Aerobic Septic System (ATU) Service in Ocala, FL

Alarm beeping, air pump quiet, or a maintenance contract to renew? One call to (352) 619-4030 connects you with a licensed local aerobic septic provider. This site is a referral service, not a contractor.

What an aerobic septic system is

An aerobic treatment unit (ATU) is a septic system with an air pump. The pump pushes oxygen into the tank so bacteria break waste down further than a standard tank can. The cleaner water then goes to the drain field.

ATUs are common in the Ocala area because Florida requires nitrogen-reducing treatment for many new systems near Silver Springs and Rainbow Springs. They are also used on lots with high water tables or small drain field areas. If your system has an alarm panel and a humming air pump, you most likely have an ATU.

Florida's rules for ATU owners

An ATU is not a set-it-and-forget-it system. Under Florida rules, owners must:

• Keep a maintenance contract with an approved maintenance entity for as long as the system is in use. The operating permit will not be issued without one.
• Hold an operating permit and renew it, typically every two years.
• Get routine inspections. The maintenance provider typically checks the unit twice a year, about six months apart, and must respond to a problem call within 36 hours.
• Tell buyers when selling. Operating permits do not transfer, so a new owner needs their own permit and contract.

If your contract has lapsed or you just bought a home with an ATU, call (352) 619-4030 and we will connect you with a provider who can get you current.

Signs your aerobic system needs service now

• The alarm light or buzzer is on.
• The air pump (aerator) is silent, hot to the touch or tripping a breaker.
• Rotten-egg odor near the tank or vents.
• Slow drains or gurgling after heavy rain.
• Wet, soggy or bright green areas over the drain field.

If the alarm is sounding, cut back on water use until a technician checks it. Do not unplug the unit; without air, the bacteria die and the system stops treating waste.

What a service visit covers

A typical maintenance visit includes checking the aerator and diffusers, testing the alarm and float switches, measuring sludge depth, looking at effluent clarity, and checking the drain field for wet spots. The technician will tell you when a pump-out is due. An ATU still needs pumping, often on a similar schedule to a standard tank.

Common repairs include replacing the air pump, diffusers, alarm panels and float switches. Many providers can repair most major ATU brands.

Cost of ATU maintenance

Prices vary by provider and by brand of unit, so ask for a written quote that lists what the contract includes, how many visits per year, and whether parts and pump-outs are extra. The provider we connect you with will explain this before you sign.

Frequently asked questions

Areas we serve

We connect callers across Marion County, including:

• Ocala
• Silver Springs Shores
• Marion Oaks
• Belleview
• Dunnellon
• Silver Springs
• Summerfield
• Reddick
• McIntosh
• Citra
• Fort McCoy
• Ocklawaha
• Weirsdale
• Rainbow Lakes Estates
• On Top of the World
• Marion County

Local pages: Silver Springs Shores, Belleview, Dunnellon.

Related septic services

• New Septic Installation
• Septic Tank Pumping
• Septic Tank Repair
• Drain Field Repair