A high-performing wastewater treatment system relies on reliable technology, but also on rigorous design, compliant installation, and proper day-to-day use. Even the best solutions must be implemented according to industry best practices to ensure their long-term effectiveness.
Data collected over the years demonstrates that DBO International’s solutions provide stable and lasting performance. In fact, 99.07% of the water levels measured indicated normal operating conditions. In the rare cases where an abnormal situation was identified, DBO International assisted its clients in resolving the issue at no additional cost.
In this InfoDBO, we present 10 mistakes to avoid in order to better understand the importance of compliant installation, proper operating practices, and adherence to the applicable guidelines to ensure the long-term durability of a wastewater treatment system..
1. FAILING TO FOLLOW THE ENGINEERING PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS
Installing a wastewater treatment system without proper engineering, or failing to follow the established plans and specifications, can lead to several issues. The first step in any project should always be to consult a qualified technologist or engineer, depending on the requirements of the region where the system will be installed.
These professionals conduct a site assessment to evaluate the soil characteristics, infiltration capacity, groundwater level, environmental constraints, required setback distances, allowable flow rates, and applicable discharge standards.
Engineering also determines the layout of the components, the thickness of the filtration materials, slopes, elevations, and distances between the various parts of the system. These details are essential to ensure a consistent installation, reduce the risk of errors, and support reliable long-term performance.
To learn more about this topic, read our InfoDBO: From Design to Installation: The Importance of Engineering in Septic Projects
2. USING NON-COMPLIANT MATERIALS
The performance of a wastewater treatment system also depends on the quality of the materials used during installation. Filter sand, clean stone, granular materials, geotextiles, and all other components must comply with the specifications outlined in the plans, technical specifications, and installation guides.
Replacing a specified material with a product considered “equivalent” without prior approval can negatively affect flow, filtration, system aeration, or wastewater distribution. Sand that is too fine, too coarse, contaminated, or poorly graded can cause water accumulation, reduce treatment efficiency, and compromise the system’s durability.
In the rare cases where an abnormal situation is observed, collected data shows that failure to use the prescribed granular materials accounts for 40% of the identified causes. Selecting the proper materials is therefore essential to prevent an installation error from compromising the entire system.
To learn more about filter sand, read our InfoDBO: System Sand
3. NEGLECTING SYSTEM VENTILATION
Ventilation plays an essential role in the proper operation of a passive wastewater treatment system. It promotes airflow through AES pipes or HBX treatment units, helping maintain an environment that supports the biological activity responsible for treating wastewater.
Inadequate, obstructed, or poorly positioned ventilation can restrict the oxygen supply and disrupt the system’s balance. Air inlets and outlets must therefore be installed in accordance with DBO International’s guidelines.
To learn more about this topic, read our InfoDBO: The Importance of the Ventilation System
4. POORLY DISTRIBUTING WASTEWATER
Wastewater distribution is a key factor in the performance of a passive wastewater treatment system. Uneven distribution can overload certain rows of AES pipes or specific HBX treatment units, while other areas of the system remain underutilized.
The equal distribution approach is designed to promote uniform wastewater loading across each AES row or HBX cavity. This allows the full available treatment area to be used and helps maintain better hydraulic balance throughout the system.
The bioaccelerator also plays an important role in this process by promoting better redistribution along the length of the system. Proper installation of the distribution components is therefore essential to prevent overloaded areas and allow the system to operate efficiently and consistently.
5. PROVIDING AN INADEQUATE OUTLET FOR TREATED WATER
A wastewater treatment system must not only treat wastewater, it must also allow the treated water to be properly discharged. When soil infiltration is planned, the site must be capable of receiving the water without causing accumulation around the system.
n some situations, soil that is too impermeable, saturated, or located too close to the groundwater table can create an “overflowing pool” effect. The treated water cannot drain properly and may rise back into the system, even when the treatment technology itself is operating correctly.
When infiltration is not the best option, a drainage solution may be incorporated to collect the treated water for appropriate reuse, in accordance with permitted applications and local requirements.
