Blog

Why grease trap is required?

Commercial and industrial kitchens are required by law to have grease traps. A grease trap is a receptacle where the wastewater that contains FOG (fats, oils, grease) flow through before going into the drain. This keeps the water clear of anything that can clog the sewer system and cause blockages, foul odors, and aid in pest infestation. There are two main types of grease traps. 

• Interior grease traps: Located inside the kitchen area that holds small amounts of FOG.
• Exterior grease traps: Located outside the structure near the kitchen that holds large amounts of FOG. 

Grease traps are to be used at any place with a dishwasher, sink, and any plumbing fixture or fixed receptacle that is used for washing dishes and cooking utensils. Grease traps may be found in large residential homes with busy kitchens or multiple kitchen sinks.

Grease traps keeps sewer lines clear of food materials and FOG so that they can’t build up and clog the drain lines and sewer lines.  This not only benefits the kitchen and the structure with the kitchen, but it benefits the municipal sewer system too.

Without grease traps, commercial and industrial kitchens would have strong and unpleasant odors, in addition to being unhygienic from the bacteria and germs that would generate.  Grease traps help the  municipality by eliminating the possibility of massive blockages in the municipal sewer system from FOG and food waste. 

Where is a grease trap usually installed?

As mentioned above, interior grease traps are to be located at each cooking and dishing washing sink. They are also found at any plumbing fixture or fixed receptacle where dishes and cookware or utensils are cleaned. The location for most grease traps in these kitchens is under a three-compartment sink or installed in the kitchen floor.

Exterior grease traps are typically located outside the exterior door of a commercial or industrial kitchen. As most commercial or industrial kitchens are located near loading docks for food and supply deliveries, and trash receptacle, that makes for a logical location. 

For residential use of grease traps, they are typically installed under the kitchen sink, especially if there are multiple sinks used. Some grease traps for homes are installed on the exterior of the home.  

Does a 3 compartment sink need a grease trap?

Grease traps are required  for three compartment sinks only if food matter or FOG will be washed off dishes, cooking utensils, or cookware.   

How do grease traps work?

The basis of how grease traps work is that FOG (animal fats, vegetable oil, and grease) are up to fifteen percent less dense than water and doesn’t mix with water. When wastewater is emptied into a sink with a grease tap, the wastewater flows slowly, cools off, and the FOG to comes to the top and trapped by baffles. Any solids, like food waste, settles at the bottom and the water drains through into the sewer system.  

What happens when a grease trap is full?

Usually, when it appears a grease trap is leaking at the top, it is usually an overflow from being too full.  Grease traps get become full when they haven’t been pumped or cleaned in a while. That overflow is the results of the first compartments waste spilling into the second compartment. This overflowing from one compartment to the next will continue on and start clogging up sewer lines. 

Should a grease trap be full of water?

When grease traps are filled with water, it is an indication of an outgoing grease line is clogged. This will lead to drains backing up throughout the structure if not addressed. Of the water is in an interior grease trap, pumping the trap and cleaning the greases trap will usually solve the problem.  If the water is in the exterior grease trap, you’ll need to call for professional grease trap service. 

Many wonder if you can use a grease trap with septic tank, and the answer is yes. For years, grease traps have been used by commercial and industrial kitchens that are on a septic tank system. Like a sewer system, without a grease trap, the FOG would accumulate inside the pipes and tank, causing blockage and creating havoc. Additionally, because septic tanks drain into a drain field, the bacteria that septic tanks depend on are in danger of providing the service as a septic system is designed.

Before installing grease traps in older homes as part of renovation, it is recommended to have a professional plumber with experience in grease traps inspect the plumbing. The older plumbing pipes may not be in condition for a grease trap set up. Call 800-330-7686 today for your grease trap needs in Fort Pierce and Port St. Lucie, Fl.

What is a vacuum truck used for?

Whenever sewer or septic systems need major maintenance, plumbing professionals use vacuum trucks to clean out sludge or large amounts of liquid waste. The trucks feature storage tanks, pumps, and hoses. Some are also outfitted with hydro-jetters that can clear clogs in sewer lines or defrost frozen pipes. These vehicles are also used in a variety of industries for other environmental cleanup purposes like suctioning water from drilling jobs or clearing out mud for exposing utility lines. The trucks can also be used to remove bilge water from boats. If you are in need of septic or sewer clean-up or other environmental clean-up and need vacuum truck services in Fort Pierce and Port St. Lucie, Fl, count on the professionals at KRK Enterprises, Inc.. Book a service call by dialing 800-330-7686.

How do you use a vacuum truck?

While septic and sewer clean-up are common reasons people need vacuum truck services, these trucks are versatile and can also be used for a variety of jobs:

• Sump pump cleaning: If you have an overworked sump pump, a truck can clean it out. Water backed up in your basement can become a serious health and safety issue.
• Restaurant grease trap clean-up: Overloaded grease traps can cause serious environmental problems, and affect the safety of your operations and the health of your employees. Cleaned grease traps eliminate the risk of clogs and back-ups that can cause serious damage and lead to costly repairs.
• Emergency water clean-up: After major storms or floods, water is going to need to be removed to protect people and wildlife.
• Hazardous material removal: Vacuum trucks can safely remove hazardous materials, eliminating the risks you take trying to remove such material by hand. Vacuum trucks are chemical-resistant by design and won’t be affected by the material.

