Frequently Asked Questions
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Finance
It depends on the project requirements.
The cost is based on the number of people who will use the facilities, the type of installation (house, restaurant, commercial premises, etc.), and the type of reuse the treated water will have.
We can share that the cost of our smallest plant, which has the capacity to serve a family of 4 people, is around 70,000 pesos, plus installation costs.
Not at the moment, but we're looking to provide more flexible payment options.
The current scheme to acquire a plant is to order its manufacturing with a 50% down payment. Weeks later, once it's ready, the client pays the remaining balance before shipment.
For payments over 25,000 MXN, we accept bank transfers.
For lower amounts, we accept bank transfers, deposits, and debit/credit card charges via payment links.
The cost to operate our plants is very low.
For example, a plant serving a family of six consumes about as much electricity as 2.5 fluorescent energy-saving light bulbs.
Spare parts for preventive maintenance include:
- An air filter for the blower, which we recommend replacing once a year.
- A pair of diaphragms for the blower, suggested for replacement every 18 to 24 months, depending on usage.
The costs for these parts range from 100 to 5,000 pesos, depending on the model and size of the equipment. Since the plant is designed for easy operation and maintenance by anyone, you can avoid additional labor costs.
Yes, we offer a 2-year warranty against manufacturing defects and materials on all components of our systems.
Suggestions and recommendations
The treated water can be used for irrigating green areas and wetlands, cleaning patios and open spaces, as makeup water for fountains, ponds, and other water bodies, for flushing toilets, to replenish cooling systems, and for infiltration (discharge to the subsoil). It's not recommended for uses involving human contact (like washing clothes, kitchen utensils, or for pet hygiene and consumption) because it would require additional processes to become potable.
Water coming from toilets, urinals, sinks, kitchens (with a grease trap previously installed in the sink), and laundry, among other possible sources. For laundry water, a certain daily discharge limit must be respected depending on the model. In some cases, the installation of a pumping sump should be considered.
We do not recommend it, as rainwater typically has a better quality than treated wastewater or greywater, even after it has been filtered. Our suggestion is that rainwater should have an independent filtration, channeling, and storage system.
The plant's operation is 100% biological.
Water purification is achieved by promoting and developing microorganisms present in the organic matter (excrement, urine, etc.) that enters the plant.
Chlorine is a strong oxidant that destroys the cellular structures of these microorganisms. This is why it's widely used as a disinfectant and biocide in places where cleanliness is critical, such as hospitals, health centers, and food/beverage preparation facilities. However, it's incompatible with the goals of wastewater purification or treatment in our system.
Yes, as long as the loads don't exceed 2 to 3 per day, depending on the plant model the client uses.
It's important to mention that certain products, like fabric softeners, should be used in moderation.
Operation
When you conduct your monthly inspection, you shouldn't notice any foul odors. The equipment (the timer controller and blower) should be operating correctly, and all valves must be properly calibrated. The sludge level should remain stable, between 30% and 40%, even if the property isn't at 100% capacity or hasn't reached its maximum projected demand. The treated water's color should be pale amber, almost transparent.
For more details, you can watch the following videos on our YouTube channel:
- General Operation of a Wastewater Treatment Plant (TIM) https://youtu.be/qPSAc1 NTkg.
- Basic Maintenance (TIM Wastewater Treatment Plant) https://youtu.be/ymPcVr 4hyQ.
- VALVE CALIBRATION (TIM Wastewater Treatment Plant) https://youtu.be/SIlOyfS 3HQ.
The treated water will be pale, transparent amber. In small quantities, the color should be almost imperceptible.
You can think of the purified water from a TIM plant as being similar to that of a clean river—it's not potable but it has no odor and promotes biodiversity in our ecosystems.
You should use detergents in moderation. However, we don't recommend using chlorine, solvents, descalers, strong acids, or strong bases. These products are toxic to the microorganisms responsible for purifying the water in our plants, and their use will negatively affect performance and operation.
Fortunately, there are ecological and biodegradable alternatives on the market that offer similar or even superior performance.
