Septic help in Central Florida
Aerobic Treatment Unit Service in Orlando, FL
Tell us what is happening. We will find the cause, explain your options, and handle aerobic treatment unit service with care.
65+ years serving Central Florida
Licensed local service team
Fast scheduling and clear communication
Service Overview
Aerobic Treatment Unit Service With Clear Answers Before Work Begins
Aerobic treatment units (ATUs) are powerful, efficient systems — but they require consistent, expert attention to stay in top shape. Unlike conventional septic tanks, ATUs use an aeration process to treat wastewater to a higher standard before releasing it, making regular maintenance not just helpful, but required by Florida law. When something goes wrong — a failed aerator, a clogged spray head, an alarm you can't explain — you need a team that knows these systems inside and out.
Lapin Services has been servicing aerobic treatment units across Central Florida since 1958. Our licensed technicians handle everything from routine annual maintenance and inspections to full component repairs and emergency callouts. We know ATUs, we know the county requirements, and we're here around the clock when you need us. One call handles it all.
Problems We Solve
Common Aerobic Treatment Unit Service Problems We Fix
You do not have to diagnose the problem yourself. These are common issues we help confirm, explain, and repair.
Aerator or Air Pump Failure
The aerator is the heart of your ATU — it pumps oxygen into the tank to drive the treatment process. When it fails or begins to lose efficiency, treatment quality drops fast and your system can fall out of compliance. Our technicians diagnose aerator problems quickly and carry common replacement parts to get your system back up and running without delay.
Alarm Going Off
An ATU alarm is your system telling you something needs attention. It could be a high water level, a failed component, or a simple float switch issue — but you shouldn't ignore it or guess. We respond promptly to alarm calls, identify the root cause, and get your system back in normal operation with a clear explanation of what happened and why.
Clogged or Damaged Spray Heads
ATUs that use surface spray distribution rely on spray heads to disperse treated effluent evenly across your lawn. Over time, spray heads can clog with mineral deposits or debris, crack from UV exposure, or fail to rotate properly. Left unaddressed, this leads to uneven distribution, ponding, and potential compliance violations. We inspect, clean, and replace spray heads as part of routine service.
Chlorinator or Disinfection System Issues
Most ATUs require a disinfection stage — typically a chlorinator tablet system — before treated water is dispersed. An empty, clogged, or malfunctioning chlorinator means your effluent isn't being properly disinfected, which creates health risks and compliance problems. We check and service the disinfection system on every maintenance visit.
Neglected Maintenance and Lapsed Annual Contracts
Florida requires ATU owners to maintain an annual service contract with a licensed contractor. When that contract lapses — or when visits get skipped — small issues compound into costly repairs and county violations. We make it easy to stay current with scheduled maintenance visits, timely reminders, and documentation you can count on.
When to Call
Signs Your Septic System Needs Professional Attention
If you notice any of these signs, call Lapin. We will find the cause and explain what needs to happen next.
Your ATU Alarm Is Sounding
Any active alarm on your aerobic system is a signal that something isn't right. Don't silence it and hope it goes away — call us to find out what your system is telling you before a minor issue turns into a major repair or a county notice of violation.
You Notice Odors Near Your System or Spray Area
A properly functioning ATU treats wastewater to a high standard — so odors coming from your spray heads, distribution area, or tank access points often point to a treatment or disinfection problem. If something smells off, it's worth having a technician take a look.
Spray Heads Aren't Working Properly
If you can see your spray heads are no longer rotating, spraying unevenly, or not spraying at all — or if you notice wet, soggy patches in your yard near the spray zone — your distribution system needs attention. This can indicate clogged heads, pump issues, or a problem with the dosing system.
It's Been More Than a Year Since Your Last Service Visit
Florida requires annual ATU inspections and maintenance by a licensed contractor. If it's been over a year — or you're unsure when the last visit was — now is the time to schedule. Staying current protects your system, your property, and keeps you compliant with county requirements.
You Just Purchased a Home with an ATU
If you've recently moved into a home with an aerobic system, a service visit is one of the smartest things you can do. We'll inspect the system top to bottom, verify all components are functional, confirm the disinfection system is stocked and working, and set you up with an annual maintenance contract so you're covered going forward.
Our Process
What to Expect From Your Aerobic Treatment Unit Service Visit
Tell us what is happening. We arrive prepared, explain the work clearly, and give clear pricing before work begins.
