Fighting Winter’s Effects on Sewage Systems

Roofs, siding, and roads typically take a beating when Old Man Winter arrives. Not a lot of people, however, are aware that cold weather can seriously affect sewage systems as well.

Septic systems are susceptible to freezing at wintertime, causing them to back up. Frozen septic systems not only hinder sewage flow, but they are also more likely to emit unpleasant odors.

Benefits Offered by a Street Sweeper

Street sweeping has many benefits, such as the removal of waste and debris that collect in the gutters. These machines collect waste product that often go unnoticed or are unable to be detected by human eye. An Elgin street sweeper has been proven as one of the best machines used for waste management.

The benefits go beyond visual appeal. Encouraging the use of street sweepers will contribute greatly to the safety of the community. Here are some advantages they bring:

Public Safety
Safety of all people in the community is a top priority. Street sweepers allow the removal of debris, which lessens the occurrence of skids and collisions on the road. Excess debris is not only unsightly, but creates a hazard for pedestrians, runners and cyclists. It can cause them to swerve into the roadway to avoid these items, only making them vulnerable to get hit by drivers who are caught unaware.

Environmental Concerns

It also helps keep waterways, wetlands and other surroundings clean. Leaving hazardous waste products poses a threat to the environment and the wildlife. Roadside trash attracts animals and may cause them major illness or death.

Automobile Preservation

Keeping debris off the roads causes less harm to passing vehicles. Objects thrown under the vehicle can cause devastating damage which result in costly repairs for the owner.

Why Your Neighborhood Needs Street Sweeping

Roads in any community collect dust, debris, and garbage almost every day. From garbage scattered by stray animals to soil and mud left by passing vehicles, roads are in a constant battle against dirt and its harmful effect. Dirt and debris not only make roads look messy, but they can also degrade their integrity. Furthermore, garbage left on the roads can go straight into the drainage system, either clogging the sewers and causing floods or emptying into the nearest river or lake.

The History behind the Street Sweeper

Unless you’ve literally never been out of your house in your life, there’s a good chance that you’ve seen those hulking, noisy street sweepers that roam either your quiet neighborhood or your city’s bustling streets. But have you ever wondered how the use of those contraptions began?

Effective Deployment of Street Sweepers

A street sweeper, specifically an Elgin street sweeper, will be an effective tool to thoroughly clean the pavements in your community. Suppose you’re eyeing to purchase a number of units and are preparing them for action upon delivery. How can they be used to their fullest potential? There are a number of ways to achieve it. Here are some tips:

Bigger is Better

Consult your street sweeper provider about available units with the largest volume in stock, specifically high-dump models. According to professionals, this eases the labor in collecting the debris for later disposal. Two large-capacity dump trucks must be deployed for every cleaning job or schedule. 

Behind the Wheel

For all of the sweeper’s rigorous specifications and top-notch performance, it can’t get there if the operator’s competence is not up to par. As such, you must consult your street sweeper dealer or other colleagues if they can recommend drivers who have experience in operating the kind of street sweeper you acquired. Moreover, if you have seasoned veterans under employ, they should be tasked to train less-experienced people on your crew. The said training or education must involve achieving full familiarity with all of the sweeper components, especially for dedicated maintenance personnel.

Keeping Tabs

Implement record-keeping practices to better catalog the performance of each sweep crew. Determine if there are enough vehicles to work the streets and set aside those that need downtime.

A well-managed street sweeping team is a step in the right direction to clean up your community.  

Making Sure Your Vactor Truck Lasts a Long Time

A vactor truck is a big expense that construction companies and municipalities consider its purchase part of their investments. Any investment that is made require that the purchase be maintained so as to have any lasting value. Considering the importance of a vactor truck to owners, to a municipality’s sanitation needs, for example, it is always wise to keep the equipment in good shape through regular maintenance and replacement of old and faulty parts.

Other approaches are also important. Properly shut down the truck at the end of the day. That also means emptying the truck’s water system through its drain valves. Debris collected through the day should also be cleared. These procedures ensure that a truck is ready for the next day.

Always perform a weekly maintenance check. All fluid levels should be checked to make sure that there are no leaks. A complete cleansing of the debris tank should also help ensure that nothing organic is left behind to damage the material’s integrity. A check on cyclone screens should ensure that the parts remain in good condition.

