Aerobic septic system odor

[coachroc]

I use the chlorine tablets, but the odor is still pretty strong. Is there anything else I can use to control the smell?

[awatsonjr]

I have a hoot aerobic system and about every five years I get everything cleaned out and washed out. Should not have an odor if full of chlorine tabs something is wrong.

[Bowhuntinonly]

Check your air pump it may not be working. My guy says that is what keeps the odor away. These systems are a constant money pit!!!!

[awatsonjr]

Yes they are always something going on with mine.

[MeatEater]

Sounds like you need to get it professional serviced to me.

[coachroc]

The tank was pumped last year, and I can hear the pump running. Might be time to call in a professional! Thanks for the tips!

[rjet]

I would say your aerator is messed up.
Since you say you can hear it running do you have an external or internal aerator? If internal the pump could still be working but the spinner could have come off.
If internal pull that sucker and see if it has the spinner (agitator) deal still attached and make sure it is spinning.
If external see if the line pumping air has come loose somehow. If it was hit with lawnmower or something it could knock the connection loose.

[kstephens]

The chlorine tabs are used to disinfect the water and does little to control odor. Odor comes from a lack of treatment. That can be a result of lots of factors. Lack of air, too much water, water surges, plugged air stones, chemicals, ect... Too much to get into here, but if I can help out, I would be glad to talk with you.

[LeanMachine]

Is the compressor working? The compressor should be close to the breaker box on the outside of the house that runs the system. Yes aerobic systems are a money pit! I spent about 2 years installing and servicing them. Sad thing is that that is what all the inspectors are pushing for because they are SO afraid of contaminating the water table.

Have you tried using bleach instead of chlorine? There is a drip system that goes into the pipe you put the tablets into. They don't cost much. It's basically just a piece of pipe with a small hole in it. Some of our customers seemed to prefer them.

[Tye]

I would say your aerator is messed up.
Since you say you can hear it running do you have an external or internal aerator? If internal the pump could still be working but the spinner could have come off.
If internal pull that sucker and see if it has the spinner (agitator) deal still attached and make sure it is spinning.
If external see if the line pumping air has come loose somehow. If it was hit with lawnmower or something it could knock the connection loose.

+1, mine went out last year and I think it cost around $250 from what I remember. This was the first issue I have had with it since I built my house in 97

[kstephens]

Not all inspectors "push" aerobic systems. Some of us just enforce the rules handed to us.

[buckybill]

check and make shure the clorine tablet isn't cacked up twards the bottom and not allowing new tablets to drop down. we had our's do that a couple times so every once in awhile i go out and pick the tube up and drop it down. just be carefull because water will come back up at you.

[rjet]

IMO the newer aerobics (external aerator) are much better than the in-tank aerators. I have had both and like my cajun aire external a lot better.
A lot of counties in Texas now allow you to take a course and maintain your own which saves a bunch of money in the long run when it comes to paying someone for inspections/maintenance.
As stated above making a chlorinator is pretty easy and cheap (less than $10). A lot less expensive than the tabs.

[dozer]

This time of year fireants could've gotten in your air pump and jacked it up. Or like someone said your chlorine tube could be clogged. Look into getting a chlorinator. They're under(or used to be) $300. They use regular bleach instead of those high dollar tablets.

[sticks]

the biggest problem causing odor in a sytem is lack of bacteria in the first 2 tanks.
make sure all your soaps are "septic safe" (should say so on bottle) Wives want to use anti bacterial dish soaps, hand soaps, and laundry soap. all these killl bacteria in the tanks that help break it (poop) down. the air pump adds oxygen to help the bacteria grow multiply). bacteria in your septic is good (it eats poop). adding bleach in your laundry kills bacteria in the tank. the chlorine tablets are in the third tank, killing the good bacteria after it did it job, before it pumps to ground. if you want to use anti bacterial cleaner on your counters, wipe it up with paper towels and throw in trash. don'y use sponges and rinse in sink. you wanted to feed the bacteria in your tank, not kill it. you can buy septic treatment powder to help add bacteria to tanks but it is usually not nessecary. Tide with bleach in your laundry is killing your bacteria (usually associated with increased water use). best help is a gallon of spoiled milk that set outside for a couple days dumped down the toiilet. no paint, chemicals or heavy volume of food down disposal. most have 3 tanks. first 2 need active bacteria. chlorine is added in 3rd after bacteria has done it's job.. cliff notes: feed the bacteria, don't kill it!