When to use vacuum truck

Because vacuum truck services have a wide variety of applications, you basically want to use one whenever large amounts of material like sludge or waste materials need to be removed. Utility companies, for instance, use them to safely remove materials while digging utility lines. Restaurants will need them when their grease traps have become overloaded and aren’t functioning in a safe manner.

What is a combo vac truck?

When you hire a vacuum truck service, you might need it for more than clearing out material with its vacuum hose. Some trucks combine the vacuum with a water pump that is highly useful for clearing out wet materials like damp sludge. It’s especially useful for cleaning sewer lines and storm drains. Standard vacuum trucks without water pumps work better with dry materials.

Vacuum truck capacity

A vacuum truck’s tank capacity will vary with the size of the truck in use. Large commercial trucks, for instance, can have tanks with the capacity to hold anywhere between 350 to 1,940 cubic feet of material. Smaller, more specialized vehicles, often have smaller tanks. Some of the smallest tanks hold no more than 130 gallons of material.

How far can a vac truck reach?

Depending on what kind of vacuum truck is used and what is being lifted, the length the suction hose can reach will vary, although the maximum length most suction hoses can reach will be 160 feet. The viscosity of the material and its overall density will affect the hose’s reach.

How far away can a septic truck pump?

People often call in a vacuum truck service to clean out their septic systems. One concern they have is whether or not the truck will have to go into the yard to get to the septic system. Typically, the truck will sit in the driveway and the lawn will be left alone, although 100 feet is about the limit for the pump. KRK Enterprises, Inc. makes every effort to ensure no property is damaged with all of our services.

Vacuum truck with jetter

Because vacuum truck services are often required to clean septic and sewer lines, many plumbing professionals have their trucks equipped with both vacuums and hydro-jetters. The hydro-jet system is highly effective at clearing out serious clogs and blockages, tree roots in particular that have broken through the sewer line. The hydro-jetter can also be used to unfreeze pipes or even to clean up the job site once the waste material has been cleared with the vacuum.

Vacuum truck near me

From cleaning your septic or sewer system to removing a hazardous waste spill, when you need an experienced vacuum truck service in Fort Pierce and Port St. Lucie, Fl, the local team to rely on is KRK Enterprises, Inc.. We provide an extensive range of service solutions with our vacuum trucks including hydro-jetting services as well as cleaning grease traps, bilges, and truck wash pits. All of our services are eco-friendly. You can find out more, get an estimate, or book a service appointment today by calling 800-330-7686.

Learn More About a Drain Field

A drain field is an important part of your septic system and will require routine maintenance in order to avoid problems down the line. There can be a wide range of issues that emerge over time and depending on the issue at hand repairs will be extensive. It’s important to get into contact with a professional plumbing company if you’re experiencing issues with your septic system. Here is some helpful information regarding your septic tank drain field that may prove of use to you.

What is a septic repair field?

The components that make a septic system are the septic drain field, septic tank, and associated plumbing. Additionally, a septic drain field may also be referred to as leach fields or leach drains. Septic drain fields are subsurface wastewater disposal facilities that are used to remove the impurities and contaminants from the liquid that rises after anaerobic digestion within a septic tank. 

How deep is a drain field buried?

A septic drain field is typically buried 18-30 inches in depth with a maximum soil coverage over the disposal field at 36 inches/2-5 feet in depth.

Can a septic drain field be repaired?

A septic drain field will have different conditions that may be causing problems and won’t have a quick fix. Clogs can be routed out yet usually the bacteria mat will be the center of an issue. It can’t be destroyed and will require the trench to completely dry out for a few months.

How long will a drain field last?

A drain field will last on average anywhere from 15-25 years keeping in mind that it’s taken care of properly. Monitor your drain field’s water use and keep afloat of what’s going on with your septic system. 

How do I know if my drain field is bad?

• Water and sewage from toilets, drains, and sinks are backing up into the home.
• Bathtubs, showers, and sinks drain very slowly.
• Gurgling sounds in the plumbing system.
• Standing water or damp spots near the septic tank or drain field.
• Bad odors around the septic tank or drain field.
• Bright green, spongy lush grass over the septic tank or drain field, even during dry weather.
• Algal blooms in nearby ponds or lakes.
• High levels of nitrates or coliform bacteria in water wells.

Why is my septic drain field wet?

Your septic drain field may be wet depending on the condition of the filter and disperse waste. Any interruption on how these components process may result in septic system failure. For example, when solid waste builds up in the soil at the base of the leach/drain field it’ll prevent proper drainage which can result in wet spots on the field.

What happens when your drain field fails?

When a septic drain field fails or is saturated with water you may have sewage backup into the home. You may see spongy bright green grass over the area of the drain field or wet, soggy areas that develop near or on the drain field. Finally, you may have are odors near the tank or drain field. 

