Alarm Instructions Aerated Wastewater Treatment System by BioSeptic

Troubleshooting - My BioSeptic alarm is going off, what do I do?

Your BioSeptic Aerated Wastewater Treatment System (AWTS) alarm is going off, what do you do? It's unexpected, as your AWTS is designed to operate quietly and efficiently. Your AWTS needs a 3-monthly service to ensure longevity and effectiveness of your wastewater treatment system. If you hear your alarm going off do the following:

1. Press the alarm mute button on the alarm plate. This will turn the alarm off on your AWTS. If a problem exists and is not repaired within 24hours, then your alarm will go off again.
2. Either a red light or green light will be on - take note of which is on (green indicates air, red indicates water).
3. Check that power is on for the BioSeptic system; if not, this will trigger the alarm.
4. If there is a green light on, check whether your air blower is working. If it is, you will hear a humming, if not you will need to check the power source is working for your AWTS.
5. If the red light is on you will need to check the following:
   a. Check the irrigation hose is free of kinks and obstructions
   b. Check the pump power source
   c. Check the sprinklers are clear by rinsing them under the outside tap

Just remember - the alarm is designed to come on early so don't panic. Check the above steps and then if all else fails, contact your BioSeptic specialist in the service department (02 4629 6633 - the number is also on the alarm panel).

To help in the prevention of your AWTS troubleshooting, follow the dos and don'ts for your BioSeptic below:

1. DO NOT erect any structures, construct paths, graze animals or drive over your land application area.

DO construct and maintain diversion drains around the top sides of your land application area to divert surface water.

2. DO NOT plant large trees or shrubs that shade your land application area, as the area needs sunlight to aid in the evaporation and transpiration of the treated wastewater from your AWTS.

DO keep the grass regularly mowed and plant small trees around the perimeter to aid absorption and transpiration of the treated wastewater.

3. DO NOT intentionally divert wastewater off your property into water bodies, street gutters or the stormwater system. Also do not allow stormwater lines to discharge into or near your land application area

DO ensure that any stormwater run-off from the roof, driveway and other impermeable surfaces is directed away from your land application area

4. DO NOT irrigate wastewater from your septic systems onto hard surfaces such as concrete or paving etc.

DO regularly move the location of surface spray irrigation systems around the designated irrigation areas to avoid over saturation of the soil.

5. DO NOT flood your land application area through the use of hoses or sprinklers from portable water sources.

DO ensure that your land application area is kept level by filling any depressions with good quality top soil (not clay).

6. DO NOT allow the irrigation lines of your AWTS to be kinked or flattened (do not drive over the irrigation lines).

DO keep irrigation lines pointing downhill (if possible) in frosty conditions to avoid water freezing in the lines.

These dos and don'ts will not only help in troubleshooting your septic systems but will assist in the protection of the environment and the health of your family. Ensure you follow your maintenance program to achieve the utmost effectiveness of your wastewater treatment system. Share this article with others to assist them in their septic systems maintenance. For further information regarding dos and don'ts and alarm triggers for your AWTS, contact us at BioSeptic on 1300 658 111.