Why Does My Aerobic System Smell?

It’s a common misconception that aerobic systems always smell – because they shouldn’t. A properly functioning aerobic system may have a light misty odor but it should never smell like raw sewage when the system sprays through the heads.

The first thing homeowners usually think of is chlorination. While a lack of chlorine will prevent disinfection after treatment, it does not provide deodorizing.

Strong odors are a result of lack of treatment, which is almost always due to a lack of aeration. The most common causes are:

Faulty aerator
Undersized aerator
Clogged diffuser or stone
Pinched air line
Pinched diffuser line
Broken air line
Electrical issues

Other causes may include:

System overuse
System misuse
Chemicals that prevent treatment
Temporary odors after periods of non-use

Have a smelly aerobic system? Don’t wait to get your system checked. Give us a call and let one of our experienced technicians pinpoint the cause. We take pride in our troubleshooting abilities – we don’t throw parts at a problem without knowing the root cause. And, our technicians are not on commission, so they’ll never replace something that you don’t need. Call us today!

For 86+ years, Van Delden Wastewater Systems has withstood the test of time as the leading Wastewater System company, providing San Antonio, Boerne, and the surrounding Texas Hill Country with services you can count on now and in the future.

Call us for any of your wastewater systems needs and let our professionals help you with your septic installation and maintenance requirements: (210) 698-2000 (San Antonio) or (830) 249-4000 (Boerne).