Flagg-Air 340HT Norweco Replacement Septic Aerator

Highly Reliable Norweco Singulair® Alternative

Flagg-Air® Septic Aerators have been widely accepted as dependable Jet® and Norweco Singulair® aerator alternatives for over 35 years. When properly maintained these aerators perform for many years.

Unlike other alternative OEM replacement units, Flagg-Air® 340HT Septic Aerators have been independently tested^ǂ in the original manufacturer’s tanks. This rigorous testinghas demonstrated that Flagg-Air® septic system aerators are proven to meet or exceed the oxygen transfer rates of the original manufacturer’s units. Buy with confidence that the shaft-style septic aerator you are replacing will do the job as well, if not better, than the more expensive Jet® or Norweco Singulair® aerator that failed.

Aerobic vs. Anaerobic

Aerobic systems utilize aerobic bacteria, which is 50 times larger than anaerobic bacteria and consumes both oxygen and organic matter to break down waste in the tank, leaving you with clear effluent that is treated, then discharged through a pipe to your drain field. Anaerobic bacteria thrive in the oxygen-free conditions of a conventional septic tank. While they do break down waste, they do so less effectively than their aerobic counterparts.

Maintaining a healthy, oxygen-rich environment for your aerobic septic system requires a functioning aerator or air pump. If your aerator fails, you might notice strong sewer odors and eventually, the aerobic bacteria will give way to anaerobic bacteria.

Flagg-Air® Shaft-Style Septic Aerators

Shaft-style septic aerators are simple and effective aerators for your aerobic system. An aerator’s job is to add fresh air (oxygen) into your aeration tank. The oxygen will become dissolved in the liquid layer of your tank and the aerobic bacteria will use it as they digest the waste.

Septic tank shaft aerators sit out of sight, just below the lid and above the liquid level in the aeration tank. The aerator’s discrete location within the tank also helps dampen the already quiet operation of these septic aerators. Securely suspended via metal brackets, the septic aerator motor remains dry while the lower end of the shaft is submerged to introduce air into the wastewater. The motors on shaft-style septic aerators are not designed to be submerged: The water level should remain below the suds restrictor.

How it Works

The shaft-style septic aerator draws air from a fresh air hose inlet located at the top of the unit. The air travels through the motor via a hollow shaft to a specially designed plastic tip called an aspirator. This 4-pronged tip injects air into the wastewater. As the septic aerator motor rotates the shaft, it creates a stirring motion. This “mixing” not only dissolves and distributes the oxygenated water evenly throughout the tank (aeration), but also accelerates the treatment process.

You will know your septic aerator is working when you see and hear bubbling in the tank and do not notice strong sewer smells.

24-Hour Operation

Flagg-Air® septic shaft aerators are designed for timed or continuous operation via a control panel that can be set to “on/auto” or “continuous” run mode. These days, it is recommended that your shaft-style septic aerators run continuously for the optimum health of your aerobic septic system. If you choose a timed option, Septic Tank Parts suggests using a maximum “two-hours on, two-hours off” or less schedule.

Ultimately, each septic system is different and dependent on the balance between the hydraulic load and the efficiency of the bacteria. The best way to be certain your system is working properly is to get regular septic pumping/inspections. Entering a Service and Maintenance Agreement with your local septic company is the easiest way to ensure your system is effectively treating your household wastewater.

Quality-Control

Each Flagg-Air® 340HT aerator goes through a 10-point quality control check before any part is assembled to ensure a top-quality product that will last for years.

Corrosion-Resistant Materials

Every part of a Flagg-Air® aerator is manufactured and designed for the utmost corrosion and rust resistance. Powder-coated steel brackets, a custom-made stainless-steel shaft, bronze coupler, and highly durable plastics offer superior longevity. The FA340HT-N has a fully enclosed motor with epoxy-coated paint.

Low-Speed/High-Torque Motor

The Flagg-Air® 340HT-N Septic Aerator features a continuous duty motor with greater torque and starter switching than other shaft-style septic aerators on the market. Torque is the rotational force that determines the motor’s ability to perform a given amount of work. High torque motors are especially useful for shaft-style aerators because debris on the aerator shaft adds drag on the motor. Higher starting torque gets the motor past this extra resistance, reducing the time the motor spends at a higher amperage, and extending the life of the motor.

