If it is not functioning properly, the pump will not be able to operate and the red light may come on. The motor is responsible for driving the pump.Any problems with the electrical system can cause the pump to malfunction and the red light to come on. The septic air pump is powered by electricity.Some of the common causes of red lights on a septic air pump include:

It is responsible for adding oxygen to the system to help break down and treat wastewater. A septic air pump is an important component of a septic system.

Again, size does matter and it is very important that you get the correct air pump for your system.Red light on your septic air pump? Don’t let the problem go unchecked. In most cases we only need either the model number of the pump you are replacing, or the brand of your aerobic system and the GPD that it is rated to treat. Our sales team can make sure you get the right size pump if you are unsure about this aspect of buying a new one. The air pump size is normally determined by the volume capacity of the tank, the style of air diffusers in the tank, and how many GPD (Gallons Per Day) the system is designed to treat. If you have been our website, then you already know there are many different types and sizes.

Air pump sizing is actually very important to the operation of your system, and not every system will use the same size air pump. The other misconception is that the air pump just puts air in the water, so it doesn’t really matter which size is used. This is why it is important to your system for the air pump to be up and running. As you may realize, raw sewage discharging into a ditch, lake, or pond, or being sprayed on your lawn is not a good thing. Once the aerobic system turns back anaerobic, instead of producing a clear odorless discharge the effluent will be closer to raw sewage. The biggest problem with this happening is that there is no secondary treatment system behind your aerobic system, as you have in a conventional anaerobic septic system. If you air pump quits working on your aerobic system, over a period of about 2 weeks the system will begin to turn back anaerobic. Secondly, the air pump creates an action in the tank that breaks down large solids into tiny particles, making it very easy for the bacteria to attach to and devour the waste. They are much larger and more efficient at processing waste as compared to the anaerobic bacteria found in a conventional septic system. These Aerobic bacteria are what eat up all of the waste in the tank. First, the air pump puts oxygen into the water allowing the formation and survival of Aerobic bacteria. The actual purpose of the air pump is two-fold. The system cannot function the way it was designed without the air pump working. The septic air pump is literally the lifeline of your aerobic system. For simplicities sake in this article I am going to refer it as a Septic Air Pump, and I will be referring to the little box in your yard that puts air into your septic tank or any of the names I listed above. The air pump can go by many names on an aerobic system and the following are only a few: Septic Air Pump, Septic Aerator, Aerator Pump, and Compressor. THE SEPTIC AIR PUMP - IT GOES BY MANY NAMES Now that you have a brief overview about the two main types of septic systems, you are probably wondering what this has to do with air pumps. These types of systems require very little maintenance and hardly any mechanical components and the wastewater is dealt with below the surface. Generally these systems will surface discharge either to a ditch or pond, spray irrigation system, or drip irrigation system.Ĭonventional Septic Systems usually consist of a single or double compartment tank which collects the large solids and allows the liquids to pass on to a secondary treatment system (drain field, mound system, sand filter, etc.). An Aerobic Treatment System can process waste and discharge better than 98% clear odorless water. Most even have a fourth stage for disinfection (Chlorine or Ultra-Violet) which can also double as a pump chamber. These stages usually include a solids collecting tank (trash tank), the aeration chamber, and a settling tank. They usually consist of one multiple chambered tank or multiple tanks, with a number of stages. CONVENTIONAL SEPTIC SYSTEMSĪerobic Treatment Systems are an advanced form of wastewater treatment. In this article I will discuss in further detail the importance of your air pump and why exactly it needs to be maintained and running properly at all times. There are many common misconceptions about what exactly is the purpose or importance of the air pump or aerator in an aerobic septic system. Septic Air Pumps - The Lifeline of Your Aerobic System

Red light on septic system