Septic Tank Aerator

An aerator or air pump, normally installed in a chamber atop or close to the septic tank, pumps air into the septic tank's aeration compartment using any of several methods to aerate the wastewater. Aeration systems are not typically designed to have leaching devices working with them.

Aeration systems do not kill all viruses and bacteria. Sometimes aeration systems have tablet chlorinators on the end of them, to chlorinate the effluent in order to kill pathogens.

However, homeowners typically don't operate or maintain these very well. If the effluent lacks sufficient oxygen, it can kill aquatic life in streams and often smells bad.