FRANKLIN COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH

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                                                             11 WAYS TO KEEP YOUR AERATION SYSTEM OPERATING PROPERLY:

1.                  Make sure that all of the plumbing in your house, including the washer & basement drains discharge to the aerator.  It is illegal to discharge waste water into a storm drain or sump pump.

2.                  Aeration tanks must be pumped every 3-5 years.  Larger households that generate more sewage should pump the tank more often. 

3.                  Too much water entering the aeration tank at one time can overload it.  Try to allow an hour or so between loads when you are using your washing machine.

4.                  Water softener, footer drains & downspouts cannot be discharged into the aerator.

5.                  Routine maintenance is critical!   Clean the filters, grease the bearings, check the belts and clean the motor and shaft.  Routine maintenance improves the efficiency of the system and prolongs the life of the motor.

6.                  Strong odors, and/or gray or black discharge water from the aerator indicates that it isn’t working properly. The unit must be repaired or replaced.

7.                  The lids to the aerator must be visible and accessible for maintenance & inspection.  It is acceptable to place flowers and shrubs near the aerator as long as it is accessible.      

8.                  The Board of Health Inspector will inspect your aerator sometime during the year.  If the unit is not accessible because it is behind a locked gate, or if it is covered – the inspection will not be conducted.  The Board of Health Inspector will leave a tag on your door, and request that you contact the office.

9.                  Any changes or alterations to the aerator or any part of the system must be approved by the Board of Health.

10.              If your aerator motor is regulated by a timer, the motor must run at least 30 minutes per hour, unless the unit was specifically approved by the Ohio Department of Health to operate for a shorter amount of time.

11.              Don’t forget to check your motor warning light and fuse box regularly, but especially after power outages.

INFORMATION REGARDING INSPECTIONS:

An inspector from The Board of Health will visit your property to conduct an evaluation of your system sometime during this permit year.  You are not required to be present during the inspection, but access to your system is required.  A copy of the inspection report, along with any instructions you will need to follow, will be left in your door.