SepticSmart Week is September 18-22

Be SepticSmart

Millions of American homes are not connected to municipal wastewater treatment plants and require onsite septic systems to clean their wastewater.  Treatment options, usually dictated by local regulations, include conventional gravity septic systems and alternative systems such as aerobic treatment units, drip, mound, and recirculating sand or media filters.  Regardless of the type, the SepticSmart content is valuable to any homeowner and will help increase the longevity of their system.  Check out this link for a plethora of helpful information from the EPA: SepticSmart week

Septic air pumps are the heart of aerobic treatment units (ATU’s).  The oxygen diffused into the tanks (s) feed beneficial aerobic bacteria that multiply and help break down the waste.  In addition to cleaner water exiting the system, the oxygenated and aerobic rich effluent extends the life of the drain field as it prevents the formation of biomat—which can clog the pores in your soil and cause failure.  Maintaining the air pump is essential to the performance and longevity of your system.

Be HIBLOW Wise:  5 Tips for extending the life of your HIBLOW air pump and aerobic system

1. Check the air filter every 6 months. A dirty or clogged filter can reduce the performance of the air pump and reduce its service life.  Often you can clean it after 6 months before replacing it after 1 year.  Watch our rebuild kit videos for a tutorial on how to access the filter.  Note the skip-to link below the video. https://www.hiblow-usa.com/support/
2. Fix it, don’t pitch it! There are few moving parts in HIBLOW’s linear diaphragm air pump design.  Inevitably after years of continuous use, the diaphragms will rupture, and the valves will wear.   HIBLOW sells a rebuild kit for a fraction of the cost of a new air pump.  Don’t toss it in a landfill – fix it in 20 minutes with a few basic tools to save money and help the environment!  Check out our rebuild videos: https://www.hiblow-usa.com/support/
3. Install authentic rebuild kits. Beware of cheap Chinese knock-off kits that are prevalent on Amazon and eBay.  The components are not to specification, and the materials are inferior.  The knock-off kits typically fail quickly, can reduce the air flow that the system requires to be effective, and can ruin the inside of the pump.  Check out the following article for more information: https://www.hiblow-usa.com/2022/04/25/beware-of-knock-off-hiblow-repair-kits/
4. Check the aerobic system pressure periodically. Documenting system pressure over the life of your aerobic system is prudent.  If you have a service contract, request the technician to monitor the pressure if they aren’t already.  If you maintain your own system, go to a local hardware store, and build a DIY pressure kit.  An increase in pressure can mean a few things, but most often, it is likely that the diffuser in the tank is clogging.  An increase in pressure not only reduces the stress on the air pump (reducing life), but it also decreases the amount of air entering the system and thus its effectiveness.
5. Keep it in the shade with air circulation. Pressure and heat are the enemies.  Keeping your pump shaded and allowing for ample air circulation will extend the life of your aerator.  Some common set-ups that enclose and suffocate the pump can be detrimental.  Check out our article on enclosures for more information. https://www.hiblow-usa.com/2023/04/25/linear-diaphragm-air-pumps-covered/

Follow us on Facebook as we pass along educational content and maintenance tips each day!

Your Source for Septic Air Pumps

In many onsite treatment systems, septic air pumps are the only moving part in the overall septic system, so it must be dependable. Working 24 hours a day and through all four seasons of the year — HIBLOW linear air pumps set the industry standard for reliability and service life. Contact us to learn more!

September 07, 2023

Posted in:

News