Do leach field cleaners work?

A septic drain field cleaner made of biological or chemical treatments actually won’t open clogged septic system drain fields. In actuality, they can kill your roots or dissolve some grease clogs in pipes. Overuse of chemical cleaners will actually clean the essential bacteria needed for a drain field to function properly.

Can a drain field be cleaned?

A septic drain field can be cleaned instead of replaced when it is clogged by a sewer jetter to clean the perforated PVC septic leach/drain field lines from 2-6 inches ID. Keep in mind that septic field lines can fail to drain when heavy solids build-up and block the lines. This is commonly seen with septic systems that are more than 20 years of age. With systems that are less than 20 years of age and are failing to drain, it can instead point to tree root infiltration of the lines, structural damages to the pipes, issues with the surrounding soil, or a faulty septic system design.

Does homeowners insurance cover septic failure?

Certain homeowners insurance policies will not cover the septic system itself but will cover any damages made to your home due to a malfunctioning septic system or as a result of septic problems that caused an overflow to come into your home. 

Contact a Certified Plumber Concerning Your Septic Drain Field

If you’re needing help with problems regarding your septic drain field reach out to a qualified plumber for drain field repairs. A septic drain field is an integral part of your septic system and when problems emerge it can put a halt on activity. In order to maintain the health and safety of occupants and ensure your property isn’t infiltrated with wastewater make plans to schedule a septic system inspection today. Have a properly operable septic tank system with the help of an expert.

To get assistance with your drain field in Fort Pierce and Port St. Lucie, Fl call KRK Enterprises, Inc. at 800-330-7686 for an improved septic system! 

What is the purpose of a grease trap?

If you’re not in the restaurant business or never worked in and industrial kitchen, you may not know the answer to the question: What is a grease trap? An important part of a restaurant’s functioning properly are grease trap and drains. A grease trap performs as a receptacle that collects the fats, greases, and oils from wastewater. It is positioned between a restaurant drain line and the sanitary sewer lines. 

When grease is poured down a drain, it enters the main sewer system. Over time, that grease will create blockages, foul odors, and pest infestation. The purpose of the grease trap is to catch those substances, fat, oil, grease to keep that blockage and odor from building or attracting pests and rodents. In the restaurant industry, fat, oil, and grease are referred to as FOG. 

Without a professionally installed and proper working grease trap, the restaurant or industrial kitchen would have ongoing drain and plumbing problems. Anyone that has ever owned, managed, or worked in a restaurant can attest to the amount of problems this can cause. 

Are grease traps necessary?

FOGs (fats, oils, and greases) seem rather harmless, but they can cause a lot of damage to drains, plumbing pipes, and sewer lines. Why? As they cool down, fats, greases, and oils solidify, whether the are poured down the drain or just sit in a container on a counter. 

When poured down the drain, they cling to the sides of the pipes and then any debris, like food scraps stick too. Eventually, enough debris and food, more FOG create a sludge and create blockage. That is where a grease trap comes into the play for a commercial or industrial kitchen. 

Why get a grease trap?

Getting past the immediate drains and pipes of the kitchen. Without a grease trap, FOG can will create more problems for the septic tank or sewer main. The possible problems go past the immediate septic tank and sewer main. When sewage is released into the environment is degrading for the environment and can pose a risk to the public’s health.

It is for this reason that most city ordinances, some counties, require commercial and industrial kitchens to have a grease trap installed. It becomes the restaurant or company’s responsibility to keep FOG out of the sewer system. The person that is responsible for sewer backup that is caused because there isn’t a grease trap will be cited and the company fined. Repeated citations and fines can result in the restaurant or kitchen being closed until a grease trap is installed.

What size grease trap do I need?

The dish machine and grease trap should have matching quantity capacity. For example: 

• Dish Machine with ten to fifteen gallon capacity – A fifteen pound grease trap
• Dish Machine with twenty to thirty pound capacity – A twenty pound grease trap
• Dish Machine with a fifty pound capacity – A twenty five pound grease trap 

How often should grease traps be cleaned? 

Even with it being well established the importance a grease trap be installed in a commercial kitchen; they are still neglected with maintenance and upkeep.  In addition to the issues we’ve mentioned, another factor that makes a grease trap important is grease fire prevention. 

There internationally recognized rule for cleaning a grease trap is called the One-Fourth Rule. The rule states when a grease trap has reached one-fourth of its capacity with FOGS, regardless the size of the grease trap, it should be emptied and cleaned. Many restaurants and commercial kitchens arrange a weekly or bi-weekly collection with a grease trap company. 

Can you clean your own grease trap?

A large dining establishments or commercial kitchen will have a grease trap with a capacity of 500 gallons up to 2,500 gallons. If there is manpower and time available that isn’t needed for running the restaurant, and you have the source where to dispose of the FOG, then sure, go for it and save that money. 

For a small eating establishment, it may be easier to do their own grease trap cleaning, but why bother with it? Check with the city and county on regulations grease trap maintenance, some require a certificate or license. 

