I love saving $$$$$
 

About 10 years ago, I replaced the air compressor blower on my septic tank after the old compressor stopped working. It took many phone calls to finally a business that would sell a new compressor to me [public]. Most told me that they only sold to plumbers and not the general public.

A few days ago, I walked by my A/C unit and noticed that the septic tank air compressor was making a little noise. I disconnected the hose going to the septic tank and found that it was not blowing any air.

Back 10 years ago, after buying a new compressor for ~ $ 275 I took the old unit apart to see if I could tell what was wrong with it. The "inside" pump is very simple. It is just 2 rubber diaphragms that vibrate back and forth. The rubber diaphragms had torn, causing the pump to not work.

This time, I looked online but could not find anyone that sold parts. A phone call to the manufacture and I found out that parts are sold through distributors. Another phone call and 5 minutes later I had a "repair kit" on order for $ 77.

The parts came in 3 days later and in 30 minutes I had the septic tank air compressor back in service.

Doing this myself vs. calling a plumber probably saved $ 300 - 400.

First pic. is the old torn diaphragms. Second pic. is after I put in the new diaphragms.

I hope this information can help another SC.

Well you certainly avoided a crappy situation. I need to check my moms pump out, it was making a noise last time I passed by it.

yea buddy, i save myself a lot of money doing the same thing with broken items. My philosophy is that you aren't losing anything if you take it apart and can't fix it.

If you fix it, you save $$$ and learn something new.