Your oil water separator is a very important piece of equipment that is crucial for keeping your site running smoothly, protecting the environment from damaging waste run-off, and also keeping you compliant with regulation.

A common temptation is to only service your oil water separator when it breaks down or is no longer functioning properly. Whilst this can save money in the short term, in the long term you are likely to pay more through repair costs and a quicker need for replacement.

3 key reasons to service your oil water separator

  1. Extend the life of your separator:

    Manufacturers of oil water separators recommend the equipment is serviced at regular intervals, on average at least every 3-6 months. By servicing the equipment and ensuring it runs efficiently throughout the year, you will extend the life of your separator and avoid sudden breakdowns and expensive replacement costs.

  2. Remain compliant and avoid fines:

    The majority of local councils and local water authorities require that an oil water separator is serviced at regular at least 3-4 times per year. This helps to ensure the equipment is functioning correctly and is not allowing contaminated water to enter common water systems. Most councils require a written service contract to be in place when an oil separator is installed onsite.

  3. Protect the environment:

    By ensuring your equipment is operating correctly, you are doing your bit for the environment. Faulty equipment can release contaminated water into the environment and damage waterways and ecosystems. Regular service will detect any malfunction in the equipment and prevent damage before it can occur.

How often should I get my oil water separator serviced?

The typical interval between servicing is between 3 to 6 months. For oil water separators in high use, a more frequent monthly servicing may be required.

How often your separator needs to be serviced will depend on a number of factors:

  • the volume of water being processed by the separator
  • the type of waste water that is being processed
  • the amount of oil or sludge that is being removed
  • the regulation within your local council and water authority.

Most water authorities and local councils also require written evidence that your separator is regularly serviced and will often do site audits to ensure this occurs. When a new separator is installed, the council and water authority usually require a written service contract to be put in place.

ClearWaste includes safe digital storage of service reports as part of a regular oil water separator service. We can provide council and water authorities your full servicing record if ever audited.

As part of our regular service, ClearWaste can also pump out oily water from your holding tank. Where possible, the oily water is taken to a recycling facility and re-used in products such as composts and soils. This allows businesses to be proud of their environmental credentials.

Contact Us to discuss how we can solve your oil water separator servicing needs