
ATU Septic Systems in Lakeland & Polk County
ATU Maintenance • Repairs • Drip Systems • System Service
Aerobic Treatment Unit (ATU) Service & Maintenance
Aerobic Treatment Unit (ATU) systems use additional treatment components to process wastewater before it is dispersed into the drain field or drip system. Because these systems rely on mechanical and electrical components, they require regular inspection and maintenance to continue operating properly.
Lakeland Septic Company provides ATU maintenance, service, repairs, and system support throughout Lakeland and Polk County. Our team services the treatment unit, pumps, floats, filters, control panels, blowers, and drip system components when applicable.
How Is an ATU Different From a Conventional Septic System?
A conventional septic system relies primarily on settling and natural bacterial treatment inside the septic tank. An Aerobic Treatment Unit adds oxygen to the treatment process, allowing aerobic bacteria to provide a higher level of wastewater treatment before the water is dispersed into the drain field or drip system.
Conventional Septic System
- Primarily uses natural anaerobic treatment
- Has fewer mechanical components
- Typically uses a conventional drain field
- Requires routine pumping and general septic maintenance
Aerobic Treatment Unit (ATU)
- Uses a blower or aerator to introduce oxygen
- Provides a higher level of wastewater treatment
- Includes mechanical and electrical components that require regular service
- May discharge to a conventional drain field or a drip dispersal system
What Is Included in ATU Maintenance?
Regular maintenance helps keep an ATU operating properly and gives us an opportunity to identify problems before they lead to alarms, backups, or system failure. During a maintenance visit, our technicians inspect the treatment system and its components to make sure everything is functioning as it should.
System Inspection
- Check ATU operation
- Inspect the blower/aerator
- Check the control panel and alarms
- Inspect pumps and floats when applicable
System Maintenance
- Clean and inspect filters
- Check sludge levels
- Inspect visible system components
- Check drip system operation and pressure when applicable
ATU Maintenance Agreements
Florida requires ATU systems to be maintained under an active maintenance agreement with a permitted maintenance entity. Lakeland Septic Company provides ongoing ATU maintenance agreements for residential and commercial systems throughout Polk County.
ATU Drip Dispersal Systems
Some ATU systems use a subsurface drip dispersal system instead of a conventional drain field. After wastewater is treated by the ATU, the effluent is distributed through small drip lines installed below the ground at controlled pressure and flow rates.
Drip systems contain additional components that require regular attention, including filters, pumps, valves, and drip lines. Proper maintenance is especially important because clogged filters, pressure problems, or other issues can affect how treated wastewater is distributed throughout the drip field.

Why Drip Systems Need Extra Attention
After servicing a large number of ATU drip systems, we have found that problems can develop between the standard maintenance visits. Filters can become dirty, pressure can change, and other components can require attention before the next scheduled service. More frequent preventive maintenance can help identify these issues earlier and keep the system operating properly.
Why Choose Lakeland Septic Company for ATU Service?
ATU systems require specialized knowledge and ongoing maintenance to operate properly. Lakeland Septic Company provides experienced local service for ATU systems and their components throughout Lakeland and Polk County.
Licensed & Insured
Florida Master Septic Tank Contractor, fully insured for the work we perform.
Experienced ATU Maintenance
Our team maintains and services ATU systems, including blowers, pumps, floats, filters, control panels, alarms, and other system components.
Drip System Experience
We service ATU drip systems and understand the additional maintenance required to keep filters, pumps, pressure, and dispersal components operating properly.
Local Polk County Company
Local service from a team that works with ATU systems throughout Lakeland and Polk County.
Frequently Asked Questions About ATU Septic Systems
How often does an ATU need to be serviced?
Florida requires ATUs to be inspected and maintained by an approved maintenance entity at least twice per year for residential systems. ATUs serving commercial establishments require four inspections per year. Some systems, particularly drip systems, may benefit from more frequent preventive service depending on system conditions and usage.
Does an ATU still need to be pumped?
Yes. An ATU provides additional wastewater treatment, but solids still accumulate in the system over time. Sludge levels should be checked during maintenance, and the system should be pumped when needed.
What should I do if my ATU alarm goes off?
An ATU alarm can indicate a problem with a pump, float, blower, high water level, or another system component. Avoid excessive water use and contact a qualified ATU service provider so the cause of the alarm can be identified.
Do I need a maintenance agreement for my ATU?
Yes. Florida requires ATU systems to have an active maintenance contract with a permitted service contractor. These requirements continue for the life of the system, with required inspections performed under the agreement.
Do you service ATU drip systems?
Yes. Lakeland Septic Company services ATU drip systems, including filters, pumps, floats, pressure, and other components associated with the treatment and dispersal system.
Service Areas
Lakeland Septic Company provides residential and commercial services throughout Lakeland and surrounding Central Florida communities.
- Lakeland
- Winter Haven
- Auburndale
- Bartow
- Polk City
- Plant City
- Haines City
- Mulberry
- Dundee
- Lake Wales
- Highland City
- Davenport
- Lake Placid
- Sebring
- Dover
- Seffner
- Thonotosassa
Don’t see your area listed? Contact us to find out if service is available at your property.
Need Septic Service? We’re Ready to Help.
Whether you need your septic tank pumped, have a system problem, or are planning a new installation, Lakeland Septic Company is ready to help. Give us a call or request service online and we’ll help you determine the next step.