Hi y’all, I’m Austin Williams, Founder of Modern Septic & Grey Water Systems LLC, AKA MOD SEPTICS. I am your newly minted expert contributor for all things wastewater, and I am here to help. We are water treatment nerds and love the opportunity to help educate and explain the importance of wastewater treatment.
One of the most frequent questions I receive is “Why do I need a maintenance contract?” First off, you might not need one, as not all septic systems require maintenance contracts. Only Advanced Treatment Units (ATUs) are required by TCEQ and our local governments to have an active maintenance contract with a licensed maintenance provider. ATUs are more commonly known as aerobic septic systems. Aerobic systems get their name from the fact that oxygen and oxygen-loving bacteria are harnessed to break down and treat waste. Aerobic septic systems are great options when conditions don’t allow conventional and anaerobic treatment, such as shallow soils, bedrock, small lots, heavy clays, and high groundwater. Sounds a lot like home, right? They treat wastewater to a very high level and disperse it efficiently, even in challenging conditions.
If they work so well, why do we need to maintain them? Simply put, there are moving parts that can fail, and the fields and filters themselves require flushing and cleaning. These moving parts, such as the aerator, which adds the oxygen necessary for ensuring proper aerobic treatment, are central to the treatment and disposal process. Once the aerator fails, the sewage is no longer being properly treated and poses both environmental (groundwater) and health and safety risks. Properly treated wastewater protects not just you, your family, and your property but your neighbor and our shared water sources.
Health and safety aside, proper maintenance can help save money and reduce unwanted septic surprises. Filters and fields need to be cleaned and flushed regularly to ensure proper disposal, reduce back-ups, and even extend system life. Think of it like a car; a properly maintained car can have a lower cost of ownership and a longer lifespan. Regular maintenance catches problems before they grow.
Yes, Maintenance contracts are required, but that’s not why you should keep yours up to date. You should keep up to date to help protect our Lake Travis water sources, our shared environment, and your wallet.
