What Is Disinfection (Chlorinator) in a Septic System?
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Quick answer
Disinfection is a final treatment step on many aerobic systems that spray their water over a lawn. A chlorinator feeds chlorine into the treated water to kill remaining germs before it reaches the spray heads. The chlorine supply must be checked and refilled during maintenance visits, or the step stops working.
Treated water from an aerobic system is much cleaner than raw wastewater, but it is not drinking water. On systems that spray it onto the surface, one more step is generally added before the water is released. That step is disinfection, and the device that does it is usually called a chlorinator.
What is disinfection in a septic system?
Disinfection reduces the germs that may still be in the water after the aerobic treatment unit has finished its work. Chlorine is the most common method on residential systems, although other methods exist. Spray dispersal puts water on the surface where people, pets and children may be, so the extra protection matters.
Whether a disinfection step is required for your system depends on how the water is dispersed and on local rules, so check with your county permitting office or ask us.
How does a chlorinator work?
- Treated water leaves the clarifier and filter and moves toward the pump tank.
- On its way, it passes through a chlorinator, a small housing that holds chlorine in a solid or liquid form.
- The water picks up chlorine as it flows past or through the supply.
- The disinfected water collects in the pump tank and is sent to the spray heads on a timer.
The design and the type of chlorine used vary by manufacturer. Use only the product your system is designed for, never household pool or laundry products unless a technician says so.
What problems can a chlorinator have?
- Empty supply. When the chlorine is used up, the water is no longer being disinfected.
- Blocked or stuck feeder. Debris or hardened chlorine can stop the flow, or deliver too much.
- Weak treatment upstream. A struggling aerator or overloaded tank gives the chlorinator a harder job.
- Damage to the spray area. Too much chlorine can harm grass or plants near the spray heads.
A technician checks the chlorine supply and the feeder at each visit, which is a reason the work belongs under a maintenance contract. Handling chlorine involves chemical hazards, so it should not be a homeowner task.
Can homeowners tell if disinfection has stopped?
Not easily, because treated water can look the same either way. That is why you rely on scheduled service rather than looks or smell. Keep children and pets off the spray area and follow your technician's advice about it. See our guide to drip versus spray dispersal to understand how the two approaches differ.
For chlorinator checks, see our aerobic septic service page or call 832-789-5357. If you are planning a new system, read about aerobic septic system installation. Se habla español.
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Quick questions and answers
- Do all aerobic septic systems have a chlorinator?
No. Systems that spray treated water on the surface generally include disinfection, while many drip or subsurface systems do not. It depends on the design, the permit and local rules for your property.
- Can I add chlorine tablets myself?
Leave that to your technician. The right product, the right amount and safe handling matter, and the wrong chemical can harm the system or the lawn. Ask us if the supply looks low.
- Is the sprayed water safe to touch?
Treated and disinfected water is much cleaner than raw wastewater, but it is not drinking water. Keep children and pets away from spray areas and follow the guidance your technician and permit give you.
Related guides and services
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