Prevent Fatbergs Wreaking Havoc on Your Facilities
Fatbergs are a significant - and messy - issue lurking in our sewer systems and pits, with a tendency to be rife in urban areas (particularly those with aging infrastructure) and they are especially troublesome during the Summer. But, the good news is there's preventative measures you can take to avoid the formation of fatbergs before they even become a problem!
What are Fatbergs?
Fatbergs are solid masses that form from any non-biodegradable materials that shouldn't get flushed or poured down drains, but do — things like wet wipes, sanitary products, and cooking fats, oils, and grease (FOG).
These materials don’t break down naturally, instead binding together. As more debris gets trapped, these masses grow in size and will harden over time. They can create stubborn blockages that restrict the water flow in your building and cause serious disruptions.
The Impact on Submersible Building Pumps
When a fatberg forms, it can obstruct the flow of wastewater, putting immense strain on submersible pumps. The result can be system failures, overflows, and even severe flooding.
We've attended numerous callouts whereby clients are experiencing these types of issues as a result of fatbergs, and we've seen so many more problems that come alongside these blockages - such as unpleasant smells and pests like flies!
Most clients only become aware of these fatbergs once their system fails, by which point the build-up is so severe that tanks may be the only solution to remove them. As fatbergs continue to grow in size and frequency, these tank services will likely be required more regularly, leading to increased maintenance costs, hassle arranging access, and potential downtime.
Extreme example - World Beneath Our Feet:
Why Summer is Particularly Challenging
Think of all these issues, and now throw warmer temperatures into the mix. 🥵
When temperatures are higher, FOG will become more liquid, allowing it to spread more easily through wastewater systems. As these substances cool down in the pipes, they solidify. The contrast between the warm outside temperature and the cooler underground pipes accelerates the process.
Here are some additional factors that contribute to the spread of fatbergs in Summer:
Outdoor Cooking: it's a popular time for barbecues and outdoor events such as festivals and food markets, which often results in more cooking fats and oils being improperly disposed of down drains.
Decomposition of Organic Waste: higher temperatures mean organic waste decomposes more rapidly, and as this waste breaks down in the sewers, it can combine with FOG and other substances to form fatbergs more quickly.
Slower Water Flow: in some areas, water flow in sewer systems can be slower during summer due to less rainfall, which allows fat, grease, and other debris more time to accumulate and harden, increasing the likelihood of fatberg formation.
Preventative Measures: Investing in Quality Pump Systems and PPM
Now that we've covered why fatbergs are so troublesome, here's how you can avoid them!
Invest in a good quality pump
This is one of the most effective measures. Put simply, a decent and well-functioning pump system will be able to handle and effectively manage waste - preventing the build-up of fatbergs.
Intelligent pumps are emerging in the market that offer self-cleaning capabilities for an extra layer of protection, minimising the risk of debris accumulation in the pit.
Implement a PPM regime on Submersible Pumps
Another critical step is implementing a planned preventative maintenance regime. Regular maintenance checks can help identify and address potential blockages, avoiding the costly disruptive process of removing large fatbergs and the damage they can cause.
Next Steps to Mitigate Risk of Fatbergs
Don't let fatbergs ruin your Summer! These formations are becoming a growing problem across the world, but with the right pumps and effective maintenance, you can keep these blockages from causing chaos in your building’s wastewater system.
At deckpro pumps, we’re all about helping you stay one step ahead. Whether it’s investing in quality pumps, looking into intelligent technology, or setting up a solid PPM schedule, we’re here to make sure your system runs smoothly and you avoid the unpleasant surprises that fatbergs can bring.
Get in touch with us to find out more.
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