Service Factor

Motors can be damaged when operating a load greater than the rating. Service factor (SF) indicates a percentage a motor can manage occasional overloading without being damaged when it is operating with the proper voltage under normal conditions.

Septic Tank Parts is proud of the high service factor of our Flagg-Air® aerators. Flagg-Air® 340HT motors have a service factor of 1.15 meaning they can operate 15% over the rated HP without overheating and causing damage. Practically speaking, this higher service factor indicates that Flagg-Air® motors are durable and will keep working longer than a standard-rated motor.

7-Amp Mini Breaker (Included)

Motors are designed to run at a certain amperage and will overheat if they are forced to run at levels above their operating range. With shaft-style septic aerators, it is common fordebris to become wrapped around the shaft of your aerator. This added resistance causes the motor to pull more amps.

Each Flagg-Air® 340HT Series septic tank aerator is sold with a 7-amp mini circuit breaker. To avoid ruining the motor, the 7-amp mini breaker will “trip” and interrupt the current when the motor’s amperage exceeds the design. This mini breaker is compatible with an existing Norweco Singulair® control panel, or an equivalent replacement control panel, like the Red Alert™ P101FA-2.

The included 7-amp mini breaker is required for proper installation of Flagg-Air® Septic Aerators and serves as an important failsafe to protect your aerator’s motor from burning up.

3-in-1 T-Bar Handle

The FA340HT-N has a unique 3-in-1 T-Bar handle design that includes a fresh air hose barb and cord storage molded into a single, solid piece of high-impact plastic. This ergonomic T-Bar handle ensures easy lifting during installation and maintenance. The fresh air hose barb is the inlet to bring fresh air into the tank and can connect to a hose for deeper tanks. The specially designed handle also functions as cord storage, eliminating undue wear on your power cable from the motor’s vibrations.

Shaft

The Flagg-Air® aerators have a hollow, 5/8-inch diameter stainless-steel shaft that is machined using custom-poured, 304 grade stainless steel to meet our rigorous standards for tensile strength and hardness and is factory-balanced for straightness.

Extra-Large Suds Restrictor

A suds restrictor is a flat disc with fins that attaches to the septic aerator’s shaft. As the shaft spins, the 6” suds restrictor diverts foam away from the motor while simultaneously cooling it. The extra-large suds restrictor is wide enough to be a splash guard, offering even more protection to the motor.

High-Efficiency Aspirator

The Flagg-Air® 340HT-N features an aspirator that is specially designed to limit debris buildup and to provide the optimal amount of aeration for your aerobic septic system. The aspirator is the 4-prong plastic part at the end of the hollow shaft. Aspirators eject tiny bubbles outward into your aeration tank. The aspirator is reverse-threaded (CCW) to prevent loosening from the shaft’s rotation. The FA340HT-N has four, extended prongs on the aspirator that disburse air much further. Longer prongs also work to better stir the sewage, increasing the overall effectiveness of your septic aerator.

Flagg-Air® Replaceable Parts

Flagg-Air® 340HT Septic Aerators are constructed with durability and longevity in mind. In the rare instance of damage to individual components, Septic Tank Parts sells replacements. Whether you need a new motor, aerator shaft assembly, or vibration restrictors, every part of the Flagg-Air® 340HT-N Septic Aerator is easily replaceable and available for purchase from our online store.

2-Year Limited (Non-Pro-Rated) Warranty

At Septic Tank Parts, we proudly stand behind our products. We are a family-owned business and at the end of the day, we are selling you a quality product. Whether you are a contractor ordering pumps a pallet at a time, or a homeowner buying a single replacement aerator that will serve your family for years to come, we want you to be satisfied with your purchase. With the 2-Year Warranty, we offer full septic aerator motor replacements while many of our competitors offer only partial, pro-rated warranties. If maintained properly, these aerators can last years without needing repair. You can buy with confidence that if you get a unit that has a manufacturing defect, we will repair or replace it. Some exclusions apply. For more information about what is covered under warranty, call our Customer Service at (800) 778-1540.