TIM, en apoyo a sus clientes en este respecto, distribuye y comercializa una línea de productos de limpieza biotecnológicos y probióticos, del fabricante francés HTS BIO, los cuales tienen precios bastante competitivos, cuidan la biología de tu planta, tu salud y la de tu entorno. Para mayores detalles, puedes observar la lista de videos “Limpieza probiótica con productos HTS BIO” en YouTube mediante el vínculo https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8NgZvWeACDPNPx6_tqtdgwYmaqZiwe4x&si=ibf3G6H5nGoRW8_t
TIM plants can degrade toilet paper, unlike biodigesters or septic tanks.
However, any products not strictly made of paper or similar biodegradable fibers, and which instead contain plastic materials such as sanitary napkins, wet wipes, plastic cloths, or condoms, cannot be flushed down the toilet. If they reach the plant, they will obstruct it and negatively affect its performance and operation.
Have an adequate power supply that matches your specific model.
Guarantee that the space around the system is properly ventilated.
Make sure that the water connections (i.e., the inlet and outlet piping) meet the specifications provided in the mechanical guide for your equipment.
Make sure that the water connections (i.e., the inlet and outlet piping) meet the specifications provided in the mechanical guide for your equipment.
No, not when the plant receives proper maintenance and care
The plants are ideally fed with wastewater by gravity.
You need to ensure that the blower is turned on and the controller ("timer") has the correct program selected for the operating conditions, following the user manual's instructions.
It's crucial that the valves are properly calibrated to maintain the correct balance of aeration and sludge returns.
Finally, you must make sure the grate area is free of obstructions and there are no blockages in any of the sludge return pipes.
For more details, you can watch the following videos on our YouTube channel:
- General Operation of a Wastewater Treatment Plant (TIM) https://youtu.be/qPSAc1 NTkg.
- Basic Maintenance (TIM Wastewater Treatment Plant) https://youtu.be/ymPcVr 4hyQ.
- VALVE CALIBRATION (TIM Wastewater Treatment Plant) https://youtu.be/SIlOyfS 3HQ.
It begins purifying from the moment it starts up, but it typically takes 4 to 5 weeks to reach stable operation. This timeframe will vary depending on the characteristics of the wastewater, environmental conditions, and the level of system usage.
The equipment itself doesn't directly comply with the norms. Instead, it's the quality of the water flowing out (effluent) from the plant that can meet the following current wastewater quality standards:
NOM-001-SEMARNAT-2021 (Discharges into water bodies)
NOM-002-SEMARNAT-1996 (Discharges into municipal drainage systems)
NOM-003-SEMARNAT-1997 (Treated water parameters)
The only way to guarantee compliance is for the client to establish a monitoring and measurement program of the parameters against the permissible limits set by any of the aforementioned norms. This monitoring must adhere to the protocols stipulated by these norms or any complementary ones, as well as the requirements set by CONAGUA in the corresponding discharge permit. Clients are free to conduct any laboratory analyses relevant to their compliance needs. You can always reach out to us for guidance on this matter.
No, a biodigester or septic tank uses a different biological process, one based on microorganisms that don't breathe oxygen (anaerobes). Consequently, their metabolism produces gases, some of which are significant contributors to global warming.
The vast majority of anaerobic organisms are pathogenic. Therefore, the byproducts or residues from these degradation processes require additional treatments to ensure that their handling and contact don't pose infectious biological risks to either people or the environment.
TIM Treatment Plants, conversely, use two processes: an anoxic process, which primarily removes nitrogen compounds from the water; and an aerobic process, which degrades carbon-rich compounds and controls most of the pathogenic agents dispersed in the water. In general, aerobic metabolisms promote biodiversity and produce stable sludges that are safe for everyone's health, practically without needing additional treatment processes. The nature of this process guarantees no foul odors.
Maintenance
It's basically a preventive inspection of the treatment plant to ensure all compartments are active and functioning.
If any issues are found, they're corrected immediately. This prevents the plant from operating with obstructions or aeration imbalances, which can lead to bad odors and poor treated water quality over time.
TIM has created video maintenance guides so anyone can go through all the inspection points, identify potential deviations, and correct them.
