a method of and an apparatus for rejuvenating a wastewater treatment system of the type including a septic tank , an aerobic treatment unit or the like connected by a pipe to a plugged downstream soil absorption system includes a wastewater treatment unit which is interposed between the septic unit / aerobic treatment unit and the downstream soil absorption system . the wastewater treatment unit includes a single piece or a multiple piece solids settling and retention basin within which is suspendingly supported a wastewater treatment mechanism essentially of the type disclosed in u . s . pat . no . 5 , 264 , 120 . the wastewater treatment mechanism includes filters for filtering and settling solids from wastewater and flow equalization ports for effecting flow equalization thereby eliminating flow surges to the downstream plugged soil absorption system . by utilizing an extremely compact solids settling and retention basin and its attendant operative components , solids are prevented from passing beyond the wastewater treatment unit to the failed soil absorption system . in this fashion the wastewater treatment unit of the present invention can rejuvenate wastewater treatment systems which have failed , and if installed prior to such failure , can extend the life thereof substantially indefinitely . the latter and other advantages are achieved at relatively low cost , absent destruction of existing sod or lawn , moving fencing , trees , etc ., and absent creating a hazard for individuals , particularly small children .