The Closet Auger

Probably one of the most useful tools in the UT's arsenal is the closet auger. This is a pretty good video that demonstrates how to use the closet auger.

Cross-Connection

Cross-connection is when there is a possibility of sewage or other contaminates of entering the water supply. This is an important concept for a UT to know.

Check out this article, it has good information:


Prevalence of Cross-Connections in Household Plumbing Systems

Courtesy of: www.watts.com

Backflow

Here is an interesting article relating to backflow. As a UT, backflow prevention is an often misunderstood concept that we really need to understand to fulfill our roles as protectors of the health of the force.

Stop Backflow News

Courtesy of: www.watts.com

Plastic Pipe Installation and Technical Manual

Below is a link to a Plastic Pipe Installation and Technical Manual.

http://www.charlottepipe.com/Documents/PL_Tech_Man/ABS_PVC_pipe_fittings-TM.pdf

From Charlotte Pipe and Foundary Company. This is a real insteresting and handy thing to have around.

The Ground

One of the most important things that a UT should know is the ground. I have spent a good many years in trenchs and holes fixing and installing pipes. In addition a UT, needs to know about the hydrologic cycle and perculation. The graphic below shows the typical layers of dirt.

The Difference Between Storm Water and Sanitary Sewer

There is a difference between storm water collection and sewage collection, most people do not know the difference. Each system should be seperated and treated differently. The problem is that during high rain situations, the waste water plant can be overwhelmed, this almost guarantees that sewage will be released into the environment. Even the debris from a drain system can cause a sewage treatment plant to go off balance, again increasing the possibility of sewage release.

Below is an article that brushes this situation:

Keeping the Water Clean -- By Aram Kalousdian, Editor

Capture Kitchen Grease

Here is an interest publication about kitchen grease...the bane of plumber's existence. During my time as an UT, I have had more than my fair share run in with kitchen grease.

This article is published by the Plumbing and Drainage Institute.

Capture Kitchen Grease

Septic Tank Maintenance

Septic Tank Maintenance