We have reviewed what a grease trap is and the purpose of having one in a commercial or industrial kitchen, grease trap pros and cons. It is an operational thing for the restaurant or industrial kitchen and a grease trap provides environmental benefits by keep the sludge of FOG out of the water system. 

Not having a grease trap can cause a plumbing disaster for a restaurant, and in some municipalities, the person in charge can be cited and fined. Repeated fines can have a location closed down until the jurisdiction has received certification a grease trap has been cleaned or installed. Call 800-330-7686 today for grease trap maintenance in Fort Pierce and Port St. Lucie, Fl!

Why have a plumbing camera inspection? 

Now that they are becoming more commonplace, homeowners are requesting plumbers to perform a video inspection service when they have plumbing problems. Why? Utilizing plumbing camera inspections helps the plumber find the exact area of the problem, make a diagnosis, and determine what should be done to correct the problem – without having to tear up the landscaping. 

For years, when there was a plumbing problem, the landscaping and lawn were destroyed as the plumber used a backhoe to dig trenches. If the problem were thought to be a slab leak, they would often have to jackhammer the cement slab to find the problem. Plumbing camera inspections have almost eliminated that process. 

What is a plumbing camera inspection?

Plumbing camera inspections are when a plumber uses a video camera attached to a snake line that is connected to a television type screen and runs it through a sewer line or water line. This new technology allows them the ability to see problems inside sewer lines and a water pipe that they otherwise would have to trench the yard or jackhammer the floors to find. 

Using plumbing camera inspections, they can look for corrosion, cracks, misaligned pipes, root intrusions, and critter nests. Plumbing camera inspections allow plumbers to find leaks, grease build-up, or other debris build-up and obstructions. Once they have identified the exact area and problem, they can determine the best plan of action to repair or replaced the line.  Some plumbers will do a follow-up video inspection after they have completed the service to make sure the repair or replacement is still in place, clean and flowing as intended. 

How do I know if my plumbing is bad?

If you aren’t seeing water leaking or spewing if you aren’t hearing water dripping or running, then how do you know if you have a plumbing problem? We are providing you are list ten signs that you need to contact a plumber, sooner than later. 

Pipes are Discolored 

If you’ve noticed discolored pipes in the basement or under a sink, you may have a slow leak in a pipe somewhere along the way. In this instance, it may be one of the times that a plumber can use plumbing camera inspections to find a slab leak or wall leak. Because these lines are pressurized, we recommend contacting a plumber soon before it burst, and you have a bigger problem.  

Smelly Sewer

The general rule of thumb in plumbing is there needs to be a trap and a vent to every drain to keep sewer gas out of the house. If the drain, trap, or vent becomes clogged or cracked, that sewer gas has no place to go but inside your home.  Sewer gas can be a health hazard and need to be addressed.  It can be difficult for a plumber to track this problem down and will likely use a plumbing camera inspections process in place of tearing into the drywall. 

Weak Water Flow 

A slow or weak water flow and stream indicates a distribution issue, usually at one faucet, which can be fixed by replacing the aerator. If the flow issue is in multiple places around the home and outside, you may leak the water meter and the house or somewhere along the supply line. A plumber that experienced how to do a plumbing camera inspection can find the active leak, and get it repaired.

Slow Draining

A slow drain is one thing that even the least knowledgeable homeowner can realize is a plumbing problem. It could be as simple as a clogged drain or more detailed further into the drain line and sewer line.  This one of the areas that plumbing camera inspections are the ideal tool for plumbers. 

Waterless Winter

In the dead of winter, if you have a sudden drop in the water pressure, your water pipes may be freezing up or have frozen.  Often, a homeowner can resolve this issue, or it is a matter of waiting for the temperature to rise enough the pipes thaw. However, because copper piping contracts and expands with the temperature, you want to thaw them slowly, so they don’t burst. 

Water Bill Spiked

A sudden spike in the water bill is a sure sign of plumbing problems, and it is from the meter to your house, or the water bill wouldn’t have spiked. Unless you’ve had a swimming pool filled, you need to have a plumber inspect your plumbing and find the issue fast. 

Other indicators you have plumbing issues are ceilings and walls with bubbling paint, a green patch in your lawn, a rocking toilet, or discolored water. Should I get a sewer line inspection at this point? Definitely! Any of the things we’ve discussed here need immediate attention by a professional plumber that has experience in performing plumbing camera inspections as well as doing things the old school way. 

How long does a sewer line inspection take?

Most sewer and plumbing camera inspections take one hour to two hours, depending on the size of the house and property, the access to the sewer and water lines, and the configurations of those lines.        

What happens during a sewer inspection?

The plumber will take a snake line and attach a small camera that will send video to a small computer or television screen.  The snake line is pushed through the sewer and water lines while the camera films the trip through the lines and relays it back to the computer or television. Where plumbing camera inspections are not possible, plumbers will use other methods to listen for and look for plumbing leaks and problems. 

Is a sewer line inspection part of a home inspection?

