How Auto Greasers Slash Downtime & Costs in Wastewater Treatment Plants

Wastewater treatment plants operate under constant pressure. Equipment runs non-stop, maintenance teams are stretched thin, and environmental conditions are harsh. Even minor lapses in lubrication can lead to equipment failure, safety hazards, and costly downtime.

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In our last post, Lubrication Challenges in Wastewater Treatment Plants, we listed some of the machines that needed lubrication, and talked about why applying that lubrication wasn't so simple. Manual greasing may seem manageable, but in reality, it struggles to meet the requirements of this environment. That’s where auto greasers come in. Below, we’ll break down how these greasers not only solve key lubrication challenges, but also deliver measurable savings and long-term operational reliability.

How auto greasers solve the challenges of lubricating components in a wastewater treatment plant:

• Continuous lubrication: Once activated, an auto greaser will dispense the needed amount of lubricant over a period of time. Most can be set between 1 month and 12 months with some models operating as long as 24 months. 
• Reduced risk of harm: Reduced visits to hazardous lubrication points means a reduced risk of injury. 
• Precise lubricant dispersion: reduces the risk of over or under-lubrication. 
• Various lubrication types: Auto greasers can be filled with almost any type of grease or oil. This is beneficial because each machine or component may have different requirements. 
• Direct or remote mounting: Most lubricators can be mounted directly to the lubrication point, OR remotely. If mounted remotely a tube runs from the greaser to the point. Remote mounting options are usually best if:
  • Vibration or shocks are extreme. 
  • If the lubrication point is in an unsafe or hard-to-reach areas. The lubrication canister can be placed in a safe location and serviced much more easily. 
• Easy monitoring: greaser canisters often have a transparent window on the side so lubricant levels can easily be monitored. Some brands have wi-fi connected apps for monitoring lubricant remotely. 
• Reliability in harsh environments: Many auto greasers are hermetically sealed (IP68) and approved for all Ex zones. Some can even be installed under water!

(Image: A Simalube auto greaser lubricating the bearing of a secondary clarifier.)

While the technical advantages are clear, let's now look at the direct, tangible benefits: how exactly do auto greasers slash downtime and costs in wastewater treatment plants?

How auto greasers slash downtime & costs in wastewater treatment plants:

• Less equipment failures: Incorrect lubrication is a leading cause of bearing and component failures. Auto greasers prevent this, averting cascading damage, operational halts, and massive repair expenses. 
• Fewer injuries: A reduced need for manual lubrication means fewer injuries. 
• No need to shut down machines: lubricant canisters can be replaced while the machine is running. 
• Less waste: part failure and over-lubrication creates a lot of waste. Auto greasers significantly cut down on waste. BONUS: less waste means an auto greaser is an environmentally friendly option. Also, biodegradable lubricants are available. 

In wastewater treatment, every hour of uptime matters. For regulatory compliance, environmental stewardship, and your bottom line. Manual greasing simply can’t keep pace with the round-the-clock needs, hazardous access points, and contaminant-rich conditions inside a plant. Automatic greasers bridge that gap: delivering precisely metered lubrication 24/7, protecting critical bearings, chains, and drives from premature failure, and freeing your maintenance team to focus on higher-value tasks. The result is fewer breakdowns, lower repair bills, safer crews, and a cleaner operation that aligns with sustainability goals. If you’re ready to turn lubrication from a persistent headache into a predictable, cost-saving process, upgrading to auto greasers is the smartest next step. Popular brands include A.T.S. ELectro-Lube, Perma, Simalube, and Bijur Delimon. Each brand and model has their own benefits and drawbacks.