ATU Inspection in 3 Easy Steps

When conducting a general inspection of an ATU, there are three important factors to look for.

May 04, 2016 | by Jim Anderson, Ph.D. |

Onsite Septic System Aerobic Treatment Unit (ATU) Onsite Septic Inspection Featured

Collie 6 021 — This photos shows the surface of an ATU system. The trash tank is where the concrete manhole is, the aeration chamber is the domed tank, and the clarifier where the effluent leaves for the drainfield is the third piece. The controls for the system are in the boxes.

For an inspection where the expectation is an assessment of the general operation of an aerobic treatment unit, such as for a point-of-sale real estate inspection, three main areas should be evaluated. The three things to assess are: the presence and location of odors, foaming or residuals outside the unit and access to the unit.Assessment for odors means that you use your nose to check the condition of the system.Aerobic odors near the system are normal; these odors are mild in nature and really are more of a musty or earthy smell. Also, aerobic odors are usually not objectionable to the

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