Monthly checks of the electrical, hydraulics, and hoses should be done. This helps locate any leaks, cracks, or punctures that can cause problems later. The regular check-ups prevent any possible contamination of the hydraulic fluid. An annual flushing of the hydraulic system should also be in place, just as filters should be changed timely for the truck to perform at peak levels. These maintenance precautions help ensure that your truck should keep itself in service to you for a long time.

The Different Functions of a Street Sweeper

Street sweeper trucks hold the important function of cleaning roads and streets that people drive or walk on. While a very simple and straightforward purpose, the street sweeper use many tools to fulfill this. Water sprays, vacuums, and brushes, are among the mechanisms for tidying roads. Other versions even use jets of air to remove dirt and debris from the road.

Lodi Receives Loan for the Pelican, a Trusty Elgin Street Sweeper

    The two-year loan will be paid off in two increments in 2015 and 2016, but there is not a penalty for paying it off early. It has a 2.5 percent interest rate.”

Lodi’s city officials definitely made the right choice in picking the Pelican, a dependable Elgin street sweeper model that is currently celebrating its 100th anniversary. However, just how good is the Pelican model to last for such a long time, and be entrusted with the task of keeping Lodi’s streets sparkling? Read on to find out.

http://haaker.com/lodi-receives-loan-for-the-pelican-a-trusty-elgin-street-sweeper/

Slow and Steady: The Street Sweeping Doctrine

Street sweepers aren’t exactly the fastest rides on the road. Then again, why would they need to be? You would want to stay for a longer period on one spot to make sure it’s spotless.

As always, the speed-accuracy trade-off comes to mind. Public utilities, just like companies, run on time; the longer they take in doing their job, the more impatient the public grows over certain inconveniences. However, cleaners also want to make sure they did everything according to plan. If the same problem occurs a second time, they know they did something wrong.

For street sweepers, compromise is the key. Experts say the optimal forward speed for street cleaning with these sophisticated vehicles is at 5 mph, which is as fast as running. This ensures balance between the time it takes to clean the roads and the quality of work done. To be able to adapt to various conditions, experts set the ideal speed range between 3 and 7 mph.

At such speeds, many say it may take more than two weeks to clean an entire city or town. Public utilities often weigh the cost of operating a street sweeper with the time it takes them to clean the city or town. The average cost per mile plays at around $100. This includes, but are not limited to, the pay for the street sweeper operators and maintenance of the unit.

When Your Sewerage Needs Help from a Vactor Truck

Sewage systems play a crucial role in any community, as they guide water, storm overflows, and different kinds of waste away from the community toward treatment plants. Since sewage brings different health hazards, it should be carried away effectively. Sometimes, though, this becomes difficult as sewers get all clogged up over the years. Clearing the blockage is one tall order and a vacuum cleaning truck should be utilized for the job.

Vacuum trucks, particularly the ones coming from leading manufacturers like Vactor, double as vacuum units and wash trucks to effectively dislodge all the waste that have accumulated and hardened in pipework. These machines shoot high-pressure water, which softens all the debris and allows it to be vacuumed out of the sewage system. Furthermore, these heavy equipment are built to withstand even the toughest conditions and penetrate the most challenging spaces.

Clogged sewers that are left unattended even for just a few days could spell big problems for any community. Even a minor sewer drain clog can result in having toilets that are hard to flush, and sinks that can't seem to drain the water out. To address sewer blockages, community leaders and other stakeholders should work hand-in-hand and hire trusted professionals equipped with the right equipment to resolve the issue.

sins.

Additionally, they are able to cut and dispose of tree roots that have reached into sewers. For gathering all accumulated waste, they are equipped with a giant tank, which is able to store the waste temporarily until it is brought to the appropriate place of disposal.

Given the abilities of these super machines, it doesn't come as a surprise that communities and municipalities pay hundreds of thousands of dollars just to have their very own unit.

Tips for Purchasing a Used Street Sweeper

Street sweepers are important because they keep the roads free from unsightly trash. Apart from the aesthetic advantages these vehicles present, street sweepers keep roads safe for travel by removing dangerous debris that can cause road accidents. 

This equipment can get a bit pricey, however, so many people in need of it opt to purchase a used unit instead. There is nothing wrong with this, especially if the sweeper is still in great condition. Before purchasing a used street sweeper, however, take the time to inspect the vehicle: 

Cleaning Power 

Measure the area you intend to use the sweeper on to determine how powerful a machine you will need. After finding the right fit, be sure to check the integrity of the sweeper section of the vehicle. Be on the lookout for any cracks, rust, and other signs of damage. 

