Vacuum Systems
Vacuum System Operating Guidelines
| DO control excessive water discharge from your home to the vacuum system. Your vacuum manhole/valve may be shared by as many as four connections. Water output from multiple fixtures can exceed the capacity and cause a sewage back-up. Controlling excessive discharge from your home will reduce the potential for sewage back-ups.. |
| DO call MLWSA at 877-806-3741 if your fixture traps are dried out, if you are experiencing odors from your drains, or if you hear constant air movement at/near a house drain, system air vent or vacuum pit. |
| DO ensure the grade around your vacuum pit slopes away from the pit. |
| DO be aware that maintenance of the plumbing from the home/business to the vacuum pit is the responsibility of the property owner. |
| DO NOT introduce the following materials into your vacuum pit: Kitchen related – grease and seafood shells. Bathroom – dental floss, large amounts of hair, sanitary napkins, tampons/applicators, condoms, baby or adult wipes, disposable or cloth diapers, orthodontic or other rubber bands. Miscellaneous. Household - elastic, “Swiffer” type cloths, glass, rope/string, cat litter, aquarium gravel, or other abrasives. Construction related – sand, steel wool, metal or wood shavings, lapping compound, sawdust, screws/staples/nails, drywall compound, dust from drywall installation, grout, rags or paint (latex and/or acrylic). Chemicals – liquid drain cleaners, dark room chemicals, explosives, gasoline or other flammable/combustible materials. |
| DO NOT attempt to make vacuum system repairs yourself. |
| DO NOT attempt connecting to a vacuum sewer without the proper approvals and permits. |
| DO NOT excavate (by hand or machine) near the vacuum pit before underground utilities are located and marked. Phone MISS DIG at 811 or 1-800-482-7171, at least 72 hours in advance of any digging. |
| DO NOT connect water softeners, downspouts, sump pumps or storm drains to the vacuum pit, or allow any other surface water to get into the vacuum pit. |
| DO NOT drive on the vacuum pit cover. You will damage your vacuum pit accessway. |