Septic help in Central Florida
ATU Maintenance in Orlando, FL
Tell us what is happening. We will find the cause, explain your options, and handle ATU maintenance with care.
65+ years serving Central Florida
Licensed local service team
Fast scheduling and clear communication
Service Overview
ATU Maintenance With Clear Answers Before Work Begins
Your aerobic treatment unit (ATU) is one of the hardest-working parts of your property's wastewater system — and one of the most overlooked. Unlike a standard septic tank, an ATU uses mechanical components and a continuous air supply to treat wastewater at a much higher level. That means more moving parts, more things that can wear down, and a system that truly needs regular professional attention to do its job. When an ATU is well-maintained, you barely know it's there. When it isn't, the consequences — odors, system failure, county violations, and costly repairs — can catch you completely off guard.
Lapin Services has been caring for Central Florida's septic and wastewater systems since 1958. Our licensed technicians understand ATU systems inside and out — the air pumps, spray heads, chlorination systems, and everything in between. Whether you're due for a routine service visit, responding to an alarm, or just want peace of mind that your system is compliant and running strong, we're the team to call. We'll doing work we can stand behind, and we'll document everything so you're covered.
Problems We Solve
Common ATU Maintenance Problems We Fix
You do not have to diagnose the problem yourself. These are common issues we help confirm, explain, and repair.
Air Pump Failure
The air pump is the heart of your ATU — it continuously aerates the wastewater to support the bacterial treatment process. Over time, air pumps wear down and lose efficiency, or fail altogether. A failing pump means your system can't treat wastewater properly, leading to odors, untreated discharge, and potential health hazards. Routine maintenance catches pump wear early before it turns into a full breakdown.
Clogged or Broken Spray Heads
Most ATUs use a spray irrigation system to distribute treated effluent across your yard. Spray heads can become clogged with mineral buildup, debris, or biological material — or break entirely from lawn equipment or ground movement. When heads aren't distributing evenly, you get saturated spots, pooling water, and odors. Regular inspections keep your spray system operating as designed.
Chlorination System Issues
ATUs in Florida are required to disinfect treated effluent before it's dispersed — typically using chlorine tablets. Running out of chlorine tablets, or having a malfunctioning chlorinator, puts your system out of compliance with state and county regulations. It can also mean untreated water is reaching your yard and potentially your neighbors' property. Maintenance visits include checking and restocking your chlorination system so you stay compliant.
Alarm Activation
If your ATU's alarm light or buzzer has triggered, something needs attention — it could be a high water level, a pump failure, a blower issue, or an electrical fault. Many homeowners silence the alarm and hope it goes away. That's a mistake. An active ATU alarm is your system telling you it can't do its job. The sooner a licensed technician diagnoses the issue, the less likely it becomes a major repair.
Sludge Buildup and Insufficient Pumping
Even in an aerobic system, solids accumulate over time in the pre-treatment and clarifier chambers. Without routine pumping, sludge levels rise and can carry over into the treatment zone — reducing treatment efficiency and stressing downstream components. Florida regulations require ATU pumping on a scheduled basis, and skipping service visits accelerates wear on the entire system.
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 Going Off
An active alarm — whether a flashing light, audible buzzer, or both — means your system has detected a problem. Don't silence it and move on. Call a licensed ATU technician right away to diagnose the cause and prevent the issue from escalating into a full system failure or a county compliance violation.
You Notice Odors Near Your Spray Field or Tank Area
A properly functioning ATU treats wastewater to a high standard before dispersing it. If you're smelling sewage near your yard, spray heads, or tank lids, something in the treatment process has broken down. Odors are never normal — they're a clear signal that your system needs professional attention.
It's Been More Than a Year Since Your Last Service Visit
Florida regulations require permitted ATU systems to be maintained on a regular schedule — typically every 6 to 12 months depending on your system and county. If you can't remember your last maintenance visit, or you've moved into a home and don't have maintenance records, it's time to schedule an inspection. Staying current on service protects both your system and your compliance status.