Safety Features 

Street sweepers have very bulky frames which can present a safety hazard for passers-by and other vehicles. That said, make sure that all movement alarms and warning signs function properly. These features are especially important if you plan to use the sweeper during the early morning and the night. 

Engine Condition 

 Street sweepers use robust engines capable of moving the heavy machine effortlessly. A poor engine can easily impede proper cleaning and increase the time necessary to finish a job. That said, have an experienced mechanic assess the condition of the engine before you purchase the sweeper.

Street Clutter – Who Ya Gonna Call? Street Sweepers!

Ever wondered where street debris end up and who (or what) cleans them? Two words: street sweepers. Get to know the machines behind your streets' daily unclogging project.

Street sweepers go as far back as the Industrial Revolution. Its inventor, however, remains a point of debate. Some researchers say that the first fully-mechanized street sweeper was invented in 1849 by C.S. Bishop. However, this fact is contested by the claim that C.B. Brookes, inventor of the paper puncher, was the first one to introduce the vehicle in 1896.

Common Types to Look Into when Looking for a Street Sweeper for Sale

Waterless Dust Control

This equipment relies on a fan and filter system combined with a mechanical broom attachment. It doesn’t use water, so it’s an excellent choice for sweeping streets in freezing temperatures, not to mention these can also be used in industrial applications like removing cement and water-reactive compounds.

Companies like HAAKER can provide you with a quality street sweeper; you only need to know which one suits your specific application preferences. Moreover, while you’re at it, you should also look into trusted brands like the Elgin street sweeper line, as they are commonly known to be durable and efficient.

http://haaker.com/common-types-look-looking-street-sweeper-sale/

Solution for CA’s Polluted Waterways

Water might be one of the world’s most widely available resources, but creating safe, potable water isn’t always free nor endlessly accessible, which explains the shortage problem plaguing populous and sprawling states like California. What exactly can state government and locals do to help prevent this problem from escalating any further?

Water pollution is caused by many factors; one of these is the accumulation of waste or junk collected from streets and gutters. When these roadway pollutants enter the waterways, they eventually reach creeks, beaches, bays and rivers. The result can be deadly not only to the marine habitat, but also to the drinking water system.

One of the most effective ways to eliminate road trash and debris such as leaves, paper, or other particles found in gutters, is street sweeping. This method improves air quality and prevents pollutants from entering stormwater systems and streams.

A street sweeper works by using forced air and a high-powered vacuum unit to collect particles or dirt. When high pressure air is blown onto the road, the vacuum lifts the particles and sends them into the machine's hopper. These machines are also recommended for general street maintenance to improve the quality of stormwater runoff.

Benefits of Street Sweeping

Street sweeping doesn't only beautify an area, but offers greater benefits like protecting people from danger. By being educated about the benefits of street sweeping, you make yourself more knowledgeable and aware about the safety that it offers.

Here are some benefits that come with street sweeping:

• Prevents sewage problems – This is probably the main concern of street sweeping. Gutters accumulate debris on a day-to-day basis. When properly cleaned and maintained, gutters effectively prevent floods, sewer clogging, and a smoother water run-off.
• Environmental – Another benefit of street sweeping is that it removes the particles and hazardous waste emitted by vehicles. These particles can combine with other debris and become unhealthy when ingested and mixed in the environment.
• Safety to pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists – Aside from being unsightly objects, construction and roadway debris can also be a cause of accidents. Pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists will have to swerve in order to avoid debris, and when this happens, may cause heavy injuries and damages to both vehicles and edifices.
• Less damage to vehicles from road debris – Some debris on the road can cause damages to automobiles, and one of the most common is abrasion in the vehicle's finish. Furthermore, some items may also cause undercoating issues.

Why A Good Sewer System is Important

Believe it or not, sewers play a key role in keeping a community a livable place. Sewers are responsible for your home's wastewater disposal and sanitation concerns. Without a good, clean and working sewer, you may have to install and maintain a septic system which can be costly and time-consuming.

Sewers can help preserve water quality and make water safe for drinking. Unlike septic tanks and other rustic systems that can affect supply, a proper sewer system in place can control, treat and recycle wastewater, negating serious health problems that dirty water may pose.

Apart from wastewater management, sewers can also serve as disposal systems for rainwater and storm water runoff. When water enters a storm drain, it will be directed to the sewer system that prevents it from accumulating and causing urban flooding.

