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Frequently Asked Questions

The system relies on beneficial bacteria to treat wastewater. Harsh chemicals can kill these bacteria, causing odors, poor performance, and potential damage to the system.

Use mild, biodegradable, or septic-safe cleaning products and avoid excessive use of chemicals.

Do not use garbage disposal units to dispose of foreign objects.

Avoid strong caustic cleaners, alkalis, oils, acids, bleaches, disinfectants, or chemical detergents, as these can damage the system.

Do not exceed the maximum design load, avoid sudden large water loads, and never switch off the system power, as continuous operation is required for proper treatment.

This alarm means there is too much air pressure in the system. This usually occurs when airflow is restricted or the blower is forcing air through a blocked or kinked line.

  1. Check that the air blower is operating normally.

  2. Inspect the air line for any kinks, bends, or blockages.

  3. Ensure any valves or connections are open and unobstructed.

  4. If the alarm continues after checking these items, turn off the system and contact our office.

This alarm means the system is not receiving enough air from the air blower. The blower supplies oxygen to the tank, which is necessary for the system to operate properly.

  1. Check if the air blower (located on top of the tank) is running.

  2. Check the circuit breaker for the blower.

  3. If the breaker has tripped, reset it once only.

  4. If the breaker has not tripped, or the blower is still not working after resetting, contact our office for assistance.

This means the irrigation pump is not delivering water to the sprinklers, even though the system is still operating and the alarm has not been triggered.

Possible Causes and Actions

  1. Blocked filter or irrigation line – Check and clear any blockages in the filter or irrigation lines.
  2. Kinked hose or line – Inspect the irrigation hose and straighten any kinks or bends that may restrict water flow.

If the sprinklers are still not operating after completing these checks, please contact our office for assistance, as this may indicate a pump failure that requires servicing.

The difference between spray irrigation and subsurface irrigation is how the treated water is applied to the land.

Spray Irrigation
Treated water is sprayed above ground through sprinklers, distributing it across the surface of the lawn or garden.

Subsurface Irrigation
Treated water is delivered below the ground surface through pipes or drip lines, allowing it to soak directly into the soil around plant roots.

A Conventional Trench and a Pressure Dose Bed are two methods used to disperse treated wastewater into the soil. The key difference is how the water is distributed.

Conventional Trench
Uses gravity to move water through perforated pipes in gravel-filled trenches, allowing it to slowly soak into the surrounding soil.

Pressure Dose Bed
Uses a pump to push water through a network of pipes, distributing it evenly across the entire bed area.

In simple terms, a Conventional Trench relies on gravity, while a Pressure Dose Bed uses pressure to spread water more evenly, often where site or soil conditions require controlled distribution.

The main difference between an AWTS (Aerated Wastewater Treatment System) and a septic system is how the wastewater is treated.

Septic System
A septic system is a simple system where wastewater settles in a tank and solids break down naturally without oxygen. The partially treated water then flows into trenches where it is absorbed into the soil.

AWTS System
An AWTS uses air and multiple treatment stages to treat wastewater more thoroughly. Air is pumped into the system to help bacteria break down waste, producing cleaner water that can then be reused for irrigation.