* Norweco Singulair® is a registered trademark of the Norwalk Wastewater Equipment Company, Inc. All original manufacturer's names, drawings and part numbers are used for identification purposes only and we are in no way implying that any of our products are original equipment parts, or are affiliated with, or endorsed or approved by the original manufacturers.

** Jet® is a registered trademark of Jet, Inc. All original manufacturer's names, drawings and part numbers are used for identification purposes only and we are in no way implying that any of our products are original equipment parts, or are affiliated with, or endorsed or approved by the original manufacturers.

^ǂ If your local municipality requires NSF testing, it should be noted that Flagg-Air septic aerators have been performance-tested, but not by NSF.

Which model Flagg-Air® 340HT Septic Aerator do I need?

Septic Tank Parts sells two Flagg-Air® shaft-style aerators that are identical other than the color and size of the brackets: The FA340HT – J is a Jet® replacement with 12” red brackets for the 10” diameter tank opening on Jet® tanks. The FA340HT – N is a Norweco® replacement with 14” blue brackets for the 12” diameter tank opening on Norweco Singulair® tanks. If you are uncertain by measuring the tank opening, Jet® and Norweco Singulair® septic systems are installed with control panels. These boxes usually display the septic system manufacturer’s name and contact information.

Do I need to install the mini circuit-breaker that came with my Flagg-Air® shaft-style aerator?

Absolutely, yes! The 7-amp mini breaker that came with your Flagg-Air® aerator is required to protect your shaft-style aerator.

Water from showers, sinks, and washing machines runs into your septic tank along with your wastewater. Most of us have experienced a clogged shower or sink drain and know that often the culprit is hair. The lint, hair, and other fibrous materials that do make it to your septic tank are not broken down by the bacteria. These fibers eventually get wound around the aerator shaft. As this debris builds up, the motor must work harder to keep rotating at the same speed. This means pulling more power (amps). The mini breaker is designed to interrupt the circuit when too many amps are drawn, so the motor doesn’t overheat and burn up.

High water level in the tank can also interact with the suds restrictor or submerge the aerator causing the mini breaker to trip the circuit. If you do have high water in the tank, this issue needs to be addressed immediately as the motor of a Flagg-Air® should never be submerged.

Why is my aerator making an odd noise?

Generally, shaft-style aerators are very quiet machines. However, if you notice some strange sounds, there are several things that could be the cause:

Aerator Shaft. If the shaft is bent or out of balance this could also be a source of vibration and noise. Watch this video Shaft-Style Septic Aerator Rebuild for tips on how to rebalance the shaft of your aerator.

Vibration Restrictors. If the rubber feet on the brackets are worn through the unit will vibrate and make noise.

Bearings. Bearings in the motor could be worn out and the motor should be repaired or replaced.

Brackets. The Flagg-Air® 340HT septic aerators sit below the tank lid, and rest on the lip of the riser via metal brackets.

Is the aerator level in the riser? If the brackets are not seated properly or the rubber feet (vibration restrictors) are missing or worn, the aerator could be moving around and causing noise.

Are the brackets the correct size? It is not uncommon for customers to purchase the wrong Flagg-Air model by mistake. Measure your tank opening or check the septic system control panel to determine your septic tank manufacturer. The brackets are sized to be 2” larger than the tank opening. Jet® tanks have a 10” opening and Norweco Singulair® tanks have 12” openings.

Are the brackets loose? If the bolts have loosened, this could cause rattling.

Suds Restrictor. The suds restrictor is the round disc on the shaft and is designed to stay above the contents of the septic tank.If the water level is high enough to touch the suds restrictor this could cause the unit to vibrate.

My shaft-style septic aerator has stopped working. What do I do?

Is the control panel on? Check your control panel to verify that it has power to it and out to the aerator.

Is there a red light on your control panel? This is usually an indication that your mini circuit breaker has been tripped.

Flagg-Air® aerators come with a 7-amp mini breaker that should be installed in your aerator’s control panel (like the Red Alert™ P101FA-2). Most often, the mini breaker trips when there is hair wrapped around the shaft or the water level is high and has reached the suds restrictor or submerged the aerator.

