Aerobic Septic Systems in Orlando, FL
An aerobic septic system pumps air into the tank, so bacteria break down waste faster and cleaner. Florida requires a maintenance contract for the life of every unit. We install, service and repair aerobic septic systems across Orange, Seminole, Osceola and Lake County. We also handle the contract, the inspections and the paperwork the state expects. If your alarm is beeping or your contract is about to lapse, we can help.
ATU Service Orlando Homeowners Can Count On
An aerobic unit has more moving parts than a regular tank. It needs a team that knows them. Here is what you get when you call us.
Installation
New units and replacements, sized and permitted for your lot.
Maintenance contracts
Scheduled visits that meet Florida's inspection rules.
Repairs
Air pumps, diffusers, alarms, floats and control panels.
Alarm calls
We find out why it sounds and fix the cause.
Paperwork
We file the reports Florida requires after each visit.
Need ATU service near you? Tell us your brand and model when you call. That helps us bring the right parts the first time.
How Does an Aerobic Septic System Work?
The system treats wastewater in 3 stages, using oxygen to speed up the work. A regular tank relies on bacteria that live without air. An aerobic unit feeds oxygen loving bacteria instead, and they work much faster.
| Stage | What happens |
|---|---|
| Trash or pretreatment tank | Solids settle out, just like a regular septic tank |
| Aeration chamber | An air pump pushes air through diffusers so bacteria can break down waste |
| Clarifier | Leftover solids settle and return, and clearer water moves on |
After treatment, the water goes to a drain field, a drip system or spray heads, depending on your design. Some units add chlorine tablets to disinfect water before it leaves.
This process is called aerobic treatment. You may also hear it called an aeration septic system or an aerated septic system. Septic aeration is the part that sets these units apart.
What Is the Difference Between NSF 40 and NSF 245?
Every aerobic unit sold in Florida must carry third party certification. NSF/ANSI 40 covers standard aerobic treatment. NSF/ANSI 245 adds nitrogen reduction. Units certified to 245 are often called advanced aerobic systems. They matter in Orlando because many new rules target nitrogen near springs and lakes.
Is an Aerobic Septic System Better Than a Regular One?
An aerobic system treats waste far better than a regular tank, but it costs more to buy and run. Whether it is better depends on your lot, your soil and the rules in your area.
| Aerobic septic tank | Conventional septic tank | |
|---|---|---|
| Treatment | Much cleaner water leaving the tank | Basic treatment |
| Drain field | Often smaller | Full size |
| Electricity | Runs an air pump all day | None for gravity systems |
| Upkeep | Inspected at least twice a year | Pumped every 3 to 5 years |
| Contract | Required for life | Not required |
| Cost | Higher | Lower |
An aerobic system septic setup makes the most sense where a regular one cannot pass. That includes small lots, high water tables and land near springs. One local installer says an aerobic unit can cut drain field size by up to half.
When Does Florida Require an Aerobic System?
Many Orlando area properties now need advanced treatment by law. Three rules drive most of it.
Small lots near protected waters
Since July 1, 2023, new systems on lots of 1 acre or less here need nitrogen reduction.
Wekiwa Springs and Rock Springs
Since March 1, 2025, homes on lots under 1 acre here need a nitrogen reducing system at repair time.
High water tables
Florida requires 24 inches between the drain field and the wet season water table. Some lots can only meet that with an aerobic unit and a smaller field.
Can You Add an Aerobic Unit to Your Existing Tank?
Sometimes. Many nitrogen reducing upgrades keep the old tank and add a treatment unit after it. That works only if the tank is sound and the new design passes permit review. A cracked tank or a failed drain field usually means more work. A site visit and inspection tell you which path fits your home.
An upgrade still needs a permit from the county health department. Once installed, the unit follows the same contract and inspection rules as any aerobic system.
You may not have to pay for it all yourself. Orange County's grant program can cover up to $10,000, with priority near Wekiwa Springs. Live near Apopka or Wekiwa Springs State Park? Check if you qualify before you pay out of pocket.
What Does Florida Require to Maintain an ATU?
Florida Rule 62-6.012 sets clear rules for every aerobic unit. Breaking them can put your operating permit at risk.
A maintenance contract for life
The first contract must last at least 2 years. Each renewal must last at least 1 year.