Not unless the possible buyer or the homeowner request one. Within an hour, an experienced plumber can conduct a sewer scope inspection, or plumbing camera inspections and make sure there isn’t any drain line, sewer line, or underground line plumbing problems. 

At The End Of The Day…

What are the plumbing camera inspection advantages? The fear of the unknown is troubling, especially when it concerns your home. Instead of worrying about a possible sewer or water line leak, plumbing camera inspections can find out exactly what’s going on, or not going, and a plan of action put into place. The four main things that you can get from having a plumbing camera inspection done are: 

• Locate a break or leak in sewer or water lines
• Eliminate unnecessary digging, trenching, and guessing
• Determine the sewer and water pipes condition
• Having a video reference to understand the problem better

Call 800-330-7686 today for your plumbing camera inspection in Fort Pierce and Port St. Lucie, Fl.

Cleaning your system with hydrojetting

Before we answer how drain jetting works, we should understand what it means, when, and why it is used, which is what we are going to do in this article. So, what is drain jetting, aka, hydro jetting or sewer jetting? Let’s go forward with an explanation of what hydrojet means. 

Drain jetting is a relatively new method to clean drain lines and sewer lines of clogs with the use of high-pressure water streaming, through special jet nozzles, creating a hydrojet part. So, What does Hydro jetting mean? Hydrojetting is the force of the water through those nozzles to clear and dislodge obstructions that are clogging the pipes. Hydro jetting drainage is being used as a part of a regular maintenance plan to prevent sewer backups.

Can Hydro jetting damage pipes?

When hydrojetting is done by a professional, they have been trained on hydro jetting hazards and precautions and know how to perform the task without damaging pipes.  If not done properly, like anything with force and water, yes, it can damage not only the pipes, but the foundation of your home, the landscaping, and more. A hydrojet job should only be done by an experienced professional plumbing contract. 

How often should you hydrojet?

One of the most aggravating things in a home are clogged drains, that is why it is important to do what you can to keep your plumbing lines clear and clog-free. When drains are clogged more than they aren’t and the household remedies or over-the-counter products aren’t working any more, it may be time to call a professional plumber.  

They will do a video inspection of your pipes and look for any obvious signs of broken lines, clogged lines, and what is causing the clog. From basic debris and dirt to tree roots, a professional plumbing contractor will have the experience to remove those clogs with a hydrojet process.  

Hydrojetting the sewer line doesn’t have to be done only when there is a clog though.  Schedule an annual hydrojetting job with your plumber to maintain your drain and sewer lines, keeping them clear of those annoying clogs. The hydrojet process is an expensive process, but the results are long lasting and well worth the extra money when you consider how many times you’ve had to call the plumber out to unclog your sewer lines. 

Is Hydro Jetting worth it?

Definitely, when done by a professional plumber that has the hydro jetting equipment and the experience in hydrojetting.  The process of using pressurized water to blast through a drain or sewer line to unclog and clear the line is one of the best ways to get the clog out safely. The process of hydrojet removes debris, dirt, grease, hair, mineral build-up, tree roots, and more. 

Until the hydrojet process was introduced, homeowners used over-the-counter products that could be harmful to the environment, their health, home, and the pipes. If those products didn’t work, they had to call a plumber each time, and at an hourly rate, plus parts, that can get expensive. A hydrojet job will get all that removed without causing damage to the environment, pipes, or the homeowner’s health or home.

What is the difference between hydro jetting vs snaking? 

Hydrojetting and snaking are both excellent means to remove clogs without the use of store-bought chemicals. Chemical drain cleaners contain harsh chemicals that are unsafe for humans and can corrode the pipes. With repeated usage, that corrosion can rupture the pipes. 

• The Process of Snaking: Snaking works great for simple clogs that are not hardened inside the pipes. This method has been used or years to remove emergency clogs and has done well without causing much damage to the pipes. A trained plumbing technician inserts an auger-like cable into the drain, feeding the line until they hit resistance, which is the clog. They then crank that auger-like cable more, using force, to bust that clog into smaller pieces and push through the drain.  when the cable is removed.
• The Hydrojet Process: As we have discussed earlier, hydrojet is the combination of high-pressure water being blasted through special nozzles that loosens and removes the hardened debris that becomes stuck to the pipe’s interior. Hydrojet process is able to effectively and safely remove those clogs that snaking isn’t able to remove. The hydrojet process also smooths out rough spots inside the pipe to prevent future clogs.

For an older home, hydrojetting may not be the best answer. Overtime, plumbing pipes become weak, and hydrojetting can create more damage. A professional plumber should be the only person to hydrojet your pipes because they know the situations where hydrojet is not the option to utilize.  

Both processes, hydrojet and snaking are excellent processes, when used in the right situation. 

Closing Words: What are the hydro jetting benefits? 

Hydrojet process has several benefits that every homeowner should consider, even if they haven’t had any clog issues yet. 

