Category Archives: Uncategorized

Are grease traps required?

A grease trap is recommended, and in most cities and counties, they are required to pass inspection. In Port St. Lucie, Florida, any facility that has the activity of cooking in grease or oil is required to have a grease trap system. This includes cafeterias, restaurants, cafeterias, food-processing plants, etc. 

Are grease traps for houses?

Typically, no, they are not standard, however, it can be beneficial for a home that does a lot of cooking to have a grease trap installed. Think of television reality shows with households that have a large number of kids, or a residential structure with an above-normal number of residents. 

Is a grease trap attached to other kitchen equipment?

Because commercial kitchens flush out large amounts of wastewater every day that contains FOG, the drain lines, and sewage system can get backed up. A grease trap is attached to the drain line, looks like a box on the outer wall. 

Once the wastewater and FOG get to the box, baffle chambers sort the FOG from the wastewater and the wastewater flows on while the FOG from the wastewater. And the grease trap “traps” the FOG that is floating on the surface, while the heavier particles sink to the bottom.

A grease trap cannot be attached or connected anywhere other than the drain line. They cannot be attached to the dishwasher, grinders, or other common kitchen equipment or fixtures.

Why should my restaurant have a grease trap?

FOG, as it is referred to in the kitchen industry, Fat Oil Grease, may seem harmless, but they aren’t. With FOG, if you pour into a drain while in its liquid state, it sticks to the sides of the drainpipe. There, it cools down and solidifies. Then everything else you pour down the drain sticks to that and in a matter of time, you have a blocked drain line. 

Any kitchen that is on a septic system will experience the same thing, and more! Furthermore, when Fats, Oil, and Grease are poured into the kitchen drain, it is released into the septic drain field and into the environment. At this point, it becomes a public health hazard. With a properly installed grease trap, whether your facility is on a sewer system or septic system, the FOG is trapped and keeps the drain lines open.

Do you have to manually empty a grease trap?

You can, but most restaurants have a grease trap service. Manually cleaning one is smelly and messy, but if you’re trying to save money, do this first thing in the morning before you you’re your kitchen and follow these basic steps: 

1. Gently and slowly remove the lid from the grease trap. 
2. Measure the level of the grease using a ruler and write that number on the EPA report sheet. You’ll need this information when the health inspector comes by.
3. Remove any water from the grease trap using a small pump and bucket, then set the bucket to the side. 
4. Scoop the grease out of the trap and place the FOG in another bucket. 
5. Be sure to scrape the bottom and sides and scrap the lid clean of any excess grease. The more you get out, the longer it will be before you have to do this again. 
6. Next, scrub all the grease trap parts and flush the screens.
7. Pour the water you removed earlier back into the grease trap.
8. Reinstall the parts you have removed and replace the lid. 

What happens if you don’t have a grease trap?

There are 3 reasons why you shouldn’t ignore having your grease trap cleaned on a regular basis: 

1. ENVIRONMENT AND HEALTH RISK

A grease trap prevents blockage and eliminates foul odors. The bacteria created by FOG can make employees ill. 

2. PLUMBING ISSUES

A blockage caused by FOG happens when the grease trap isn’t cleaned regularly, resulting in sewage backup and more. 

3. GREASE TRAP MAINTENANCE

Your local government can charge your restaurant with fines. If you allow FOG to be poured into the drains, it can cause severe plumbing issues that will cost money to repair and could shut your kitchen down. 

Closing Question: Do grease traps need to be replaced?

Yes, and that is another benefit to having a professional grease trap cleaning service! They will advise you when your current grease trap is ready to be replaced. Typically, when your grease trap has been cleaned on a regular schedule and is still emitting a foul odor, it is time for a new grease trap.

KRK Enterprises, Inc. is here to help with your grease trap in Fort Pierce and Port St. Lucie, Fl. Call 800-330-7686 today for services. 

While the basics of plumbing are the same, how a residential plumbing system works and how a commercial plumbing system works are different. Residential plumbing requirements are different from those of a commercial structure, mainly because fewer plumbing fixtures aren’t as heavy-duty for industrial-type use.  

What does residential plumbing consist of?       

The laws of nature are what make commercial and residential plumbing basics work, which are the laws of gravity, the laws of pressure, and the laws of water. Each of these looks for its own level.  With this knowledge, the mysteries of how residential plumbing works can be better understood and make DIY repairs possible. 

The first thing to understand is that there are two subsystems in residential plumbing services and each subsystem requires different types of residential plumbing pipes: 

• The freshwater subsystem: This is the water coming into your home. 
• The wastewater subsystem: This is where the wastewater exits your home.