If the breaker isn’t tripped and the unit is “on”: Check to see if power is coming to the control panel – is the breaker that goes out to the control panel/aerator tripped? You should work with an electrician to make certain you don’t have more widespread wiring issues.

If there is debris wrapped around the shaft: Shut off main power. Remove the debris and reinsert your septic shaft aerator into the tank. Reset the mini breaker. Restore power. More than likely, the aerator will work again as intended.

Does your tank lid have a vent cap? In aerobic septic systems, shaft-style septic aerators need a way to access fresh air. This is usually accomplished with a vent that is installed in the lid of the septic tank riser. If this is broken, it could be allowing water to flow into your tank and onto your motor - not good!

If the water is high (i.e., above the suds restrictor disc): Your tank is backed up! Locate the source of the problem (clogged filter, lift station down, clogged drain field, etc.) and address the issue.

Are there cracks in your riser or septic tank lid? If there are cracks, seal them. If your risers are at ground-level, heavy rainwater can come into the tank, overloading the system, and causing backup over the aerator. Install an additional riser and seal appropriately. Replace broken tank lids.

If the riser/lid looks fine, there might be other issues of clogging or leaking somewhere in your septic system or your absorption field may be saturated. At this point, call a professional to diagnose the problem.

How do I maintain my shaft-style aerator?

Shaft-style aerators do require maintenance however, general septic tank maintenance will also extend the life of your aerator. Regularly pumping your septic tank every 3-5 years and making sure rain and groundwater can’t get into the septic tank and cause backups onto and/or submerge the aerator’s motor are part of maintenance.

Routine Maintenance for Shaft-Style Septic Aerators

Always turn the power off to the unit before performing any maintenance! Check the main circuit breaker is off and unplug the aerator.

Stainless steel is durable, but the aerator shaft is thin and hollow so be very careful not to knock the shaft around too much – if it is only slightly bent it could get off balance and wear out the bearings.

Things to Routinely Check

• Worn electrical wires and plugs
• Debris that clogs hose barb/air inlet on the top of the septic aerator
• Tank water level
• Debris on the aerator shaft
• Worn rubber vibration restrictors

Performing Maintenance

Electrical: Be sure main power is off before replacing worn or corroded electrical wires and plugs.

If you have some electrical experience and are confident that your main breaker from the house to the unit is off, watch this Flagg-Air Installation Video for a demonstration of how to use a multi-meter to check amperage for motor health and voltage on the plug to make sure there are no electrical issues.

To clean debris inside the hollow shaft: Unplug and pull out the aerator carefully! Take a small brush (like those used to clean tubing) and run it through from the air hose barb down through the shaft to clear any dirt or debris.

String, hair, or other fibrous materials can get wound around the aerator shaft. Remove any debris and check the shaft, suds restrictor, and aspirator for any other signs of wear. Replace these parts if broken.

If water in the tank is high: A high level of water in your tank is due to tank backup. While the Flagg-Air® aerators have fully enclosed motors, they aren’t designed to be submerged in water. Find the source of the backup before returning your shaft-style aerator to the tank. Common sources of backup are a clogged filter, lift station down, or a clogged drain field.

After performing maintenance, be sure the brackets are securely on the riser and confirm the septic aerator is back on the “on/auto” or “continuous” run mode. While many control panels include a timer option, your shaft-style septic aerators can run continuously. Don’t forget to turn the main power back on!

What is covered under the 2-year limited warranty?

The warranty that comes with the Flagg-Air® 340HT Septic Aerators covers manufacturer defects ONLY. If your unit fails because of improper installation or care, it is not a fault of the manufacturer and therefore will not be covered under warranty.

Your unit will not be covered under warranty if:

• The motor gets submerged. Whether this is due to septic tanks needing to be pumped, septic tank backup, or rain getting in through your tank’s riser or lid – the motor is not designed to be under water for any period of time.
• The 7-amp mini-breaker is not installed. This mini-breaker will keep your motor from overheating and burning up.

The above examples are the most common reasons that these units fail but are by no means a comprehensive list of all scenarios. With regular aerator maintenance and overall septic system care, these units can last for years. Click here to view our return/exchange policy.