract cost?
Does my ATU need pumping too?
Need aerobic system service?
Tell us the brand of your unit if you know it and what’s going on. A local septic contractor will follow up.