• Safe: Hydrojetting, when done by an experienced plumber, will not damage pipes. 
• Chemical Free: Because only clear water is used, hydrojet is eco-friendly in cleaning pipes. 
• Removes Every Clog: The high-pressure water process of hydrojet can bust any type of stubborn blocks or clogs, including tree roots.
• Long-lasting: Because hydrojet smooths the insides of the pipe as it busts up clogs, it prevents future clogs from forming.
• Trenchless: It most cases hydrojet the pipes fixes most clogged pipes which avoids the plumber having to trench your lawn to find the clog, dig up the pipe, repair the pipe, and bury the pipe. 
• Health: Hydrojet provides a health benefit by removing the bacteria that builds up inside clogged pipes. Bacteria prospers in a moist and wet environments, the perfect breeding ground.

For hydrojetting services when you need them most, call the experts at KRK Enterprises, Inc. today at 800-330-7686.

Defining Sewer Lift Stations

What is a sewage lift pump? They build a sewer lift station as a factory-assembled package. The principal elements of a sewer lift station include a receiving well for wastewater treatment and is equipped with lift pumps, junction box, piping with valves, and an equipment control panel that includes an alarm system.

Is there a difference between a pump station vs lift station? Basically, they are the same thing, and may be referred to as a wastewater lift is used to pump sewage or wastewater a lower to a higher elevation. This is particularly when sewage or wastewater source is not adequate for gravity flow. They also use it is also when gravity transportation will result in unnecessary excavation with higher construction expense. 

How does a sewer lift station work?

They typically keep sewage lift stations underground. This contains any potential health risks and poisonous gases of hydrogen sulfide and methane in one area. It is critical that sewage lift station owners depend on professional drain and sewer cleaning service to maintain proper and sufficient the pump works sufficiently. 

There are several elements of a sewer lift station, of those, there are two key elements needed for it to operate: the controls and the wet well. The wet well is where the inflow comes into, referred to as a basin, which is where the pump is located. The control panel that operates the lift station is the brain. 

So, how do sewer lift stations work? Sewage is collected, stored, and then fed into a pit. The electrical instruments recognize when the pit is filled to a certain level and then activates the pump that moves the sewage on to the next destination. 

Do sewage pumping stations smell?

No, and this is by design and by nature. Because sewage, in its raw form, is unsafe environmentally and must be treated before it can be safe for the residents of a city or community. To make environmentally and healthy water and sewage service, sewage pump stations are necessary.  

This is done by transporting sewage to a treatment plant through a network of pipes underground. Those unground mains and parts are archetypally gravity-fed. Yet, there are many occasions where transfer from a sewage pump station to a higher level within the network using a sewer lift station.

A sewage pump station lets sewage to be transferred so it can be fed into the next gravity main. From there, it continues the journey to the sewage pump station.  Because sewage pump stations are located underground, they are quiet and specially designed to keep from emitting a foul odor.  

How sewage decomposes is what determines the odor it emits, along with factors like how many people use the sewer, the weather, and the volume of wastewater. With all this in consideration, nature and time can change odor.

How long does a lift station pump last?

As we have mentioned earlier, a sewer lift station for homes or commercial properties is a major component of a septic system. It isn’t something you see or even think about every day, but when it isn’t working, then you have no choice but to acknowledge it.

A properly maintained sewer lift station can last 15 years on the average. With proper maintenance and regular sewer lift station cleaning, your sewer lift station running as long as twenty years.

What happens when a lift station fails?

If there is a clog or an obstruction in a sewer lift station, an alarm will sound. Sometimes a sewer lift station can experience instances that cause it to malfunction or quick working. This is where cleaning and maintenance can keep it working for 20 years. When a sewer lift station motor stops, it causes backup because the pumps can’t move the wastewater. 

A professional routine inspection can minimize, even eliminate these motor outages. The inspection will cover the items on sewer lift station inspection checklist: 

• Dry and Submersible Pumps
• Impeller
• Check Valves
• Floats
• Alarm and Light Systems
• Documentation and Logs
• Electrical Motor Control Equipment
• Emergency Backup Generator

Municipalities that handle and maintain the collection and treatment of wastewater use two types of pumps for their sewer lift station, described here:

Dry Well Pump 

This sewer lift station pump is traditional, and is housed in a different location, typically underground, sometimes in a separate chamber. Because of this physical separation, maintenance is hazardous with an increase in safety risks.

Submersible Pump

The more modern of the two sewer lift station pumps are submerged in the wastewater and mounted inside. It has a motor that pumps the wastewater out and has minimal health and safety concerns.

This is expensive equipment for a city or a residence. Therefore, cleaning, maintenance, and inspections are a must keep the equipment going to get the longest lifespan possible. When you need lift station solutions in Fort Pierce and Port St. Lucie, Fl, call the plumbing experts of KRK Enterprises, Inc. at 800-330-7686!

What is Drainage and Drainage System?