The freshwater subsystem is the incoming water that is under pressure, which allows it to travel throughout your home. By being pressurized it can go upstairs and around corners. It flows through a water meter where it registers how much water is being used. 

All residential water services have a main water shut-off valve, typically close to the meter. Every homeowner should know where this is located and how to turn the water off there in case of a plumbing emergency. 

The wastewater subsystem is the various drainage systems with the residential plumbing services. Instead of depending on pressure, the wastewater subsystem depends on gravity. For waste matter to leave your house through the various drainpipes, they must be installed at an angle or pitch in a downward position toward the sewer line. Then gravity pulls the waste matter along through the sewer line toward the sewage treatment facility. 

What are the plumbing fixtures found inside a residential building?

Within residential plumbing services, there are specific plumbing components that require plumbing fixtures.  For example, a sink is a component, and it requires a faucet to function correctly. Plumbing fixtures components each have a purpose. The main plumbing components within residential plumbing services include: 

• Faucets and taps
• Sinks
• Toilets
• Showers
• Showerheads
• Bathtubs
• Water heater

A side note on the water heater, while is a part of residential plumbing services in a home, it is not considered a plumbing fixture in the world of plumbing. But, in the world of real estate, it is considered a fixture and because it is connected to the house, it is considered permanent. This means that if you sell your house, you can’t take the water heater with you. 

Every state, and the cities and local governing in each state has specific residential plumbing requirements that must be met for residential plumbing services to be approved and connected to the water system. 

 Because water is a natural resource that every city and state is concerned with minimizing waste, the requirements and restrictions on residential plumbing services are continually being updated. When having any plumbing services performed, verify the plumber is certified, insured, and licensed. These are the plumbers that are going to be updated on current requirements and restrictions on all aspects of residential plumbing services. 

The building codes for the state of Florida consist of requirements that are reasonable that all plumbing has substantial connections that make the incoming water and the outgoing wastewater healthy and safe for the public.  There should be an adequate supply of potable water while observing conservation measures established by the EPA for the current population and for the future population. 

Can I hydro-jet myself?

In the hands of a professional plumber, a  hydro jet cleaner can provide thorough cleaning of drain and sewer pipes. Trained technicians with plumbing experience and licensing have the knowledge and skills to use a hydro jet cleaner correctly and clean the drain and sewer lines effectively and  thoroughly without causing damage.

If this still sounds like it isn’t that difficult to use a hydro jet cleaner, let’s review two strong reasons why a homeowner should never try this on their own:

• Safety: For the pipes and yourself. The water that will be coming out of the nozzle is 7500 psi (pounds per square inch) or higher. That high of a pressure has the potential of causing injuries for an untrained person. A professional plumber will have extensive protective gear when using a hydro jet cleaner. They also know the exact amount of pressure to set the hydro jet cleaner  so that it doesn’t damage the pipes. One example to know even a fraction of how pressurized that water would be to place your hand in front of the car wash nozzle. This is only a fraction of the pressure that a hydro jet cleaner has.  
• Cost Effective: To rent or purchase your own hydro jet cleaner is not effective for a homeowner. Chances are you will never use this system again, whereas a professional plumber will utilize this piece of equipment time and again on several jobs similar to yours. This allows them to recoup their expense.

Okay, maybe money isn’t as big of a factor for you as most homeowners. So, how much does a hydro-jet machine cost? You can purchase several different sizes with pricing varying between them, some examples of sizes and their costs are:

• M20T TrapBlast Jetter hydro jet cleaner for $2,100.00 will come with the ability to clean lines sizes between 1.5″ and 2″ lines with a  50′ of 1/8″ hose and provides 1,500psi.
• MS80 Jet Pro Skid hydro jet cleaner for $8,500.00 that comes as a skid mounted mainline jetter that is designed to clean line sizes between  3″ and 10″ lines. The 690CC motor and electric start will deliver 3,000 PSI through 250′ of hose on a reel cart.

Okay, so maybe that is a bit extravagant for a homeowner that will use it once, may be twice. So, how much does it cost to rent a hydro-jet? You can expect to pay a minimum of $200/per day and receive basic instructions with some warnings. You break it – you’ll buy it.

How do you use a hydro-jet cleaner?

Maybe you have an old house with a lot of trees around it, and you’ve had to have professional plumber several times over the past 2-3 years. You decide it is worth the cost to buy or rent a hydro jet cleaner and do the job yourself, how do you use a hydro jet cleaner?

