What Is a Spray Head on an Aerobic Septic System?
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Quick answer
A spray head is a sprinkler-style outlet that spreads treated, disinfected water over a designated lawn area in a spray dispersal system. It is the last visible part of many aerobic systems. Clogged, broken or buried heads cause wet spots, pooling or odors and should be repaired promptly.
Many aerobic septic systems around Houston end in a lawn that has a few sprinkler-looking heads in it. Those are spray heads, and they are what turns a treatment tank into something that works on a property where the soil will not absorb water well.
What does a spray head do?
A spray head spreads treated water over a set area of grass so it soaks in gently and evaporates, and so plants can use some of it. It works much like a lawn sprinkler, but it handles treated effluent rather than city water. Because the water is sprayed above ground, systems are typically designed to include a disinfection step before the heads.
Where do spray heads sit in the system?
- Wastewater is treated in the aerobic tank, where an aerator supplies oxygen.
- Treated water settles and moves to the pump tank.
- On many systems it passes through disinfection.
- A pump sends it through buried pipe to the heads, one dispersal zone at a time.
Timers on the control panel decide when each zone runs. Details such as head type and layout vary by manufacturer and by what your county approved for the site.
What problems do spray heads have?
- Clogging. Solids or debris can block the nozzle, leaving a dry patch in one place and a soggy spot in another.
- Breakage. Mowers, vehicles and weather can crack or knock a head loose.
- Overgrown or buried heads. Tall grass or soil built up around a head stops the spray from spreading.
- Sticking or leaking. A head that sprays unevenly or dribbles can saturate the ground.
Pooling water, a sewage smell near the heads or an alarm can all point to a spray problem. Our post on drip vs spray dispersal compares what each system asks of the owner.
How do you take care of spray heads?
- Keep the heads visible and the grass around them trimmed.
- Mow carefully and do not drive or park on the spray area.
- Do not move, cap or remove a head yourself.
- Keep children and pets away while the system is running.
- Report any wet spots, odors or alarms to your service provider.
Technicians check the heads, the pump and the disinfection supply as part of a maintenance visit, and Texas generally requires a maintenance contract on aerobic systems for at least the first two years. See aerobic septic service or septic repairs, or call 832-789-5357. Se habla español.
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Quick questions and answers
- Is the water from spray heads safe to touch?
It has been treated, but it is not drinking water, and spray systems rely on proper maintenance. Keep people and pets off the area while it runs and ask your technician about your system.
- Why is one spray head not working?
A clogged nozzle, a damaged head, a pipe problem or a pump or timer issue could be the cause. A technician can find out which, and homeowners should not tamper with the head.
- Can I move or hide my spray heads?
No. The heads are placed to match your permitted design, and moving or covering them can overload the soil. Ask your provider or county permitting office before changing the layout.
Related guides and services
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