When you have problems with water draining from your yard or appliances, it could be any number of issues that decide whether it is in your control. For that matter, a drainage system is any manner of a device or mechanical process that removes excess liquids from an area. Likewise, drainage, in this case, is when that procedure occurs. Such systems can be found in the form of your piping, your roof, down your driveway, and various other places where water may pool. With proper drain cleaning, they help maintain the property they are located in. These systems curb and prevent flooding from affecting your property as well as help avoid erosion where the system drains. The effects of keeping your plumbing in good condition include:

• Superior property value
• Better management of gardens and yards
• Help assure the safety of property owner
• Prevents as much growth of mold and insects like mosquitos

With these benefits included with a working drainage system, the opposite is true for poorly maintained drainage systems that especially suffer without drain cleaning. Lack of proper care, repair, or replacement can lead to anything from minor inconveniences to detrimental long term problems for your property. Drainage problems can mean a multitude of issues for that matter that unfortunately have a large chance to be outside your relative control due to the entire system being out of view. It could be an old or clogged pipe, a backup at any point between you and the main sewer line, a storm, a failure, etcetera. That is why you should trust professionals in Fort Pierce and Port St. Lucie, Fl to help keep your drainage system at top capacity. Call 800-330-7686 today to set up an appointment with the experts at KRK Enterprises, Inc..

What causes poor drainage?

As mentioned, there are some causes of poor drainage that are outside of your control. A person in a new home could have the same issues as someone in an older home depending on the circumstances. With as many parts that go into a drainage system, drain cleaning is key to maintain it and also being mindful of what is put down into it. Problems that may arise can be caused by:

• Damaged piping
• Poor installation
• Shifted earth or root entanglement
• Blockage
• Poor pressure
• Storm flow

All of these can lead to further problems that were not specified before such as foundation damage and loss of stability among further damages to what is built up from that spot. While drain cleaning may not solve all of the problems, mindful draining practice and regular check ups will keep your system in near pristine condition. The types of systems that are installed largely depend on the location. Like your yard will have a specific system depending on if it is flat or at an incline. In the same sense, your home may have a different method of drainage compared to an older home. In all cases however, there needs to be careful about what goes into your system. In outside drainage systems, too much of a material like sand or substance that can build up a blockage will lead to a clog. Similar to inside the home, when things such as grease or hair go down a drain then poor drainage will be the result. That is why it is important to practice proper care to your system and occasionally take to drain cleaning.

What are the types of drainage?

As mentioned there are several types of drainage systems due to that there are several places a drainage system can go. Each serves a specific purpose that decides exactly how they will be built up individually. Some examples are:

• Residential 
• Downspout and gutter
• Slope
• Subsurface and surface
• Slope

The systems are all built in such a way that naturally brings water to them using incline and later water pressure. At a minimum, the water flow will move at one percent slope whereas landscape and turf require two percent. The drainage system is then built to deal with the sewage system, which runs sewage twelve to eighteen feet per second depending on the grit concentration. In most systems, the water will be carried directly to the sewage. There generally are mechanisms to push it into the larger system and have preventative tools that prevent backflow. Backflow is possible with a lack of drain cleaning and blockages.

How do I drain water from my backyard?

When in preparation for an easily draining yard or before you install a drainage system, there are ways to get the job done. When determining the best method, it’d be a good idea to observe where the source of the pooling water starts and grows. Then, decide on a system put in place. Sometimes a wall placed on the concrete part of the yard will help stem away the pooling water. Built with that, a path can be built to direct the waters to the drainage system or into the street that will help the natural flow of the yard. When looking for the best plumbers in Fort Pierce and Port St. Lucie, Fl, call 800-330-7686. KRK Enterprises, Inc. can both advise and commit to services that improve your home or property.

When we first launched our new KRK Pumping & Plumbing website, we knew we wanted to help as many customers as possible. It’s pretty simple: the more leads we get, the more we can help people with their plumbing problems. A lot of small businesses fail because they don’t implement a good plumbing lead generation strategy. We did not make that mistake.

To thrive in the digital age, we generate as many plumbing leads as possible. Our lead generation efforts focus on digital and grass-roots strategies but with a much higher emphasis on digital strategy. Take a look at some proven ways to generate high-quality plumbing leads.

1) PPC Advertising

Pay Per Click advertising helps you build your online presence very quickly and effectively. It’s a beneficial method when your business is just starting, and you need leads to get it off the ground. 

PPC ads revolve around a keyword that you bid on. When someone performs a search that includes that keyword (or a variation of it), your ad will show up. PPC ads may seem spammy, but the statistics don’t lie: 33% of consumers will click on a PPC ad because it pertains directly to their search. 

2) Online Reviews

Online reviews are a must if you want to generate plumbing leads because they are essentially free. All you have to do is:

• Get the DataPins App
• Ensure your business is listed on review sites like Yelp, Angie’s List, Houzz, and Google My Business.
• Make sure you are asking your customers for reviews after a job well done.
• Ask for reviews in any emails you send to your customers.

Reputation is about how customers perceive you, not necessarily how good you are at a service. At this company, we do outstanding work for our customers, but we can document their satisfaction through review generation.

3) Word of Mouth Referrals

It would be best if you didn’t abandon the old ways altogether as they still have merit. While word-of-mouth referrals aren’t the most efficient method for drumming up plumbing leads, they still hold much weight with customers. 

