Aerobic septic tank effluent odor
#1
10-09-12, 06:37 PM
Aerobic septic tank effluent odor
Our 12 year-old system has 2 750 gallon tanks with air pump that runs 27/7. The effluent smells like sewer water when the pump/sprinkler comes on. The system was pumped out about 6 months ago. That helped for a while, but the odor returned in about 2 months. How can I determine if the air pump is producing enough air volume and if the air is being pumped into the tank? Would an additional aerator help? Thanks
#2
10-09-12, 07:44 PM
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Hi and welcome.
Can you hear the bubbling in the tank? Sometimes the aerators that are outside the tank, can be running but no air is being put in the tank.
If you have the one that sits out side the tank, the small diffusers in the tank may be stopped up, air line may be cracked, or the rubber diaphragms are busted.
It just depends on the type of aerator you have.
If you are smelling sewer the air is not getting to the water.
Can you hear the bubbling in the tank? Sometimes the aerators that are outside the tank, can be running but no air is being put in the tank.
If you have the one that sits out side the tank, the small diffusers in the tank may be stopped up, air line may be cracked, or the rubber diaphragms are busted.
It just depends on the type of aerator you have.
If you are smelling sewer the air is not getting to the water.
#3
10-10-12, 10:32 AM
The first is theAquasafe air pump, second is the access covers to the two tanks, third is the internals of the 2nd tank access showing chlorine reservoir.
I can hear and see water dripping into the 2nd tank.
I get a mild sewage odor when I lift the 2nd access cover.
I don't know how to determie if there is any air flowing from the pump into the tank.
#4
10-10-12, 10:41 AM
Super Moderator
Unplug the air hose from the air pump and feel the outlet. Is there air blowing out?
Those pumps need to be rebuilt ever once in a while.
Under the airpump lid there is a aircleaner. It may be plugged. You need to clean it and inspect the pump.
If there is air then possibly the line has a split. You will need to pull up the air diffuser and make sure all in intact.
Those pumps need to be rebuilt ever once in a while.
Under the airpump lid there is a aircleaner. It may be plugged. You need to clean it and inspect the pump.
If there is air then possibly the line has a split. You will need to pull up the air diffuser and make sure all in intact.
#6
10-11-12, 04:01 PM
How to find and clean the diffuser
So far, so good.
I pulled the air pump hose and it is pumping a good volume of air. So the next thing is to check for a clogged diffuser.
Being an amateur DIY'er, I have no idea where to find and check the diffuser. I assume it is in the first tank. Should I be able to find it by removing the clean-out cap on the first tank?
Thanks for your patience and help.
I pulled the air pump hose and it is pumping a good volume of air. So the next thing is to check for a clogged diffuser.
Being an amateur DIY'er, I have no idea where to find and check the diffuser. I assume it is in the first tank. Should I be able to find it by removing the clean-out cap on the first tank?
Thanks for your patience and help.
#7
10-11-12, 05:11 PM
More details
I pulled the cap from the 1st tank clean-out. Could not see anything but a pipe with about a 6" elbow sticking up above the water line in the tank. Could hear water flowing at a pretty good rate but could not hear air bubbling over the sound of the water flow.
Pulled the second cap and it appears that the flowing water might be water draining from the first tank into the second.
Turned off the air pump and didn't hear any difference in water flow. (Did not expect to hear any difference.)
Not sure where to go from here. Do I need a pro at this point?
Pulled the second cap and it appears that the flowing water might be water draining from the first tank into the second.
Turned off the air pump and didn't hear any difference in water flow. (Did not expect to hear any difference.)
Not sure where to go from here. Do I need a pro at this point?
#8
10-11-12, 05:17 PM
Super Moderator
Follow the air hose. It cant be too deep. You should have access to the diffuser.
Your best bet is to spend the small fee and have the tank emptied. $180 per 1k gallons here on the east. Then you should see all.
Your sure thats a chlorine injector right? Any mane on the system any where? Jet air....etc...
Your best bet is to spend the small fee and have the tank emptied. $180 per 1k gallons here on the east. Then you should see all.
Your sure thats a chlorine injector right? Any mane on the system any where? Jet air....etc...
