How much should my replacement aerator cost?

Jet aerators are exchanged for new aerators based on a pro-rated exchange rate depending on the age of the motor. The longer the motor has been in service the more the exchange rate will be, the shorter the service time the lower the cost.

My alarm is going off what should I do?

If your aerator alarm is on in your control panel try hitting the red reset button to see if the aerator starts running again. Don’t use the reset button more than one or two times because multiple “loaded” starts could damage your aerator. If your alarm sounds again after hitting the reset button call your Jet Service Provider immediately. After contacting your service provider you can try silencing the alarm by turning off the main breaker to the control panel in house’s breaker panel.

How do I set the time clock in my control panel?

If you have an older Jet system that was installed with an aerator timer we do not suggest altering the time settings. If you feel you need to make an adjustment, contact your Jet service provider and they will diagnose your system to see if timer adjustments are warranted. Currently all new Jet systems are installed with continuous run aerators, the wear on the motor windings and bearing life due to condensation that occurs when cycling motors far outweighs the small cost savings in power usage when operating the aerator on a timer.

When should I pump out my Jet system?

Jet recommends that your tank is air cleaned every year, and air cleaned and pumped every three years. However, just like a septic tank the frequency of pump outs depends on the amount you use your Jet system. For example, a family of five will need more frequent pump outs when compared to a tank servicing a single couple. Make sure you contact your Jet service provider before scheduling a pump out; your tank should be serviced before pumping to avoid damaging the BAT® media.

Should I turn off my aerator when I go on vacation?

If you are leaving for a week or two on vacation we suggest that you leave your aerator running while you are away. Although there is no waste to treat, our studies have shown that during an idle period your tank will digest any available solids in effect cleaning your tank while you are away.

Does my aerator really need to run continuously?

Yes. Our studies have found that the energy used from cycling a motor through hourly start up amperage spikes will use only slightly less energy than motors that operates continuously. After we weigh in the wear and tear on the bearings and switches caused by the constant starting and stopping, plus the damage from condensation on the motor from the perpetual heating and cooling process, it is actually more economical to let the aerator run continuously.

My aerator is noisy, what can I do to make it quiet?

If your aerator is running louder than usual call your Jet service technician to schedule a routine maintenance visit. This could be a sign of early wear on the aerator brackets, causing excessive vibration that will reduce the life of your aerator. A service technician can fix or replace these brackets and clean debris that may have unbalanced the aerator reducing the noise and ensuring a longer life cycle from your aerator. If your system is new and you find the noise level is unpleasant Jet supplies an Aerator Silencer option.

Can I use any septic company to pump my Jet tank?

Although the only requirement before pumping is that you schedule a service visit shortly before the pumping we do recommend using a certified Jet pumper company to pump out your Jet tank. The reason you should not use any pump company is that your Jet system has the unique BAT® Media that can be severely damaged during a pump out if it is not properly cleaned before pumping. A certified pump company will have the necessary tools to clean your media avoiding costly repairs and ensuring the optimum treatment performance from your Jet system.

I am having relatives in for the holidays. Do I need to do anything to prepare my system?

For average guest visitation it should not be necessary to prepare your system for the changes in daily flow. In Jet’s laboratory testing the Jet system handled an additional 100% load for an entire week without any adverse effects on the system or its performance. However, if you are concerned about a large party, such as a wedding reception, being held at your residence you can arrange for a tank cleaning and pumping just prior to the event to ensure optimal treatment capabilities of your Jet system.

How often should my Jet plant be serviced?

The suggested service schedule for a Jet system is one routine maintenance call every six months. Some states may require more frequent service calls to ensure the highest quality of performance from aerobic systems in the state. Servicing at a lower frequency than every six months is not acceptable and damage to your plant and components may occur if routine service is not being conducted. All Jet distributors should offer a service program or service contract, so contact them for more information about your service options today.

Can I service my Jet plant on my own?