Step 1
Tell Us What Is Happening
Call or request service. You do not have to know exactly what failed; describe what you see, smell, hear, or need done.
Step 2
We Find the Cause
A Lapin technician or crew checks the issue, reviews the project, and explains what needs to be done in plain language.
Step 3
You Approve the Work
You get clear pricing and options before work begins, so you can make a confident decision.
Step 4
We Handle It With Care
We complete the approved work, respect your home, business, or jobsite, and keep you informed.
Step 5
We Stand Behind the Job
Before we leave, we confirm the work, answer questions, and make sure you know what to expect next.
Why Lapin
Why Central Florida Chooses Lapin for Aerobic Treatment Unit Service
Our name is on every job. We respect your time, budget, property, and trust.
65+ Years of Septic Expertise
Lapin has served Central Florida since 1958. Our name is on every job, and we do the work in a way we can stand behind.
Clear Communication
We explain what we find, what it means, and what your options are before work begins.
Respect for Your Property
We protect the home, business, property, or jobsite and treat people the way we would want to be treated.
The Right Team for the Work
We handle plumbing, septic, drains, sewer, underground utilities, commercial service, and serious project work.
Care When It Matters
Every call affects a family, tenant, customer, business, property, or project. We do not take that lightly.
Related Services
Related Services
FAQs
Aerobic Treatment Unit Service FAQs
What is an aerobic treatment unit and how is it different from a regular septic system?
An aerobic treatment unit (ATU) treats wastewater using an oxygen-driven biological process, producing a much higher quality effluent than a conventional septic tank. Because the treated water is cleaner, it can be dispersed via surface spray heads or subsurface drip lines — making ATUs a common solution on smaller lots or in areas where soil conditions don’t support a traditional drainfield. The tradeoff is that ATUs have more mechanical components and require more frequent maintenance than conventional systems.
How often does an aerobic treatment unit need to be serviced?
Florida law requires ATU owners to maintain a service contract with a licensed septic contractor. Under most contracts, the system is inspected and serviced at least once every four months (three times per year), with an annual report submitted to the county. Some counties or system manufacturers may require more frequent visits. Our team will make sure your system stays on the right schedule and that all required documentation is handled for you.
Do I need an annual maintenance contract for my ATU?
Yes. Florida state law requires owners of aerobic treatment units to have a maintenance contract with a licensed contractor and to submit annual operating permits to their county health department. Failing to maintain this contract can result in notices of violation, fines, and required repairs at your expense. We offer straightforward annual maintenance contracts that keep your system compliant and give you peace of mind throughout the year.
Why is my ATU alarm going off?
ATU alarms can be triggered by several conditions — a high water level in the tank, a failed or underperforming aerator, a pump issue, a float switch malfunction, or a power interruption. Some alarms are minor; others signal a problem that needs prompt attention. We recommend calling us any time your alarm activates rather than resetting it and hoping it clears. A quick service call can save you from a much larger repair down the road.
Can you service any brand of aerobic treatment unit?
Yes. Our licensed technicians are experienced with the major ATU brands and systems used across Central Florida, including Norweco, Infiltrator, Jet, and others. Whether your system uses surface spray distribution, subsurface drip, or another dispersal method, we have the training and equipment to service it properly.
What happens if I don't maintain my aerobic system?
Neglected ATUs deteriorate quickly. Without regular service, aerators fail, chlorinators run dry, spray heads clog, and the biological treatment process breaks down — leading to untreated effluent being dispersed on your property. In addition to the health and environmental risks, unmaintained systems violate Florida law and can trigger county enforcement actions, fines, and mandatory repairs or upgrades. Regular service is far less expensive than remediation.
How long does an ATU service visit typically take?
A standard maintenance visit typically takes 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the system size and whether any issues are found. If repairs are needed, our technicians carry common parts and will let you know upfront what’s involved so you can decide how to proceed. We respect your time and work efficiently so your day isn’t disrupted any more than necessary.
I just bought a home with an ATU — what should I do first?
Schedule an inspection as soon as possible. We’ll evaluate the full system, check the condition of all components, verify the disinfection system is stocked and working, confirm the system has been properly maintained, and review any service history. We’ll also get you set up with an annual maintenance contract so you’re compliant from day one. It’s the best way to understand exactly what you have before any problems arise.
Schedule Service
Tell Us What Is Happening
Call Lapin or request service. We will get the right team moving, explain your options, and handle the work with care.