What Is an Aerobic Septic System (ATU)?

Not every septic company in Orlando can support a standard septic system. Small properties, high water tables, and certain soil conditions often mean the county requires something more advanced, and that's usually where an aerobic treatment unit (ATU) comes in. 

Unlike a conventional septic tank, which relies on naturally occurring bacteria that don't need oxygen, an ATU actively pumps air into the treatment chamber. That oxygen speeds up the breakdown of waste and produces a cleaner effluent before it ever reaches the drain field. Because the treated water is higher quality, ATU systems often allow for a smaller drain field footprint, which is part of why they're common on tighter lots or properties close to wetlands and waterways.

The tradeoff is that ATUs need more attention than a standard system. Most Florida counties require an annual service contract with a certified provider, since the aerator motor, air compressor, and sometimes a chlorination unit all need regular checks to keep working properly. An ATU alarm going off usually means the aerator has stopped running, and it's not something to put off, since the system reverts to much weaker treatment without it.

If you're building on a lot that requires this type of system, or you already have one and need service, we install and maintain ATU System across Florida. Our post on how ATU systems work covers the mechanics in more detail if you're comparing it against a conventional setup.

An ATU costs more to maintain than a standard tank, but for the right lot, it's often the only option that meets code