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What is An Aerobic Treatment Unit?

An aerobic treatment unit (ATU) acts as an alternative to a traditional septic system. ATUs pretreat wastewater by adding air into the tank, thereby breaking down organic matter more efficiently and allowing quicker decomposition of organic solids as compared to traditional septic tanks. Both aerobic systems and septic systems use natural processes to treat wastewater, but aerobic systems require oxygen, which is injected to the treatment tank using electricity.  ATUs are commonly installed as retrofits for failed septic systems, as aerobic treatment of wastewater does not require a large drainfield or special soil conditions, such as traditional systems require. Furthermore, upgrading a septic system to an ATU can lengthen the life of an existing drainfield.

Aerobic units work to collect and treat household water from toilets, bathtubs, sinks, and laundry systems. ATUs produce cleaner wastewater than traditional septic systems, so they are beneficial in environmentally sensitive areas, such as those near lakes or in shallow bedrock areas, as well as on small sites that could not support a traditionally sized drainfield.

However, ATUs require more maintenance than septic tanks require, as they are much more mechanical in nature. Because of their high maintenance requirements and ability to support a septic system on less than ideal sites, aerobic systems can cost two to three times than a standard septic tank. It should also be noted that aerobic systems are not accepted in all areas, and regulations for such systems can vary from one local and state government to the next.

Interested in learning more about ATUs? Contact SeptiCare, Northern Virginia’s septic system expert. Based in Warrenton, Virginia, SeptiCare has been inspecting, servicing, maintaining, and repairing residential and commercial Northern Virginia septic systems since 1987.