Wouldn’t it be great if the onsite systems you maintain could inform you when a problem exists? Better yet, what if they could alert you to problems before they occur? With advances in technology, that vision is a reality. Remote monitoring technologies for residential onsite wastewater applications are becoming more advanced, reliable and affordable. They will add to your product offerings, bring you more business and increase your profitability.

Remote monitoring offers many benefits for service providers as well as homeowners. However, with the number of technologies available, choosing the best system for your application can be confusing. Careful consideration should be given to the most valuable benefits. In addition, be sure to familiarize yourself with local regulations. As more technologies emerge, regulators are taking notice and some areas are adopting requirements for remote monitoring.

The core purpose and biggest advantage of remote monitoring is the ability to offer continuous real-time monitoring of a wastewater treatment system, and to automatically notify the service provider of abnormal operating conditions. Constant monitoring alerts service providers to operational issues before the homeowner realizes a problem exists.

DETECT PROBLEMS EARLY

Some remote monitoring systems diagnose operational issues and attempt to correct them without outside intervention. For example, if the system detects a pump or motor is drawing an abnormal amount of current, it may turn off the equipment and attempt to restart under normal operating conditions several times before alerting a possible operational issue. Perhaps something has temporarily clogged the pump intake. By attempting to restart the pump, the clogged item may be dislodged and normal operation resumes.

Remote monitoring systems allow service providers to address specific site conditions before they arrive to investigate an operational issue. A good remote monitoring system gives the service provider details about a problem so they can bring the correct tools and equipment when responding to an alarm. Wouldn’t it be great to know you need a pump before driving 50 miles to an installation?

The ability to maintain an accurate record of operation and maintenance should be considered when choosing a remote monitoring system. Many allow access to historical data for treatment systems through Web-based technologies. This can assist in service scheduling in addition to troubleshooting operational issues. Wouldn’t it be helpful to know the high-water alarm on a system had been activated multiple times in the past year? Coupled with advances in smartphone technology, a service provider can have this information at his fingertips at the installation site.

The key to a good remote monitoring system is ease of use. If a system is complicated and cumbersome, the value of the technology will be lost. Nobody wants to spend hours learning how to use a new system. Remote monitoring systems provide value when they are intuitive for users. Historical information should be presented in a format that can easily be used to spot trends before problems occur.

ANSWER THE CALL

Homeowners make a considerable investment in the installation and long-term operation of their treatment system. Viewing service information for their system assures it is being properly maintained.

With thousands of systems to track, a well-designed remote monitoring system can save considerable time and provide credible evidence that treatment systems are working correctly and are properly maintained. As regulators become familiar with benefits of the technology, more areas will adopt requirements for remote monitoring.

Properly designed, specified and implemented, a remote monitoring system can change the way that you do business for the better. Remote monitoring can save you time during service visits, give you credibility with homeowners and regulators, and add to your bottom line. The onsite industry is evolving and regulations are becoming more stringent. Are you ready to answer the call?