Regular inspections
Home units must be inspected at least twice a year. Commercial units need 4 inspections a year.
Reports to the state
Your maintenance company reports each visit to FDEP.
An operating permit
You keep it current for the life of the system. In Lee County it renews every 2 years for $175, and fees vary by county.
A working alarm
Florida requires an alarm you can see and hear.
A sampling port
A 4 inch port lets the inspector test the water.
If your maintenance company closes, you have 30 days to sign with a new one. Approved companies must also respond to emergencies within 36 hours. That is why your choice of ATU septic system maintenance company matters.
What Does an ATU Maintenance Visit Include?
Good aerobic septic system maintenance covers every part, not just a quick look. Here is our checklist on each visit.
| Part | What we check |
|---|---|
| Air pump | Runs, builds pressure, filter clean |
| Diffusers | Even bubbles, no clogs |
| Alarm and panel | Light and horn work, wiring dry |
| Water pump and floats | Turn on and off at the right levels |
| Chlorinator | Tablets in place if your unit uses them |
| Sludge level | Measured to set the next pump out |
| Sampling port | Clear and accessible |
You get a written report after every visit. Searching for ATU maintenance near you? Ask any company if their visit covers all seven items above.
Which Aerobic Brands Do We Service?
Central Florida homes use many aerobic brands. Common names include AquaKlear, Hoot, Norweco, Fuji Clean, BioMicrobics, Delta, Clearstream and Hydro Action. Each brand has its own parts and service steps. Florida also requires the maintenance company to be trained and approved by the manufacturer. That is why you should name your brand when you call.
What Are the Signs Your Aerobic System Needs Service?
Your unit often warns you before it fails. Watch for these signs between visits:
Silence at the unit
A healthy air pump hums all day. No sound often means it stopped.
A rotten egg smell
Strong odor near the tank or spray heads can mean treatment has slowed.
Cloudy or dark water
Water from the spray heads should look fairly clear.
Soggy ground
Wet spots over the drain field in dry weather point to a problem.
Slow drains
Sinks and toilets that drain slowly can signal high water in the tank.
A blinking or steady alarm light
Even if the horn is quiet, the light means something is wrong.
Catching these early keeps a small repair from turning into a failed drain field.
How Often Does an Aerobic Septic System Need to Be Pumped Out?
Most aerobic units need pumping every 3 to 5 years. Some need it sooner, especially with a garbage disposal or a large family. The sludge reading at each maintenance visit tells you when. Pumping too often can actually slow treatment, because it removes the bacteria that do the work.
Between pump outs, the alarm is your early warning.
Why Is the Alarm Going Off on Your Aerobic System?
An aerobic alarm usually points to one of three things. The air pump stopped, the water rose too high, or the power tripped. A failed air pump is the most common cause. Without air, the bacteria die off and treatment stops.
What Should You Do When the Alarm Sounds?
- Press the silence button. The light stays on, but the noise stops.
- Check the breakers. Many units have separate circuits for the air pump and water pump.
- Listen at the unit. A healthy air pump hums. Silence often means it failed.
- Cut water use. Hold off on laundry, dishes and long showers.
- Call for service. Leave the system powered on unless your technician says otherwise.
Do not open the tank or the control panel yourself. Both hold sewer gas or live wiring, so leave them to a trained tech.
How Urgent Is an Aerobic Alarm?
Treat it as same day urgent. A dead air pump stops treatment within hours, and a high water alarm can mean a backup is coming. Florida requires approved maintenance companies to respond to emergencies within 36 hours. Many can come sooner.
Power problems cause many alarms, and storms cause the worst of them.
What Happens to an Aerobic Unit in a Power Outage or Hurricane?
Without power, the air pump stops and treatment slows. A short outage usually does little harm. A long one, like the outages after Hurricanes Ian and Milton, can let the bacteria die off. Untreated water can also back up if your unit pumps to a raised drain field.
During an outage, use as little water as you can. After the power returns, watch the alarm. If it stays on, or the unit smells strong for more than a few days, book a check. If your yard flooded, wait for the water to drop before anyone opens or pumps the tank.
How Much Does an Aerobic Unit Cost in Orlando?
