KEEP YOUR ATU RUNNING AT

ITS BEST

If you have an ATU, it’s important to care for your investment to keep it running optimally and

avoid major disasters.

Based on our experience dealing with the messy aftermath of ATU emergencies, we feel it's our duty to make you aware of the contributing factors in system failure, as well as the steps you can take to minimise callouts and overflow.

Here are some simple ways you can do just that.

The basics

Before we go into some tips and tricks you can turn to for troubleshooting, let’s go over two ATU basics.

Use the right products.

Using or disposing of harsh chemicals, bleaches, pouring fats, medicine and alcohol down the sink will really damage the healthy bacterial culture in the unit. One of the easiest things you can do to keep your ATU happy from the start is to use cleaning products and toilet paper that assist it in breaking down waste efficiently.

We use and recommend two hero brands: Ecocare Activator and Enviroplus. Both are environmentally friendly remediation and cleaning products designed to improve the function of the aerobic treatment unit. They’re plant-based and contain microorganisms that actively assist in effluent breakdown.

Don’t ignore what goes down the drain.

Ignoring what goes down your drains will result in higher expenses, seriously horrible messes, and more frequent total system evacuations (pump outs). Each could impact the health and wellbeing of the people using the facilities, as well as you financially. As such, all paper and chemical products used in your ATU should be as safe as possible. We want whatever is going down the drains and loo to breakdown quickly — this will help keep the system running smoothly.

Sometimes, what goes down the drain is unavoidable. For example, when a family member is on antibiotics or receiving chemotherapy. If this is the case, we encourage you to speak with one of our friendly team members about available options.

Step-by-step

If your ATU isn’t performing as it should, these troubleshooting tips might help you fix small ATU issues yourself. However, if you have a major problem or an emergency, don’t attempt a DIY — call us immediately.

For surface spray systems, regularly check the clear inline plastic cartridge filter in the irrigation line leading from the treatment tank. Remove and clean it if sediment accumulation exceeds 12mm. When replacing it, ensure the cartridge is inserted in the correct way (look for directional arrow).

If you have an Arkal Dome filter, use the “C” Spanner to loosen the dome. Wash out the obstructions under a running tap and replace and tighten the dome.

Don’t attempt to clean either type of filter while the system is irrigating. Switch the pump off and remember to turn it back on when finished. The switch is located in the fibreglass Blower Box Housing on the top of the treatment tank.

If the alarm sounds, turn the mute switch so the alarm stops sounding. The light will stay on — take note of whether the water light or the air light is on.

If it’s the water light, check the filter as previously suggested. Or, wait — the alarm may have been triggered by an excessive use of water. This might include a couple of loads of washing, the dishwater being on, and the bathwater being released, combined with a partial blockage. In this case, just try not to repeat the excessive load on the system.

Check the circuit breaker in the Blower Housing/Electrical Control Box. It’s the Rectangular Box on the top of the Biomax Unit that contains the unit’s Electrical Control Module as well as the Aeration Pump. In most cases, it’s made from beige or dark green fibre glass with side and end vents so the air pump can “breathe”.

A power surge or temporary interruption to your power supply could have tripped the Electrical Control Box. A trip may cause both lights (the water light and the air light) to glow, so simply reset the circuit breaker. If it trips again, contact Ecowater Services.Digital photographic evidence of the system and its operational capacity.

The type, brand and capacity of the system and its suitability to the size of the property.
An estimation of any costs to bring the system up to a fully functioning condition, i.e. if a pump out is required and the time frame.
Notification if a Health Department required Maintenance Agreement is in place.
Description of how the system works, client support and education at the time of the Inspection Report.
As per instructions from the client, a copy of the report may be forwarded to a third party.
An opportunity to implement an Ecowater Services “Health Care Plan of an AWTS” at settlement.

The irrigation pump is equipped with an in-built thermal overload that will reset itself. It’s possible that a foreign object may be blocking the impeller of the pump — this will activate the automatic switch within the pump and in many instances, will clear itself. During this function, the water level may have risen to activate the water light. If it occurs for a second time after “clearing” itself, contact Ecowater Services urgently.

If the air light is on, go to the Blower Housing/Electrical Control Box and see if you can hear the blower operating. If no sound is apparent, remove the lid and reset the circuit breaker (in Tip 3) as it may have tripped due to a power surge or a temporary interruption in your power supply.

Don’t be concerned with the heat of the blower as they do run hot. This is normal — they’re designed to operate at high temperatures with a maximum ambient temperature of 40˚C.

If everything appears normal in the blower housing (i.e. blower functioning with a low hum and the circuit breakers are set) you could check the clear 4mm hose that leads off a nipple where the air line and enters the white PVC Electrical Control Box. This may have become loose, so gently secure to the nipple and then secure it firmly into the box.

If all these things appear to be in place and your air light is still on, contact us.

Leave it with us

Ecowater Services repair and maintain Aquarius, Aqua-Nova, Biomax, Biosystems 2000, Fujiclean, Graf ePro and Taylex alternative wastewater systems. If you don’t feel confident in carrying out these steps to ensure your ATU is running smoothly, contact the friendly team at Ecowater Services to arrange a call out. If you have an emergency, call us ASAP (don’t email — there’s no time to lose!).

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