To learn more, we invite you to watch our basic maintenance video on our YouTube channel (it's less than 4 minutes long) using this link https://youtu.be/ymPcVr34hyQ
Yes, we can help you with specific services or with various periodic maintenance service policies that adapt to your needs and the project or type of use of our systems.
Our services are exclusively for TIM plants.
We recommend a preventive inspection once a month to ensure the system functions correctly and to avoid corrective maintenance.
Typically, sludge removal is needed every 6 to 18 months. However, for your specific plant, the exact timing will be indicated by the result of the sedimentation test, which is part of your monthly preventive inspection.
This term refers to removing excess sludge. It involves placing a submersible pump with a hose into the tank and extracting the sludge from the bottom. This operation should be performed when the sludge content exceeds 70% in the sedimentation test.
To perform the test, you'll take a water sample from the aerobic zone (the compartment in your plant where fine bubbling occurs). Let the sample sit for 20 to 30 minutes so the sludge can settle and the water separates. As long as the sludge occupies between 30% and 70% of the total volume in this test, you won't need to remove any.
You can deposit the sludge in your garden, any green area, or compost pile. The sludge acts as a fertilizer, providing nutrients and microorganisms that will enrich the soil's biodiversity.
If you don't have a nearby space to deposit them, don't worry—we can remove them for you and use them to start up new treatment plants.
It's very quiet, similar to the noise a domestic refrigerator makes.
Our plant is primarily constructed from high-density polypropylene with UV treatment, guaranteeing a lifespan of over 50 years.
Polypropylene is a material that is resistant to chemical attacks (corrosion). It's flexible yet boasts good mechanical strength, making it ideal for withstanding seismic activity.
The body and internal walls are made from sheets that are thermo-fused to create a single, seamless piece.
Since polypropylene is a thermoplastic, virtually any part can be repaired by applying heat and filler polymer.
The plant has very few moving parts, which makes it highly reliable and requires minimal spare parts to keep it operational.
No, these types of events are beyond TIM's control, and a natural disaster could certainly damage your plant or its components. However, we'll always be here to support you with our repair and manufacturing services, helping you get your plant back up and running as quickly as possible.
If you're concerned about the risk of losing your investment, we suggest reaching out to your preferred insurance agent. They can definitely help you mitigate these types of risks.
No, the system is designed so that anyone can easily perform both the installation and maintenance. Additionally, TIM offers theoretical and practical training to all its clients with every delivery, ensuring they can operate the plant correctly. This training is complemented by audiovisual guides and written manuals.
The system comes with a controller ("timer") that has a specific program to handle these situations, adapting aeration times to keep the plant stable.
For extended absences, you can contact TIM to arrange an affordable service that will ensure your plant remains in optimal condition and is ready for your return.
We recommend not exceeding a period of one month.
Yes, it's possible, as long as you follow the filling steps during installation in reverse order. This means draining a percentage of water and removing the same percentage of soil or backfill material from the plant's exterior. Repeat this procedure until approximately two-thirds of the plant is empty.
Select the "vacation program" on the system's controller (timer) so it can adapt the aeration times and keep the plant stable.
Contact us as soon as possible for assistance, especially within the first 24 to 48 hours, to prevent the appearance of foul odors.
Installation
Generally, you'll need an excavation with a concrete slab at the bottom or a machine room. This space should be large enough to house the plant and any additional equipment TIM has selected for your needs.
It's crucial that the level of the excavation or machine room matches the lowest point of the property's drainage (also known as the invert level). This ensures wastewater can enter the plant preferably by gravity.
TIM provides advisory services and general mechanical guides included in the plant's price to assist clients. However, if requested, we can offer engineering services at an additional cost to produce project-specific blueprints for your client's site.
It's important to note that the client, either independently or through a trusted third-party provider, will be responsible for the excavation and/or construction of the machine room, as well as any peripheral adaptations to the plant, such as hydraulic, electrical, or mechanical connections required for the TIM system.
Also, in many cases, TIM plants don't require a machine room construction. The plant can be buried with the surrounding soil or gravel, provided the water table (the level where water pressure equals atmospheric pressure) is sufficiently low. If this condition isn't met, the plant could, over time, float, shift, or displace from its original intended location.
