This feature in Pumper reports noteworthy conversations that take place at the Pumper Discussion Forum, an online forum for industry professionals found at www.pumper.com. Pumper Discussion enables exchange of information and ideas on septic and drainfield installation and maintenance, trucks and equipment, portable sanitation, chemical and additives and much more. Information and advice in “Overheard Online” is offered in good faith by industry professionals. However, readers should consult in depth with appropriate industry sources before applying such advice to a specific business situation.

Question:
Has anyone had a lid fall in the tank? Any quick ideas or systems for getting them out? I was working with a lid that weighed 100 pounds. It didn’t go in but was close, and that would have ruined my day.

Answers:
Use rope, make a self-tightening loop and try to get it tied onto the lid and lift it up enough to get a hook on it. This is easier with two people. No matter how you slice it though, it’s a difficult job.

If the lid can possibly fall in during removal, it’s time to sell the customer a replacement lid that cannot fall in. I would at least put in writing on the invoice that you are not responsible if it falls in during a service call, and that it should be replaced for their safety.

Install a riser and leave the old lid in the tank.

Question:
What do you charge for providing and pumping holding tanks in the 200- to 300-gallon range for construction trailers?

Answers:
We charge $100 per month for an Imperial 1,250-gallon tank when we pump. Hook-up is extra.

We charge $45 for rental, $35 for delivery and 49 cents per gallon to pump. We measure each tank and charge for only what we pump.