IDENTIFY YOUR SEPTIC SYSTEM
Nayadic septic systems
A Nayadic is an aerobic wastewater treatment unit made by Consolidated Treatment Systems (CTS). An external air compressor supplies air to a diffuser low in the tank so microorganisms can break down waste.
How a Nayadic works
Explore the tank. Tap or click a label to learn what it does.
Swipe the diagram to see the full tank.
- Wastewater enters the center. Incoming wastewater flows into the inner treatment zone by gravity.
- Air enters near the bottom. A compressor outside the tank sends air through a line to a diffuser. The bubbles supply oxygen to microorganisms that break down organic waste.
- Liquid clarifies and exits. In the surrounding clarification zone, solids have a chance to settle. Clarified liquid flows over a circular weir and leaves through the outlet to the property’s approved dispersal system.
Where the solids go. The inner aeration zone contains mixed wastewater and suspended solids. In the quieter outer zone, floating material can collect near the scum baffle and heavier solids settle toward the cone base, where the recirculation tube returns solids to treatment. The colors show these zones schematically. Actual buildup varies.
This illustration shows the M-series treatment unit. The complete system layout varies by model and property. Nayadic M-series owner’s manual
Floating scum
Floating material stays near the surface. The scum baffle helps keep it away from the outlet.
Clarified effluent
Liquid in the quieter outer zone rises toward the circular outlet weir after solids have had a chance to settle.
Mixed wastewater and suspended solids
The inner treatment zone is aerated and mixed. The tan dots represent solids suspended in the liquid.
Settled solids / sludge
Heavier solids move toward the bottom of the cone. The recirculation tube helps return solids to the treatment zone.
External air compressor
The compressor supplies air through a line to the diffuser. Compressor designs and replacement requirements vary by model.
Air diffuser
The diffuser releases air low in the tank. Rising bubbles deliver oxygen and help circulate the liquid.
Recirculation tube
The central draft tube helps circulate liquid and solids back into the aerated treatment zone.
Outlet weir and effluent line
The manufacturer shows a circular weir, scum baffle, and effluent outlet. The tee in this preview is a schematic plumbing detail with its lower leg in the clarified liquid. Confirm the actual outlet hardware from the model drawing or property records.
How to tell if you have a Nayadic
Look for Nayadic or Consolidated Treatment Systems on the paperwork, an accessible alarm label, or a service sticker. The M-series owner’s manual lists M-6A, M-8A, M-1050A, M-1200A, and M-2000A. Ohio’s directory also includes separate M6-EV Evolution documents.
An external air compressor is a clue. Confirm the model with the label, service records, or the approved drawing from your county health district. Keep tank lids closed while checking.
When should a Nayadic system be pumped?
A residential Nayadic treatment unit typically needs pumping every two to three years, according to Consolidated Treatment Systems (CTS). That’s a planning estimate. Household use affects how quickly solids build up, so a technician can use a settled-solids test to determine when pumping is due.
CTS recommends checking settleable solids during each six-month service visit. A technician takes a sample from the aeration chamber and normally lets it settle for 30 minutes. CTS recommends pumping when sludge accounts for more than 50% of the sample’s volume. The percentage is measured in the sample, so there’s no need to wait for a visible sludge layer to reach a certain height in the tank.
If your system has a separate pretreatment tank, ask your technician to check it separately. Keep the test result and pump-out date with your service records so you can track how quickly solids build up in your system.
What to watch for
The compressor needs power to supply air. If an alarm stays on or the compressor appears to stop, limit water use and contact the service provider listed on your system. Ask them to check the air supply and whether accumulated solids need to be pumped. Follow the schedule in your model’s manual and county permit.
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