
Reliable and capable wastewater equipment is an essential component of safety and compliance in wastewater management. Failing equipment or equipment that’s just not at its best can cause many problems when it comes to downtime, costly repairs, and penalties associated with regulations. We’re going to talk more about how you know when to replace or upgrade your wastewater equipment, so let’s break it down and talk about the signs that something needs to be done about your equipment.
Consider the Age and Wear of the Equipment
One thing to consider is how long the equipment has been in use that you’ve had. Pumps, aerators, and screens all have different lifetimes and must be replaced within a certain amount of time to avoid larger issues. There are also important signs of wear and tear that you should consider when looking at your equipment to see if you should replace or upgrade it. These signs include:
Corrosion
Rusty parts
Leaking
Unusual noises coming from the equipment
Vibration
Ultimately, if you have found that your equipment hasn’t been replaced in a very long time, it would be crucial to replace it as soon as possible. Older equipment has a much higher chance of having more issues associated with it, and it can cause issues throughout the different areas of the equipment.
Declining Performance and Efficiency
Keeping up with your equipment’s performance and efficiency is a great way to see if there is a need for any adjustments. Replacements, or upgrades. Ultimately, your equipment will start showing signs of declining efficiency, and this could be a potential issue when looking at wastewater management. If you’ve noticed that equipment is struggling to meet the capacity or treatment standards, then it may be time to reassess the equipment. Increased energy consumption and operational costs can be a sign that your equipment is working much harder than it should to get the job done. Some other signs you should look out for are decreased throughput, slower processing times, and inconsistent treatment results. If you’ve noticed any of these, it is time to reassess your equipment and make any changes necessary.
Frequency of Breakdowns and Repairs
Over the lifetime of wastewater equipment, there will be breakdowns and repairs needed; however, there is a limit at which a replacement or upgrade of the equipment might be the smarter and better option. One thing to consider is the amount that you’re spending on maintenance and repairs over the course of a certain period of time. Repair costs add up significantly, and eventually, it might make more sense monetarily to invest in an upgrade or replacement instead. Breakdowns and repairs also mean more downtime where your business isn’t operational, and this can mean missing deadlines and missing out on revenue. It’s crucial to weigh the options when it comes to relying on these temporary fixes or investing more in a long-term solution.
Regulatory Compliance and Safety Concerns
When it comes to wastewater management, there are regulatory requirements that must be met, and newer equipment could offer improved monitoring and automation to ensure that these requirements are met. Not only this, but upgrading equipment can meet environmental regulations that may be changing as well. It’s also important to look at potential safety concerns that may arise due to faulty equipment. Malfunctioning equipment or structural weakness could become a huge issue for those who are working in your facility.
Wastewater Specific Signs to Watch For
When it comes to wastewater equipment, there are a few different specific signs to watch out for. Overflows and backups are something to watch out for, which can indicate that there are issues with some of the equipment. Poor water quality readings can also be a sign to watch out for that something is wrong with some of the equipment.
When Should You Repair vs Replace?
There are many factors that can go into whether you should repair or replace your equipment. One of the most important considerations is the cost of a long-term solution and the benefits of investing in it. It’s essential to consult with an equipment expert to determine the most suitable course of action for your specific situation. Experts can assess your situation and ultimately tell you if you should invest in a repair or a replacement. Knowing whether or not you should repair or replace your equipment depends on your personal situation, as every piece of equipment is different. When it comes to speaking with a professional, they will look into all of the details that we mentioned above, like the lifespan of the equipment, the problems you are experiencing, and what the options for you may be.
Working With Lakeside Equipment
Don’t worry if you are in the predicament where you are experiencing issues with your wastewater equipment, or if you think that the lifespan of your equipment might be ending. We have a full team of experts who have experience in wastewater equipment and are able to identify potential issues, with the best solutions for you in mind. We will come to you and do a proactive assessment to look at your current situation, then we will give you a comprehensive solution that includes your next steps to ensure that your equipment is working to full efficiency. If you’re interested in working with Lakeside Equipment, contact us and we can come asses your situation and get your equipment back up and running perfectly.