What Happens When the Power Goes Out?

When electricity is interrupted, several things occur:

Pump and Aeration Shutdown:
Without power, pumps and blowers stop running. This means that the system stops processing wastewater, and water is no longer being extracted or properly aerated.
Water Accumulation:
If household water usage continues during a power outage, wastewater will gradually accumulate in the system. This can lead to potential overflow if the chambers become too full.
Impact on Biological Treatment:
The biological processes that help treat your wastewater require a steady supply of oxygen. A loss of power means reduced aeration, which can disrupt these processes and affect overall treatment performance.

Best Practices for Homeowners

Industry best practices offer clear recommendations for safeguarding your system:

Reduce Water Usage Immediately
As soon as you know that a power outage has occurred, reduce your household water usage. This helps prevent your system from becoming overloaded while it is not functioning.
Utilize Backup Power Solutions
Consider installing a backup power source, such as a small generator, to keep critical components like pumps and blowers running during short-term outages.
Empty the System if the Outage Persists
If the power outage is expected to last more than 24 hours, it may be necessary to have the wastewater treatment system emptied manually. This preventive measure helps avoid overflow and protects the system from potential damage.
Plan Ahead
- Know Your System: Familiarize yourself with the key components of your wastewater treatment system and understand how they operate.
- Emergency Contacts: Have contact information for a qualified technician or service provider on hand in case you need professional assistance during an outage.
- Monitor Water Levels: Keep an eye on water levels if you suspect an outage is imminent. Some systems have remote monitoring or alarms that can alert you to rising levels.

Why These Measures Matter

These steps are widely recognized as best practices in the wastewater treatment industry. By taking these precautions, you:

Prevent System Overload: Reducing water usage helps keep the inflow manageable, preventing the system from becoming overwhelmed.
Avoid Overflow: Manually emptying the system in prolonged outages reduces the risk of environmental contamination and costly repairs.
Maintain Treatment Efficiency: Backup power can help preserve the biological
processes that are essential for effective wastewater treatment.

In Summary

If your wastewater treatment system loses power, act quickly: reduce your water usage immediately and, if the outage is prolonged (more than 24 hours), arrange to have the system emptied to prevent overflow. These proactive measures, along with a potential backup power solution, will help protect your system and ensure it continues to operate effectively once power is restored.

By planning ahead and understanding your system’s needs, you can safeguard your home’s wastewater treatment process and avoid the challenges associated with power outages.

Stay informed, plan ahead, and protect your investment!