Parking lot catch basins

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If you own or manage a commercial property with a parking lot you will eventually have problems with parking lot catch basins. Catch basins are an opening into the storm drainage system that includes a grate at the parking lot level, an outlet pipe and a sump area at the bottom of the basin. The outlet pipe should be above the sump area to allow debris and heavy sediment to collect in the sump and not enter the outlet pipe. Some catch are equipped with a hooded outlet to prevent trash or other floatable materials from entering the outlet pipe. Parking lot catch basins need to be maintained, if not the debris, sediment and trash will build up over a period of time and not allow the storm water to drain through the outlet pipe causing the parking lot to flood. A flooded parking lot would require a Vac Truck to be hired to vac off water and remove debris from catch basin. These trucks normally run from $175.00 to $225.00 per hour. Typical maintenance for a catch basin is done by simply removing the grate and cleaning out the sump with a shovel or bucket. This should be done at least twice a year.

Grease trap maintenance for FOG

This post is mostly for the restaurant owners and managers out there. A major cause of sewer blockages across the United States is the accumulation of fats, oil, and grease (FOG) in the sanitary sewers. Many sewer districts across the U. S. have implemented a FOG control program. A major part of that program is grease trap maintenance. Grease traps or grease interceptors are installed outside of the restaurant and are underground with only the lid exposed for maintenance. These grease traps allow for the separation of FOG so it does not enter the sewer system. Grease traps only work when properly maintained, so proper grease trap maintenance is to have it pumped out and cleaned by a licensed grease hauler. Most grease haulers offer discounts on pumping if you sign up for their grease trap maintenance program. Penalties for non compliance of an implemented FOG control program range from fines to having your water shut off. It is extremely cheaper to set up a grease trap maintenance program with a grease hauler then to be in non compliance of a FOG control program.

Sump pump operation

Checking for proper sump pump operation in your home should be done regularly. The most common type of sump pump installed in homes today are submersible. They are installed in a pit usually in the corner of the basement or crawl space. Sump pumps carry the ground water and surface run off away from the foundation. If water is left to accumulate around the foundation it could be damaged. To check a submersible sump pump operation you manually engage the float to turn the pump on. On a pump with an external float, use a non-conductive household item that is lying around to pull the float up until it turns on, do not reach into the pit. On a pump with an internal float, unplug the double plug, remove the rear plug and plug it directly to the outlet. Once the pump has run for a few minutes check that the water was discharged at least 20 feet from the house. Proper sump pump operation should be checked at least twice a year and when the home is sold
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