A new aerobic system in Orlando costs about $8,000 to $15,000, according to Angi (August 2026). Nitrogen reducing systems near Wekiwa Springs can run $10,000 to $35,000. Upkeep usually costs $200 to $500 a year. Air pump replacement runs about $300 to $800, often every 5 to 10 years.
Your price depends on the brand, the size of your home and your drain field design. Ask for a quote that includes the first 2 year maintenance contract. Some quotes leave it out.
What Adds to the Cost of Owning One?
The purchase price is only part of the bill. Plan for these ongoing costs:
Maintenance contract
Required for the life of the system.
Operating permit renewals
Paid to the county health department.
Electricity
The air pump runs around the clock.
Parts
Air pumps, diffusers and alarm floats wear out over time.
Pump outs
Still needed every few years.
A well maintained unit costs less over time than one that fails and needs emergency work.
Buying a Home With an Aerobic Unit?
An aerobic unit changes what you need to check before closing. Ask the seller for these items:
- The current maintenance contract and the company's name
- The operating permit and its renewal date
- Service reports from the last two years
- The brand, model and age of the air pump
Plan to sign your own maintenance contract after closing. Book a septic inspection too, so you know the tank and drain field are sound.
Aerobic Treatment Across Greater Orlando
Aerobic units are common in areas with strict rules or tricky ground.
Apopka and Wekiwa Springs
Small lots here often require nitrogen reducing units.
Windermere
Homes near the Butler Chain of Lakes face tight setbacks from the water.
Bithlo
Rural lots off SR 50 with high groundwater often use raised or aerobic systems.
New builds across Orange County
Many small lots built since 2023 fall under the new rules.
Looking for ATU installation near you? We serve homes along SR 408, SR 417, Colonial Drive and Orange Blossom Trail. We also service aeration septic systems for small businesses, churches and HOAs. Whatever aeration septic setup you have, tell us the brand and we will confirm we can service it.
How to Choose an Aerobic Service Company
Ask these questions before you sign a contract:
- Are you an approved maintenance entity with a current FDEP operating permit?
- Are you trained on my unit's brand?
- Do you carry air pumps and parts on the truck?
- How fast do you respond to an alarm?
- Do you file the state reports for me?
A company that cannot answer the first question cannot legally keep you in compliance.
Book ATU Service in Orlando
Need a new unit, a contract or a fast repair? Call (321) 872-9877 or request service online. Tell us your address, brand and what you are seeing. We will give you a clear price and keep your system running the way Florida requires.
Aerobic Unit Questions
Still have a question? Call and talk to a real person.
Call (321) 872-9877 →Can You Flush Toilet Paper in an Aerobic Tank?
Yes. Regular toilet paper breaks down fine. Skip wipes, paper towels and feminine products, even ones labeled flushable. They clog pumps and filters and shorten the life of the unit.
Does a Septic Alarm Reset Itself?
Sometimes. If high water caused it, the alarm may clear once the pump lowers the level. If the air pump failed, it will not clear on its own. A light that stays on means you need service.
Do I Need Chlorine Tablets in My Unit?
Only if your unit has a chlorinator, which is common with spray systems. Use only tablets made for septic chlorinators. Never use pool tablets, because mixing the wrong chemicals can be dangerous.
Can I Switch From an ATU Back to a Regular Septic System?
Usually not, if the rules required the aerobic unit in the first place. You would need a lot that meets every current standard for a conventional system. Your county health department makes that call.
How Long Does an Aerobic Unit Last?
The tank can last 20 to 30 years with good care. The air pump is the part that wears out first, often every 5 to 10 years. Regular service helps both last longer.
What Happens If My Maintenance Contract Lapses?
Your maintenance company reports owners who do not renew to the state. That can put your operating permit at risk. Renew before the end date to avoid problems.
Can I Service My Own Aerobic System?
Not for the required inspections. Florida requires an approved maintenance company with an operating permit to inspect and report on your unit. You can still check the alarm and keep the area clear.
Does an Aerobic System Smell?
A healthy unit has little odor. A strong sewage smell often means the air pump failed or the unit is overloaded. Call for service if the smell lasts more than a day or two.
Call for Septic Service Today
Septic service across Orange, Seminole, Osceola and Lake County. You get a written price before we start.