Water Treatment: Why Maintenance Matters

Date: 11/12/2024
Read Time: 5 minutes
Author: Michael Loomes

Key points:

• Regular maintenance ensures your water treatment system operates at peak efficiency, minimising disruptions to your operations and maximising water quality.
• Proactive maintenance helps avoid costly emergency repairs and extends the lifespan of your system by addressing small issues before they escalate.
• Regular maintenance helps you meet industry standards and regulations, ensuring water safety and quality, especially in critical sectors like healthcare.

A common misconception is that once a water treatment system is installed, it becomes a “set and forget” solution. In reality, these systems, like any complex infrastructure, require regular servicing and maintenance to ensure optimal performance and longevity.

Relying solely on reactive maintenance—waiting for problems to arise—can lead to significant disruptions, costly emergency repairs, and even health and safety risks. By contrast, proactive maintenance keeps systems running smoothly, ensures water quality, and reduces long-term costs.

Over time, components can degrade, mineral deposits can build up, and overall efficiency can decline. Routine maintenance mitigates these risks, ensuring your water treatment system remains reliable and effective.

Water treatment systems often operate in demanding environments, making them susceptible to wear and tear. Addressing potential issues early through regular maintenance prevents unexpected breakdowns and costly disruptions.

Case in point – We were contacted by a national freight company whose water treatment system suffered from long-standing issues such as rusted tanks, malfunctioning pumps, and a non-operational chlorine dosing system. Through consistent monthly maintenance and rectification work, we managed to fully restore the system for optimal performance.

Industries like healthcare and food processing depend on strict adherence to water quality regulations. Proper maintenance not only ensures compliance but also safeguards the health and safety of employees and end-users.

Routine inspections, cleaning, and component replacements keep your system running at peak efficiency. This ensures optimal water quality and flow rates, meeting the demands of your business operations.

Case in point – In a hospital’s Central Sterile Supply Department (CSSD), our team discovered that an incorrect wiring configuration in an RO unit’s drain solenoid resulted in excessive water wastage and inaccurate flow rates. We corrected the wiring, optimising the equipment’s performance.

Minor issues identified during scheduled maintenance are far less costly than major repairs.

Case in Point – A restaurant experiencing equipment scaling due to hard water was prepared to replace resin and carbon filters. However, upon inspection, we found the issue stemmed from an open bypass valve. Closing the valve resolved the problem, saving the customer unnecessary replacement costs.

Regular maintenance helps businesses comply with stringent Australian water quality regulations, particularly in industries like healthcare, food processing, and other sectors where compliance and safety is critical.

Case in Point – During a service visit to a renal care center, we discovered leaking drains and identified issues with the backwash times of the pre-treatment vessels, causing frequent RO unit alarms. We addressed the drain leaks and adjusted the backwash times, creating a safer and more efficient workplace for the staff.

Proactive care can significantly extend the lifespan of your water treatment system, reducing the need for premature replacements and maximising your return on investment.

Case in Point – At a brewery experiencing water hammer issues and frequent leaks, we identified excessive incoming water pressure. By installing a pressure reduction valve and a hammer arrestor, we resolved the issues and significantly improved the system’s longevity.

Scheduled maintenance minimises the chances of unexpected breakdowns, ensuring uninterrupted water supply and operational continuity.

Case in Point – A smallgoods manufacturer experienced frequent boiler scaling due to hard water and high chlorine levels in the incoming water. We installed a carbon filter before the softeners to remove chlorine, significantly reducing resin replacement frequency and minimising boiler downtime.

Efficient systems consume less energy and water, contributing to sustainability goals while lowering operational costs. And detailed maintenance reports provide insights into your system’s health, enabling better planning and decision-making.

Partner with a company specialising in water treatment systems.

Example: In a hospital endoscopy department, we resolved recurring pump alarms caused by a closed RO drain valve—a mistake made by a prior contractor.

Look for providers offering plans that include:

• Routine inspections
• Filter replacements
• Performance assessments

Choose a partner that ensures regular service appointments, detailed maintenance logs, and proactive issue resolution.

By working with experienced professionals, you can trust that your system will be monitored and maintained effectively, giving you peace of mind.

Investing in regular maintenance is not just an expense; it’s a strategic decision that safeguards your operations, protects your investment, and ensures the long-term sustainability of your water treatment system. By partnering with a reliable service provider and implementing a proactive maintenance plan, you can optimise system performance, minimise downtime, reduce costs, and ensure a consistent supply of high-quality water for years to come.