Furthermore, sanitary sewers in major cities prevent dirty water from contaminating the environment. They serve as a conduit to carry polluted water to sewage treatment plants for the removal of harmful waste before it is released again into the environment.

With sewers playing an important role, it is then necessary to have them cleaned so they can continue to function well for the sake of our environment.

Tips on Keeping Your Sewers Clean

When your home’s sewer system fails, you could be in for nothing less than a filthy, smelly mess — so it’s important that you always keep it clean and well-maintained. In some cases, you can hire reputable companies to rent you a vactor truck, but if you can’t afford to do this regularly, you can always try out one or two of these tips:

Screen Your Sinks

Educate yourself and your family about the proper use of your plumbing fixtures like the kitchen sink and toilet. Make sure that only human waste and water (some kitchen sinks are built with equipment that can dice and shred certain food items) goes through to the sewers, lest you will have a clog.

The Big Flush

At least once a week, fill every sink all the way to the brim with water. Then, having family members and friends help you out, simultaneously pull all the stoppers. This should fill all the pipes with water and pressure, washing away any obstructions or building clogs.

Cleanout Plug Flush

Should you have reason to believe that your sewage pipes are already blocked, look for the cleanout plugs for the pipes. Remove the plug and push a plumber’s snake down through it. The snake should clean the pipes’ sides and free them of obstructions.

Elgin Street Sweeper For Sale Might Help Solve California Water Crisis

Water pollution is caused by many factors and one of them is the accumulation of waste or junk collected from streets and gutters. When these roadway pollutants enter waterways, they eventually reach creeks, beaches, bays and rivers. The result can be deadly not only to the marine habitat, but also to the drinking water system. One of the most effective ways to eliminate road trash and debris such as leaves, paper or other particles found in gutters, is street sweeping. This method improves air quality and prevents pollutants from entering stormwater systems and streams. A street sweeper works by using forced air and a high-powered vacuum unit to collect particles or dirt. When high pressure air is blown onto the road, the vacuum lifts the particles and sends them into the machine's hopper. The Elgin Street Sweeper is an example of a sweeping unit that can handle gutter trash and light materials such as grass, dirt, sand or small litter.

http://haaker.com/elgin-street-sweeper-sale-might-help-solve-california-water-crisis/

History of Mechanical Street Sweepers

The mechanical type of street sweeper may not be as old as the streets they are cleaning, but it may be a surprise to some that this equipment dates back to the 19^th Century.

In fact, it was in March 17, 1896 that C.B. Brooks invented the very first street sweeper. During his time, streets were cleaned by workers who manually picked up trash and used brooms to sweep the streets. His invention consisted of a truck that had brushes that pushed debris on the side of the road. However, some people also claim that it was C.S. Bishop who invented the first mechanical street sweeper in September 4, 1849, which had rotating disks and/or drums that were covered with wire bristles.

During the fall of 1911, John M. Murphy called the office of the American Tower and Tank Company in Elgin, Illinois about his plan of building a motor driven street sweeper. The company then decided to hire John M. Murphy because of his plan, and then started the Elgin Sweeper Company.

It was only during the early 20^th century that automobile became widely available in the US, but street sweepers were already in the scene before this. In 1914, city officials in Boise, Idaho bought the first ever Elgin street sweeper, and since then, the company has been a familiar name in the industry. 

The Ever-changing Street Sweeper

The Industrial Revolution caught on with the United States gradually, but when it became widespread, the manufacturing sector displaced many people whose skills could be replicated by machinery more efficiently. However, the introduction of the mechanical sweeper in both England and the United States in the 1840s did not replace the human street sweeper, largely because the innovation did not seem anything revolutionary back then,

Things changed with the introduction of a motor-driven pickup street sweeper by Elgin Sweeper in Illinois, which was first purchased in Boise, Idaho in 1913 right after a demonstration. For Boise's street commissioner, the selling point was the amount the city would save. A horse-drawn sweeper would cost $2,716.77 more. Patents to an enhanced version of the original sweeper were not filed and issued until 1917.

It was in the 1970s, however, when the street sweepers received a major upgrade. Until then, the sweeper can only collect large particles such as fallen leaves and various urban refuse. The roads looked neat, but they remain dirty with smaller particles that mix with rainwater when showers come.

Therefore, it was the need to minimize pollution in water collected by storm drains that pushed the street sweepers of today to be more sophisticated and effective as they are now able to collect small particles of debris. Nowadays, Elgin street sweepers are also equipped with water tanks and sprayers to help the sweeping devices to reduce dust.