ATU Troubleshooting in Orlando, FL

An ATU alarm signals that the system has detected an abnormal condition — commonly a high water level in one of the chambers, a failed pump, loss of power to a component, or an aeration failure. Some alarms are minor and resolve quickly; others indicate an urgent problem. The safest move is to call a licensed technician to diagnose the specific cause rather than simply resetting the alarm and hoping it doesn’t return.

Most ATU control panels have a manual alarm silence or reset button, and it’s generally safe to silence the audible buzzer. However, resetting the alarm does not fix the underlying problem — the light or alarm will come back if the root cause isn’t addressed. We recommend calling Lapin for a diagnostic so the issue gets properly resolved, not just silenced.

Florida requires aerobic treatment units to be inspected and serviced at least once per year under an active maintenance contract with a licensed contractor. In practice, many systems benefit from service every 4–6 months — especially systems under heavy use or those with older components. Regular maintenance catches small problems before they become expensive failures.

Yes — functioning spray heads are essential for proper effluent dispersal across your spray field. When spray heads clog, break, or stop rotating, treated water backs up or pools in a concentrated area, which can saturate the soil, create odors, and put your property out of compliance. It’s also a potential health hazard. This should be addressed promptly.

Florida requires ATU owners to maintain an active service contract, so a lapsed maintenance history can put you out of compliance — particularly if you receive a notice from your county or need to sell the property. Lapin can perform a service visit, document the system’s current condition, and get your maintenance contract active again. The sooner you address it, the easier it is to restore compliance.

A conventional septic system uses natural bacteria in an anaerobic (oxygen-free) environment to break down waste before it disperses into a drainfield. An aerobic treatment unit (ATU) introduces oxygen into the process, creating a more active treatment environment that produces higher-quality effluent — often required in areas with high water tables or limited drainfield space. ATUs are more effective but also more mechanically complex, with pumps, aerators, timers, and spray systems that require regular maintenance.

Yes. As a licensed Master Septic Contractor, Lapin handles all required documentation — service records, manifests, permits, and direct coordination with county inspectors when needed. If your system has failed an inspection or you need to demonstrate compliance for a sale or permit, we can manage that process from start to finish.

Most common ATU repairs — pump replacements, spray head repairs, float switch fixes, aeration component service — are completed in a single visit. More involved repairs that require ordering parts may take a few days, but we’ll give you a clear timeline upfront. We keep our trucks well-stocked to handle the majority of issues same-day.