Some states allow for homeowners to service their own onsite treatment systems. If you are interested in servicing your own system you will need to obtain the proper training and equipment necessary to conduct routine maintenance on your Jet plant. Please contact us to find out if servicing your own system is possible in your area.

What should I do before I pump out my Jet system?

Prior to contacting a pumper company, check to see if there is a certified Jet Pumper in your area. A certified Jet Pumper has been trained in the proper procedures to clean and pump your Jet system without damaging any of the components, potentially saving replacement costs if the internal media packs are damaged. If there is not a certified pumper company in your aread, make sure to schedule a routine service and cleaning at least one week before you pump out your tank to avoid damaging the internal media.

I have an old model aerator. Will the new style work in my system?

Yes. All factory original Jet aerators are sized to retrofit into any Jet system, regardless of when it was installed. Make sure to use only Jet factory original components to ensure the optimum treatment performance from your system.

I found another company on line that makes replacement aerators, is it O.K. to use these in my Jet system?

No. Off-brand replacement motors are not certified for use with your system according to the National Sanitation Foundation. There is no way to ensure the performance of your Jet system if you are using anything but factory original replacement components. So if you want to avoid pollution and nuisance complaints from an underperforming system make sure to contact us for factory original replacement aerators and system components. Also your system won’t pass a point of sale or yearly inspection if it does not have factory original components.

How many gallons does my Jet system hold?

Although aerobic treatment plants, such as a Jet system, are typically sized by the gallons per day (GPD) of wastewater that they treat, it is useful to know how many gallons a tank holds when scheduling or paying for a pump out. The basic Jet system holds 1,225 gallons divided into three separate compartments a 500 gallon pretreatment compartment, a 600 gallon treatment compartment, and a 125 gallon settling compartment. Larger jet systems may have an additional 1,000 gallon pretreatment tank before the Jet treatment plant.

Can I use swimming pool chorine in my Jet chlorinator?

No. We do not recommend using any chlorine other than Jet-Chlor chlorine tablets in your Jet chlorinator. Other brands of chlorine are designed to dissolve at different rates than Jet-Chlor and may not properly disinfect the wastewater effluent from your system. Also swimming pool chlorine is a different type of chlorine altogether, and can become volatile in a confined area such as a chlorinator causing potentially dangerous conditions on your property.

Can I route my water softener backwash into my Jet system?

We do not recommend routing the backwash from your water softener into a Jet system, or any other type of biological treatment system. The concentrated sodium chloride and other chemical compounds that are introduced into a Jet system while the softener is backwashing will kill off many of the beneficial bacteria that live in your treatment system. If it is at all possible, route the water softener backwash to an alternate drain line. However we recommend that you check with your local health department before installing or altering existing drain lines.

How can I tell if my aerator is still under warranty?

Jet aerator warranty begins when the warranty card is returned to Jet, or if no warranty card is received it begins the month it was produced based on the date coded serial number. If you don’t have a copy of your warranty card but you know your aerator serial number we can tell you if your motor is eligible for coverage under the thirty month limited warranty program. If you don’t have your aerator serial number handy your Jet service provider should have information on your system including the current age and warranty status of your aerator.

Where is the serial number on my aerator?

The serial number is located on the foil data plate on the side of the aerator motor.

How do I know if my Bio-Jet 7 has gone bad?

Bio-Jet 7 should have a mild perfume fragrance. If you notice a rotten, sulfur smell it is likely that the Bio-Jet 7 has gone bad. Typically, Bio-Jet 7 has a one year shelf life in average climate temperatures.

My Jet tank smells, what should I do?

Give us a call. Under normal operating conditions you should not notice an unpleasant smell near your Jet system. If you find that your system is emitting unpleasant odors there are several factors that may be causing the problems. Our technicians have been trained in troubleshooting plant odors.

Can I put chlorination and dechlorination tablets in the same dispensing device?

No. Using the same dispensing unit for both chlorine and dechlorination tablets can result in a dangerous chemical reaction. If your system requires both chlorine and dechlorination tablets they must be housed in separate units. Typically these units are separated by a chlorine contact chamber that allows for some hydraulic retention time for the chlorine to properly disinfect the effluent wastewater.

