Tools of the Trade Texas AgriLife Extension Service

Overview of Presentation  Several tools assist in providing operation, maintenance and monitoring of onsite wastewater treatment systems.  Tools and equipment need to match service to be provided.

Tools  An assortment of tools will assist in conducting operation and maintenance service. A listing of potential items will be presented with regard to testing and diagnosis, manufacturer required specialty tools, common hand tools, and cleanup equipment.

Testing and Diagnosis  Scum hook  Measuring tape  Dissolved oxygen meter or test kit  pH meter or test kit  Thermometer  Pressure/vacuum gauge for air flow  Chlorine DPD field test kit (Not a swimming pool kit. It must be able to measure down to 0.1 mg/L total chlorine)

Testing and Diagnosis Continued  Graduated container for solids sampling tests  Laboratory samples Sample containers Sample containers Sample labels Sample labels Cooler to transport samples Cooler to transport samples  Profile probe – common brand name products are marketed as a Sludge judge or a Dip Stick  Float hook  Hand mirror for viewing tank interiors  Timing device (watch or stop watch)

Manufacturer Required Specialty Tools  The manufacturer may require certain tools that must be used to maintain their system. If you are certified to maintain a proprietary device, please be familiar with all guidelines.

Common Hand Tools  Screwdrivers  Cordless drill and bit set  Shovel with insulated handles  Specialized tools for safety screws

Cleanup Equipment  Portable pumps (such as a small utility sump pump)  Small nylon broom with long handle  Broom  Open 5 gallon Buckets  Tarp for placing soil on, collecting debris  Plastic trash can for storing/collecting contaminated debris  Spare trash bags  Hose with backflow prevention device and nozzle  Skimmer net for removing floating solids

Supplies  An assortment of supplies will assist in conducting operation and maintenance service. A listing of potential supplies needed to perform the duties includes:  Permit/as-built plans/specs  Clip board/O&M forms/pencil  Pen and notebook  Calculator  Flash light  Digital Camera

Supplies Continued  Safety and personal protection: Rubber gloves Leather gloves Safety glasses, goggles, face shields Bucket/chlorine Wash water Coveralls Waterless hand cleaner Waterless hand cleaner Disinfecting wipes Disinfecting wipes Chlorine in spray container Chlorine in spray container First-aid kit First-aid kit Rubber boots Rubber boots Rubber or plastic apron Rubber or plastic apron

Parts  The service provider must be able to perform the necessary service that is needed at the time of the visit. An assortment of parts will assist in conducting maintenance and repair service and they are listed below.

Manufacturer Specified Parts for Field Service  Each manufacturer’s products have components that need maintenance when conducting a service call. When working through the certification process with a manufacturer you will need to identify the specific items that need to be carried for these products. In general you need to identify the items that fall into these two categories: Miscellaneous component parts for unit being serviced Miscellaneous component parts for unit being serviced Appropriate replacement parts for specific technologies and proprietary devices that are regularly serviced Appropriate replacement parts for specific technologies and proprietary devices that are regularly serviced

Manufacturer Specific Supplies

Miscellaneous Electrical Fittings  Electrical tape  Spare fuses or breakers  Spare light bulbs  Watertight wire nuts  Nylon wire ties  Multi-meter  Wire soap for lubricating wire during replacement  Duct seal  Liquid tape for sealing connections  Anti-oxidizing compound for application to electrical connections  GFCI drop cord  Electrical wire  Junction box  Breakers Please check local electrical code. The parts needed may include the following:

Plastic Pipe Fittings and Miscellaneous Parts  PVC glue and primer  PVC adapters and common fittings  Silicone sealant  Miscellaneous screws and washers  WD-40  Brakes cleaner/ Electronics cleaner  Ram neck  Petroleum jelly to lubricate O-rings and grommets  Duct tape  Schrader valve

Organizing Tools for the Job

How much will you do as a homeowner?  Probably  Tools  Testing & Diagnostic DPD chlorine & sludge judge DPD chlorine & sludge judge  Manufacturer specific tools & supplies  Common hand tools  Clean up equipment  Supplies & parts  Not Probable  Electrical Supplies  Plastic pipe fittings  Miscellaneous Parts

Summary  These tools will assist you in performing your maintenance activities.  Having the right tools for the job will save you time.  Safety is important