Your Spray Heads Aren't Working Properly
If you notice wet or soggy patches in your yard, some spray heads not activating during a cycle, or water pooling near the spray field, your irrigation distribution system needs attention. Uneven distribution stresses the drainfield and can lead to much larger repairs if left unaddressed.
You've Received a Notice of Non-Compliance
If your county has flagged your ATU for a missed inspection, lapsed maintenance contract, or system deficiency, don't ignore it. Lapin Services can help you get back into compliance quickly — we'll handle the inspection, documentation, and any required repairs, and we can represent you to inspectors if needed.
Our Process
What to Expect From Your ATU Maintenance 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 ATU Maintenance
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
ATU Maintenance FAQs
What is an ATU and how is it different from a regular septic system?
An aerobic treatment unit (ATU) is an advanced type of on-site wastewater treatment system that uses oxygen to break down waste much more thoroughly than a conventional septic tank. Where a standard septic system relies on anaerobic (oxygen-free) bacteria, an ATU introduces air to accelerate treatment and produce a much cleaner effluent. This makes ATUs a great option for properties that can’t support a traditional drainfield — but it also means there are more mechanical components that require regular professional maintenance.
How often does my ATU need to be serviced in Florida?
Florida regulations require that permitted ATU systems be maintained under a service contract with a licensed contractor. The typical requirement is at least two service visits per year, though this can vary by county and system type. Some counties require quarterly inspections. Lapin Services will let you know the specific schedule your system requires and help you stay compliant with all local regulations.
My ATU alarm went off — is this an emergency?
An ATU alarm should always be taken seriously and investigated promptly. The alarm can indicate a wide range of issues — from a simple float adjustment to a pump failure or high water condition. While not every alarm requires an emergency response, you should never silence it and ignore it. Call Lapin Services at (407) 326-3367 and we’ll help you assess whether you need a same-day visit or can schedule for the next available slot.
What does an ATU maintenance visit include?
A standard ATU maintenance visit from Lapin Services includes a thorough inspection of all system components — air pump, blower, control panel, alarm, chlorination system, spray heads, and tank chambers. We check chlorine levels and restock tablets as needed, clean accessible components, test the system through a full cycle, and document everything in a written service report. If we identify issues during the visit, we’ll let you know your options before any additional work is done.
What happens if I skip ATU maintenance?
Skipping maintenance has real consequences. Without regular service, small issues — like a worn air pump or clogged spray head — become large and expensive ones. Untreated or improperly treated wastewater can surface in your yard, create odors, and pose a health risk. In Florida, lapsed maintenance contracts can also trigger county notices of non-compliance, which may require costly corrective action to resolve. Routine maintenance is genuinely cheaper than emergency repair.
Can Lapin Services handle my ATU if it's a brand I haven't heard of?
Yes. Our technicians are experienced with a wide range of ATU manufacturers and models common in Central Florida, including Norweco, Jet, Infiltrator, and others. If you’re not sure what brand or model you have, don’t worry — we can identify the system on-site and service it accordingly.
Do I need to be home during the ATU maintenance visit?
For most routine maintenance visits, you don’t need to be present as long as the technician has access to your system. However, we do recommend being available by phone so we can reach you if we discover anything that needs your input or approval. If it’s your first service with us or we’re doing an inspection after an alarm event, it can be helpful to be on-site for the walkthrough at the end of the visit.
Does Lapin Services offer maintenance contracts for ATU systems?
Yes. Lapin Services offers ongoing maintenance contracts that cover your required scheduled visits, documentation, and compliance reporting. A maintenance contract ensures you never miss a required service interval, gives you priority scheduling, and keeps a consistent record of your system’s history — which is valuable both for compliance and for protecting your home’s value. Call us at (407) 326-3367 to learn about contract options for your system.
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.