Aerobic Septic System Services

Aerobic treatment units (ATUs) provide advanced wastewater treatment for properties where conventional septic systems won't work. Common throughout Bexar County's Hill Country subdivisions—where shallow bedrock, tight soils, and small lots limit conventional drain field options—aerobic systems require specialized knowledge and TCEQ-mandated maintenance that not every septic company provides.

How Aerobic Systems Work

Unlike conventional septic tanks where bacteria work without oxygen (anaerobically), ATUs inject air into the treatment chamber. This supports aerobic bacteria—the same organisms used in municipal treatment plants—which break down waste more completely and produce cleaner effluent.

Treatment Process:

1. Trash Tank/Pretreatment: Solids settle out before main treatment
2. Aeration Chamber: Blowers inject air; aerobic bacteria digest waste
3. Clarification: Treated water settles; remaining solids return to aeration
4. Disinfection: Chlorine tablets or UV treatment kill remaining pathogens
5. Dispersal: Clean effluent goes to spray heads, drip lines, or absorption field

The result is effluent clean enough for surface application in many cases—sprayed onto lawns rather than buried in drain fields.

Why Bexar County Properties Need ATUs

The Texas Hill Country's geology limits conventional septic options:

• Shallow Bedrock: Many properties hit limestone within a few feet of surface, leaving insufficient soil depth for conventional absorption.
• Tight Soils: Clay-heavy soils don't percolate fast enough for conventional drain fields.
• Small Lots: Newer subdivisions with smaller lots can't accommodate the drain field area conventional systems require.
• Environmental Sensitivity: Properties near the Edwards Aquifer recharge zone face strict treatment requirements that only ATUs satisfy.

When site evaluations reveal these conditions, TCEQ typically requires aerobic treatment as the only viable option.

Our Aerobic System Services

Installation We design and install ATU systems for new construction and failed-system replacement. This includes:

• Site evaluation and soil testing
• System sizing based on bedroom count and projected water usage
• TCEQ and Bexar County permitting
• Equipment selection (we install multiple ATU brands)
• Complete installation and commissioning
• Homeowner training on operation and maintenance

Required Maintenance Texas law mandates maintenance contracts for ATU owners. We provide TCEQ-compliant service including:

• Inspection every 4 months
• Blower and diffuser verification
• Spray head or drip system inspection and adjustment
• Chlorinator service (tablet replenishment, injector cleaning)
• Effluent quality testing as required
• Compliance documentation for county records
• Pumping when sludge levels require it

Repairs ATUs have mechanical and electrical components that eventually fail:

• Blower replacement
• Diffuser repair or replacement
• Pump repairs (for lift and spray systems)
• Float switch replacement
• Control panel repair
• Chlorinator replacement
• Spray head repair or rerouting
• Electrical troubleshooting

Upgrades and Conversions

• Upgrading older ATUs to newer, more efficient models
• Converting from spray distribution to drip (less visible, more even distribution)
• Adding capacity for home additions
• Bringing non-compliant systems up to current standards

Common ATU Brands We Service

We maintain and repair systems from all major manufacturers:

• Clearstream
• Jet
• Norweco
• Consolidated Treatment Systems
• Delta Environmental
• Whitewater
• Bio-Microbics
• Bord Na Mona

If you have a different brand, contact us—we can likely service it.

ATU Warning Signs

Your aerobic system needs attention if you notice:

• Alarm sounding: The control panel alarm indicates malfunction—don't ignore it
• Blower not running: No air means no treatment; aerobic bacteria die without oxygen
• Spray heads not working: Effluent may be backing up or diverting improperly
• Odors: Properly functioning ATUs don't smell; odors indicate problems
• Visible sewage: Pooling around spray heads or in the yard signals system failure
• Green lawn stripes: Spray heads distributing unevenly concentrate nutrients

Maintenance Contract Details

Our standard ATU maintenance contract includes:

• Three inspection visits per year (TCEQ requires every 4 months)
• All compliance documentation and reporting
• Chlorine tablets for the year
• Minor adjustments and cleaning during visits
• Phone support for system questions
• Priority scheduling for problems

Annual Cost: $600-$1,000 depending on system type and location

Not Included: Major repairs, parts replacement, pumping (billed separately as needed)

We maintain TCEQ installer and maintenance provider licenses required to service these systems legally.

ATU Operating Costs

Beyond maintenance contracts, aerobic systems have ongoing costs:

• Electricity: Blowers run continuously; expect $20-$50/month depending on system size
• Chlorine: Tablets or liquid chlorine for disinfection
• Pumping: Less frequent than conventional systems but still needed every 3-5 years

These costs are real but modest compared to the alternative of having no viable wastewater system for your property.

Request ATU Service

Need maintenance for an existing system, repair for a malfunction, or installation for new construction? Contact us to discuss your aerobic system needs. We're one of the few Bexar County providers offering complete ATU services—installation, required maintenance, and repairs—under one roof.