First, we want to remind you this may look like a simple process, but that pressure coming from the hose can be dangerous if you’re not careful. You need to be sure you’re working on sewer leads that do not have a dead end, then follow these steps:

1. Locate the sewer opening on your property and remove the cover with either a crowbar or wrench.
2. If you aren’t 100% sure where the clog is, start at the drain closest to the outside sewer line.
3. Now insert a plumber’s snake in the sewer line opening and turn the handle to extend the snake.
4. Depending on the model of hydro jet cleaner you purchased or rented, the directions for set up will be different. Follow the directions that came with the unit.
5. Once the hydro jet cleaner has reached the pressure recommended and you have your protective gear on, turn the unit on.
6. Insert the hydro jet cleaner nozzle into the sewer line opening and carefully spray the hydro jet into the sewer line. There will be back spray, which is why you should never attempt without the protective gear. The back spray will have harmful bacteria that you do not want to get on you, in your eyes or mouth.
7. Once the back spray quits and you can tell that water is running through the sewer line easily the clog is gone.

Can you hydro-jet a septic system?

Yes, but it must be with a low-pressure hydro jet cleaner that states it is specifically for septic lines. Most septic lines are made of PVC, a light material, and the pressure from a hydro jet cleaner must be safe to use on PVC.

Maybe you have had the exterior of your home or your driveway and walkways washed.  The contractor was using a high pressure washer they referred to as a hydro-jet high-pressure power washer. What is hydro-jet high-pressure power washer and how is different than a hydro jet cleaner?

Basically they are the same with the exception of the PSI used. The hydro jet high-pressure that contractor used is designed for cleaning exteriors of houses, sidewalks, wooden fences, brick walls, and cars. But the PSI isn’t sufficient enough to get a stubborn clog pushed through a sewer line. Call 800-330-7686 today for your hydrojetting needs!

To keep your septic tanks services in good maintenance, which can be a challenge because most of it is underground, it will help to have an understanding of how a septic tank works first. If you’re wondering why septic tanks services and maintenance are so important, it is because a septic tank contains bacteria, which can be unhealthy, though bacteria is necessary for septic tank services to work. 

The bacteria break down the waste that leaves your home and makes the water clean before it infiltrates and penetrates the earth. The whole septic tank services system is designed to keep the bacteria inside the tank healthy and busy and to send some of the bacteria out into the earth with the waste. Here are the steps in the septic tank services process: 

• All the waste from your home flows into the septic tank through plumbing pipes.
• The liquid waste is referred to as effluent and is what takes up most of the space in the tank. Here is where anaerobic bacteria start breaking down the organic material contained in the effluent.
• The sludge (or solids) falls to the bottom of the tank. These are inorganic solids and the byproduct of bacterial digestion.
• A layer of scum, fat, grease and oil, floats to the top of the tank
• A filter at the top of the tank prevents most solids from going into the outlet pipe and the effluent flows into the drain field via perforated pipes that are buried in gravel.
• The drain field is a large area and the gravel around perforated pipes allows water to flow into the soil where oxygen reaches the bacteria.
• Over time, the aerobic bacteria in the gravel and soil will decompose the waste.
• Last, clean water seeps into the groundwater and aquifer.

Part of the maintenance for septic tank services is using septic tank treatment. This treatment is usually in the form of a power that is poured into each toilet. Asking the contractor that installs your septic tank system which septic tank treatment is best is recommended. 

When you haven’t used the proper septic tank treatment or had your septic tank services pumping, the septic tank will begin backing up, much like a clogged sewer line in the city. If your septic tank smells like rotten eggs, it is time to use an appropriate septic tank treatment or to call a professional in septic tank services to pump the tank. 

Are septic tank fumes dangerous?

Yes, they are! This is methane gas you’re smelling and it will arise when the septic tank is full each time a toilet is flushed or a bathtub, dishwasher, or washing machine drains, with the contents flowing through the drainage and accumulating. This eventually backs up, creating health risks from the natural production of methane gas. 

How do you know if your septic is failing?

The first indication you’ll notice if your septic tank services are failing is that the shower, sink, toilets, and tub will begin draining slower, often with a gurgling noise. You’ll notice the characteristic rotten egg smell at each drain, and often outside around the tank as well.

Other indicators of failing septic tank service are green, lush patches of grass. Pools of water standing around when there hasn’t been any rain are also an indication that the effluent isn’t able to drain in the designated drain field. 

