Aerobic septic systems around Fort Smith

An aerobic treatment unit (ATU) is a septic system with an air pump. Bubbling air through the wastewater feeds bacteria that break it down much further than a plain tank does. The cleaner effluent can then go to a smaller field or, on many systems, be disinfected and sprayed on the lawn through sprinkler heads. Around Fort Smith, where clay soil and shallow rock rule out a lot of conventional fields, ATUs are everywhere.

The parts that need attention

• Aerator (air pump). Runs around the clock. If it stops, the system turns smelly and septic fast. Most units have an alarm for it.
• Chlorinator. Spray systems add chlorine tablets before the effluent is pumped out. Use the tablets made for wastewater — pool tablets are a different chemical.
• Pump and sprinkler heads. The spray pump and heads clog or wear. Heads should spray away from the house, wells, and property lines.
• Alarm panel. A light or buzzer means something needs a look — don't just silence it.
• Sludge. ATUs still collect sludge and need pumping, often more often than a conventional tank.

Service contracts

Aerobic systems are built to be checked regularly, and many come with or require an ongoing maintenance agreement with a certified service provider. If you bought a house with an ATU and don't know who services it, that's worth sorting out before the next alarm.