cleaning grit out of the pump tank

[mallenk]

I recently received a letter from the local minicipality saying that we are dumping too much grit and debris into their system. Since we went from an old diaphram truck to a vacuum truck I am sure that we are picking up more than we want to. We have tried to keep the pump tank clean but with this winter weather we have not been able to wash outside and we are not set up to do so inside. I would like to know what others are doing to prevent this. This is a local dump site and I dont want to lose priviliges. Thanks.:(

[Trent]

Our treatment plants allow us to clean the inside of the tanks at their facilities. You could slide a plastic tub or trough under the rear manway and scrape the grit out into that. Then of course you'll have to dispose of the grit. I'd probably dumpster it.

[Dennis]

I recently received a letter from the local minicipality saying that we are dumping too much grit and debris into their system.(
I'm assuming everybody got this letter not just you?

What Have you done to make them happy?

Thanks, Dennis.....

[mallenk]

the local adminsitrator wanted me to put in a septic tank on our property and feed it through the city sewer and then wanted to triple my rates in one of the worst winters we have here in a while. i ask what i was to do with the grit out of my tank once it filled and he said that wasn't his problem. we did not come to an agreement. my argument was that if i did all the work and maintained my own dump site then why was he due any money at all little own raising my rates. we are dumping 15 miles to the west which works out because our business has grown that way more each year.

[txshriner]

this is one of those situations where you stop by and pick up a couple of day laborors and let them take turns inside the tank. when they get done you pay them what you would charge to go into the truck yourself and everyone will be very happy! and if you appreciate them as much as you should get them a 12 pack when they are done.

[Dennis]

I have a 2" water pump with pipe fittings reducing down to a 3/4" pipe nipple for a nozzle. I can wash the grit out pretty quick from the topside man-way.

[Trent]

this is one of those situations where you stop by and pick up a couple of day laborors and let them take turns inside the tank. when they get done you pay them what you would charge to go into the truck yourself and everyone will be very happy! and if you appreciate them as much as you should get them a 12 pack when they are done.

A PERSON SHOULD NOT EVER ENTER YOUR TRUCK TANK WITHOUT CONFINED SPACE SAFETY TRAINING AND GEAR.....EVER!

Yes I'm yelling! One of my competitors nearly killed himself in the waste tank on his truck. Don't go in there, it's not worth the risk involved!

[txshriner]

A PERSON SHOULD NOT EVER ENTER YOUR TRUCK TANK WITHOUT CONFINED SPACE SAFETY TRAINING AND GEAR.....EVER!

Yes I'm yelling! One of my competitors nearly killed himself in the waste tank on his truck. Don't go in there, it's not worth the risk involved!

Now I have been going in my tank for more than 10 years and have managed to survive but I'm very I interested in exactly how your buddy liked to killed himself.

[Dennis]

Now I have been going in my tank for more than 10 years and have managed to survive but I'm very I interested in exactly how your buddy liked to killed himself.

The Pumper had a article some years back how dangerous entering a tank is. Methane gas is the problem and it's odorless. Natural gas has a oder added otherwise it's also odorless. Apparently you had air flow carrying the gas out somehow. Most die in the tank and the ones that do live are disabled for life.

[Trent]

Now I have been going in my tank for more than 10 years and have managed to survive but I'm very I interested in exactly how your buddy liked to killed himself.

The lack of oxygen caused him to pass out! Another hauler at the treatment plant discovered him in there.

[Dennis]

The lack of oxygen caused him to pass out! Another hauler at the treatment plant discovered him in there.
Hi Trent,
I contacted Pumper about this safety issue, I received a reply. An Administrator will be updating us so we all can be safer.

[COLE_Jeff]

Entering any confined space is always a risk. Especially without proper confined space equipment or knowing what the oxygen levels are in a tank. Whether a septic tank, or your truck tank, the risks are similar. Several forms of gas, or simply a lack of oxygen can immediately cause victims to pass out inside a space. Once passed out, saving a victim becomes nearly impossible. Here are a few excerpts from past articles regarding very unfortunate situations where confined space safety regulations were disregarded, or not followed properly.

http://www.cleaner.com/editorial/view/27/The-Second-Casualty

http://www.cleaner.com/editorial/view/565/Object-Lesson

If grit build up is a continual problem, one consideration could be going to a truck with a full opening rear door. That will allow you to use a jetter or pressure washer to clean excess debris from the tank.

[Trent]

Dennis, Jeff,

Thank you! This needs to be common knowledge amongst pumpers and unfortunatly it is not or it is laughed off. I know I certainly don't want to be the statistic and I don't want any of my crew to be either.

[jack darling]

Over the years, it became clear that the easiest way to avoid accumulating grit in your septic truck puming tank is by dumping thu a larger outlet pipe. I realized that some disposal sites must receive waste thu a hose, and if it is a small hose there may be nothing you can do about it. If you dump into a pit or thu a grate, a 6 inch outlet, or bigger is the best way to keep the tank clean. The septage runs out fast enough to take all the grit with it. It is important that the outlet exits from the bottom of the tank at the rear of the tank.