How do you help your septic tank? what can you put in it? These are important questions, just as they are when maintaining city sewer lines. There are some things you shouldn’t put in your septic system. Some of the items you should never allow to get into septic system drains include: 

• Coffee grounds
• Disposable diapers
• Cigarette butts
• Cat litter
• Motor oil
• Pesticides
• Earplugs
• Feminine products
• Paper towels
• Fats, oil, grease
• Photographic solvents
• Insect and weed killers

A septic system that is well-maintained can last 50 years or longer. With poor maintenance or improperly installed pipes a drainfield can fail in weeks, even days. On the average, a drainfield with a conventional septic system has a lifespan of approximately 20 years. Additional ways to keep a drainfield in optimum operation are 

• Never drive heavy equipment or machinery over a drainfield
• Never dump unsafe items in the septic system
• Use appropriate cleaning chemicals for routine maintenance
• Have septic system inspected and cleaned by a professional once a year minimum

Why is knowing how to find drainfield important?

If you have just purchased a property with a septic system, you may not know where the  drainfield is located. Before you get too comfortable with the layout of your new property, you need to locate the drainfield. It may need work to extend the life and any of the following can permanently damage your drainfield:

• Drive a car or heavy machinery over the lines will crush them.
• Building a driveway, house, shed, etc. over a drainfield will make repairs difficult. 
• Drainfield landscaping doesn’t exist if you want a proper working septic system. 

Unfortunately, this isn’t always easy. These three things can assist in locating your drainfield: 

1. Look at the yard. Ideally, there shouldn’t be any indication of a drainfield in your yard, but if you don’t know the property, you need to look. Extreme green grass or  dead grass can be indicators of a drainfield, as will depressed areas. 
2. Check the septic records from the previous owner, the permitting authority, the builder, designer, or  the installer. 
3. Probe the yard for gravel. Gravel is used to bury a drainfield’s lines. This is where wastewater treatment process is starts, so finding the gravel can be an indication where the drainfield is located. 

 Can a septic drain field be repaired?

When sewage is backing up into your house, or the backyard starts to stink, those are indications that you have either drainfield or septic system problems. Depending on what kind of problem you’re having, there are some big decisions to be made: repair or replace. 

A broken pipe can usually be patched, which can cost $200 to $300, maybe less. However, if the drainfield has damage, it can be repaired, for around $2,000 or up to $10,000.

Is drainfield failure irreparable? 

In most cases, when a drainfield fails, this usually means the lines have been broken or crushed. This means replacement of some of the lines or the entire system. Possibly, the drainfield could bee rejuvenated. What is drainfield rejuvenation? Drain field rejuvenation is a money saver when you compare the cost of replacing the drain field. What is involved in rejuvenation, aka a tune-up? 

• Proper tank pumping
• Cleaning the drain field lines by jetting
• Install a washing machine
• Insta effluent filters

 The importance of backflow prevention explained as it is a safety catch that keeps contaminants out of the clean, safe, treated water. Contaminants such as bacteria, gases, heavy metals, microorganisms, noxious chemicals and other pollutants and substance that can be dangerous to humans. A proper working backflow prevention system is key in keeping these dangerous and unwanted things from the public potable water system. 

A backflow prevention certification is required by the federal government of every state, and each state has jurisdiction of the cities, towns, and other water supply entities.  This certification is to prove that the governing entity has tested and passed all minimum requirements in protecting the public potable water supply from contamination or pollution possibilities with proper backflow prevention equipment and methods. They have done this by isolating actual and potential cross-connections from the public potable water supply system caused by back-pressure or back-siphonage backflow. 

Why do I need a backflow device?

The irrigation system on your property is a vital in the health of your lawn, however, things can go wrong with plumbing, like a backflow. That backflow will contaminate the water that is coming into your home unless there is a backflow preventer irrigation system installed. 

Not every city or local governing body has backflow preventers require in their building codes for businesses and homes. However, it is recommended by irrigation and plumbing professionals to have one installed even if it isn’t required. If you aren’t sure your home or business is equipped with a backflow preventer, a professional irrigation contractor cand inspect your plumbing system to locate one or install one if there isn’t a backflow preventer present. 

What are four types of backflow prevention devices?

There are two main types of backflow preventers. The Backflow Prevention Device that stops the reversal of flow of water in a plumbing system, which once installed, testing is not possible. The Backflow Prevention Assemblies that contains all the necessary shutoffs and valves testing. Within the Backflow Prevention Assemblies, there are four different types: 

• Pressure Vacuum Breakers: The PVB assembly is the most common backflow preventers and is designed in an intuitive and straightforward manner that is economical and easy use, maintain and repair. 
• Spill-Resistant Vacuum Breakers: The PVB described above does tend to lea water. This model of backflow preventer  is spill proof, ideal for installing indoor. 
• Double Check Valves: The DCVA is a common backflow prevention choice and is good for indoor and outdoor uses, commonly either installed in-line for underground.  
• Reduced Pressure Principle Backflow Assembly: The RP backflow prevention assembly is dependable and the safest on the market, with a higher price than the others. It needs to be installed by a professional that is backflow prevention certified and a routine maintenance inspection is recommended. 