They are still important because not everyone trusts online reviews. According to at least one 2020 survey, a whopping 92% of consumers reported that they trust recommendations from family and friends. 

The only downfall is that you aren’t likely to get a high volume of leads from word-of-mouth referrals. Still, they are quality leads when you can get them, so don’t forget to ask your satisfied customers to tell their friends and family about your services. 

4) Invest in SEO

In very plain terms, SEO increases the online visibility of your business. The more exposure your business has, the more leads you will generate for it. SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization, and it helps your website show up in the most visible space (position zero) of search engine results pages. Plumbing SEO includes but isn’t limited to:

• Blogs
• Social media posts
• Web design
• Link building
• Reputation management
• Schema markup
• Video content
• White papers

We partnered with a plumbing SEO agency to make our website better. Still, no one can deny that SEO is vital. After all, the top search engine results hog more than half of all clicks. 

If you require quality plumbing services, your search is over. Get the plumbing help you need at a price you can afford by giving us a call.

Dealing With Backflow Prevention and More

Whether you own a home or commercial property, you are going to need access to a water supply. Anyone will want a safe and healthy supply, but there can be outside factors that prevent that. You can’t live off of plastic water bottles, so what do you do to ensure safe water for your space? There are a number of options, but the one that can be the most beneficial is a backflow prevention device. These need to be installed by professional plumbers, such as the KRK Enterprises, Inc. team. We can help with installation and more, including backflow certification for Fort Pierce and Port St. Lucie, Fl properties. Call us at 800-330-7686 to learn more.

What is Backflow Certification?

If you have a backflow prevention device, then you know that it needs to be tested regularly. What is a backflow preventer? This is a device that is installed within your plumbing to make sure water is flowing in only one direction. It’s often used around areas where water flowing in both directions could come in contact with one another, like the plumbing lines near a toilet. Because of this, you need to have backflow tests and maintenance reports scheduled regularly. These are not install and leave alone devices. If something goes wrong, there is the possibility of your drinking water could be contaminated by harmful things. That’s why testing is so important. Having testing and backflow certification set up to happen on a regular basis will guarantee your device is always operating efficiently. 

Benefits of a Backflow Preventer

As mentioned, a backflow prevention device is designed to ensure that all water goes in one direction and only that direction. This is very beneficial for a variety of reasons and for properties in areas with high contamination risks. The best way to guarantee the best results is to invest in backflow preventer testing services. That way, you’ll get all the incredible advantages this device has to offer, including:

• Reduced Contact: One of the main benefits of a preventer is the fact that you will have reduced contact with pollutants, germs, waste, bacteria and more. These devices are designed to ensure water only goes in one direction, which is why they are often installed as a part of or near toilet systems. 
• Safe and Healthy: With a backflow preventer, you’ll have safe and healthy drinking water. If there is any chance of contaminants getting into your drinking and bathing water supply, this is a much needed device. 
• Preventing Health Issues: Because there is less chance of contamination or contact with harmful bacteria, a backflow preventer can help prevent health issues. There are many problems that can arise when you use or consume contaminated water. Reduce these chances by installing a backflow device. 
• Preventing Costly Repairs: When the wrong items flow through your plumbing, your pipes can easily become damaged. Fertilizers can cause corrosion and more. With a prevention device, you can avoid these damages and subsequently, the costly repairs that come with them.   
• Avoiding Discomfort: And of course, with a prevention device, you can completely avoid any discomfort. Rather waiting hours, or possibly days, for clean water, you’ll always have the guarantee of clean water. 

To learn more about these devices and backflow certification tests, connect with KRK Enterprises, Inc. for more information. We are licensed plumbers that can complete backflow certified testing and more. Give us a call at 800-330-7686 to get started. 

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is certified backflow testing?
  • Certified backflow testing refers to the process of testing the device to ensure that it is accurately and properly doing what it is designed to do. Licensed plumbers can provide the certified service so you’ll know that they are testing everything and providing accurate answers. 
• How much does backflow testing cost?
  • The final cost depends on a number of things. Overall, you can expect to pay anywhere between $20 and $100 for this service. Each plumber is different and may include additional fees or costs, but that is something you can discuss with them. 
• What is a backflow device and where is it located?
  • A backflow preventer is a device that is installed in your plumbing to force water in one direction. In certain areas of your plumbing, water may be able to flow in both directions, which means your supply can be contaminated by sewage, fertilizers, pesticides and more. These devices are placed wherever water has the potential to flow in both directions. 
• How do you test a backflow preventer?
  • While there are kits and devices you can find, your best bet is to rely on a licensed plumber. They will be able to provide certified testing services that you can save for future needs. 
• What is backflow in plumbing?
  • This is a term used to describe an unwanted flow of water in a reverse direction. Meaning, when water that should be moving away from the property is coming towards it, that would be called backflow. 

Connect With Our Team for More Information

Dial 800-330-7686 to speak with a KRK Enterprises, Inc. about backflow certification for your Fort Pierce and Port St. Lucie, Fl space. We’re here to help you, so let’s get started today!