What is that black plastic material in my Jet tank?

The black plastic material in your Jet system is the BAT® media pack. Jet BAT® media is essential to the treatment capabilities of your system. Special precautions should be taken when servicing and pumping your Jet system to avoid damaging this media and the performance of your system. Do not attempt to clean or remove the media packs, damaged packs are expensive to repair or replace.

Does that green cap need to be exposed?

Yes. The green vent cap on your aeration compartment cover must be free and clear of obstructions to allow fresh air to enter the Jet system. Jet systems are designed to inject fresh oxygen into the center treatment compartment to ensure the best performance from the aerobic bacteria living in the plant. Aerobic bacteria are just like any other living organism and more fresh oxygen means more bacteria. Depriving these bacteria of fresh oxygen by covering or burying the vent cap will inhibit the growth of these bacteria and may make it difficult for your system to recover from any toxic or overloaded conditions that it may experience.

Can I have a garbage disposal with my Jet system?

Jet research has shown that the increased solids from a garbage disposal won’t negatively affect the performance of your Jet system. The aerobic bacteria process will actively digest the extra solids introduced to the system and only the highest quality effluent leaves the system.

Do I need to do anything special on wash day?

As with any onsite septic system it is best to try to stager your wash loads through out the week. Even though the Jet system’s fixed film media is designed to keep your plant operating at peak performance during excessive hydraulic loading, such as a heavy wash day, it will operate best with a steady flow of water from your home. Also some brands of detergents are easier for your system to digest. If possible use a low-phosphate detergent, like Ivory Snow, harsher detergents like Tide and Fab can slow the biological process of the plant, increasing the chance for the plant to pass solids into your drain field.

I know what tank pumping is, but what does media cleaning require?

Jet BAT? Media requires annual cleaning with a special tool called an air cleaning wand. This process is designed to remove excess bio-film from the media by increasing and reversing the hydraulic flow through the media pack. The soft bio-film is easily removed with the increased amount of agitation caused by the air wand. The remaining solids and bio-film are then digested by the aerobic bacteria in the treatment compartment.

What happens to my Jet system if my aerator is not working?

If the aerator stops working in a Jet system the plant will begin to work like a conventional septic tank. Conventional septic tanks are primarily designed to settle solids, and don't treat the wastewater like a Jet tank. Your system has been designed to discharge treated effluent, based on poor soil quality or limited space, so discharging untreated solids and bacteria could potentially damage your system and effect public health and safety.

Why should I buy a Jet Aerator? Aren't they all the same?

Not all aerators are created equal. Many of the off-brand aerators on the market are not built to the same quality standards as Jet aerators, and don't have comprehensive warranty and exchange programs like Jet products. Off-brand replacement motors are not certified for use with Jet systems according to the National Sanitation Foundation. There is no way to ensure the performance of your Jet system if you are using anything but factory original replacement components. So if you want to avoid pollution and nuisance complaints from an underperforming system make sure to contact South Texas Wastewater for factory original replacement aerators and system components. Also, your system won?t pass a point of sale or yearly inspection if it does not have factory original components.

What is NSF?

Since 1944, NSF International, an independent, not-for-profit organization, has been committed to making the world a safer place for consumers. NSF offers a broad range of certification programs for products that could potentially impact public health. If you would like to know more about NSF or the programs and products they certify you can check out their website at www.nsf.org to obtain more information.

The pre-treatment cover to my Jet system does not have a riser and the cover is buried. In order to have the pre-treatment portion of the tank pumped I need to locate the cover. In reference to the aerator mounting cover, in what direction and how far from the aerator should I start digging to locate the pre-treatment tank cover? Thanks.

The first thing to do is locate the inlet of the tank. If you have an exposed outlet riser, as most plants do, the inlet location should be the opposite direction that the outlet riser is from the aerator riser. Next, measure towards the inlet from the center of the aerator riser approximately fifty inches. This location should indicate the center of the pretreatment riser.