What happens if backflow occurs?

Backflow contaminates clean water, a necessity for today’s lifestyles. With modern plumbing we have today, sanitation is better and waste removal keeps our world healthier and has assisted in the ratification of several diseases. Unfortunately, there are still possible backflow issues, which is why backflow preventers are important. They keep our clean water safe from contaminated water and wastewater. 

A check valve is used in a wide several applications like protecting filters, pumps, and other equipment from backflow damage. They stop a fire sprinkler system from draining with any elevation change, they provide pressure relief in applications with liquid or pneumatic fills, and more. Call 800-330-7686 today for your backflow testing and prevention needs in Fort Pierce and Port St. Lucie, Fl.

• The Size
  The size and scope of commercial drain cleaning and plumbing requires handling more people, more pipes, and more outlets. A business may require separate facilities for customers from their employees, which requires the ability to handle a bigger demand. 
• Multiple Floors
  Residential plumbing, for the most part, is a maximum of two floors. Commercial plumbing, like an office building, will have facilities on every floor with sinks and toilets. These multiple floors require the pipes and water pressure to be sufficient which needs a strong gravity pull, something a commercial plumber would have a better understanding. 
• Diversity of Problems
  The problems are basic for both residential and commercial plumbing and drain cleaning. However, commercial plumbing and drain cleaning has more issues that can be approached with more solutions. Commercial plumbing has more codes and standards that would never fit a residential setting. 

How do you clean a commercial drain?

For a plumber that services commercial properties, knowing how to unclog a commercial drain of different varieties is an absolute must.  You never know what kind of commercial drain cleaning you’ll be faced with when you take a service call.  

A restaurant’s kitchen sink is an essential part of its operation. When the sink drain is clogged in a restaurant, business almost comes to a standstill. Not as much because of the inconvenience, but the health codes they have to maintain.

A plumber that is assigned to commercial drain cleaning will approach the job with a commercial grade plumber auger first. The metal cable is placed down the drain and into the line where it breaks apart the clog and scrapes the pipe clean. The electric motors spins the metal cable, pushing it forward, building up torque that breaks the clog. They will then use a video camera and small screen TV to check the drain and pipe, making sure the snake got everything and no damage is done to the pipe. 

Will bleach unclog a drain?

For residential or commercial drain cleaning, bleach is not the product that will do the job. Use up to three-fourth of a cup to deodorize, sanitize, and kill germs in a drain, the run hot water in the drain for 3 to 5 minutes. However, bleach is not a drain cleaner as far as clogs. 

What do plumbers use to unclog drains?

There are three different tools a plumber will use for commercial drain cleaning in the kitchen or bathroom sinks: 

• DRAIN AUGER: The drain auger is a plumber’s best friend for residential or commercial drain cleaning of clogs. The commercial version is electric and has a long metal coil that is placed in the clogged sink. The motor is activated and the coil, working like a corkscrew, finds the clog and busts it up while scraping the sides of the pipes. 
• HYDRO-JETTER: Hydro-jetting is the process of forcing hot water into the drain so hard that it busts the clog up and pushes it on through This type commercial drain cleaning will blast through the buildup of food, grease, soap scum, and more. 
• VIDEO EQUIPMENT: This process is typically used after the above two methods did not clear the clog. The plumber will place a long fiber optic cable into the clogged drain. This will display pictures on a miniature video camera. The camera displays a picture of the drain on a tiny television. The plumber is able to see what is causing the clog or if the plumbing is broken. 

Can snaking a drain damage pipes?

Playing with snakes is dangerous, including using a plumber snake for residential or commercial drain cleaning.  They are available at retail home improvement centers, and you should follow the directions exactly has the manufacturer states. If not used properly, yes, a plumber’s snake can cause severe damage to the pipes. 

For a clog that you can’t clear using a plumber snake, call a plumber. They have professional size snakes they use on residential and commercial drain cleaning jobs. They are typically bigger and stronger, and if not in untrained hands can be extremely dangerous. 

How to unclog commercial toilet

When it comes to commercial drain cleaning service for the toilet, it is done much like unclogging the toilet in a residential setting, often the culprits are the same: overabundance of toilet paper or feminine products. 

In most cases, the basic toilet plunger will clear the clog, but the plumber will also have the same commercial grade plumber auger with the metal cable. The same process is used as it is for the commercial drain cleaning of kitchen sink. 

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. 

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.

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.

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. 

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!