There are several points in a typical septic system where problems can crop up. An effluent filter can clog, the tank can overfill and the drainfield can become saturated. Those problems, and countless others, can add up to big bucks in repairs, not to mention inconvenience for a homeowner.
With PointWatch Systems septic system monitoring, both homeowners and service providers can see the status of all components of a septic system online anytime and receive alerts to a telephone, computer and mobile device. Monitoring sensors in tanks, distribution boxes and drainfields provide real-time information on liquid level, pump condition and temperature in the system. Knowing system status allows installers to optimize the performance of a system and head off emergency or after-hours calls.
“Monitoring can actually lead to lower costs over a septic system’s lifetime,” says Eric Larson, vice president of business, marketing and sales development for PointWatch Systems. “Catching problems early means you’re typically only making only minor repairs instead of major ones.”
PointWatch Systems technicians install strategically placed sensors throughout every component of the septic system, including field sensors, leachfields, inspection pipes, pumps and pump control. They are all tied to a central gateway, which communicates over the internet to cloud servers where data is stored. The account can be monitored by the homeowner and/or service and alarm provider.
“It’s a way of being proactive with the maintenance of a septic system,” says Larson. “Having this type of safeguard in place can help lower insurance costs in the long run, too. We feel it’s a system that easily pays for itself.”
PointWatch Systems monitors the status of each sensor, ensuring it is online and monitoring low and high alarms at predetermined thresholds. The system also offers the ability to remotely turn pumps on and off. In addition, a 24/7 call center monitors alerts and can coordinate service provider visits. PointWatch Systems also designs the electrical boards for each system and writes compatible software for them.
“It is actually going to increase revenue for service providers while increasing the life of the septic system,” says Larson. “The service provider is going to be keeping each facet of the system in operation, rather than dealing with a total system failure caused by a small problem that wasn’t caught.” 320/362-4157; www.pointwatch.com.
