Small wastewater treatment plant aeration malfunction: causes and solutions
Effective aeration is crucial for the proper functioning of your small wastewater treatment plant. If aeration malfunctions, this can have serious consequences for the system and the environment. In this article, we look at the most common causes of aeration faults and provide practical tips for troubleshooting.
Common causes of ventilation faults
Aeration faults in your small wastewater treatment plant can have various causes. The most common include mechanical problems, blockages or power supply failures. Aeration ensures that sufficient oxygen enters the tank to allow aerobic decomposition of the waste. Without aeration, anaerobic decomposition processes can occur, causing unpleasant odours.
Troubleshooting checklist
To rectify an aeration fault in your small wastewater treatment plant, go through the following checklist:
- Check the blower itself for a short circuit: Check that the blower (air blower) is working properly and does not have a short circuit. A defective blower can cause the ventilation to stop completely.
- Check the condition of the blower/ventilation membrane: In some systems, a defective or worn membrane may be the cause of the malfunction. Ensure that the membrane is in good condition and has no cracks or holes.
- Hoses not kinked or loose: Check all air hoses for kinks or loose connections. A kinked or loose hose can obstruct the air flow and thus impair ventilation.
- Are bubbles visible? Check whether bubbles are rising in the water. If bubbles are visible, this may be a sign that the aeration system is working properly.
Effects of an aeration fault
An aeration fault can have serious consequences as the oxygen supply to the tank is interrupted. As a result, the decomposition of the waste is no longer aerobic but anaerobic. Anaerobic decomposition produces unpleasant odours that can escape from the tank. It can also lead to inefficient cleaning of the waste water, which increases the environmental impact.
Tips for avoiding odour problems
To avoid odour problems, we recommend always adding special sewage treatment plant bacteria in the event of an aeration problem. These bacteria promote aerobic decomposition even when aeration is restricted, preventing the formation of odours. Here are some tips:
- Regular maintenance: Maintain your aeration system regularly to recognise and rectify potential problems at an early stage.
- Use of sewage treatment plant bacteria: Use bacteria specially developed for small wastewater treatment plants on a regular basis. These bacteria help to support aerobic decomposition and prevent odours.
- Check the power supply: Ensure that the power supply to the aeration system is stable and reliable. A power failure can bring the aeration system to a standstill.
- Check ventilation systems: Regularly check the condition of the blower, membrane and hoses. This will ensure that the ventilation system is always working properly.
Our recommendation
DWT-Septic+ contains powerful aerobic bacteria that promote decomposition in the small wastewater treatment plant without causing odours. It is advisable to add this product if the aeration in the tank is impaired.
Prevent problems caused by a lack of aeration
The aeration of your small wastewater treatment plant plays a decisive role in the efficient and odourless decomposition of waste. If the aeration is faulty, this can lead to unpleasant odours and inefficient wastewater treatment. You can use the above checklist to identify and rectify the most common causes of aeration faults. Remember to carry out regular maintenance and act immediately in the event of problems to ensure the functionality of your small wastewater treatment plant.
With these measures, you can ensure that your small wastewater treatment plant always functions optimally and does not pollute the environment.
