In this video, we'll review the proper way to empty the waste tank from a typical Service Sanitation pumper truck.
To get started, you'll first need to park your truck near the final pump-out location. This is typically a bulk tanker which can be found at any one of our various yards across the region. When approaching, you're going to want to get within 10 to 15 feet away from the rear of the bulk tanker.
Close all valves
After you've properly parked your truck, you'll want to keep the engine running. Next, you'll exit your vehicle and verify that all the waste valves on your truck are flipped to the close position. You'll also want to make sure the intake valve and the air bleeder valve on the rear of the bulk tanker are closed as well.
Visually Confirm Room
Once you've confirmed all the valves are closed, you'll then need to confirm there's enough room inside the tanker to handle your current load. Failing to do so could overload the tanker causing a hazardous spill. To do this, you'll need to look at the sight bubble on the rear of the tanker or climb on top of the tanker and look into the hatch to visually confirm there is indeed enough room.
Set the Drip Pans
Now that you've confirmed there is enough room inside the tanker for your load, you'll want to place a drip pan under the discharge valve of your truck and also under the inlet valve of the tanker to catch any runoff that could occur.
Connect the Hoses
Once the drip pans are in position, it's time to remove the caps from your trucks discharge valve and the inlet valve from the bulk tanker. You'll then locate the 4 inch hose which can often be found near the rear of the bulk tanker. Before you connect the hose, be sure to visually inspect the inside to ensure there is a black rubber gasket. If the hose is missing this ring, do not use it. You'll need to contact dispatch to have them fix the hose prior to dumping. If you've confirmed the rubber gasket is indeed in place, you'll want to connect the hose to the discharge valve on the pumper truck and also the inlet valve on the rear of the bulk tanker.
Check for Leaks
Once you've connected the hose ends, you'll want to firmly pull on each end to make sure they're secure. If all checks out, you'll then open the release valve on the tanker and then on the truck. As you do this, watch the hose connections to make sure there are no leaks. If you notice a leak, immediately close the valves on the tanker and then on the truck to prevent any further leakage that could occur.
Activate PTO
Once both release valves are open, you'll want to switch your trucks pump lever from vacuum to pressure and then activate your truck's PTO. By doing this, your trucks pump will then work to build pressure inside the waste tank. This additional pressure will be used to help push the waste from the truck into the tanker. This process should only take a few minutes and it's important that you monitor the equipment at all times.
Disconnect
As the tank begins to clear out, you'll notice the hose on the ground begin to wiggle. This is an easy way to identify that your truck is almost empty. After a short wiggle the hose will then stop moving. This means waste is no longer flowing from your truck and It's time to close the inlet valve on the tanker. Once you close the inlet valve on the tanker, you'll need to shut down the pump by tuning off your trucks PTO.
Now that you've shut down the pump, you'll want to turn your trucks waste lever from pressure to vacuum. While you're doing this, make sure you leave the lever in the neutral position for a few seconds to release any pressure that may still be in the tank. After the pressure has been released, go ahead and pull the waste lever back into the vacuum position and reactivate your trucks PTO.
With the PTO pump now acting as a vacuum, you'll want to work on emptying any remaining debris that may still be in the hose before disconnecting. To do this, you'll need to open the air bleeder valve which is often located next to the main inlet valve on the bulk tanker. This will allow air into the lines so you can vacuum any remaining debris that may still be in the hose.
After you've confirmed the hose is clear, you can then close the discharge valve on your truck and turn off the PTO. You'll then close the bleeder valve on the tanker making sure It's ready for the next driver. With the PTO now turned off and all the valves close, you are free to disconnect the four inch waste hose from the truck and from the tanker.
Secondary Tank and Oil Separator
The last step of this process is to drain the oil separator and secondary tank. To do this, you'll need to relocate the drip pan from the discharge valve and place it under each of these components. These two components are often found on the side of your truck and each will have their own drain valve. Don't be alarmed if a large amount of oil drains during this process. This is completely normal and is needed to help you maintain suction throughout the day. Once each of these components is drained, you'll need to dispose of this oil at a near by oil collection container. Or, if you're in the field, you may need to repump this waste back into your truck as a last resort.