We’ve been writing the Truck Corner column for many years. So we’ve been surrounded by portable restroom truck drivers and owners of portable sanitation companies for many years. During that time, we’ve seen trucks come into our shop with broken, plugged and collapsed vacuum tanks. And we’ve developed a list of the basic maintenance issues facing PROs across the country. Are you up to speed on the basic tank checks required to keep your truck running smoothly and profitably? Do we have your attention now?
Take this simple test and let’s see how you measure up. Be bold and brave; fill in the blanks with a pen. After all, who needs to erase?
1. What brand of pump is on your truck? ______________________________________
(please don’t answer, “A great big blue one or a green one”).
2. OK, maybe you know the brand. Exactly what model is it? _______________________________________________ After all, when you need parts for your pump, you are going to need to know “exactly” which pump it is. Different models of pumps from the same manufacturers don’t necessarily use the same parts.
3. When was the last time you opened up your primary shutoff to check its condition?
a. ______ Six months ago
b. ______ Never
c. ______ 30 days ago
d. ______ One year ago
e. ______ What’s a primary shutoff?
4. Do you know the difference between the pressure relief valve and the vacuum relief valve?
Yes _______ No _______
5. When was the last time you tested your vacuum relief valve?
a. _____Yesterday
b. _____ 6 months
c. _____ 7 days ago
d. _____ 30 days ago
e. _____ How do you test the vacuum relief valve?
6. How often should you drain your secondary moisture trap?
a. _____ When I feel like it and I have time
b. _____ Every day
c. _____ Every 45 days
d. _____ Every 6 months
e. _____ What is a secondary moisture trap?
7. What is the purpose of the primary shutoff?
a. _____ To make the pump run
b. _____ To prevent moisture and goop from getting to the pump
c. _____ To shut off the hoses when they are plugged
d. _____ To be the main guide for sludge
e. _____ Does the primary shutoff have a purpose?
8. Assuming you know the model and brand of your pump, do you know whom to call to get parts?
Yes _______ No _______
Breaking down happens more than anybody wants. Now where is the phone number you need to get those parts?
a. _____Within 10 feet
b. _____Within 60 feet
c. _____ Within 10 miles
d. _____ Memorized in my head
e. _____ Not a clue
9. You need a rebuild kit for your pump. And I mean now! Do you have one at your location?
Yes _______ No _______
10. When was the last time you drained your oil catch
muffler?
a. _____Today
b. _____2 weeks ago
c. _____4 weeks ago
d. _____8 weeks ago
e. _____Oil catch what?
Now For the Correct Answers
It’s time to find out if you should go pumping tomorrow or begin a new career. The numbers correspond with the questions:
1. If you know the brand of your pump, score 10 points. If you don’t, score 0! If you wrote down green or blue, penalize yourself 25 points.
2. If you know the exact model, score another 10 points. If you get it half right, score 0. Calling in to order parts without the exact model is as good as not knowing at all.
3. Score 10 for answer C. It’s good practice to check the primary once a month for wear and to make sure debris is not clogging up the system. If you answered NEVER, score -25. If you answered E, score -50.
4. 10 points for YES and -10 for NO.
5. If you did it yesterday, score 10. If you did it 6 months ago, score -10. If you did it 7 days ago, score 10. If you did it 30 days ago score 10. We recommend checking it every 30 days. If you don’t know how to test the vacuum relief valve, then you haven’t been reading this column and you should score -75.
6. If you answer A, then score -30. If you answered B, then score 10. The secondary needs to be drained every day. Otherwise, the odds go way up that waste will go directly into the pump and you’ll be headed for repairs. If you answered C, D or E, score -25.
7. Answer B is correct. The primary is the first line of defense for protecting your pump. Any other answers, score -10.
8. If you answered YES, score 5. If you answered NO, score -5. If you answered A or D, score another 5. All other answers: -5.
9. 10 points for YES, -10 for NO and get ready to lose money.
10. The oil catch muffler, like the secondary, needs to be drained everyday. Score 10 points for A. All other answers, score -10.
What’s Your Score?
90-100 points: You’re fine. Keep on pumping. You take your job seriously and you like making money.
80-89: Still good. You’re going to make money this month.
70-79: You’re starting to fade. Either you’re new or you’re just not quite up to speed. Maybe you’re making money or maybe you’re breaking even.
60-69: Definitely on the cutting edge to other employment opportunities.
0-59: What are you doing reading this magazine? If you’ve got time to read this far, you’ve got time to properly operate and maintain your pumper truck.
-1 to -350: There are new opportunities waiting for you in the fast-food industry.