To learn more about this topic, read our InfoDBO: Short Guide On Reuse
6. DAMAGING SYSTEM COMPONENTS
The components of a wastewater treatment system must be handled, installed, and protected with care to preserve their integrity. During construction, improper handling, heavy machinery traffic, inadequate backfilling, or displacement of components can cause damage that may not be immediately visible.
AES pipes, HBX treatment units, geotextiles, access ports, piezometers, equalizers, and other components must be installed in accordance with the applicable guidelines to prevent crushing, tearing, blockages, or misalignment.
This level of care must continue after construction is complete. Once the system has been installed, it is equally important to avoid any activity that could compromise it, such as driving heavy machinery over sensitive areas, altering site drainage, or carrying out work without considering the location of the system components. Proper system protection helps preserve its long-term performance.
7. UNDERESTIMATING THE ROLE OF PRETREATMENT
Pretreatment is an essential step before wastewater reaches the secondary treatment system. A properly designed septic tank or pretreatment unit retains solids, grease, and floating matter, helping protect downstream components.
Inadequate, undersized, improperly connected, or poorly maintained pretreatment can allow excessive amounts of solids and other materials to enter the treatment system. This can restrict flow, promote the accumulation of deposits, and disrupt the biological balance required for proper system operation.
DBO International technologies are designed to operate following adequate pretreatment. Compliance with recommendations regarding the septic tank, plumbing, and proper usage practices is therefore essential to preserve the effectiveness of the entire treatment process.
To learn more about this topic, read our InfoDBO: Wastewater Treatment Stages: Mastering the Treatment Process
8. FAILING TO FOLLOW PROPER USAGE PRACTICES
A wastewater treatment system is designed to treat normal domestic wastewater, but certain usage habits can disrupt its balance. It is therefore important to follow the user guide and recommended best practices.
The use of harsh chemicals, large quantities of disinfectants, grease, wipes, non-biodegradable products, or substances that should not be discharged into wastewater can negatively affect pretreatment, biological activity, and the proper operation of the system.
Proper day-to-day use helps protect the entire treatment process. DBO International technologies are designed to be simple and durable, but they must be used in accordance with the recommendations to maintain their full performance potential.
To learn more about this topic, read our InfoDBO: Enduring Installation: Best Practices for Sustainable Treatment
9. CONNECTING UNINTENDED WATER SOURCES TO THE SYSTEM
A wastewater treatment system is designed for a specific flow rate and a clearly defined type of wastewater. Adding water sources that were not considered during the design process can create hydraulic overloading and disrupt the system’s proper operation.
Drainage water, rainwater, downspouts, foundation drains, sump pumps, pool water, and any other source of extraneous water should not be connected to the wastewater treatment system. Even when this water appears “clean,” it can unnecessarily increase the volume to be treated and reduce the time required for effective treatment.
Proper separation of the different drainage networks is therefore essential. The system should receive only the wastewater for which it was designed, in accordance with the plans, guidelines, and local requirements. This helps prevent unnecessary overloading and preserves the hydraulic balance of the installation.
10. POORLY MANAGING SURFACE WATER AROUND THE SYSTEM
Runoff, improperly graded terrain, or inadequate surface drainage can direct water toward the system area. Even when this water is not directly connected to the system, it can saturate the surrounding soil and interfere with the normal discharge of treated water.
Proper surface water management helps protect the system and maintain the conditions established during the design process.
CONCLUSION
A high-performing wastewater treatment system is the result of proper practices at every stage, from design and installation to daily use. Every detail matters, whether it involves following the plans and specifications, using the appropriate materials, ensuring adequate ventilation, distributing wastewater evenly, or protecting the system from unintended water sources.
DBO International solutions are designed to be simple, durable, and reliable. When installed and used in accordance with the applicable guidelines, they provide stable long-term performance without complex maintenance or the periodic replacement of filtration media.
Avoiding these mistakes helps protect the investment, extend the system’s service life, and ensure effective wastewater treatment year after year. In the rare event of an abnormal situation, the DBO International team remains available to assist its clients and partners in finding an appropriate solution.
Here’s the InfoDBO : 10 mistakes to avoid to preserve the performance of a wastewater treatment system