- Understand the occupancy scenarios of the property or installation site where the plant will operate. This includes its relationship with the specific discharge branch and the associated bathroom fixtures or water uses it will serve, allowing us to accurately assess capacity requirements.
- Determine capacity requirements and select the appropriate plant model or models.
- Define the destination and/or reuse of the purified water to properly select any necessary complementary equipment and accessories.
- Integrate the treatment plant with any complementary equipment and accessories into a cohesive system.
- Ensure the plant's location is as close as possible to the wastewater discharge point, at an adequate level that matches the invert level and the treated water transfer tank or storage cistern. This location must also consider the system's energy balance for the utilization of treated water. Its placement should not compromise the integrity, safety, or operational, economic, or financial viability of the property or installation site.
- Properly install inlet and outlet pipes according to our mechanical guides to ensure the plant's input and output levels align.
- Have adequate electrical installation (single-phase, two-phase, or three-phase depending on plant size, properly grounded, compliant with relevant standards, and preferably with electrical protection against voltage variations). This power source needs to be close enough to power the blowers as needed.
- Have a nearby and sufficient clean water supply for the plant's initial startup. The plant will be filled with clean water until it begins receiving wastewater, as shown in the video
"LLENADO DE PLANTA TIM (planta de tratamiento de aguas residuales)" located at https://youtu.be/dDYHw XnmGs.
Don't worry, TIM will be with you throughout the entire process to guide you and ensure the design, manufacturing, integration, and supply of your treatment system is a success at your desired installation site.
Generally, no, we don't handle the installation alone. We collaborate with the client, as it's more convenient and less costly for everyone. The typical process is as follows:
- After quoting and/or developing a project with the client, ensuring all details are covered and requirements met, and having completed the necessary administrative, financial, manufacturing, and procurement stages, TIM will send the plant and all components of the purification system directly to the agreed-upon address or property.
- The client receives the equipment, performs the necessary maneuvers, and positions it within their facilities according to TIM's mechanical guides and instructions, provided through consultations or written documentation accompanying our products.
- When the client determines they are ready to begin generating wastewater discharges, they will schedule a remote orientation or an on-site visit with TIM personnel for system startup.
- During startup, TIM personnel can connect the plant to the client's piping and electrical supply. They can also install the tertiary treatment (a system of filters used in certain cases to enable reuse), replace the clean water in the plant with activated sludge or add lyophilized bacteria, and ensure it circulates through all compartments. They can also calibrate valves within the equipment and provide theoretical and practical training to the client's designated personnel. The inclusion of these services is specified in the quotation.
In cases where the project includes the construction of a tertiary wetland, TIM will be responsible for most of the installation, with the exception of site preparation and civil engineering works.
This is one of the installation methods we consider ideal for the plant, as it requires less civil work. However, as we mentioned before, it depends on whether the water table allows it.
You can see this type of installation in the video "LLENADO DE PLANTA TIM (planta de tratamiento de aguas residuales)" at https://youtu.be/dDYHw XnmGs .
No. The plant cannot be exposed to direct sunlight for several reasons. Our recommendation is that the plant be buried to at least two-thirds of its capacity.
Yes, always. If the water will undergo tertiary treatment, meaning it will be used for irrigation or toilet flushing, it's even more crucial to consider building a cistern-type tank or purchasing one or more storage tanks. The specific storage capacity will depend on the plant's capacity, as typically more water is stored than treated.
Yes, it's possible, provided the plant is buried and has an Irving-type grate to prevent vehicle weight from damaging the equipment. This also depends on the specific project, as it might be better to consider placing the plant in a location with easier access.
Plantas de Tratamiento de Aguas Residuales – Think TIM promueve desde el 2009 el cuidado del medio ambiente. Somos una empresa mexicana que asesora, diseña y fabrica soluciones para el manejo de aguas residuales.
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Contact
- +52 (55) 5801 3676
- +52 (55) 6076 6178
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Avenida Bucareli n.° 108, local D
Col. Centro. Cuauhtémoc, CDMX