Tools of the Trade

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Tools of the Trade

• Texas AgriLife Extension Service

2
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.

3
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.

4
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)

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Testing and Diagnosis Continued

• Graduated container for solids sampling tests
• Laboratory samples
• Sample containers
• Sample labels
• 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)

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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.

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Common Hand Tools

• Screwdrivers
• Cordless drill and bit set
• Shovel with insulated handles
• Specialized tools for safety screws

8
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

9
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/OM forms/pencil
• Pen and notebook
• Calculator
• Flash light
• Digital Camera

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Supplies Continued

• Safety and personal protection

• Rubber gloves
• Leather gloves
• Safety glasses, goggles, face shields
• Bucket/chlorine
• Wash water
• Coveralls

• Waterless hand cleaner
• Disinfecting wipes
• Chlorine in spray container
• First-aid kit
• Rubber boots
• Rubber or plastic apron

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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.

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Manufacturer Specified Parts for Field Service

• Each manufacturers 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
• Appropriate replacement parts for specific
  technologies and proprietary devices that are
  regularly serviced

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Manufacturer Specific Supplies
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Miscellaneous Electrical Fittings
Please check local electrical code. The parts
needed may include the following

• 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

15
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

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Organizing Tools for the Job
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How much will you do as a homeowner?

• Probably
• Tools
• Testing Diagnostic
• 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

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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